While inspecting my vehicle I noticed on both the driver and passenger sides there is an excessive amount of rot under the vehicle. While inspecting further and lifting the carpet from the front floor boards it has rotted through to the inside of the vehicle. Upon searching the internet I've found this to be a huge issue over the years and would like feedback.

- Meriden, CT, USA

During a safety inspection I was recently shown two large holes in the floor pan of the car that have obviously been rusting for quite a long time. I was advised that this is a safety concern because of the extent of the damage and their locations under the driver and passenger seats. Further research on the internet has proven this is a common problem for all the Altima of this era. The inspection shop also told me that they have seen it many times before on Altima. Nissan is not receptive to any complains about this problem from what I have read and it's clearly a generic problem with this car. Since this problem obviously started a long time ago with no one noticing it I have made an estimate as to the date and mileage when it may have first been noticeable. The car currently has 72000 miles on it.

- Selden, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that an independent mechanic informed him that the under carriage was corroded near the front passenger's side floor board. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,026.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the floorboards were rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN and failure mileage was unavailable.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

On above date fount that there was substantial rust on the driver and front passenger floorboards. There is no other rust on the vehicle due to car being garage-kept at home. Rust is completely through the floorboard on the passenger side in a few small areas. Cost to repair at one body shop is $2303. Estimator at shop stated that this should not be happening to a car that is this old and with the mileage it has. Have found on the internet that this is a common problem with Altima from 2002 to at least 2006 model years. My wife and I have been the only owners of this vehicle. Nissan dealer has been used for multiple repairs and oil changes and never indicated the rust problem which is visible under the car (they do a safety inspection of the vehicle as part of their normal service procedure when they have pointed out other issues with the vehicle over the years). I take my car to the Nissan dealer in chantilly, va.

- Centreville, VA, USA

Just purchased this used car from a dealer in il. Car overall seemed to be in good overall condition for it's age no visible rust or issues noted during test drive or my basic oversight of the vehicle including checking fluids, hoses belts tires etc... I took the car to my local mechanic as it was in need of some routine maintenance work and it was discovered the floorboards on both the passenger and driver side were completed rotted out in some spots the carpet is the only thing covering the hole. This is a dangerous condition I was told because it can lead to fumes in the vehicle or possibly the whole pan falling out, worse case weakening the structural integrity of the entire vehicle. The mechanic suggested I take the car back but since I bought the car used and "as is" I did not think I had a recourse. I called the dealer anyway where I purchased it from about the issue and asked why this issue was not disclosed to me he said too bad you signed the papers it's a done deal sue us if you want your money back and said he had to "go". I am now stuck with this car and trying to get it fixed.my mechanic tells me he cannot give me an estimate to fix it until he takes the seats, carpet and center console out to see the extent of the damage and what needs to be repaired, time and material. I have no idea what this repair will cost but he told me it will take 3 hours of labor just to get to the floor to see the extent of the damage. Apparently this is a known issue that Nissan has never acknowledged for 2002-2006. This is my first Nissan my next new car was to be a Nissan as well, I don't think so any longer. Help!

- Plainfield, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact noticed that the under carriage of the vehicle was severely rusted near the front driver's side wheel area. Additionally, the front driver's side floorboard area also exhibited severe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Washington, DC, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that there were two holes in the floor boards. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

We are the second owners of this vehicle having purchased it in 2008. One of the reasons we purchased the car was its reputation for reliability and for the past 7 years it has lived up to its reputation. Recently, I noticed something "hanging from underneath" the car and upon examination (and to my utter amazement) found that the floor boards on both sides of the car are completely rusted through! what I really find incredulous is that, after searching on the internet, this manufacturing defect is apparently as predictable as the sun-rise!! additionally, although the vast majority of the owners of these cars have complained to Nissan North America, Nissan continues to disavow any knowledge of a problem nor any culpability. I find it disconcerting that in this day and age any vehicle, regardless of age, would show this extent of rusting. Though not a structural engineer, I would have to deduce that this defect would compromise the safety of these vehicles seeing how both the front seats and seat belts are secured to the car in this area. Not sure what to do with this car at this point. Should I sell it to some unsuspecting person? how many thousands of these cars are being driven by an owner with no knowledge that they are about to be launched into oblivion if ever in any type of a crash. This needs to be addressed by Nissan and they need to be held accountable!

- South Bend, IN, USA

Due to a design flaw in the floor board, driver and passengers side, the floors have rusted out. There was 2 drain holes on both floor boards which welcomed sand/salt to the interior of the car. I purchased the car used in 2005 from Nissan of middletown NY. They did not make me aware of the issue at the time. At some point a tar tape overlay was placed over the holes to disguise the hole from the inside. This seems deceiving to me and not remedy the problem. The vehicle has been well maintained and has no other rust on the vehicle. I fear the car to be unsafe for myself and family. These holes compromise the structure of the vehicle. I understand the age of the vehicle and still believe this to be a issue that should not be existent on many 3rd generation Altima in this day and age.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side floorboard was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated the floorboard would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while having an oil change performed, he noticed that the under carriage of the passenger's side frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 80,000......updated 01/14/13 the consumer stated the dealer stated they have never heard of any failures such as this. Updated 1/18/2013

- West Caldwell, NJ, USA

Driver and passenger side floor pan rusted. Holes on both sides.

- North Canton, OH, USA

Floor pan under both driver and passenger side front footwells has completely rusted through. I'm not sure when the rust perforation occurred, as I purchased the car used in May 2012 and noticed the problem shortly thereafter.

- Hoffman Estates, IL, USA

On the underneath of the 2002 Nissan Altima the floor is rusting and creating a hole. I have been to different body shops to get an estimate and they said they have seen many Altima's with this same problem recently. When I took the car into the Nissan body shop they also said they have seen many of the Altima's with this defect.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the floorboard had rust damage so severe that it would take very little pressure from her foot to completely go through the bottom of the vehicle. A dealer was notified and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 92,000.

- Lavista, NE, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front floor pans were rusted on the driver and passenger sides. The contact spoke to the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to a dealer and have a price quoted. The front floor panel was attached to the front seats. The contact stated that they could push their foot through the floor of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 92,834.

- Shoreham, NY, USA

Discovered rust thru in passenger floor pan during routine maintenance. Car was garage kept more than 80% of time. Well maintained. No damage to this area from accidents. No immersion. Discovered on the internet that the problem common to this make and model over multiple years. Have never had a floor plan rust thru in any vehicle I have ever owned. Is a safety concern as exhaust gases may enter cabin.

- Lake Villa, IL, USA

My 2002 Altima, driven by my son, was being checked out for a problem with a bad tire. While up on the lift, the mechanic identified two holes in the floor pan. One is on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side, each at the location of a seat floor mount bolt. Not exactly safe. This car will not pass state of Pennsylvania safety inspection as is. I have not contacted Nissan, as that is most likely fruitless, based on the many comments I've already read on the NHTSA website. Nissan obviously has a problem with this design. Even if the car is 10 years old, the floor pan shouldn't be rotting away. The state of Pennsylvania obviously thinks this is not safe. Why doesn't the NHTSA agree" what are you guys waiting for? fatalities"

- Easton, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil and brake service when the mechanic stated that there were two rusted areas on the front frame. The dealer stated that they needed to reseal the rusted areas. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty, providing no further assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000 and the current mileage was 123,000. The VIN was not available.

- Braintree , MA, USA