10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 35,514 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The front headlights constantly short out. Dealer replaced headlamps 8 times, but problem recurred.
- Greensburg, LA, USA
The headlight failed on my 2002 Nissan Altima while I was driving. The dealership informed me that the entire headlamp assembly would have to be replaced on the car, and that it was no longer covered under warranty because it was over 35K miles. The car only has 38K miles on the odometer, and the headlight assembly should not have failed.
- Alloway , NJ, USA
I am experiencing problems with my headlights. I was told by a tech from bill hood Nissan that there was a malfunction problem with my headlights but I would have to pay the costs to repair it. I was also told that there had been several complaints regarding the 2002 Nissan Altima headlights. I made a complaint with Nissan and I was told that they were not going to issue a recall.
- Greensburg, LA, USA
Passenger side headlamp low beam failed within 20 months of purchase and two months latter the driver side headlamp low beam failed. It is almost impossible to replace the light bulbs by yourself. Took the car to the dealer (under waranty) and replaced light bulbs and now one of the horns doesn't work. Replacement of the bulbs is so difficult that the dealer damaged one of the light assembies and had to replace it all.
- Houston, TX, USA
Problem with head lights on/off, as if a shortage. The consumer was told that something was loose inside of the headlight.
- Decatur, GA, USA
Passenger side low beam headlight not working on 2002 Altima. Took it to the dealer and was told that the bulb was melting the fixture and the entire fixture needs replaced at a cost of over $300. This is a safety hazard and at least 6 other complaints have been filed.
- Sugar Land, TX, USA
Low beam bulb inoperative due to defective ground plate inside right headlight assembly. I replaced the right headlight assembly on Aug 15, 2004. On Sept 4, 2004, the right low beam light bulb quit working. I took the headlight assembly out and noticed the ground wire going to the low beam bulb had "melted". the old headlight that I replaced also had a "melted" ground wire. This is a possilbe fire hazard. I contacted my local Nissan dealer and was given technical bulletin, classification: EL03-008A, reference: Ntb03-089A, dated: October 2, 2003. The ground plate costs around $11 if you put it in. This is a defect on Nissan's part. They should recall these headlight assembly at their cost.
- Nesbit, MS, USA
Due to the burned wires front driver's side headlights became inoperative. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
- Mesa, AZ, USA
On 6/20/04 both headlights in my 2002 Altima burnt out at night. The bulbs became so hot they burnt through the headlight assembly. Even though Nissan knew about these problems with the Altima this is not considered a safety issue. You must buy a light kit to fix the problem or a new headlight assembly.
- Panama City, FL, USA
Intermittently while driving at any speed headlights failed.
- Marcellus, MI, USA
Headlights blew out. This was caused by the bulb burning out the assembly board, per the dealership.
- Mexia, TX, USA
Left head light assembly - defect- light bulb continues to blow out when turned on.
- Houston, TX, USA
- East Greenbush, NY, USA