Problems with 2002 Nissan Altima STRUCTURE

Tl* 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. *tr

Tl* 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.

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! *tr

Tl* 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. *tr

Tl* 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 *bf the consumer stated the dealer stated they have never heard of any failures such as this. updated 1/18/2013*js

Driver and passenger side floor pan rusted. holes on both sides. *tr

The floors in the altimas are rotting out, this is 2002,2003,2004,2005,2006 and maybe later models. obviously an engineering, design defect. just read about this and checked my daughters 2002, just carpet on the passenger side. i haven't checked deeper, but other have reported rotted seat supports. nissan body shop quoted 950.00 to repair/replace rotted area. i am lucky that i am able to cover the cost of her repair, other may not be so lucky. this information needs to be aired in the national press before we have a seat failure in a crash that results in death. *tr

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. *tr

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 $2303.00. 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 altimas 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. *tr

Tl* 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.

Like other customers, my 2002 nissan altima v6 developed a rusted floor board in both the front areas with metals flaking off even at an early time. i didn't realize there were a lot of us having this problem with this model.. this is the only part of the car that is very badly rusted, all of the other parts have barely any rust. i think this is something that really needs investigation. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the floor pans were rusted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. the contact notified the dealer but the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 70,460.

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? *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to have the tires rotated when he was advised that there were two holes located under the front and rear driver's side seat. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection but was not repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that they would not assist with the cost of the repair because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the failure mileage was 110,000. the vin was not available.

Floor pans on both driver and passenger side are rusted thru to the point of the only barrier between the road and driver/passenger is the floor upholstery. in viewing nissan forums online, this is a common problem with 2002 nissan altima. *tr

I own a 2002 nissan altima that has 98,000 miles upon lifting the car the floor board on the passenger side was showing rust on both the driver`s and passenger`s side. it is an excellent car but it is basically trash now. nissan is so irresponsible this is a factory defect and they should recall all altima`s with this problem. toyota is way more responsible when their car`s have a problem they are quick to recall,it is ridiculous. nissan is ridiculous!!!!! *tr

Tl* 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.

Tl* 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.

Have seen a number of these vehicles with floor pans, floor boards have deteriorated to the point where seat track mounting points are loose. years to include 2001 to 2004 this is very concerning considering some of these cars have less then 100000 miles on them. *js

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 altimas in this day and age. *tr

I had my oil changed and the mechanic told me both front side floor panels are rusted through. after doing research, i have found that many other consumers who drive nissan altima's have the same issue. i spoke with nissan consumer affairs and they are unwilling to help cover the cost to have the car fixed. after reading numerous boards of information i was advised to contact the nhtsa. i feel this is definitely a manufacturer defect on the car and there should be a recall. there are too many cases of rusted out floor boards and it is a safety hazard. i am hoping you can help me work with nissan in covering the costs of the repairs which can be expensive. thank you for you time. *tr

While changing the serpentine belt on my altima, i noticed an eight inch chunk of the driver's side floorpan rusting away straight through to the carpeting. i also saw the floorpan beginning to rot away on the passenger side as well. i was shocked and disappointed that a car only 10 years old would have this type of problem, especially a nissan. now i have to figure out how to get this repaired without breaking the bank... *tr

The nissan altima has severe rusting problems which will result in deterioration of the driver and passenger floor. i purchased my altima brand new in 2002. 10 years later, my mechanic says there are holes in the driver and passenger side floorboard which will cost between $2000 and $3000. nissan will do nothing to aid their customers. *tr

Rusted out floor pan on bottom of car underneath drivers feet area and front passenger feet area. two separate large holes in floor. . *tr

I was under my altima doing routine maintenance. on the right front floor area, i noticed rusted metal flaking off of the floor pan. inspecting the area revealed that a large area was rusted completely thru. further inspection revealed no other involved areas of the floor pan. i thought this was very strange indeed, especially since the car is rarely driven in the winter and also that the car was used in a southern state for a large portion of its operating life. checking on the internet revealed that many people are reporting the same issue. *tr

I own a 2002 nissan altima which just failed inspection due to rusted holes under the front floor of the driver and passenger sides. i have read many other complaints of this exact same problem on the nissan altima's. i expect nissan to stand by their vehicles and cover the expense of repairing these holes. there needs to be a recall for this issue by nissan. this is a major defect in the manufacturing of these vehicles. *tr

While my mechanic was reattaching the bumper guard that had come loose, he noticed the rust on the floor pans under both front seats. my mechanic was able to flake off large pieces of rust. he pulled back the carpet and it was rusted all the way through. he said he hadn't seen this kind of rust on vehicles that are double the age of mine. the remainder of the undercarriage was rust free. i took the car into the nissan dealer where i bought it, and the manager said it was caused by the salt/chemicals used on the roads in different parts of the country (apparently he was not including nebraska). the manager stated that it must have been in an area of the country that uses corrosive materials on the roads. the funny thing is that when i purchased this car, the same man said he knew the previous owners and they took excellent care of the vehicle, always spotless and in for every maintenance check!! which time was he lying!!! come to find out, the car was purchased at a nissan dealer here in omaha, and stayed in omaha the entire time. the nissan dealer said they could not fix it, and they gave me a business card for a body shop!!! it would cost about $300, he told me, but i have found it would be closer to $2000. at that time, i hadn't even had the car a year. the dealership had to know about the rust when they sold it to me, which makes me very angry!! this is a severe safety issue! i am afraid that one day i will be driving down the highway, i'll fall through the floor, and of course, i will be killed, no doubt about it!! also, exhaust fumes could be getting into the passenger compartment. please issue a recall before my car becomes a "flintstone" car and/or i am killed. nissan is responsible for this safety issue, and they should take responsibility!! *tr

Bought car in 2009, from a dealership, in 2010 upon obtaining a inspection, was advised that it failed because the floor boards rotting out!!! on passenger side. now drivers side . is nissan doing anything about this???? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima 2.5. the contacted stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by a private mechanic, the mechanic advised the contact that there was corrosion under the passenger side floor boards. the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 104,000 and the current mileage was 112,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated while the vehicle was serviced by a local repair shop when she was advised that the floor boards were corroded. the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 72,000. updated 02/06/12*bf

The floor on the passenger side of my 2002 nissan altima 3.5 has rusted through, and the driver's side is well on the way. the car up till now has been an reliable, excellent vehicle. but with only 99,000 miles on it, it is basically trashed. it's like a seemingly healthy, active 50 year old going to the doctor for a yearly checkup, and being told "you have stage four cancer. it's over." nissan won't do anything to help or compensate, stating it is beyond the perforation warranty. cars built in 2002 aren't supposed to rust out. there's no visible body rust on the car, but the floor is rusted through. this should be a class action suit, as it has happened to many altimas. it is truly a crime. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle failed state inspection due to corrosion of the sub frame. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed the corrosion of the sub frame. the manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the floorboard on the driver and passenger side was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 60,000.

Passenger side floor rust out. discovered august 23, 2011. noticed wet passenger footwell after driving in rain. looked underneath car and found rest of car to be pristine, almost like new. car as a whole in great shape, except for this one area. clear design problem/flaw. *tr

Floor pans on both driver and passenger sides are rusted through engine dies randomly. *tr

2002 nissan altima front floorpans rotting through. i found out today and was shocked! the car is in excellent shape, but the inspection garage pointed out the rust. he said he sees it a lot on altimas at auction! i see online it is a huge problem,that nissan wont admit to being at blame. it seem that a floor plug was never sealed at the factory and the rust starts at that point and just spreads! there should be a recall due to the safety issues associated with holes in your floors prematurely! the rest of the underside is solid, so it isn't due to road salt, or the whole floor would be rotted. its a manufacturing issue that causes the problems on thousands of cars! *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the front driver and passenger floorboard was rusting. the manufacturer and dealer were contacted but were unable to assist the contact. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 166,000.

Passenger side floorboard rusted out, producing a basketball sized hole. the edges of the hole are appear thin and continue to rust. dealer sent pictures following an inspection to nissan, but nissan refuses to assist with expensive repairs. claims out of warranty (5 yr, 100kmiles). incidentally, we also own a 2003 pathfinder which had a rust recall for front wheel struts which took a week to fix, and we now have both back quarter panels rusting through, and nissan also refuses to assist with repair. *tr

Was doing work under my car and noticed the floorboard on my car rotted out on the driver side and crumbled in my hand. had to cut out the bad section that had rust on it and rivet in a piece of galvanized sheet metal to replace it. would like to see nissan held accountable for this more and more common problem for the safety of those drivers who aren't aware of this or have the means to fix it themselves. *tr

Floor boards rusted out, large holes in floor boards. *tr

Floorboards rusted through on my 2002 nissan altima putting my child in danger. *tr

2002 nissan altima has rotted out floor boards on both sides! i can see the underside of the carpeting! i have seen this in 2 of 2 cars that i have checked yet the dealers service department said they never heard of it! then i went into the parts department and they said its very common! i think service department is coached to say that they never heard of the problem! this is dangerous for many reasons! first of all something that was run over could come into the passenger compartment! the car is not as strong when the chassis of the car is compromised! i believe this problem is affecting over 50% of these vehicles! the dealer is acting like they have never heard of the problem and has no help available! i have also had to put an engine in this car because of a factory defect! they did a recall to put a shield in between the engine and catalytic converter but the engine has a hole in the side right where they all have a problem! these cars are junk and nissan should be ashamed! instead they act like they don't know what your talking about! *tr

I have an 2002 nissan altima s 2.5 liter with 95k on it. there is heavy rust under the drivers floor. it has only taken a little short of a year to go from nothing to some major rot. i am a professional detailer and autobody tech and the car has been meticulously well maintained. it looks as though is a flaw in the design. i noticed it today when i was changing my oil and inspecting the underside of the car. *tr

2002 nissan altima floorboard rust through. 90,000 miles, discovered large hole from rust through on passenger side front floorboard. car is washed on normal basis and was parked in unheated garage during winter months. *tr

While getting new tires put on my car the mechanic noticed a large hole in my passenger side floor. i own a 2002 nissan altima and he mentioned this was not the first case on this model of car he had seen. upon further examination it became clear that someone had placed tape and some tin to mask the problem. i bought the car from my grandma who had no idea of such an issue. she had bought in when it was a year old. clearly a car that age should have no reason to rust and have a hole in it, since i must assume the original owners placed the tin. even a car at 8 years old should not have the rust that is found under only the passenger side and a hole the size of a dinner plate. i have researched it online and have seen numerous complaints similar to mine for this make and model. *tr

Underbody rust. auto body shop stated this was a very unusual condition for a vehicle this age . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic to have new tires installed. the contact was informed that the vehicle frame exhibited an unusually large hole on the front passenger side of the vehicle. the contact called the dealer, who advised that he had not received any complaints in regards to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the current and failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

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. *tr

Passenger side floorboard on my 2002 nissan altima is rusted through. vehicle was getting inspected last week and i was informed of the issue. have done some research and appears i'm not the only altima owner with this issue. the rust is a safety issue due to the rust hole i have in the floorboard. the rust is only of the passenger side no where else on the vehicle. appears to be a defect on the 2002-2005 nissan altimas. i know several others have filed complaints as well: odi #10357667 odi # 10358132. *tr