2002-2003 Altima Exhaust Pipe Hanger Pin and Pre-Catalyst Recall

Applies to 2002 Altima models in the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:
1N4AL11**2C100000 - 294952
1N4AL11**2C700001 - 719020

Applies to 2003 Altima models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
1N4AL11**3C100003 - 311983

Reason for Recall
There is a possibility that the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the catalytic converter and cause a fire. In addition, there is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire.

Since that car is built in the United States, I wonder if the new 2004 Maxima will have as much problems as the 02-03 Altima when it first came out.

 

2.5 or 3.5?

 

hmm.... wonderful - sounds like a seizing engine problem??

 

I believe it is the 2.5. The service guy told me that all nissan service areas are stocking up on the altima engines. Literally stocking up to full inventory. So I'm assuming it's the 2.5. Isn't the 2.5 built in the United States and the 3.5 engines built in japan?

 

Another vote of confidence for purchasing American made cars. I think Nissan did a dis-service to the Maxima(I won't even get into aesthetics) when they decided to build them in the US. Don't get me wrong I'm all for the idea, I'm sure their intentions were good, create more jobs and improve the economy, but at the cost of quality? BMW produces X5's in the US, but of course their employees are probably paid more. Hondas are produced here also and their built quality is good, but who wants to drive a boring Yawn-da. I guess it boils down to keeping the economy rolling. Build cars, roads, etc. that will probably not last that long in order to keep people working. I guess it's frustrating when you invest so much in a car and then have to worry if its going to explode on you.

then again, I'm just talking out of my a$$, its Friday!

 

Nissan operates the most efficient and among the very best vehicle plants in the country. There is nothing wrong with the quality of the work form the workers. Blaming them is naive. The problems are a result of Nissans cost cutting measures.