Body problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima - part 2

I took my car in for 100,000 basic tune-up estimate. I have had no serious issues with the motor, nor with the body or reliability of this vehicle. I pointed out to the mechanic a piece of metal was hanging from the undercarriage of my passenger side and asked him if it was from my exhaust. He checked further and indicated with shock and surprise that "no, it was from my undercarriage", "the hole appearing before me contained my interior carpet". I screamed in horror! literally, I did yell out of frustration and fear as I have small dogs and when I travel, I have one that does get on the floor and sniff around. He could have easily fallen through if the carpet was not secure! I was in shock and actually still am and don't know what I am going to do with my car. I am sad because it was a good car. I wanted to drive it until 200,000 miles because the engine still has the ability to get up and go! since Monday I've frequented many websites and have seen this has been an ongoing issue with many 2002 Nissan Altima owners and find it very sad that the motor and body of a car outstand the actual framework. This makes me feel really safe on the road today. What are we putting on our roads in the winter, acid? I keep my car clean too. I'm not a person with a lot of money so I am in limbo right now. I'm hoping you can help? thank you.

A section of the floor-pan under the front driver and passenger feet rusted completely out. Both holes look identical a rectangular hole just forward of the seats between the frame ridge and the rocker panel about 16 inches long. And 4 inches wide.

Front floorboards both driver and passenger are entirely rusted away. Area adjacent to the outer sill about 14 inches in length and 9 inches in width has no structure remaining. Affected area appears to have consisted of two thin sheets of mild steel.

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.

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.

Tl- 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. Kmj.

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 discoverd 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 becuase 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 dont think so any longer. Help!.

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.

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!.

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.

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 not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 80,000.

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

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.

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.

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. Pmb.

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.

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.

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?.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. . .

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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