Originally Posted by Ruben

Subject: 2002-2003 Altima/2002 Sentra 2.5 liter exhaust recall campaign.
Nissan is announcing a voluntary safety recall campaign ralated to model year 2002-2003 Altima and model year 2002 Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine to correct conditions that could lead to a fire.
*****Condition / Nissan Action*****
For 2002 and 2003 model year Altima vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road which could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst.

To correct this condition, the protrudeing portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin will be removed.

In addition, for 2002 model year Altima and Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine. certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. if substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they may score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis as specified in the owner's manual and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occure which could result in a fire.

Nissan is now developing plan to address the pre-catalyst on model year 2002 Altimas and Sentra vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engine. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube.

This campaign affects approximately 268,000 Nissan Altima and Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine in the United States.
*****Owner notification*****

Nissan expects to start to notify owners in late May. The parts required to complete the repair on retailed vehicles are expected to be available at that time.

If customers have any further questions, call 1-800-NISSAN-1.

its for the all important cause of oil consumption