A/C compressorAir filterAlternatorBall jointBatteryBlower motorBrake caliperBrake drumBrake padsBrake rotorParking brake shoesLight bulbClutch kitControl armCooling fanCV axleEngine / transmission mountExhaust / mufflerFuel injectorFuel pump moduleCooling part (generic)Engine part (generic)Fuel part (generic)Maintenance item (generic)Sensor (generic)Steering part (generic)Suspension part (generic)HeadlightCoolant hoseIgnition coilOxygen (O2) sensorOil filterRadiatorSerpentine beltSide mirrorSpark plugStarter motorStrut / shock absorberSway bar linkTail lightThermostatTie rod endTiming chainWater pumpWheel hub & bearingWiper blade
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2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S in Velvet Beige, front left
Photo: Cutlass, CC0, cropped, Wikimedia Commons

Nissan Altima 2002–2006 Parts

3rd generation (L31) · 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl · FWD

  • 65 common parts
  • 6 with factory part numbers
  • 16 recall campaigns
  • 4,121 NHTSA complaints
Price links search Amazon for Nissan Altima 2004. Confirm fitment for your engine and drive.

Engine 6

Cooling 7

Fuel 4

Ignition 4

Brakes 10

Suspension 8

Steering 3

Electrical 5

Exhaust 5

Drivetrain 3

Body & Lighting 5

Filters & Maintenance 5

Icons are generic illustrations made for this site and do not show the exact part. Parts that depend on engine, drive or powertrain are marked using EPA data for this generation; confirm fitment with your VIN before ordering. Factory part numbers are shown as a reference when available; confirm the number with your old part or VIN before ordering. Price links search by part name and vehicle.

About the 2002–2006 Altima

Overview

The 3rd generation (L31) Nissan Altima covers the 2002–2006 model years in the US. The EPA lists 2 powertrains for this generation: 2.5L 4-cyl (2002–2006) and 3.5L 6-cyl (2002–2006). Drive types: FWD. Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual.

The parts list above covers items commonly replaced on these vehicles, grouped by system.

Engines & specs
EngineYearsDriveTransmissionEPA MPG
2.5L 4-cyl2002–2006FWD4-speed automatic, 5-speed manualFWD: 20–21 city / 27–29 hwy / 23–24 comb.
3.5L 6-cyl2002–2006FWD4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manualFWD: 17–19 city / 24–28 hwy / 19–21 comb.

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov vehicle data.

Common problems reported to NHTSA
Mention in complaint2002–032004–052006
Rust or corrosion217 / 1,930350 / 1,367206 / 824
Stalling or loss of power403 / 1,930252 / 1,367114 / 824
Check-engine light438 / 1,930200 / 1,367118 / 824
Oil consumption or oil leaks187 / 1,93015 / 1,36764 / 824
Brake problems97 / 1,93098 / 1,36768 / 824
Steering problems82 / 1,93066 / 1,36733 / 824
Airbag warning or airbags64 / 1,93064 / 1,36745 / 824

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA (4,121 for 2002–2006), counted by words in the complaint text. One complaint can mention several issues; the second number is all complaints for those years.

YearRecallsComplaintsTop components in complaints
2002121,047Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine, Structure:Body
200310883Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
20045276Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure:Body, Engine
200521,091Structure:Body, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine
20064824Structure:Body, Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling

Source: NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recalls and complaints data, retrieved November 2026.

Recalls (16 campaigns)
  • Air Bags (2002, NHTSA 02I001000)
    THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT.
  • Air Bags: Frontal, Driver Side (2002, NHTSA 03V061000)
    ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE.
  • Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System, Manifold / Header / Muffler / Tail Pipe (2002–2003, NHTSA 03V084000)
    ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST.
  • Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage, Tank Assembly (2002–2003, NHTSA 03V251000)
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESO…
  • Engine And Engine Cooling (2002–2003, NHTSA 03V455000)
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY T…
  • Exterior Lighting: Headlights (2002–2004, NHTSA 06E023000)
    CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES.
  • Exterior Lighting (2002–2003, NHTSA 06E064000)
    CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
  • Exterior Lighting: Headlights (2002–2004, NHTSA 07E054000)
    CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS.
  • Exterior Lighting: Headlights (2002–2004, NHTSA 07E063000)
    CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES.
  • Exterior Lighting: Headlights (2002–2004, NHTSA 07E074000)
    CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS.
  • Engine And Engine Cooling (2002, 2005–2006, NHTSA 07V527000)
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
  • Exterior Lighting (2002–2003, NHTSA 09E012000)
    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
  • Engine And Engine Cooling (2003–2004, NHTSA 06V242000)
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS.
  • Exterior Lighting: Headlights (2005–2006, NHTSA 07E087000)
    CERTAIN TYC HALOGEN TYPE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/N 20-6644-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2005-2006 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER VEHICLES.
  • Suspension: Rear (2006, NHTSA 06V046000)
    ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.
  • Engine And Engine Cooling (2006, NHTSA 06V223000)
    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.

Source: NHTSA. Check open recalls for your vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.