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2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints

Page 11 of 24: complaints 281 to 310 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Nissan Altima engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 6, 2009 · Engine · 96,158 miles · RI

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at an unknown speed, the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact checked the oil and noticed that it was low. He placed 11/2 quarts of oil into the vehicle and had a local repair shop change the filter at the cost of $42.68. The contact inspected the vehicle again and noticed that it was losing a quart of oil per week. Each week, he would add a quart to refill the oil. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop to have the oil changed at the cost of $28.96; however, the vehicle continued to lose oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and error code po420 was produced, which determined that the pre-catalytic converter and crank case pressure were failing. The repair would cost $4,500. The vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) by the previous owner. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that if he could not produce maintenance records stating that the vehicle underwent regular maintenance, they would be unable to determine if the failure was caused by a lack of maintenance. The contact would not receive any compensation. The dealer stated that even with regular maintenance, the pre-catalytic converter would still fail. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 96,158 and current mileage was 103,400.

Filed Mar 27, 2009 · Engine · 81,145 miles · VA

The car, nissan 2002 altima 2.5s, would stall without warning while driving. This was starting to happen on a regular basis during the first week of march 2009. Nissan replaced the crank & cam sensors. They stated they weren't covered under any nissan safety recall.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Engine · 137,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While performing a diagnostic, the dealer stated that the main catalyst failed due to increased oil consumption in the engine. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IN

Major oil consumption at 80,000 miles.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine · 93,000 miles · AZ

The cam chain tensioner in the nissan motors vq35de and vq40de are prone to failure after the warranty expires resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Nissan has revised the parts to prevent the failure from happening but those parts are only installed afterthe failure has occurred. The cost to have this done prior to failure is very high. Surely nissan should have done something to prevent this from happening before putting these motors into production...

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine · 85,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The recall repair was performed in july of 2004; however, the failure is recurring due to the catalytic converter. The failure could cause an engine fire. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Engine · 127,000 miles · CA

Catalytic converter failure, head gasket failure; engine and catalytic converter must be replaced.

Filed Mar 16, 2009 · Engine · FL

I bought my 2002 2.5 nissan 72k four days ago. A day after I bought it, the service engine light came on. There is excessive oil consumption. I put oil in, and a few miles later I need to add more. I haven't changed anything yet, simply because I can't afford it. Nissan needs to take responsibility. I will tell everyone I know to never buy a nissan. I am never buying a nissan again. I've read numerous posts by people who have the same exact problems.

Filed Mar 12, 2009 · Engine · 92,000 miles · NY

2002 nissan altima 2.5 s excessive oil consumption began around 92k miles. This vehicle has always had timely oil changes, suddenly the car was low on oil. The car was brought to the nissan dealership in smithtown, ny on 2/22/07, and I was informed that it needed a new engine and that there wasn't anything else that could be done. The catalytic converter was ordered on 2/23/07 (this was back-ordered). The catalytic converter was replaced on 3/13/07, approx. $600. Now the car needs another catalytic converted and the engine is consuming several courts of oil a week. There are many people with the same car that have all experienced this sudden excessive oil consumption. The are other altima years that had this same problem and that were recalled but nissan has not done that for the 2002 model. It is widely know that it was due to the oil rings and the faulty pre-cats and exhaust manifolds. This car needs approx. $8k is repairs in order to stop burning oil and to correct the emissions. Nissan should be responsible for these faulty parts in these cars, in all the years that they effected.

Filed Mar 8, 2009 · Engine · 144,700 miles · DC

Recently traveling to nc and the car lost power and won't start. The service engine soon light engaged constantly and the car burns oil with no engine leaks. I purchased brand new manual transmission 2002 nissan altima 3.5. The vehicle shifted very hard when purchased and clutch went straight to floor after 1 month. Took car to nissan dealer on three occasions and they could find nothing wrong. Took it to an independent mechanic and he said the pressure plate was bad and I had to replace the entire clutch assembly in aug. 2006 at 115k miles ($850). Theo2 sensor was replaced prior to the recall, had it replaced under the recall, and it's still crap! To boot, the gear shift assembly broke within 6 months of purchase, and nissan recalled. Their 'fix' broke too. I was told that I'll have to pay to have their 'resolution' fixed because it's not under warranty. Since that time, between 6/08 and 11/08, I have replaced the radiator, oil cooler, all motor mounts, fan belts, driver's axle, power steering box, valve cover gasket ($7k worth of work). Car currently has about 145k miles and I believe the car is just a lemon. I have always driven nissan, but now declare it will be my last one. I don't have another $5k to put in to catalytic converters, sensors or an engine. Don't think so. Nissan needs to step up and take care of these issues.

Filed Mar 8, 2009 · Engine · TX

Car is sucking up oil makes noise and engine light is always on.

Filed Mar 8, 2009 · Engine · CA

Catalytic converter went out. Heater core went out, therefore no heat in the car.

Filed Mar 8, 2009 · Engine · MD

I purchased a nissan altima 02 on sept 08. After three days I found out the oil was low took it to nissan dealership and was told that I need a brand new engine. One day my wife came and pick me up at work and the car won't start again. I took it to the mechanics and they still can't find the problem with it and I am suspecting because my mechanic told me one time that the catalytic converter was bad. Nissan will not get away with it as a matter of fact my mechanics told me that all nissan altima with that type has the same problem.

Filed Feb 27, 2009 · Engine · FL

This isn't fair. 2002 nissan altima. 5900 miles. Man this car is junk, nissan should reimburse people about that, work car ever. And I notice everyone have the same problem. The car stall, camshft problem.. Something need to be done. Its not safe when u driving and car die on you.

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MI

My 2002 nissan altima's check engine light came on. The car started running sluggish, and totally ran out of oil! Mechanic said I needed a new engine. I bought one - and that one went on the fritz two days after fixing it. The diagnostics test said it was an o2 sensor. It ran out of oil. Now I find out the car is a lemon, after I bought a new engine to boot. Two engines are ruined in this car, and I still don't have it paid for.

Filed Feb 20, 2009 · Engine · 129,000 miles · VA

New 2002 altima, well maintained, buying nissans since 1992 receiving mileage over 260,000 miles. Looking back car constantly low on oil w/no light registering then light never came back on for 3 years, yet oil was always low. Checking oil every 2 weeks and every oil change at dealership-oil low at tip of the dip stick. Had car serviced-no indication of problems; september the car smelled hot; not registering or showing any signs of it running hot. Car constantly not starting, stalling as driving along the road. Go to dealership, need a motor replaced, warped head gasket cost $4,000 plus dollars. The dealership owner asked how many cars has come in (altima 2002) per mechanic several hundreds for the motor and/or radiator problems (replacing motors). He has ordered a large number of nissan motors from the company to replace the engines. Owner was surprised of this motor having to be replaced and has kept my car in storage until I can afford to replace the motor. He will also follow up on a recall for the engines with that many cars being repaired. This has changed my mind on purchasing another nissan product because of the rudeness when reporting the problems to their customer affairs department and nothing can be done (per the rep). This need to take some priority with the number of issues reported as complaints on all the websites. Ii have found 114 here plus one more 115 plus I have about 30 other complaints and then the report that the dealership has fixed over 200 cars. Please help us get our money and/or engines repaired. With the stalling and shut down of the motors, thanks to god the low death rates. Car is still in storage at the dealership when it stalled on route 29 interstate.

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Engine · 128,000 miles · NC · 3 injuries

Nissan claims that they have fixed their recalls but car stalled on a hwy where speed limit was 70 my family & myself could have got killed. I paid 1100 dollars to fix it. Engine light was back on did oil change car keeps burning oil every day I have to check it and add oil then they tell me I need a new engine have called over 50 times & left messages they tell me they can not give me a new engine but this is an on going problem & they know about it. There are a lot of people with this car & same problem they need a new engine & no one is doing anything about it. They should give them a new engine for free because they manufacture these cars wrong & are still manufacturing cars with problems then they wonder why people aren't buying there cars. This is a safety issue to anyone who owns this car & until people start getting killed they won't due anything about it. Have spent a lot of money trying to fix this lemon. They also tell you that you need a catalytic converter. Is it going to take several death please someone do something immediately. All my recalls are up to date so this is not the problem.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 121,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact noticed that the engine would consume abnormal amounts of oil. She has a 2.5 liter engine in her vehicle. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) and 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, she would have to replace the engine at the cost of $5,000. Currently, the vehicle has not been repaired. She called the manufacturer and is waiting for a response. The failure mileage was 121,000 and current mileage was 126,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2009 · Engine · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that her catalytic converter will not pass inspection and needs to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe), although the failures were identical. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and current mileage was 118,000. Updated 05/08/09. *lj updated 05/08/09.

Filed Feb 4, 2009 · Engine · 88,173 miles · CO

1. Events- vehicle constantly miss-fired. 2. Failure- screws in butterfly valve came out, were passed through piston, damaged spark plugs and came to rest in the exhaust manifold. 3. Correction- part "air plenum gasket". Labor "r&r upper air plenum intake" and "r&r exhaust manifold to remove screw".

Filed Feb 3, 2009 · Engine · 78,785 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact was experiencing engine failure. He noticed a silent recall on the nissan website. The manufacturer stated that they would not take liability for the repairs due to the fact that he was not the original owner, although his VIN was included in the recall. The engine was replaced at the cost of $3,000, but with less than 2,500 miles, the engine failed again. The contact heard a ticking sound when the vehicle was in motion and it was burning oil at rapid speeds. The manufacturer performed an oil consumption test and found that the engine was faulty. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 78,785 and current mileage was 97,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

I have an 02 nissan altima. It is consuming my oil and anitfreeze. I was told that I needed a new engine and a new cat. My car randomly dies and will not start most of the time.

Filed Jan 31, 2009 · Engine · 179,000 miles · GA

Power valve screws fell into the intake manifold plate on 2002 nissan altima 2002 nissian altima 2.5 stalled on the highway. Car had been idling very rough and engine vibration as well as intermittent power loss 24 hours prior to issue. Took it to two independent mechanics. Both confirmed that the pvc value screw fell intake manifold. This was also confirmed by nissan. However it was only recalled on the 2004-2006 models. It just so happens that nissan had to replace my engine on my vehicle in 2004, therefore my car should be included in the recall but because my call is 02 nissan will not cover the problem. 2002 models need to be included in the recall.

Filed Jan 30, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 32,500 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator would continuously illuminate. The dealer could not determine why the indicator continued to illuminate and stated that there was rust around the fuel tank. On a separate occasion, the engine began to make a knocking sound and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. It was determined that the knocking noise originated from the overhead cam component of the engine. There was no oil in the vehicle, although the contact maintained regular maintenance and oil changes every 3,000 miles. His VIN was not included in any of the recalls that described the same failures he experienced (the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 03v455000 and 03v455000). The failure mileage was 32,500 and current mileage was 86,600.

Filed Jan 30, 2009 · Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The contact managed to pull the vehicle over and was unable to restart the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the catalytic converter overheated and shattered. The shattered pieces entered into the motor, which caused the engine to completely fail. The only remedy would be to install a new engine and a new exhaust. The contact was informed that the reason for the defect was due to the size of the catalytic converter that was manufactured into the vehicle by nissan. She believes that a recall should be issued for the failure. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2009 · Engine · 133,000 miles · CA

Many problems with the catalytic converter, check engine light remains on although vehicle has been serviced at the dealer properly. Engine rattles. There have been many complaints regarding the 2002 nissan altima catalytic converter. Although previous recalls with the engine coolant system have been honored nissan fails to recognize there is a problem with the catalytic converter. Many consumers have complained.

Filed Jan 24, 2009 · Engine · 126,846 miles · PA

Well maintained 2002 nissan altima.... Followed all maintenance schedules, had all recalls performed all work performed at nissan dealerships. Has had continual oil consumption issues, had heat issues, catalytic converter failure leading to full engine failure. Nissan denies any wrong doing and will not help due to mileage on the car. However this problem started well within the warranty period and the dealership(s) did not do let us know about a known problem with the design (catalytic converter in front of the exhaust). There are 1000 of consumers on the internet with the exact same problem.

Filed Jan 16, 2009 · Engine · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that her vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). Several months later, she noticed that her vehicle began consuming an abnormal amount of oil and the engine warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter would need to be replaced at the cost of $900. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 85,000. Updated 02-11-09 *bf the consumer stated the catalytic converter was placed too close to the exhaust. Updated 02/12/09.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Engine · 72,000 miles · TX

I have a 2002 altima 2.5 standard. I bought the car in july 2007 with 72,000 miles and had a misfire reading from the time I bought it till I replaced the head gasket and got some head work done on the car. Mileage now totals at nearly around 110,000 miles. Nissan looked at my car all the way for any problems and I had a few recalls done on it including replacing the headlamps. Little did I know when I had my mechanic (non-nissan mechanic later on from my dealer visit) replace the head gasket ( w/valve guides and oil rings) for $1600 that my front engine fan was unplugged near the headlamps which had caused some really bad overheating issues. My cat is bad (via a engine code) which I have yet to replace as I see no need to at this point... Also my car has been eating up more than 1 quart of oil per week as I drive over 460 miles a week as a commuter to dallas, tx. At this point the option would be to either re..re-build the engine or replace with a new very expensive engine nothing that I have already spent too much money on this car.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Engine · 85,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall and hesitate to start. She replaced the alternator and battery, but the failure continued. On a separate occasion, the head gasket blew and was replaced by an independent mechanic. However, the vehicle continued to stall and hesitate. The contact found hundreds of complaints for the same year, make, and model vehicle and was concerned that it was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer referred her to the federal safety agency. The failure and current mileages were less than 85,000.

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