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2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints

Page 12 of 24: complaints 311 to 340 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 Jan 9, 2009 · Engine · 103,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. He took the vehicle to the gas station from where the vehicle was purchased and they referred him to a dealer. The dealer performed an oil consumption test and discovered that the vehicle lost three quarts of oil after 630 miles. The dealer stated that the vehicle was outside of the warranty; therefore, they could not assist. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist due to the expired warranty. The current and failure mileages were approximately 103,000. Updated 3/19/09 *cn the consumer stated the problem was due to a defective catalytic converter installed as original equipment. Material from the defective catalytic converter has damaged the engine causing excessive oil consumption. Updated 03/26/09.

Filed Jan 7, 2009 · Engine · 85,139 miles · OH

We own a 2002 nissan altima s 2.5 liter engine. We had a recall due to the exhaust pipe hanger pin possibly igniting with the main catalyst. After that was dealt with, the dealer charging me $80.81, said the engine noise and check engine light is due to faulty catalytic converter. The conversion efficiency of the pre-catalyst has deteriorated and now the catalyst has to be replaced. There is no heat when the car is at idle and now have increased oil consumption, 5 quarts every 2 weeks. Because of the amount of damage a new engine may be in the picture. There are only 85000 miles on the car. We do not have the money for a new engine or even catalytic converter. What should we do to get nissan to fix their faulty catalytic converter/engine problem? Nissan is not standing behind their product! We aren't talking about buying a gallon of milk! We are driving a car that could possibly start on fire while we are in it! Search "nissan catalytic converter"; car and driver altima catalytic converter failure and www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/02-06altima.htm the complaints are numerous please reply with what recourse we have.

Filed Jan 1, 2009 · Engine · 95,000 miles · AL

I own a 2002 nissan altima , I have to put a quart of oil in this car every 50 miles, from wha t I have found on the internet this is a very common problem , that nissan knows about and refuses to admit to the public this is a defect in the motor, that the recall will cost the company to much in repairs. We are a family on a fixed income and can't afford the $6000.00 for repairs on this car. Nissan asks so much for these cars they should stand behind their products and repair this defect!!!!

Filed Dec 30, 2008 · Engine · 77,065 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. When the ignition key was activated, the contact heard a loud noise coming from outside of the vehicle. The noise occurred intermittently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and they stated that the failure was related to the catalytic converter. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The dealer replaced the front exhaust assembly, front 02 sensor, and cleared the system codes. The repairs were performed under warranty. The failure recurred and the engine and catalytic converter were replaced. The failure mileage was 77,065 and current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Dec 19, 2008 · Engine · 87,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The check engine indicator illuminated and the dealer stated that it needed to be replaced. The engine was damaged; however, the dealer did not know the severity. The nissan manufacturer stated that there was a recall for the catalytic converter, but the vehicle was never repaired according to the recall. The recall was actually from 2003, and that the dealer said that there was engine damage and that the engine would have to be replaced. This syptom was also stated on the recall notice (the catalytic convertor and the engine would need to be replaced). The contact stated that there was no failure with the catalytic converter, which is why he never took it in for repair. He also completed a claim with nissan, but he received a denial letter for the repairs. The failure mileage was 87,000. Updated 02/10/09 *bf updated 02/11/09.

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Engine · 119,197 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the dealer repaired the vehicle according to the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) and 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). Two weeks later, the catalytic converter failed and went into the wall of the engine, which caused the engine to crack. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $6,000. The contact was unsure if the recall was the cause of the failure and if assistance could be provided. The failure mileage was 119,197.

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Engine · 45,000 miles · TX

1.the year 2004 thanksgiving I was driving home from la, baton rouge when my heat wouldn't come on. I got it fixed but was the knob to the control would only turn 3/4 of the way or it wouldn't work. Then when the spring came and I used my A/C it didn't work. I took it in and when I went to pick it up they said I would have to have it on max in order for it to work properly. 2. As of 2006 to current my car jerks and runs out of oil often and now I need to put at least 4 quarts every week. The check engine light comes on at lease once a week. 3. I take it into my mechanic to check to see what the problem could be and doesn't see a leak, burning oil it just consumes it. I get all the necessary car "medical" check up's and the car still eats oil, jerks and continues to give me panic attacks as I drive to and from work. My mechanic and I have detailed logs of how many times they've put in oil or I have purchased and put it in myself along with any additional work.

Filed Nov 30, 2008 · Engine · 68,000 miles · CA

I have a 2002 nissan altima that I purchased with 57,000 miles (2nd owner). In december 2006 with about 68,000 miles on vehicle, the catalytic converter blew up. I had this replaced and at 76,000 miles I took the vehicle in to complain about the oil/coolant and metallic noise from engine. The dealer said they could not find a problem, at 86,000 the dealer said I needed a new motor since there were particles that had been sucked in from the cat, they wanted $5,900 to replace. I called and spoke to representatives of nissan north america and lodged a complaint, after about a week I received a call from them stating that they would not repair or help with costs. I was forced to find an alternate repair option and purchased a rebuilt motor, the problem with this was after a few weeks the "service engine" light came on. I tried smogging the vehicle and was unable to, I finally found out that the cause of the problem was the catalytic converter again, I had the cat replaced again ($750) and I was able to get it smogged. This was only 3-4 weeks ago and about 1 week ago I took the car back to the shop and was informed that the rattling/grinding noise is coming from the engine again!! Please help me with this, I have nothing but problems with this vehicle since I purchased it with only 57,000 miles on it. The problem with the catalytic converter on the 2002-06 altima/sentra with the 2.5l motors is a "factory defect"!! There are thousands of the same exact complaints on numerous sites. Nissan should be held responsible for this defect. I now have a vehicle that I pay $300 a month for that I have put an engine & 2 cat's in, and now it needs another motor. This is ridiculous for a car company to sell vehicles and not stand behind what they make.

Filed Nov 30, 2008 · Engine · VA

Nissan na made some preventive changes to the 2002 nissan altima as requested to by law. However the changes nissan na made were not sufficient nor successful. It appears that the preventive service nissan provided has only prolonged the outcome. Thousands of 2002 nissan altima owners are currently experiencing oil consumption problems with a direct relation to a failure in the catalyst converter. After inspection of the catalyst converter noticeable chucks of the catalyst converter are missing. Nissan na is very aware of the problem and they are selectively fixing some consumers vehicles. If the consumers vehicle is outside their power train warranty nissan na refuses to assist the consumer with fixing the problem. Safety should not be limited to a percentage of miles or to a period of time.

Filed Nov 28, 2008 · Engine · PA

On tuesday 11/25/08 I was driving my 2002 nissan altima to work and the car turned off in mid drive on a major highway. I did some research and found out about a recall (#03v455000) on this website. It matched exactly what happened to my vehicle. I took the car to the dealership and told them of the recall. They told me that the same parts needed to be replaced (crank position sensors, and camshaft position sensors) but my car was not a part of the recall and therefore I had to pay out of pocket for the repair. My vehicle matches the recall on your website 100% ie: " 2002 nissan altima...on certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process...this could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which would result in crash...dealers will replace the crank position sensors, camshaft position sensors, and in some cases the variable timing control sensors." again, the dealership has neglected to recognize this as a valid recall. I want to be reimbursed for the repair costs.

Filed Nov 17, 2008 · Engine · 119,000 miles · ME · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off and struck a guardrail. There were no injuries. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, it stalled again approximately four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and is currently being repaired. The vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure and current mileages were 119,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2008 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NY

2002 altima began stalling during low speeds triggering check engine light and accompanied by reduced engine power. Diagnostics indicated problem with crank shaft position sensor which was clearly listed under recall. Nissan would not acknowledge recall stating that I needed to have to ECM reprogrammed which would not fix stalling problem but would make the ECM more sensitive to the problem with the csp sensor. Nissan would not perform the ECM reprogram with the check engine light on. Nissan wanted to run a $90 diagnostics test first. I took car to a private mechanic the have crankshaft position sensor replaced with updated factory model. The sensor that was removed was clearly the older flawed model which was under recall.

Filed Nov 12, 2008 · Engine · 81,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle would not stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle eventually came to a slow stop and the steering wheel stiffened. The contact turned off the vehicle, but it failed to restart. The failure was diagnosed as the catalytic converter, which needed to be replaced as well as the engine. The failure and current mileages were 81,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Engine · 84,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal road conditions, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also heard excessive noise coming from the engine. The warning indicator remained lit until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was excluded from the recall due to the mileage and has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000 and current mileage was 85,721.

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Engine · 81,286 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. When the contact started the ignition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. He also heard a loud noise coming from the four cylinder engine, which was not operating properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to an oxygen sensor that was replaced. The vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling, exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe); however, the repair was insufficient. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealer for the same failure on three occasions. The vehicle has not been repaired again. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 81,286 and current mileage was 95,500.

Filed Nov 7, 2008 · Engine · 78,000 miles · MS

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The dealer stated that the contact's 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. In addition, the contact smells burning oil. The failure mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 88,000.

Filed Nov 5, 2008 · Engine · MA

Oil is consumed at a rate of approx. 1 quart every 200 miles, mechanic has informed me there are no noticable leaks. Around the 80,000 mile mark oil began to run low but the problem has been increasing.

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Engine · 104,000 miles · DE

I went through inspections in delaware and the car failed for catalytic converter. Engine makes a very loud rattling noise when the oil is too low. I think the car dealer went out of business. Is there anything that can be done?

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Engine · 111,835 miles · TX

My 2002 nissan altima 2.5 began to experience engine failure in december of 2007. It started with an engine code . Referred to the catalyst converter. I had begun searching for evidence of a bigger problem prior to taking it to the dealer. There are hundreds of people on different forums describing the exact same symptoms for the same car. Not ironic, disturbing. The vehicle has been maintained properly and preventable maintenance performed regularly. I also had hard to start problems . Recently took my vehicle into the nissan dealer because I could not figure out what was going on. I kept loosing coolant and oil and I did not have any witness marks on my driveway to prove that it was leaking. At times you can smell the sweet odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. After nissan service visit, the service rep said that I needed a new engine..catalytic converter broke up and was sucked back into the engine. Here is what the invoice reads. Invoice: ECM recall could not perform recall veh has e-lights that need to be corrected?multi point visual inspection only?inspection performed rec engine assy and cat related parts A/C low pressure hose?cust states veh losing coolant and has a miss ck diag and chck out time only?cust states veh has coolant leak and miss1.00 inspection veh for coolant leak but found no visible leak. Misfire found inspected plugs and found they're fouled out and have corrosion type substance on them?veh poss burning coolant. Inspected cat and found is coming apart. Rec engine cat and related parts cust declined repairs? Note has replaced o2sensors, spark plugs. I asked the service rep why nissan wouldn't pay for this if this was obviously a design problem. She simply responded by saying that all they would do is the work but I would have to pay for everything. They told me to contact nissan headquarters if I had a complaint. It doesn't seem that many of my fellow altima owner?s have had much luck with that. Nissan be responsible. Lives may depend it.

Filed Oct 13, 2008 · Engine · OH

Like thousands of other 2002 nissan altima 2.5 owners, nissan has left every one of us hanging out there and all they can recommend is to replace the engine. Nissan created this problem and is very aware of the oil consumption, catalytic converter break up and oxygen sensor failure. Then there is the excessive oil consumption and let's not forget the hard starting and failure to start. I will not buy another nissan again and it disgusts me that nissan is washing its hands of these issues. I could understand their reluctance to look any further if there were only a handful of owners with this problem but there are thousands and we are all fed up with the way nissan has handled the issues. They knew after they rolled out the 2002 nissan altima, it had issues but they have buried their heads in the sand. Whenever you call nissan direct, they just blow you off and all the dealerships can recommend is a new engine. They are treating their customers as if they are stupid. It annoys me the facade nissan is putting on and treating any nissan altima customer as if they are the only one with a "lemon" which needs a new engine. My nissan has done 145,000 miles and should not need a new engine after years of regular maintenance. Nissan issued a recall in dec 2006 when I think they knew they had a problem. They did not replace the oxygen sensors at that time. They just checked them. If you want to read more reports like this go to www.mycarstats.com, which is where I got the link to send you this complaint. I would appreciate if the federal safety agency would at least investigate what is happening to all 2002 nissan altimas. Did I mention that my "engine service light" has been on for over a year - since the last time it went into a nissan dealership. I rest my case.n

Filed Oct 12, 2008 · Engine · 68,000 miles · GA

Nissan altima 2002 oil consumption problem. Problem can lead to car fire. Dealership admitted to defect in engine. See: http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108000miles-I-w/index.html. I had to pay $5,000 for a new engine.

Filed Oct 10, 2008 · Engine · 130,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine stopped running without warning. The contact made several attempts before the engine finally restarted. The engine was running roughly and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the failure was related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle has not been repaired. Recently, the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The failure was similar to the one mentioned in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 131,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Engine · MA

Excessive oil consumption in my nissan altima 2002 model. When I contacted the local nissan dealer, he says that the problem is because of the catalytic converter being sucked into the engine and the engine might blow up any time. And they are asking $6000 for fixing the vehicle. This is totally sucking the customer of anything that one can live off even. As a small family with meager earnings, this is going to hit our family in a major way as this kind of spend is not something we can afford. This problem is being faced by thousands of other altima owners also. Request the government to help us out immediately.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Engine · 171,000 miles · CA

Pre catalytic converter failure. Converter comes apart, gets sucked into the engine, and causes engine damage. Contacted nissan and was told mine was an isolated incident. Nothing done to correct problem.

Filed Oct 8, 2008 · Engine · LA

I have a 2002 nissan altima that has been giving me nothing but problems . I have had the catalytic converter changed and now it needs another one . Oil is being consumed or at least that's what the nissan dealer told me in 2006 he said I need a motor I have been taking this car to the nissan dealer too many times to think they have claimed to change things every time I'd take it . It's always something different I don't think they knew the problem at first. Either they didn't know or they decided to wait until after my warranty ended to tell me that I needed a motor!! I have spent so much money on this car. I feel that I paid too much for this car to be trying to pay over $5000 for a motor. The car is now 6 yrs old and that's not old enough for a motor. Nissan should feel very bad that they a responsible for people paying too much money for that lemon of a car. I need transportation not a new car note!!

Filed Oct 6, 2008 · Engine · 74,987 miles · WA

I own a 2002 nissan altima which is exhibiting the symptoms very typical with 100's of other altima owners. One month ago the check engine light came on, engine is consuming large quantities of oil, power is sluggish especially at startup, coolant is being consumed etc. Took the car in to the dealer and the fault code was for faulty catalytic converter. Dealer suggests complete replacement of long block. Since the recall (ntb03-070c) had been done on my car a few years ago, previous to me owning the car, they are "no longer responsible for the recall". Seems unfathomable that so many owners are experiencing the same problem and no definite action is being taken from nissan or being forced to be taken from the government oversight.

Filed Oct 5, 2008 · Engine · 103,000 miles · PA

Service engine light came on in my 2002 nissan altima. Took it to the mechanic and was told the cat converter was bad. Checked website to see if others had the same issue and discovered that hundreds of individuals had the same issue and after replacing the cat converter, had to replace the whole engine. The website is http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108000miles-I-w/index.html. I would like to file a complaint or be directed on what to do next.

Filed Oct 4, 2008 · Engine · CA

The technician performed a diagnostic test on my 2002 nissan altima because the service engine soon light came on. The problem was due a defect in catalytic converter, which is damaging my engine. I have to get it replace, but it costs $1500. My car has only 84,000 miles on it. Also, I take it in for an oil change at every 3,000 miles and for regular check ups. So I researched it online and discovered that there are hundreds of complaints on the catalytic converter. Below are the links to some of the websites with complaints from the altima drivers on their catalytic converter. 1)http://www.carcomplaints.com/nissan/altima/2002/engine/catalytic_converter_failure_caused_engine_damage.shtml 2)http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/nissan_altima.html 3) http://www.allworldauto.com/comments/viewthread.php?cid=638520 4)http://www.carsurvey.org/review_105673.html 5)http://www.caraudio.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-222455.html 6)http://forums.caranddriver.com/auto/board/message?board.id=nissan&thread.id=158 7)http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108,000 miles-I-w/index.html 8)http://answers.edmunds.com/question-negotiation-2002-altima-replacement-engine-28642.aspx 9)http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_84045.html 10) http://autorepair.about.com/b/2008/01/17/altima-owner-thinks-hes-getting-the-shaft.htm I think nissan knows this problem and they need to do something about it.

Filed Oct 1, 2008 · Engine · 119,474 miles · RI

File #6258697 2002 altima my complaint involves a qr25de engine installed in my altima. I like to give you some background on the engine and then talk about my problem. The qr25de is in the 2002-present nissan altman 2.5, 2.5s, 2.5sl 175hp, hybrid 158hp. The qr25de sold in the united states has been subject to a significant number of problems in its short lifetime. A variety of mechanical flaws have LED to numerous technical service bulletins, recalls, repairs, and outright engine replacements. Vehicles with the qr25de may ingest material from a damaged pre-catalyst resulting in increased oil consumption. The pre-catalyst was replaced at 79,000 miles and shortly thereafter realize the engine was consuming more oil but nothing that significant. I started to notice more oil being consumed at 117,000 called nissan and started a file they suggested I take the car to a nissan dealer and check out the problem. The car broke down and I had it towed to nissan and they looked at the car and told me the catalytic converter was gone at 118,151 miles and it was replaced at a cost of $825.65. At the same time they checked for oil leaks and said there were no leaks and top off the oil and told me to bring the car back. The car was driven 1062 miles brought it back to nissan dealership and was told it was down 3 quarts. They filled the oil back up and after 261 miles the oil light came on brought it back to nissan and found it to be down 4 quarts and was told the engine was gone. Unsuspecting customers have let the oil run completely dry which could lead to engine fire or complete shutdown of engine while driving on the highway. Nissan consumer affairs reviewed the case and denied responsibility for a poor design and nissan is letting many consumers in my situation pay for a new engine. I little research on this particular engine will yield many more unsatisfied consumers. The car had oil changes at 3000 miles intervals.

Filed Sep 30, 2008 · Engine · 90,000 miles · TN

Nissan altima 2.5 2002 in 2006 my car was using 2 or 3 quarts of oil every three thousand miles. Luckily my car was still under warranty, but nissan and the nissan dealership were very reluctant to provide help. Finally after months of testing, ten trips to the dealership, calls to corporate, and a trip to the dealership with my father, they finally replaced my engine. They would not, however, tell me exactly what the problem was and why the engine had to be replaced. Now, two years later, I am facing the exact same problems. The dealership says I need a new catalytic converter and new o2 sensor. Another one thousand dollars! After researching this car and others who are facing the same problems I am convinced nissan should take responsibility and a recall should be mandatory. Thank you for your help.

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