While driving on the interstate my car stalled around 70 MPH causing me to have to pull off the road while in a thunder storm. Since that my car is also burning about a quart of oil every 2 weeks.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 15 of 24: complaints 401 to 430 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2002 nissan altima catalytic converter failures that are increasing according to reports widely publicized on the internet. There is a recall in canada for the problem, but not in us. In speaking with a representative from nissan consumer affairs, I have been advised that the reason for the recall being recognized in canada but not in the u.s. Is due to the factory in which vehicles were produced. Seems to me this reason is ridiculous if this problem is happening in the u.s. Too! See info below: transport canada recall number 2003060. Units affected: 30589. 2002-2003: on certain 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. Correction: dealer will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. Also, certain 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. Correction: dealer will reprogram the engine control unit to prevent the possibility of the pre-catalyst overheating. If the conversion efficiency of the pre-catalyst has deteriorated, then the catalyst will be replaced. The original pre-catalyst will then be inspected for evidence of damage to the catalyst substrate. If damage is present, the vehicle engine will be replaced. While I have been obsessive about ensuring my vehicle is serviced routinely, I have recently experienced engine failure which will result in having to replace my engine. I do not have the finances to just drop $2000 on a new engine! My case is currently in the hands of a regional specialist (file # 6149122), but I have not gotten the outcome of the review to date. I am respectfully requesting review of this problem. Thank you.
I have a nissan altima (2002) with under 75,000 miles. I have been experiencing problems with the coolant system for roughly 10,000 miles. The coolant tank drains every 2-3 days. I refill it, and it is empty 2 -3 days later. I have had 3 or 4 separate tests done on the coolant system, and no problems were found. Yet, the problems continue. Recently, gray smoke flows out of the tail pipe upon starting the car. Also, when starting the car, the whole vehicle shutters, and sometimes does not turn right over (requiring 2 or 3 turns of the ignition key). I was told that perhaps it is a blown head gasket, warped head, or something of the sort. Either way, it was determined that the coolant is somehow leaking into the engine (because no signs of leaks anywhere else have been detected). With only 75,000 miles on the car, this should be considered a manufacturers problem. The coolant tank is emptied every 2-3 days, the gray smoke blowing out of the tail pipe happens at least 3 times a week, and the shuttering (and inability to start initially) happens 1-2 times a week, with increasing frequency. Nothing was done to correct the problem. One dealership said that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, which obviously is not the case. I was told by 2 mechanics (one at that same dealership, and one independent) that the problem is internal, and that the entire motor would probably have to be replaced. At the very minimum, the head gasket and / or header. Researching the internet, I found hundreds of similar complaints by owners of nissan's of the same of similar model and year. This problem should be looked into, and should be seriously considered for a recall!
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The service engine light began illuminating intermittently and then remained lit. When starting the vehicle and taking off, the vehicle made a strange noise and jerked as if something were slipping. Once the vehicle gained speed, the noise stopped. The dealer stated that the following components needed to be replaced: the catalytic converter, two major sensors, and the heating and air conditioning systems. The vehicle was burning oil on the inside of the engine, which caused it to fail. The vehicle could have an oil change and then four days later, the oil would have burned out completely. The federal safety agency campaign id numbers 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/ header/muffler/tail pipe), 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling), and 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling were referenced. The current mileage was 116,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 06/05/08 *bf the driver side power mirror was replaced, the gear selector was sticking. The cylinder head, gasket radiator and thermostat were replaced. Were replaced. Updated 06/04/08
2002 nissan altima faulty engine and catalytic converter.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling). Nissan refused to perform the recall repair because the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle does not always start, it is losing coolant, and the oil and check engine lights illuminate intermittently. The failure mileage was 94,400.
2002 nissan altima began overheating, losing coolant rapidly and gauges indicated rapid temperature fluctuations. Upon taking vehicle to dealer, visual diagnostic suggested a replacement of valve cover gasket. Gasket was replaced for approximately $300. Overheating resumed after repairs in addition to overheating, vehicle began producing white smoke as well as misfiring upon start-up. Computerized diagnostic was then completed. Diagnosis was a blown head gasket. Repair cost was quoted at $2100 plus taxes. I did research online and investigation revealed that the blown head gasket wasn't isolated to me alone and that there are many 2002 nissan altimas that blow the head gasket around 70,000 to 90,000 miles. Many customers appear to have tried to contact nissan but company will not own up to apparent defect with the model. It is quite difficult to blow a vehicle's head gasket and it is unfair for a model to have such a major defect and the consumers have to assume responsibility and cost of repairing the problem - a major engine overhaul. To present, no injuries or crashes have resulted, however, dealer has warned that without repair, engine parts may continue to warp and may result in complete engine failure.
2002 nissan altima 2.5 l engine excessive engine oil consumption, burning oil no leaks. Black smoke from exhaust pipe wants to stall and shakes most of the time. Check engine light comes on and off.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle feels as if it will shut off, but it remains running. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who stated that there may be recalls on her vehicle. The manufacturer stated that there were four open recalls on her vehicle and advised her to go to a dealer for the recall repair. The repair was made, but the failure continued. The contact returned to her local mechanic and the oxygen sensor was removed. The mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter had shattered into pieces as explained in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The failure mileage was 149,000.
Catastrophic engine failure for nissan altima related to power valve/butterfly valve intake manifold design. Third generation altima's qr25de 4-cylinder and vq35de 6-cylinder engines have unfortunately been affected by a recall related to the intake manifold and the power valves, also known as the butterfly valve. The technical service bulletin p5202 - does not mention all affected vehicles for production years w same design. This has left some owners affected by the problem with no recourse/remedy for what in some cases has amounted to catastrophic engine failure. The power valve is a series of four plates in the qr25de 4-cylinder and 6 plates in the vq35de 6-cylinder engines, one per cylinder. The plates open and close simultaneously to allow more air into the combustion chamber for increased power. Each plate is held in place by two screws. The screws have been known to come loose as well as the plates and are then ingested into the engine via the intake ports. Problem is initially exhibited by ses(service engine soon) light coming on and/or blinking. Upon obd meter reading, code will be p0304, or similar which is random cylinder misfire or cylinder 4 misfire. Electrode on spark plug has been bent closed as a result of the power valve retaining screw vibrating loose and being ingested into the engine. The screw then bounces around in the combustion chamber, hitting the spark plug and bending the electrode shut, preventing spark in that cylinder. Additionally, the screw(s) and part of the broken plates, in some cases have made their way through the engine and into the exhaust manifold and the catalytic converter, thus causing the catalytic converter to prematurely disintegrate as well as become ingested into the engine. For some reason, nissan north america has decided to not remedy all vehicles affected by this admitted flaw obviously, this could cause engine failure at the wrong place and the wrong time, resulting in serious bodily harm and/or fatality.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off after the electronic control module (ECM) was replaced under the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a diagnosis, but no failure was identified. The current mileage is 109,000 and failure mileage was 108,000. Updated 05/13/08. *ljupdated 05/13/08.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle shuts off while stopped at a light, idling in traffic, driving downhill, pulling out of a parking space, or when the vehicle is first started. The failure occurs everyday. While driving between 65-70 MPH, the vehicle will jerk hard. This failure has occurred on three occasions. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) in march of 2008, but the stalling recurred three weeks later. The dealer has not yet been notified. The current mileage was 111,685 and failure mileage was 108,000.
My 2002 nissan altima (2.5l) started out with o2 sensors needing replaced, the overheating, no coolant, loosing oil, replaced crank sensor, had all recalls done electronic control module (ECM). Now I am left with having to replace my engine. This seems like a problem out of most 2002 nissan altima with 2.5 according to the internet searches I have completed. I feel nissan needed to recall the whole engine.
'service engine soon' light came on & would go on & off for the past 3-4 months. I took the car to a dealer due to a recall notice about something else and the dealer said the catalytic converter needed replaced. The exhaust system should not be failing on this car. When picking up the part from the dealer, the dealership told my father that they keep this part (exhaust manifold) in stock b/c they replace so many of them. My dad asked if they were going to recall the part, the nissan service mgr said no. The catalytic converter should not be cracking or needing to be replaced. I got the part ($400) and my mechanic is fixing it today.
Massive oil loss which causes numerous problems, c02 censor, catalytic converter goes out, head lights went out, car shakes and rattles. Plug wires, spark plugs all needed to be replaced.
No heat, oil loss, coolant loss, check engine stating misfire, o2 sensors replaced, replaced spark plugs, currently car will not start.
Car misfiring ,took it to nissan dealer was told that power valve screws located in the intake manifold became loose in to engine damaging #3 spark plug head cylinder and precat dealer estimate repair over $3,000 .contacted nissan corp for assistance with no luck,recalls for the same problem on 04 and 05 but not for mine 02 or 03 although the engine is the same,and alot of complaints. Thank you.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact is experiencing difficulty getting the recall remedied because she lives in a remote area with the nearest nissan dealer being 2.5 hours away. She is fearful of driving the vehicle due to the safety defect. She called the manufacturer to have them tow the vehicle, but they have not returned her messages. There had been no failure to date. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 23,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact noticed that the engine was using more oil than usual. While at the dealer for a 60,000 mile inspection, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, oil was able to enter into the engine valve and eventually the engine will also need to be replaced. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle new and the manufacturer built the vehicle with a defected catalytic converter. The manufacturer stated that the contact will receive a call back from a regional specialist. It has been over a month and she has not received a call. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 61,000 and failure mileage was 58,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. In 2007, the contact's vehicle burned 1 quart of oil per month. Within the last few months, the vehicle has begun to burn 1 quart of oil per week. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the oil was burning through the catalytic converter, which caused debris to flow back into the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed a new engine or should be sold. She received a recall notice and took the vehicle to the dealer for repair, but was informed that the service could not be performed because the error code for the catalytic code appeared. A local mechanic informed the contact of a service bulletin and the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084. The mechanic advised her to check with the dealer to find out if the vehicle had previously been repaired. The manufacturer stated that the service had already been performed by the previous owner. The dealer wanted to assist, but the manufacturer would not let the dealer perform the service. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 105,000.
I have had a problem with my vehicle since the catalytic converter failed...I noticed that my oil level had dropped but did not equate it initially with this issue. After the failed converter ( check engine light code)....I bought a new converter and had it replaced within the week....as well as an oil change from . A few days later when I as I was checking fluids in my car I noticed my oil was very low......adding oil ( soon after an oil change did not seem right. I went to nissan ( dealer) and explained the problem. They did an oil consumption test and determined that I needed a new engine. I have done research online and have explained to them that other cars have the same problem in different areas but they declined to fix the engine, only stating that I needed to pay for a new engine.
While driving my 2002 nissan altima to work on march 16th 2008 I noticed that it was bucking severely on the freeway and that my check engine light was flashing rapidly. My car had approximately 85,000 miles on it at that time. I drove my car to the nissan dealership in tempe and had it looked at on march 17th 2008. I was informed that the head gasket had blown in the engine. After having my warranty company take a look at it I was informed that I would in fact need a new engine in my car. Apparently when the head gasket blew it leaked coolant into my catalytic converter. When that happened and the coolant heated up enough to combust it started to disintegrated the inside of my catalytic converter. My engine then ingested some of the sub strait of the converter. In doing so I now have to replace my engine because all of the components are covered in a fine sandy material from the inside of the converter.
2002 nissan altima problems with the engine consuming oil. Consumer states that her VIN and production date is not in the service campaign for the problem. Therefore the dealer told her they cannot fix her vehicle. *kb the consumer she took the vehicle to a repair shop after she noticed the vehicle began to loose oil and the vehicle made a rough idling sound. The mechanic informed the consumer that the catalytic converter had gone bad, and being that it was attached to the engine, the engine would need to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that oil and other debris had extracted back into the engine block which caused the pistons to grind on broken converter pieces.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. She had several mechanics inspect the vehicle, and they all identified the failure as electrical. The following day, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The dealer stated that water leaked into the engine and caused it to lock. The contact stated that she had been taking her vehicle in for routine maintenance every 3,000 miles to have the oil changed, and had not experienced any engine failure. She was informed that a new engine would cost between $6,000-$7,000 and a used engine would cost between $3,000-$4,000. The failure and current mileages were 85,000.
I was very happy with my car until 1-/9/08 I took my car to stewart nissan in fayetteville to do a computer update and to see why my check engine light was on. They did the update and turned the light off and said I might wind up needing a catalyst converter if the light comes back on. It came back on before I even got home. I called them back and ask if it was under warranty they said the one that tells them that was off and I would have to wait till that monday but I called vester in clinton. I took it to them on saturday but they had to get one in. Picked my car up thought everything was fine but it started skipping and my oil was a quart low .drove a few more days another quart low called back to clinton took it back in they changed plugs and did oil change told me to drive a few days and keep a check on my oil I have and it is worse still skipping and using oil but cannot see a leak of any kind I just do not under stand what happen to my car I did not have any trouble until this catalyst converter I am suppose to take it back to vester saturday. I have seen several complaints close to this one on the internet so maybe you can tell me what needs to be done to get my car back to normal and why this happen in the first place I really feel like this is something that came from that part . I only have 81,000 thousand miles.
1. Vehicle's exhaust pipe hanger caught bag of debris from the road and felt like the car was falling apart in the rear. Debris was removed by discount tires after purchasing new wheels and tires. 2. Service engine warning light is on. Engine has reduced power and it causes the engine to stop running without warning during operation, with vibrating noises. Nissan states that the cam sensor with crank sensor is faulty and should be replaced. Apparently it is under recall and they want us to pay for a recalled item. 3. Engine long block was replaced on 2/14/06 because of catastrophic engine failure, and the engine continues to have problems with vibrating and sluggishness. 4. Rear engine mount replaced in 11/03/04 as recommended. Now, passenger upper mount was recommended to be changed on 3/14/08. 5. Air conditioning is blowing hot air and we replaced air conditioning high side compressor and oil recharged system in 6/01/07, as recommended. As of today 3/30/08 air conditioning is blowing hot air again. We purchased new wheels, tires and brakes because of the vibration in the car and steering column with low sounding noise. We have consistently taken our car in for maintenance, recalls and additional mechanical problems with very minimal resolutions. Thank you.
Car engine stopped working on the road.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 60 MPH the engine shut off down without warning and spun out of control. The vehicle crashed into a median. The driver was able to gain control and stop the vehicle was spinning. The contact sustained severe injuries. Prior to the crash several warning lights on the dashboard were illuminated. The driver received a recall notice today stating the potential danger. The related the federal safety agency campaign number was 07v527000. The vehicle was destroyed. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that her motor mounts have either failed or are loose. When she depresses the brake pedal, the vehicle jerks dramatically. The sensor in the catalytic converter failed. The dealer stated that if the vehicle had less than 80,000 miles, the failure would be covered under nissan's extended warranty. The vehicle exceeds 80,000 miles and will not be covered under warranty. The current and failure mileages were 116,460. Updated 04/21/08
The vehicle was taken to a dealership for 90,000 mile maintenance on 2/26/08. At that time, we were informed there was an open recall for the ECM. The maintenance was done and the ECM was "reprogrammed" per the service dept. 3 days later on 2/29/08, the "check engine" light came on while we were driving home at night on the freeway. We stopped at a gas station and checked under the hood, but nothing unusual appeared, ie no leaking fluids, not overheating, engine running smoothly, etc. We checked the oil; the level was at full and was clean as it should be from an oil change 3 days earlier. The next day, we took it back to the dealership for diagnosis. They told us the error code indicates that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Its extended warranty expired at 80,000 miles. Looking for key words "altima catalytic converter" on the internet to do a cost analysis, we have found many blog entries by other 2002/2003 altima drivers discussing this same issue. Many of them indicated that the cat converter will break apart and backflush parts into the engine, damaging the cylinders and ultimately requiring engine replacement. This has apparently happened before and also after converters have been replaced. The converter or associated parts apparently have serious design flaws that can ultimately cause engine failure while a driver is on the road. This could have potentially serious side effects depending on where and when the failure occurs. Replacement of our converter is pending; in the meantime, the vehicle is parked in our garage.
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