I purchased a new 2002 nissan altima that falls within the federal safety agency recall # 03v‑084 (campaign id# r3007, r3014, r3015, r3016 & r3017). The recall campaign (ntb03-070b) was done in 2003 with approximately 20,000 miles on the vehicle. However, sometime before 95,000 miles on the car, a failure of the pre-cat occurred with exactly the same symptoms as described in the recall campaign bulletin. Material from inside the pre-catalyst entered the cylinders and resulted in high oil consumption and now nissan is recommending a new engine. This demonstrates that the recall campaign was not sufficient to solve the problem with the car or the dealer did not follow the recommended procedures. Even with a new catalyst there is still a high likelihood of another failure and possible fire as noted in the recall campaign bulletin.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 16 of 24: complaints 431 to 460 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2002 nissan altima 2.5 . There are many complaints about the oil consumption with this particular car, my car lis bone dry in between oil changes. According to many owners they have had to get the engine replaced do to this problem. Shouldn't nissan be doing something about this? No car owner should have to be constantly pouring oil into their car. Myself and other owners would like to see nissan recognize it as a problem instead of cashing in on it.
I bought my 02 altima in march 02. There was several recalls over the years and once fixed there were no problems. In 2007 I reached 80k miles and the engine light starting coming on. I took it to the dealership and they said it was a catalytic converter going bad and since I was past the mileage for warranty I would have to fix it at a cost of $1000+. The car is hesitant to start at times, it rattles under the hood and blows cold air when idling. There was also another recall issued this year where the engine is said to stop at any given time. I'm getting the car fixed this weekend which is totaling me $3700, of which the mechanic is saying nissan really should have taken another look because he's had to fix more than 100 of this same vehicle at his dealership alone. Unfortunately there is nothing he can do without nissan's approval but to fix it at my cost. I called nissan and all they could tell me is there was nothing they could do except fix the latest recall that came out at the end of 07 into 08. Well the mechanic can't fix the recall without fixing the problem which is causing the engine light to come on and off. Oxygen sensor, catalytic converter is what the code is coming back saying needs to be fixed. From the list of complaints it looks like this car has a defect in these parts, not due to owner misuse and should be taken seriously not lightly.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle completely shut down and lost all power steering. The contact had the vehicle repaired on february 6, 2008 for the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling). Approximately three days after the recall repair was performed, she noticed the same symptoms with the engine, but of a milder degree. The vehicle appeared as if it would stall after the repair was made, but did not. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 78,000 and failure mileage was 77,900.
Well I have 2002 nissan altima 2.5 I have about 66,000 miles on the car and it has been having the same problem . It first started when they had recall oxygen sensor. I have had to replace the same sensor 3 times already at about cost of $350 each time . Now my check engine light keeps coming on the replaced the catalytic converter and told me I had to change my engine coils and spark plugs for about $1000 dollars . After that was completed there was no change my check engine light still comes on engine idles rough always having to fill coolant . And have had to been towed several time to the dealer with no explanation as to what is wrong.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning and had to be restarted on several occasions. There was a recall on the vehicle and repairs have been made; however, the failure continues. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 81,000 and failure mileage was 79,496.
Throughout the last 4 yrs, on several occasions when shifting the transmission it doesn't engage. I have pulled from a parking spot using reverse, and just when I am pulling into traffic and shift to drive the car doesn't respond. The engine doesn't react to the accelerator; the engine is running but the car is unresponsive. When it happens I have to push the car to the side of the road and turn it off. One time it took about 15 mins to be able to restart and restore all functions. On another occasion I ended up having to wait until the next day. The scary part is that the engine and transmission are completely unresponsive when you need it the most; getting into traffic. I have been blessed and very lucky that it has only happened when pulling out of a parking spot or my out of my driveway. What I am extremely afraid is if this were ever to happen when pulling out into a highway or busy street traffic. This is similar to the risk associated with recall the federal safety agency campaign #07v527000. Please correct the problem before someone gets kill; we should never wait that long or let it go that far.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 35-60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The recall repair for the engine was performed in 2004; however, the failure recurred and stalled on several occasions. The current mileage was 99,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 10 MPH, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The contact took his vehicle to a local mechanic and they stated that an error code appeared for the catalytic converter. The mechanic stated that the failure was caused by the same issued outlined in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The manufacturer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. An authorized dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for that recall in march of 2004. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 136,777. Updated 03-04-09 *bf updated 03/05/09.
I purchased a new 2002 nissan altima from pence nissan on 3/23/02. Since the 2002 was a new model year for the altima, I also purchased a security+plus gold vehicle warranty for $995.00 extending the warranty to 3/23/2008 or 75,000 miles whichever occurs first. After having recurring clutch problems, I started researching on the internet and found that this model had frequent complaints regarding engine failure due to the catalytic converter breaking apart. Because of this I made especially certain that I checked my oil every week, that I had all scheduled maintenance performed and that they were performed by pence nissan (I have copies of each receipt totaling $3,853.06). Despite all of these precautions, my check engine light illuminated on september 25th. I took the car immediately to the dealer who said that the catalytic converter had broken apart some. I was advised not to drive the car until I replaced the converter and two oxygen sensors. I was told particles from the converter could enter the engine and destroy it resulting in an $8,000 repair. I took the dealer?s advice and replaced the catalytic converter and both oxygen sensors at a cost of $1251.05. Upon inspection, the dealer noted that there were no signs of metal in the oil. I was told that although the oil looked clear, there was no guarantee that fragments from the converter hadn't made their way into the engine and it could be two weeks or two years before possible engine failure. After hearing this, I decided to purchase a new car. Given my experience with the 2002 altima and what I read from other owners, I feel that this is a manufacturing defect and nissan should take responsibility for the repairs. I sent nissan two letters respectfully requesting that nissan consider reimbursing me for the $1251.05 repair charge, but have not heard anything back.
I have a 2002 nissan altima with 117,000 miles. Nissan USA replaced the engine and the catalytic converter as part of a recall january 06 when the car had 99600 miles. Last week on 1/24/08, the car shut off while driving and I was lucky to pull to the side on time to prevent an accident. I took the car to the dealer nissan cox in the bronx the following saturday. They checked the car out and told me that the reason why the car shut off is not related to the previous recalls. They told me that I needed to replace my throttle and clean the fuel system. I paid $563 for the labor on 1/30/08. I drove the car around the dealer and once again the car shut off by itself then I started it again and while driving it back to the dealer the engine surged a couple of times. I took the car to the dealer and the next day 1/31/08, I received a call from the service worker in which she tells me that my catalytic converter is bad and that's what's causing the problem. I don't think is fair that I had to pay $563 to later find out that the car had something else. Also, I don't understand why the catalytic got damaged when I religiously serviced the car for the past two years since the new engine and cat were installed. The dealer tells me that I'm no longer covered by the warranty and that I need to pay another $900 for parts and labor. I think im being ripped off by the dealer and nissan. I've read how much problems the 2002 altima has. Can you guys please help me.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. She stated that she received a recall notice for the engine and engine cooling (the federal safety agency campaign id #07v527000). The dealer stated that they would not repair the recall because the service engine light was illuminated. The contact felt that this was unacceptable. The current mileage was 71,000 and there had been no failure to date.
We own a 2002 nissan altima (purchased at autoway nissan, clearwater, fl in 2002) and have experienced the same mechanical failure as many who have posted to this and many other sites. With 100,300 miles on the vehicle we have just learned the catalytic converter has disintegrated and metal parts are now throughout the engine. As a result we are required to have a new engine installed or walk away from a 5 year old car that, other than this defect, is in excellent condition. Upon speaking to autoway nissan we were informed since the car has exceeded the 8 years or 80,000 mile warranty on the catalytic converter nissan would not cover the cost of repairs. Upon typing in 'nissan catalytic converter' in google key word search my husband and I found it is enlightening and concerning to read many accounts of the same mechanical failure. I'm sure there are many, many more accounts of the same mechanical failure that we've yet to uncover. What can we do as consumers to have our rights protected? It is apparent nissan has a defective part on at least 2002 / 2003 altima. Any advise us on how to we as consumers can get nissan to take ownership of a failed device.
We purchased a 2002 nissan altima on 11/01/07 at newburgh nissan in newburgh ny on 17k.3 weeks after, we saw on the news that the nissan 2002 had a recall. Then we contacted nissan in newburgh & informed them .they informed they found that in addition to the recall that there was a coil that needed to be fixed. (this should sound familiar as every other complaint on the web states the same story) they told me that they would need to charge us almost $1kto have it fixed. I proceeded to remind them that this is a recall;then transferred me back to the receptionist at the newburgh nissan who said that we would have to pay. I then said I wanted to speak to a mngr immediately. Finally they gave me to a diff person. This mngr comes on the phone with the clear message that they were not going to help.) he said well give me some time to go over the info. They said its in great condition, we're going to replace the battery" after it always acted as if it was ready to stall. I then called nissan consumer affairs. I placed a complaint. I then received a call from nissan in newburgh the next day that they would fix the car. Then when they fixed the recall and its coil issue then my husband received a call from nissan consumer affairs asking if it was fixed. Well he told them that it has been two days since they fixed it and the engine check light is on and now the car is not going up hills. They never called us back. I called the nissan consumer affairs people and left numerous voicemail messages for the regional contact. This is what was in they their invoice: c/s check engine light is on found muliticylinder misfire. Coil packs are deteriorated and breaking up replaced all 4 spark plugs and coil packs why is it ironically that the car they sold us cannot climb a hill. My car will not start. I can't even get the car to the dealer. I was told that if I can't get my car started I would have to get it towed to them at my expense. This car is not safe.
Recent recall for 2002 nissan altima dated 11/07/2007. I recently called nissan north america regarding a recall I saw while surfing the web. I called nissan twice, nov. 7, 2007 & jan. 10. 2008, and they gave me a file# and faxed me a letter stating "these repairs are free of charge to you". Yet when I tried to have it fixed at the nissan dealership they said I had to pay for a diagnostic or they would not fix it even under the recall. I have spent thousands of dollars already, regarding this problem with my 2002 nissan altima since 2007, I am disabled and on a fixed income, this car problem has put me in critical financial trouble. When I notified nissan north america, inc. Of my problem trying to get it fixed they told me to try again, because they have no control over how much the dealerships charge. If I still had the problem getting it fixed they would deal with my problem then. Does integrity mean anything to anyone anymore? This car is a death trap. This car has shut off during operation on the freeway at a speed of 70 MPH. It is not true when its said it only stalls at low speed. I and my granddaughter are a witness to that. Does anyone care about a human life?
Nissan altimas have an engine flaw that nissan is aware of and refuses to correct.
My car wouldn't start. I notified nissan, they towed my car in. My car had several recalls. Nissan checked my car and reset my ECM. When I went to get my car from mitchell nissan which is 30 miles away. They told us that I had a possible head or coil failure. When we left the dealership we didn't check the oil cause when they reprogrammed they suppose to have checked everything. When my husband checked that's when we found out it was no oil. I drove my car 30 miles with no oil. My car is a 2002 altima I checked the recalls and saw that the 2.5 2006 altimas has a recall on the engine as well as the sensor like the earlier years. The recalls states something about the ECM and about the pistons and driving without oil. Now I have to get my engine replaced and nissan is saying it is not on them. My car was not acting up nor smoking until it cut off and had to be reprogrammed. I feel this messed up my engine.
(1) catalytic converter failed and eventually caused engine to fail on the highway going 60 MPH. Car went off the road and almost hit oncoming traffic. (2) I replaced the engine and the same thing is happening to me again. Nissan is refusing to replace the engine even though they know it is a safety hazard. (3) unfortunately they have done nothing to correct the problem, and I can produce 100's of people across the country who have suffered from the same problem and nissan is refusing to do anything. I don't understand how they can be allowed to get away with this???
I had a 90,000 mile vehicle checkup at nissan village in attleboro, ma. The vehicle had 88,000 miles at the time of the service. At the suggestion of the service technician, I had the catalytic converter replaced. My car currently has 92,000 miles on it and I noticed a problem with the engine. After looking the car over I noticed that the oil was bone dry. I searched on the internet for problems related to this vehicle and noticed multiple instances of the exact same problem with the catalytic converter, burning oil, and eventually total engine replacement. I have only had the catalytic converter replaced and the oil burning problem has started. I fear that I will have complete engine failure shortly, like numerous others have, because of this issue. Http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108,000 miles-I-w/index.html http://www.nissanforums.com/l31-2002-altima/105620-little-guy-vs-nissan-north-america.html http://www.nissanforums.com/l31-2002-altima/117470-recall-r3007-resurfaces-02-03-altima.html.
2002 altima, loss of power early in dec 2007, dec 17 2007 at 85,000 miles catalytic convertor fails, at 90,000 miles using 1 quart of oil in 700 miles. At 91,125 miles to dealership and report made with nissan. A recall part of a exhaust pipe hanger replaced by dealer and I am told the other expenses of convertor (approx $800.00 plus labor and possible motor replacement $3900.00) are up to me. Yet there are thousands of other people with the same identical problem and no recall is issued.research, per nissan news bullitins, has indicated that the convertor on the altima and sentra blows internal residue into the cylinder walls causing the excessive oil problem.
Pre-catalytic failure causing engine damage leading to excessive oil consumption presenting a potential fire hazard. Nissan's previous recall campaign to address this issue has proven inadequate as I have read about numerous complaints regarding this same issue.
Purchased vehicle july 3, 2006. August 8, 2006- service engine light reported multi cylinder misfire, spark plugs were replaced. Feb 07- same code found and spark plugs and o2 sensors replaced. June 07- same code, engine floods twice, car crank but wont start and spark plugs, coils, fuel pump replaced. Nissan tech couldn't duplicate the problem but mentioned coolant was low and so that was why the cylinder misfire and head gaskets need to be fixed. Oct. 07 engine shut off about 4 times while driving. November 07- engine fails. No recourse from nissan consumer affairs nor where nissan car was purchased.
I have a 2002 nissan altima that began consuming oil. Previous to having any problems, nissan had a recall on the precatalyst which said that materials could be caused to go into the engine and increase oil consumption. I had this recall done along with a number of other problems. Now, I and other altima owners are experiencing oil consumption. I was told that the problem was with the catalytic converter which has now messed up my engine and both needed to be replaced. When I questioned the dealership regarding the previous recall, they told me that they would have look for damage when the recall was done. Obviously not, since now a number of altimas are having this same problem after the recall was done. I have spoken with a former engineer that said there were a number of design issues with the 2002 model. I have also found on the internet that the catalylic converter may be located too close to the engine which is causing the problems. So if if the engine and catalytic converter were replaced, the problem can start again. Some owners who have paid for replacement have eventually starting experiencing the same problem. The 2002 model year is not the only model with engine problems.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) and had the repair work performed on the vehicle. Three years later, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine light illuminated. The vehicle restarted five minutes later. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle has not been repaired. He filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 63,600 and current mileage was 63,640. Updated 3/18/08 *cn the consumer stated had the airbag sensor recall performed. Updated 03/18/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v251000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). She had the vehicle repaired according to the recall. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle completely stalled. She did not hear any noises and there were no warning indicators. Minutes later, the failure recurred. The contact noticed that the failure occurred only during cold weather. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that although she previously had her vehicle repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling), the part needed to be replaced again at her expense. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 44,000 and current mileage was 86,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The check engine light illuminated intermittently and the vehicle hesitated to start. On december 1, 2007, the vehicle would not start at all and was towed to a mechanic. A diagnostic was performed, but no failures were found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the cam shaft, crank shaft, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. There are two the federal safety agency campaign id numbers regarding engine and engine cooling (03v455000 and 07v527000). The contact was informed that the recall repair had previously been performed on the vehicle. The purchase date and mileages were unknown. Updated 03/06/08. *lj the camshaft sensor and crankshaft were replaced. The consumer stated the engine light illuminated again. Updated
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). Three years later, the contact stated that she smelled smoke underneath the vehicle. The local dealer stated that the catalytic converter was completely destroyed, which was causing the oil to burn. She took her vehicle to an authorized dealer and they stated that they would not assist because her vehicle exceeded the warranty. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The purchase date was unknown. The failure mileage was 67,930 and current mileage was 143,000. The consumer stated initially car was burning oil not leaking then heavy smoke was exiting the exhaust. Updated 12/19/07
I've recently heard loud noises in the engine of my 2002 nissan altima 2.5s. I took it to a mechanic and was told the engine needed to be replaced because the precatalytic converter broke apart and was sucked into my engine. He also told me this was inevitable in all the 2002, 2003 altima's because the placement of the pre catalytic converter was so close to the engine that the heat disintegrated the converter which gets sucked into the engine. Nissan's website claims that they have been working on addressing this issue since march 2003 yet nothing is being done. Nissan has told me since my car is outside the warranty they will not assist me in purchasing a new engine.
In august of 2007, I had a problem with my crankshaft. I took it to the dealer for repair. I then researched and discovered that there was a recall for this same problem. I contacted nissan via their website to inquiry if my problem was covered under that recall because I do never received any notification that there was a problem. I was trying to determine if I should have been charged for the repair job. Nissan USA never responded to me. Now I see on the internet that there is a recall for a problem with the crankshaft. The description is what has happened to me: I.e, loss of power and stalling during low speeds. The diagnosis code is p0335, crank sensor failure. If this is the same problem, I felt that I should be reimbursed what I paid for this repair job.
I have a 2002 nissan altima 2.5 s I have had for less than 2 years. About 6 months ago at around 80k miles my engine started to randomly overheat even though coolant and fluid levels were correct. I had to tow it to a mechanic and he said the radiator was split. I spent $500 t replace that but then shortly after it happened again. We then replaced both thermostats on the vehicle and this helped for 2 months. Most recently we have been encountering a severe stuttering and shaking of the whole vehicle immediately upon starting it up. Regardless of it being in neutral, drive or reverse the car jerks back and forth very violently. After you drive it for a few minutes and the vehicle warms up it ceases this action. In addition to this though there is never any warm air coming out of the vents no matter how long the car is driven for. This is all happening simultaneously in addition to now the car is overheating all the way up but then jumps around so we never know where the temperature is at. Nissan themselves is very uncooperative in any capacity when attempting to rectify this situation. This is very disheartening as me and my wife are both working full time students and cannot afford to continue to chase this with time or money. My wife is a nanny part time and has had the car stop and need to be towed while she is out in the middle of the city with her 2 toddlers she watches. I am doing my best to avoid missing work as a result of having only one vehicle. We have a 2004 volvo that has had no problems but this altima is going to drag us down.
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