I purchased a used 2002 nissan altima in 2006. 3 months after I bought it, I began having problems with it leaking oil. Then a month after that I began having mechanical/electrical problems, such as the car would shut off on its own when I was driving on the surface street as well as the freeway. The car will now not go over 25 MPH. I spoke to nissan regarding a recall that I found on your website and they stated to me that the previous owner had already brought the car in for these same problems and it was repaired already and that they are not obligated to repair it again. I have recently found hundreds of recent complaints on this matter. This is a horrible accident waiting to happen. I do not have thousands of dollars to repair a manufacturer (nissan) failure to resolve an issue with me and thousands of other consumers. For my car to shut off at a speed of 65-70 MPH on the freeway is heart stopping. My granddaughter who is now 3, was with me. Cars were swerving around me. We were all lucky to be alive. If this problem had been addressed properly and correctly, these problems would not be recurring . I have taken my car to 2 different mechanics and they say that I have to go to nissan because this car will not run without nissan parts. Nissan says give me $6,000+ dollars and we can give you a new engine. But we have no problem with our nissan altima's. I don't know what to do. My car is sitting inoperable in my driveway as I make monthly payments. This is the worst car I have ever owned.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 17 of 24: complaints 461 to 490 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I own a 2002 nissan altima. It seemed great when I bought it and now after 5 years it is crap and the thing wont run. The car idles rough when it first starts if it starts at all, there is a water rushing sound under the dash, and my check engine light has been on for quite some time. I am constantly refilling the radiator with coolant and adding so much oil to my car it is crazy. My father-in-law which is a mechanic, told me that the catalytic converter was deteriorating into the #4 cylinder which is causing engine failure which is also where the oil and coolant and gas are going. The easiest fix is to replace the whole engine, which is a $6,300 fix. I just finished paying off my car in may and 3 months later my car start having major problems. I cant afford to fix this and I don't think I should have to, catalytic converter don't just deteriorate. Heck I am the only owner to my car and it is only 5 years old. This is crazy. I have now replaced my engine at my own cost, because the dealer that I bought the car at claims they are not be enough to do anything and to call nissan, which I did and nissan does care. Well after spending six grand on fixing my car, my machine has informed me this is all due to plugged pcv valve because the two inlace holes for this valve are so small they get clogged so easily and the discharge for the pcv valve becomes in intake and to to the size of the discharges the oiled is getting pulling into the engine and well as other fluids which is what is causing the failure of the engine and destroying the catalytic converter. I am giving you the date my car finally died. It took me over a month and a 1/2 to get this fixed and it is still far from being fixed. Please also check out this website for thousands of other nissan dealer that are having the same issue. Http://www.thenissanfight.com/phpbb3/index.php http://forums.automotive.com/70/1106267/nissan/2002-nissan-altima-oil-dropping-at-108,000miles-I-w/page5.html#6468288.
Starting at just over 100,000 miles the engine began making strange noises. But once I changed my oil the noises would go away. I also noticed that my car was having difficulty shifting gears and even would just stop running at low speeds. After about 4 months of this is when we realized that the engine was consuming a lot of oil. So, basically my car was running on no oil for months at at a time. I took my car in and they said that the only way to get around this is to put oil in her every 2 weeks! That, or get a new engine. My car has never been recalled for this issue and nissan refuses to fix it, simply b/c of the mileage.
Tl*the contact's daughter owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving, the engine makes strange sounds, and black smoke comes from the vehicle intermittently. The vehicle also has excessive oil consumption. A mechanic performed a diagnostic and discovered that the catalyst converter and precatalyst were malfunctioning due to too much oil coming out of the engine. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The dealer stated that the engine was consuming a lot of oil due to the catalytic converter and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was affected by the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe); however, the recall was closed and the repair could not be made. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.
Dealer says the engine in my 2002 nissan altima must be replaced at a cost of $5,400 because it blew a head gasket allowing coolant to enter the cylinders. Car is out of warranty because it has 83,00 miles. It has come to my attention that this is a very common problem for this model because of defective design. Nissan refuses any help to correct problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine shut off. There was a loss of steering power and the brakes failed. The vehicle was restarted after two or three attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated and the weather was not a factor. The duplicate failure is related to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling), which was repaired two years ago. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer has not diagnosed the cause of the failure; however, they advised the contact to call the federal safety agency regarding a recall. The current mileage was 138,890 and failure mileage was 138,490. Updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07
2002 nissan altima 2.5s 77,000 miles. July 2006 took a road trip to chicago, when we arrived the check engine light came on. We took it to the dealership and we were informed that the catalytic converter had gone bad. It was replace under warranty. Prior to that we notice that there was no heat while the car was idling, rough starts, "whooshing" noise under the dash. July 2007 check engine light came on, took it to the dealership, multi-cylinder misfire, coolant in cylinder 3, which was the result of a leak in the head gasket which is going to cast $1500.00. This car only has 77,000 miles, why do we need to replace the head gasket so soon. Upon doing further research, I find that there are hundreds of other whose 2002 altima had the same problems, same diagnosis (www.carsurvey.org). Called nissan consumer affairs, and there is nothing they can do about it.
Engine cylinder walls are scored and using an excess amount of oil also catalytic converter is no good.
Catalytic converter coming apart. Pulling parts of converter into engine. Causing mis fire on #3 cylinder. Need to replace engine and converter.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that his vehicle should be covered under the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). He stated that his vehicle kept stalling and he took it to the dealer. The dealer stated that the crank position sensor failed and both they and the manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 129,000.
Problem started with service engine soon light on.. Had it put on computer and codes read off were referring to cam shaft position sensors. Had dealer look at it and they say there is nothing wrong with car. Cars engine hesitates, loses power, goes through way to much gas for our driving. So now light hasn't come back on since they erased the codes! Now several months later car drives awful. Still same issues but now car will not start at times and does at other times..engine sputters as to wanting to stall while driving and just today vehicle no longer starts!!! But dealer was still saying hey there's nothing wrong. Nothing has been done to remedy this issue. So my vehicle now sits at the dealer service dept. While I have no car and we wait to see if they will remedy the issue again or still say nothing is found.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The service engine warning indicator light illuminated. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter was sucked into the engine and a new engine was needed. The catalytic converter was replaced in august of 2005. The failure mileage was 99,000 and current mileage was 101,000. Updated 01-11-08. *kb the consumer discovered a recall had been issued for the very same problem. The consumer was told the problem had been fixed, but obviously it wasn't fixed properly and the consumer had to pay for the repairs. The consumer stated the part has since failed. Updated 12/31/07.
My 2002 nissan altima vehicle was taken in for service at bob bell chevrolet nissan, 7900 eastern avenue, baltimore, maryland, 21224, on thursday, august 2, 2007. It was brought in for servicing of all the vehicles' recalls, a soft grinding noise that could be heard when turning the steering wheel and low freon levels for air conditioning. On friday afternoon, august 3, 2007 around 5pm, I was contacted by the service department and strongly advised to pick up the vehicle before the service division closed at 6pm. The dealership stated that all recalls and issues had been resolved and completed. I picked the vehicle up around 5:45pm and proceeded to travel home. After only fifteen minutes, the vehicle engine started to smoke profusely. The engine started shaking harder and harder and a loud rattling noise could be heard from within the engine. The teenage passenger in the vehicle began to vomit and her eyes started swelling due to the volume of fumes expelled from the cars engine through the ventilation and into the car. I immediately pulled over (3700 eastern blvd.) and rushed to get her out of the seat where she continued to vomit once outside the vehicle. The dealership now denies ever seeing smoke from the engine (see attach.), as well as, denied causing damage to my car that potentially resulted in the engine smoking. The vehicle was picked up on wednesday, august 8, 2007 with the engine rattling uncontrollably even after being returned a second time to the dealership. The vehicle cut off while attempting to de-accelerate at a red light the following day. Uncertainty surrounds whether the vehicle will cut off again while de-accelerating proving it hazardous to drive, whether the vehicles five recalls where all properly addressed, and if the engine will start smoking again.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the vehicle would not accelerate above four MPH. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall for the catalytic converter, however, they stated his vehicle was not included. The dealer replaced the engine. The failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 125,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after driving a short distance. The vehicle would also hesitate while driving 5-10 MPH. The failure only occurred during warm weather. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. She took the vehicle to a different dealer and they stated that the cam shaft positioning sensor should be replaced. They made the repair, however, the failure continued to occur. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new head gasket. She took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and he stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. As of september 4, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 96,000.
I recently purchased a 2002 nissan altima 2.5s model from my 75 yr old aunt ,in trying to smog it . Check engine light on w/ p0420 code , car has 61450 mi. Uses alot of oil , alhambra nissan checked and stated engine no good ruined catalytic. Catalytic has federal warrenty 8yr-80k,also alot of smoke early am start up..industry knowledge./ iatn says catalytic break up cause engine damage ,scoring cylinder walls, dealer has replaced 23 engines & catalytics mostly under warranty. Powertrain warranty expired 01/07.. First inspected 03/97 & again 08/07. I believe problem come from catalytic, smoke ,oil consumption, check engine light. I think nissan should warranty problem..a respone would be appreciated...
2002 nissan altima overheats, air conditioner and engine failures. Customer states that she has brought the car in on numerous occasions for the overheating, air conditioning, and engine failures. *kb the consumer stated she was backing out of the driveway, when all of a sudden the engine light flashed and there was an immediate loss of power and no steering capability. The starter, engine control module and radiator were replaced. The thermostat was sticking which was one of the reasons the engine was overheating. The rear middle seat belt locked into place. The fuel door would not open when using the internal latch. The gear was difficult to get out of park.
Various services performed by dealer did not correct problem---such as throttle body cleaning, checking spark plug coils, crankcase sensors, o2 sensors---after 6 months dealer decided head gasket blown which I told them from beginning plus oil usage and antifreeze usage---head gasket replaced on "extended warranty" which I did not purchase with car- so there is some acknowledgement of problem---currently oil consumption about 1 qt for 400 miles, probably the result of head gasket and pre cat causing damage to oil sweeper ring on piston which would allow oil into cylinder---thus a reason for rough running at low idle plus smoke on acceleration---no smoke on normal running since cat converter is cooking---but sure will lead to another cat converter failure- this process started with dealer 01/07.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 55 MPH, the service engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the inside of the catalyst was scorched and the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The dealer removed the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin prior to the failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency recall number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.
At 6:30 pm I turned left out of a restaurant parking lot. There was plenty of time to cross traffic and enter the vacant turn lane. My 2002 nissan altima lost power leaving me in the path of oncoming traffic. Luckily, the approaching traffic was able to brake before hitting me broadside. In the previous two days the car had briefly lost power while driving on the highway. There were no near accidents on these occasions. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty crankshaft sensor. It was replaced at our cost. This was the same part recalled in 2005. It was replaced then also. There was also a near accident before the first replacement. This part has failed twice, with near accidents. Both were potentially fatal. *tr the dealer also performed a exhaust hanger recall on the vehicle. Updated 09/18/07
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle is burning oil after every 3,000 miles. The dealer diagnosed the failure as excessive oil consumption, but would not sell the contact a warranty. The VIN, engine size, and dealer information were unavailable. The current mileage was 87,000 and failure mileage was 29,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 5 to 50mph, the vehicle began idling intermittently. Speed was not a factor. The failure has occurred since october 5, 2006. The dealer replaced the throttle body; however, that didn't correct the failure. The contact assumed the cost of $42.00 to have the vehicle re-set due an idle error. The manufacturer has given the contact five authorization numbers; however, the dealer is unable to diagnose the failure.the dealer also stated that his two top technicians attempted to diagnose the failure and that the failure was characetistic of the catalyst throttle on the exhaust. The fuel pump and catalyst throttle warning indicator lights that were illuminated. The contact has detailed invoices regarding repairs performed on the vehicle. The VIN is unavailable. The failure mileage was 74,432 and the current mileage was 88,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. On july 23, 2007, the check engine light illuminated. The contact noticed massive oil consumption and smoke coming from the tail pipe. The catalytic converter had to be replaced at 50,000 miles and currently must be replaced again at 110,000 miles. He stated that the failure has caused engine damage. The federal safety agency recall number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) was referenced. The current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 109,800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at any rate of speed or stationary he heard a noise coming from the engine. He stated that the vehicle burned excessive oil. Approximately one month ago the catalytic converter was replaced however the failure continued to occur. There is a recall for the catalytic converter; however, his vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 116,000 and the current mileage was 119,000. Updated 02-01-08. *kb the consumer also stated the rear shocks were bad. Updated
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced difficulty starting and consumed large amounts of oil and coolant. The dealer changed the spark plugs, but the failures still persist. The failures began six months ago. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 70,400 and failure mileage was 60,000.
Car consuming lots of oil. No oil light ever came on leading to complete engine failure. 4 quarts of oil completely gone with no trace (no oil spots in garage, no smoke, ...nothing) in less than 2 months. Also a problem with radiator split.
Car engine began to misfire, the "service engine soon" dashboard light came on and was sometimes flashing. Proceeded to drive car at less than 80 kph (per owner's manual recommendation) to dealer for service, dealer advised that "power valve" (part of intake manifold) came apart on 2002 nissan altima, resulting in metal parts entering the combustion chamber. Dealer made repairs, but now the engine is burning oil excessively (have had to add 2.5 l over 1400 km). There is a recall related to this problem on the 2.5l engine for the 2004 nissan altima, which apparently has identical engine to the 2002 model. Car has 230,000 km so is beyond warranty. Dealer not willing to pay for repairs.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 55 MPH on a smooth surface, the tail pipe began to smoke. The check engine warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was serviced for the federal safety agency recall # 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) at 33,000 miles. The manufacturer stated that the failure was related to the recall, but they will not make the repair because it was previously repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 107,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing extreme oil consumption and loss of coolant. Nissan stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The current mileage is 70,000 and failure mileage was 69,000.
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