My 2002 nissan altima 2.5s appears to have pieces of the catalytic converter in the engine cylinder, causing an engine misfire. When doing research on the internet I find hundreds of owners of this same model vehicle with the same problem and in most cases they are being denied any help from nissan due to the vehicle being out of warranty. It is obvious that there is a definite pattern of premature problems/failures with this model that nissan refuses to address. It is time that nhsta uses their influence to get this company to stand behind these defective vehicles!
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 19 of 24: complaints 521 to 550 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Following the format requested above: 1: events leading up to the failure: simply bought the car and drove it... Seems that all 02 4 cylinder altima owners are experiencing issue b/c of design flaw! 2. Failure: the pre-catalyst completely disintegrates into the engine and causes the engine to fail! Consequence: need a new engine. 3. What was done to correct the failure: nothing but hide! They mask the problem to get past all warranties. Nissan USA is absolutely hiding from their responsibility to provide a safe vehicle! They started by hiding the pre -catalyst internal disintegration notification within a recall for a potential exhaust pipe hanger pin problem. They knew the pre-catalyst was disintegrating into engines causing damage, but didn't release that clearly to avoid needing to get past warranties and replace engines. My car was running rough and the dealer then replaced the precat (49k miles) and the car was never quite the same, but it did run so I thought all was fine. Obviously the first one had disintegrated into the engine and the nissan didn't warn me of what was to come! I have taken very good care of this car and now have 98k on it.. But the end is very close. I had ses reports of p0420 and then later a report for a 4th valve issue... Now the car drinks oil at 1 - 2 quarts a week or it is completely out of oil! There is no smoke, smell, or drips. The oil is just gone! The dealer says I need a new engine and said there is nothing they can do. They directed me to nissan consumer affairs- they have been very slow to respond. I am hopeful that they will replace my engine so that I don't have to worry about my engine seizing while I am driving on the highway or turning across in front of oncoming traffic! They have had my car for 10 days and I am waiting on consumer affairs to return my calls.
This complaint is in reference to the following: the federal safety agency action number: pe02078 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 catalytic converter. After inspection of the catalytic converter noticeable chucks of the catalytic 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 is fixing the problem. Safety should not be limited to a percentage of miles or to a period of time.
This vehicle will burn oil at a rate of 1-2 quarts every 1000 miles. This is a known recall situation from nissan related to failure of the precat and material from the failure being sucked back into the engine. Engine replacement is usually necessary. Nissan has yet to replace the parts or engine on a vehicle that now needs oil every 2000 miles.
I was recently notified that my 2002 nissan altima is in need of a new engine. It has 72k miles on it. The catalytic converter was already replaced by the dealership. It has had an oil consumption problem that has of late become quite a cause for concern. (I now check my oil every couple of days.) I fear that if I keep driving it, I will ruin another catalytic converter. Unfortunately, I have no other transportation and I cannot in good conscience sell it to another party. Nor can I afford the replace the engine. This was the first new car that I ever bought off the lot. I have kept excellent service records and have maintained the vehicle very well and have had all of the recommended recalls done. I feel that I have been duped. The dealership acts as if I have done something wrong but I have found that I am not the only one who has experienced this very same problem. Please add me to your list of dissatisfied customers! I would welcome your input as what my next course of action might be in the pursuit of a just resolution. I would also be interested hearing about any class action law suits that may exist as a result of nissan's negligence in this matter.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 nissan altim,a and stated that while driving there was excessive consumption of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine used a quart of oil every 350 miles. The engine light was on and the engine was running rough. The contact stated that the recall repair was completed when it had 40,000 miles, but had the same failure as stated on recall 03v455000 engine and engine cooling. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer, but they stated that they wouldn't cover the cost of the repair because it wasn't under warranty. The contact stated that the dealer should inspect the vehicle to see if the repair that needed to be done had to do with the recall . *ak updated 03/19/07.
2002 nissan altima with a list of problems including lost power, electrical issue with 02 sensors, exhaust, cruise control**cc when the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, she was told the vehicle had 2 recalls. After the two recalls were completed, the consumer still experienced problems with the vehicles lack of power. The vehicle had also started to consume large amounts of oil. The consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop and it was discovered that the oil rings were stuck on the pistons. The engine light had constantly been on. The code stated there was a problem with the timing chain sensor.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH under dry conditions when the vehicle lost power, the contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road without a crash. There were no warning lights before the failure, but once the vehicle restarted the check engine light stayed on. There was recall 03v455000 for the crank position sensor, and was is the same failure that autoway of nissan told him he had. The contact stated that he received a call on 12-4-06 from the dealer, stating that this vehicle was not affected by the recall due to the VIN . The contact has a diagnostic report, and repair order stating that the crank position sensor was the cause of the failure. *ak the crankshaft position sensor was replaced under recall back in march of 2004, the recall replacement failed on jan 9, 2007. The consumer stated the part has been replaced 3 times. Updated 02/02/07.
Nissan website : http://www.nissanusa.com/owning/recall_info/altima/2002/index.html#result1 applies to 2003 altima models in the following vehicle identification number range: 1n4al11**3c100003 - 311983 reason for recall there is a possibility that the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the catalytic converter and cause a fire. In addition, there is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. What nissan will do in order to prevent these incidents from occurring, your nissan dealer will shorten the exhaust pipe hanger pin. The dealer will also reprogram the electronic control module to prevent any future damage to the pre-catalyst. In addition, the dealer will install heat shields on certain components of the exhaust system on vehicles that do not already have them. This free service should take about three hours to complete, but your nissan dealer may require your vehicle for a longer period of time based upon the dealer''s work schedule. The pre-catalyst will be tested to ensure it is working properly and replaced if necessary. If damage is found inside the pre-catalyst, it will be necessary to replace the engine. Nissan anticipates that few engines will need to be replaced. If the engine needs to be replaced, this also will be free of charge and will take several days. In this case, a car rental allowance is available from your nissan dealer upon request.
I own a 2002 nissan altima, which falls under the engine & cooling system recall, along with a number of other recalls. I did not receive the recall notice, however, because my service engine light came on, I took the vehicle to the dublin nissan for inspection. They noted the recall and apparently repaired the problem. After I picked up my car from the dealership in the evening, the service engine light came on the next morning. I took it back to the dealership. They apparently did not find any problems and just reset the sensor for the light. The next time I took it back to the dealership they said that they did their job and to do an inspection on the vehicle they would need to charge me. At this time I contacted nissan consumer dept. To see what needs to be done to resolve the issue. At this time the vehicle was also consuming oil very excessively (of which I was not aware of since I just had an oil change done), therefore causing the engine to overheat and damage the radiator. I took the vehicle to a private, licensed mechanic to replace the radiator. They also reset the check engine light, but it still came back on. At this time I took the vehicle to fremont nissan, where they did diagnosis of the vehicle and informed me that the vehicle has a blown head gasket and 2 of the cylinders are misfiring on the test. They said that in order to determine the cause of the problem and determine the exact damage to the vehicle, they would need to take apart the engine and physically examine it inside (cost approximately $900). I again contacted nissan consumer services, they said that they are not willing to help me in any way. The lady told me that in order for them to commit to any repairs, I would need to pay the dealership to examine the engine and if they dealership determines that the problem is warranty related then nissan would look into repairing. I symptoms of the problems with the vehicle are all those described on the nissan's website.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle did not start. There were some fumes prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined the catalyst converter came apart internally and sent the debris to the engine, damaging the engine. Updated 03/07/07.
I brought my car into the nissan dealership in middletown, ct. Aug. 2006 because I was loosing antifreeze. They told me I had a blown head gasket and my engine seemed to be using oil. They wanted to do an oil consumption test and asked me to bring the car back in at 500 miles. I did that and was told it wasn't conclusive enough so bring it back in another 1000 miles. When I brought it back they told me I would need a whole new engine since it was blown. They told me the head gasket is covered under my extended warranty but the engine was not covered under my extended warranty since it was caused by the pre catalytic converter. When I bought this car I was sold on the extended warranty since it covered the whole car except for mufflers, spark plugs, brakes all the things that normally wear out on a car. Back in june of 2004 I brought the car in for recall # r30071 the recall was performed at lia nissan in enfield, conn. In the recall it states that if the material from the recalled pre catalyst gets into the engine it could do damage to the engine and may cause a fire. I now have an engine that had the recall fix done and their fix did not work. I am also concerned that the engine will catch fire and hurt me or one of my family members. I have gone through all the channels available to me at nissan and have gotten nowhere. I even got a letter back from nissan telling me that I have inadequate maintenance records. I change my own oil and filters but the rest I bring to the dealer if I have a problem since I have an extended warranty. This should have nothing to do with the failure of their fix. On a side note I have been searching the internet concerning this very same problem and have found many cases of people having the exact same problem with their nissan altima 2002. They have had the exact problem with nissan also. Any help from you would be greatly appreciated my car is failing fast and it is my only mode of transport to work.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the check engine and oil light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who performed a diagnostic test which produced a failure code, and indicated the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v084000, regarding the electrical system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start for two days. The check engine light was illuminated prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who was not able to duplicate the problem. Also the heater defroster was not working.
Dt*: the contact stated the engine was burning oil at a rate of 5 quarts per 1000 miles. The vehicle was provided with the proper oil service. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had problems turning the ignition on. This occurred on a regular basis. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer checked the VIN # to see if it was covered under recall and stated that their system showed that vehicle part had been fixed on a previous recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was never brought in for any recall work in regards to this matter, nor did the contact receive a recall letter on this matter. The vehicle was currently at the dealer, no repairs were made.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the problem was identified as a failed crank shaft position sensor and recall information was provided. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in recall # 03v455000 for engine and engine cooling due to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 12/5/2006 -
2002 nissan altima. Lost the engine due to "no oil". Dealership stated catalytic converter failed and caused abundant oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced on recall at 50,000 miles. The new converter only had a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, unlike the original warranty. Advised to contact nissan and I did. They stated converter and car were out of warranty and the y could accept responsibility. Dealership charged me 4,500.00 dollars to replace the engine and the converter. Vann york nissan supposedly replaced the entire engine with one from the factory in a miracle of 2 days from getting my approval. (3) weeks later the serpentine belt broke and I discovered it was the original belt from the old engine. This is a rip off and nissan north america should recall all these cars. Plus dealers are taking advantage of the situation and making a tremendous amount of money. I'm suing..........
Car was losing coolant. Dealer said I needed a new engine because the head gasket was leaking. They refused to replace the catalytic converter and blamed the engine overheat problem on the leaking gasket. Engine is working fine. I do not want them to replace the head gasket because I can get it done by an ase certified mechanic for half the price and I do not trust them since they told me I needed a new engine. The catalytic converter is supposed to be covered by warranty up to 80k miles. I have 71k miles on the car.
My 2002 nissan altima 2.5 s started engine misfiring and stalling while in heavy traffic. This occurred with no prior warning lights or unusual performance from the engine. The malfunction indicator light then started alternating from flashing to constantly on. I consulted my vehicle manual and followed the directions to drive my vehicle at speeds less than 45 miles per hour to the dealer to have it serviced. The dealer diagnosed the problem and told me that a power valve screw had come loose and damaged the spark plug. The suggested replacing all of the power valve screws, but they indicated that I may have internal engine damage and catalyst failure that could not be seen. They further advised that I may have future problems with the car. I understand that the 2003, 2004 ,and 2005 versions of this car may have the same problem and that nissan had a voluntary service campaign for 2004 and 2005 engines. I believe that the damage which might have been caused is potentially catastrophic and should be attended to by the manufacturer in the form of a recall and repair of any damages.
The car either hesitated or stalled (engine stopped running) on about 3 different trips while my wife was driving between 30 MPH and 50 MPH. The car started right back up each time. This vehicle had been though a recall on 11/17/2003 (r3021/r3022) to replace the cam position sensor. I was not the owner of the car when the recall was done. The dealer said this vehicle was repaired under that recall. The problem has appeared again or a similar problem is happening a second time. I brought the car into the dealer on 9/29/06 and they replaced the cam sensor to stop the stalling. Since the problem and the solution appeared to be the same as in the 11/17/2003 recall, the dealer said the problem was fixed once and therefore the second repair was not covered under the recall. I'm concerned weather this could be a recurring problem and if the original repair was adequate to remedy the stalling problem.
2002 altima service engine light appeared and vehicle stalled. *ts the vehicle's had been serviced several time by the dealer because the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lacked power, jerked and would stall. It was later determined that the vehicle developed a cracked block which caused coolant to leak in the engine. The engine was replaced. The vehicle had been maintained regularly.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the highway, smoke erupted from the engine compartment followed by the engine stalling without warning. No fire was present, only smoke from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the oil was dry in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not alerted. The inspector concluded that the failure was consistent from a lack of having the oil changed. Updated 10/12/06. *jb *nm updated 1/17/2006 - at no time did the oil light illuminate to indicate low oil. The consumer indicated that the oil light had never illuminated because the vehicle received regular oil changes. The consumer believes the failure is due to a know defect in the 2.5 liter engines. *nm the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the engine she had to replace. Updated
I bought a nissan altima sl new in 2002. The car has only 34,500 miles on it. I took it to elkins nissan today because of a noise. I was told I need a new exhaust tube assembly at the cost of 400.00. I find it hard to believe that this part has already failed in a car with low mileage.
Check engine light came on. Engine was using oil every 1000-1500 miles. Took car to vann york nissan. Was told catalytic converter came apart, was sucked into engine. Had an extended warranty. Thought it would cover the problem. Nissan of north america said the extended warranty doesn't cover the catalytic converter, therefore does not cover the engine. Asked to speak to a supervisor. Was told I'd get a call back within 24 hours. Never heard from them. Called several times over the next few weeks. Never would let me speak to anyone other than the telemarketer. Finally received a letter in the mail to inform they would not take responsibility for the problem. Took car to an independent mechanic. Replaced spark plugs and catalytic converter. Check engine light has come on again. I bought 2 nissans in 2002- 1 altima; 1-quest. Had owned a 1998 altima previously. Thought nissan was a good brand. Thought nissan was a good company. Thought wrong! Will never buy another nissan product as long as I live. Have told every person I know. Will continue to talk about this experience until I go to my grave.
The 2002 nissan altima stalls repeatedly while driving on the road. The failure includes the loss of power steering and the ability to control the car safely. The problem is caused by the power valve screws coming loose and getting into the engine. The screws must be replaced with lock tight ones and the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor have been damaged and must be replaced. Nissan has a voluntary service campaign to fix the problem for 2004 and 2005 models. The technical service bulletin is ntb05058. The 2002 and 2003 models have the same engine and should be fixed by nissan as well.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle suddenly lost all power without warning while driving at any speed. The check engine light illuminated in the vehicle. A the federal safety agency recall, # 03v455000 was performed on the vehicle in 2004 concerning the engine and engine cooling however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair under the recall.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle shut off suddenly without warning while traveling 60 MPH on the highway. The vehicle was towed to a dealership who determined the engine needed to be replaced. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v455000, regarding the engine and engine cooling. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
2002 nissan altima vents were blowing warm air when the air conditioner was on, service engine light illuminated. Vehicle is difficult to start. *kb after the dealer stated they fixed the problem, which they claimed there was too much freon in the vehicle, the engine light illuminated again the next day. The consumer was then told the head gasket was leaking.
I own a 2002 nissan altima 2.5s. I have seen that they have issued recalls for newer models based on the engine consuming excessive amounts of oil. I have noticed the same thing happening on my car for the past few years. I have mentioned it to the dealer on a couple of occasions and have been sort of blown off and told I am not changing the oil often enough. I recently was in the dealership for a recall for the undercarriage and while there had a 90000 mile service done. After that service, the engine was going through oil roughly every 500 miles or so. It used to go through it every 4000 miles or so, which seems incredibly quick. I think the problem is not just on the newer models but on older models as well. From what I have read, this could be a fire hazard and would like the matter looked into further.
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