2002 nissan altima 2.5s difficult to start, will frequently stall once started as soon as its put into gear. (nissan dealership said it was due to "bad fuel"-charged $500 to drain tank and refill..problem still exists..) backed out of driveway, vehicle stalled, steering becomes extremely hard, unable to maneuver car, hit tree and cracked spoiler/dent bumper. Not safe to take on highway, as you cannot "merge" into traffic at highway speeds.. If you try to accelerate, it will buck and stall. The "service engine soon" light has been on for 8 months, even after dealership says they "fixed the problems" . Light keeps coming back on. Vehicle started blowing warm air through A/C this summer. Took to dealership. They said "too much freon" and charged $300. Problem still existed the next day. Took back to dealership.. Charged another $100 to do "diagnostics".. No problems ever fixed. Light still on. Nissan not addressing it. Basically ignoring the light, even though car has been in there for over $1000 worth of "repairs" in 1 month.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 20 of 24: complaints 551 to 580 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was making a left turn when suddenly the engine shut off. About an hour later I went to start my car and would not start. After making several attempts I left the car parked where it was. About 3 hours later I started the car fine. A week had passed with no know problems when suddenly my "check engine light" came on. The next day the vehicle stalled when backing up from the drive way, and again while I was turning a corner. The dealer claims the check engine code came up as "app positioning sensor" which is the throttle chamber. I thought this was warranted for up to 60,000 miles?
Car needs an oil change every month because it burns so much oil. No heat in the winter because of malfunctioning radiator. Almost had several serious accidents on highway from the engine stalling, leaving me with no power steering or brakes.
I have had my 02 altima for 3 years now and have about 85000 miles on it. Around 15000 miles ago, the car started to loose power, burn oil, burn spark plugs and burn o2 sensors. I have since spent $1000's of dollars trying to prevent/remedy the problem but to no avail. Nissan won't talk to me and the dealerships are crooks who have been changing random parts for the same problem. Soon my engine will blow just like all the others. Being in the military, I don't have the funds to keep this up. This car has problems and nissan is dodging a huge bullet. I have notified everyone I can think of and nothing has been done about the problem despite the massive numbers of people with the same problem! I have told everyone I know about the car and the way nissan is addressing the situation, neither myself or anyone I know will ever buy a nissan again! This is ridiculous!!!!!!!!
Service engine soon light comes on. Continuously fails to start. Reduced engine power. Engine shuts off while driving.
My 2002 altima had the recall for the heat shields and every other one I was notified about. My car started consuming excessive amounts of oil. On approximately may 5 I drove the car in the morning, parked it in my moms yard, went to leave and it would not start. I called the dealer and had to tow at my expense the car to them. The car has 71,000 miles on it but I had purchased an extended warranty so I thought I was okay. Well dealer says that to tear it apart and find out what was wrong he needed to get authorization from the warranty company. I was informed that because I did all the oil changes myself, they wouldn't authorize it, even though I could get a statement from the garage attesting to this fact along with my own personal log where I recorded all my gas ups and oil changes. Any ideas how I can get them to fix this car I still owe three years on it. And I think it is bs they don't know what is wrong, they know exactly what is wrong they just don't want to payup. My car failed exactly how they described it would on aol the other complaints I read about, there was a problem with solder and they know it!!! Thank you, [xxx]. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I have followed the manufacturer and dealers maintenance and have so many major problems with my car. I think nissan needs to revisit this model and determine if it is a defect. I have an 02 nissan altima. The heater was replaced in the 2nd year, this year the catalytic converter was replaced and now the struts are worn out. To my understanding, this is something that happens in the long run, not with a new car.
The engine light on my 2002 nissan altima came on, I brought it into my local service station for an oil change and asked them to check it. They said that they got a catalytic inefficiency code but were positive the catalytic needed to be replaced. I decided to bring the car to the dealership and was told that the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced but everything else looked good. One week later the light came back on and I brought it back to the nissan dealer. I was told the catalytic convertor failed and pieces of it broke off and got into the engine causing damage to the engine and I would need to replace both the convertor and engine. I had the recall work done on my car that was supposed to prevent this problem but apparently it didn't. I have placed several calls to the nissan consumer affairs department and have yet to hear back from anybody, for now my car is sitting at the nissan dealership, inoperable.
I have a 2002 altima with 35,000 miles on it. I have had it to the dealership several times due to fact the check engine light was on and it was running rough. I was told that the #1 cylinder was showing up faulty on the computer reading for the check engine light. The dealer had my car for 3 days and found nothing wrong and replaced the plugs. The whole time they were in contact with the nissan factory tech team. 2 months later the check engine light came on again and after another try to the dealer they instructed me that there was no coolant in the cooling system and filled it. 2 weeks later the check engine light came on and the coolant level dropped. Took to the dealer and nissan tech said to replace the head gasket. Bolts were on back order and they took a month to come in. They replaced the head gasket and then discovered the engine needed to be replaced, which was on back order and they did not know when the engine would be available. I have now been without my car for 2 months, made 2 car payments on a car that I did not have, and am getting pretty annoyed. I contact nissan north america, who was soooo very unprofessional and told me that they did not see the problem since I had a warranty and the money was not coming out of my pocket. Furthermore, they had more important issues to attend to since the 2006 altima recall. These took precedence and they did not know when my engine would be available. I am so frustrated with the lack of caring from this company. I have yet to decided where to turn next. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. 8jb
Oil consumption very high , engine seized without any warning or dashboard warning light.on highway engine stalled and burned some ruber hoses etc..car inoperabble.nissan stated it was my problem due to miles on car were high..I paid $7,000.00 in canadian money for repair that seems to be a defect..I am angry at nissan for saying it was my problem...with no warning lights or other warning , I do not feel this is normal...
My 2002 nissan altima had sparks plugs changed as a manufacturer recommended service. After I picked the car up and drove it for some time I would periodically smell gas coming through the vents. I took it to the dealer several times and they said they could not duplicate this problem. Later the catalytic converter ceased working and I am told the car has to have the engine replaced. The catalytic converter was already replaced once by the dealer before the 60,000 mile mark. I have documentation that my car's engine was also using excessive oil as has been reported in the media. I am told because the warranty has passed, there is nothing that nissan will do. I am still making payments on this car. I have all the documentation to support my claim that this was a defective car. I have read in the news reports that nissan will recall all altima's back to the 2003 model year. I have the 2002 model which was the first line put out of this particular model. I am wondering what rights I have. If nissan does recall all the way back to 2002, how can my car be repaired if the engine has already failed? I would like to send in all of my documentation so my case can be studied and I can know where I stand.
My 2002 altima is using oil excessively. One quart in 500 -700 miles.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was burning oil excessively. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 06v223000, regarding the engine and engine cooling. The VIN was not included in the recall. Updated 7/25/2006 - the consumer had to add oil to the engine every 500 to 800 miles. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the camshaft position sensor.
I bought an '02 nissan altima in jan. 2002. In 2003 I had recall work performed for the engine cooling system (cat converter defect) and at the time I complained that my vehicle went through excessive amounts of oil even though I had the oil changed regularly. The dealership stated that they inspected my vehicle and found that my car did not need any repairs and that the recall was performed. At 97,167 miles I took the car into the dealership because it was running rough and my warranty was about to expire. Also advised them that I heard water running behind the dash and the check engine light was on. Dealership stated that all I needed was a tune-up due to the mileage but other than that my car was great. At 100,460 miles my car would not start and flooded several times. Had towed to the dealership. They stated that they could start the car just fine and that I had flooded the vehicle. Again recommended tune-up and replacing spark plugs. (I had just replaced the spark plugs myself) next thing I know...my car won't run and sits in my driveway for several months. Had towed to independent auto repair shop and advised me that my engine was blown and needed replaced due to cat converter. I made the dealership tow the car to them and they informed me of the same and that I would have to pay $5000 for a new engine. The service mgr. Told me that nissan knows that this will occur,and that when they contacted the nissan rep they declined to replace the engine due to the mileage. I called nissan consumer affairs and got a total run around and told me that my mileage was too high and they have had no other complaints on this issue. Bull!!! Nissan must be responsible for this and fix the problem. I am paying for a car that has been sitting at the dealership back lot for 3 months!!! I am contacting the attorney general and making my voice heard and others need to voice as well because nissan is trying to sweep this under the carpet....not anymore.
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH on dry roads, the motor stalled. However, the electrical system remained operational. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, where it was determined that the crank sensor was faulty. The mechanic was able to repair the problem. Updated 07/25/06.
The oxygen sensor on my 2002 nissan altima overheated and destroyed itself. The fragments of the sensor shattered the main catalytic converter and pieces of the parts mixed with the oil damaging the entire engine, ie. Pistons and other internal components, rendering the engine not serviceable. New engine is needed at a cost of about six thousand dollars. I have notified nissan consumer affairs representative and I am waiting for their response.
Dt*: the contact stated upon inspection, it was noticed the vehicle was burning oil from the main catalyst. Although the dealership and manufacturer were alerted, no inspections have been made. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v084000, regarding the electrical system. The VIN was not included in the recall.
Engine failure: at just under 78,000 miles the car would not start. Car towed to mechanic who was able to start the car after an extended crank. Cooling system pressurized instantly upon cold start in a.m. Mechanic suggested towing to dealership because he suspects a possible cylinder head problem. He says the 02 altima has a well-known history of engine problems. 3 months prior to this the engine was constantly running out of oil and coolant. The thermostat and radiator cap were replaced by a mechanic. 2 months prior to that, the check engine light came on and a full tune up was done. All recalls have been done previously. The car is currently at the dealer for diagnosis. After reading many customer complaints I am concerned that the recall work that I had done previously was either not completed properly or something else is not quite right. A nissan shouldn't have a ruined engine with this few miles. This is my second altima and my love affair with nissan is fading fast.
My nissan altima (2002) with VIN#[xxx]) engine's stopped while driving the service engine soon light came on. After a few moments, I started the vehicle and I noticed reduced engine power as I drove to a safe location. Vehicle has been diagnosed and shows a code p0335 and I was informed by mechanic (service garage) that there was a recall for the 2002 altima's with similar problems. I contacted nissan dealer in tucson and was informed that my VIN # does not fall within the recalled group. Upon calling the national consumers affairs office @ (888)737-2647 I spoke to macy spencer (extension 8510). She looked up the VIN # an informed me that this vehicle had the crankshaft position sensor replaced in may of 2004 and that it only had a 12 month warranty. I purchase this vehicle from nissan in july 2005. *nm updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
1) on 4/15/06 my husband was driving my car and complained that it was not running right, and was missing. The check engine light came on. My husband drove the car directly to the nissan dealer in corona, ca. 2) the dealer service department checked out the car and stated cylinder #1 misfire, butterfly bolt fell into #1 cylinder broke spark plug. 3)removed intake manifold to replace butterfly bolt. Removed catalytic converter for inspection, minor hairline crack no codes. Customer decided to have old cat reinstalled. Reinstalled intake manifold and replaced related gaskets. 4) service representative stated this was a common problem and knew what it was right away. They charged me $727 to repair and I still have a cracked catalytic converter. I have checked out messaging forums and found that this is a known problem for nissan altima's.
After purchasing my vehicle (2002 nissan altima 2.5s) in december 2001 I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to the manual. However, good maintenance have not LED to good performance after about 10,000 miles I started experiencing all kinds of engine problems (radiator, throttle body and now the entire engine) which I mostly have had to pay out of my pocket. I have been taking the vehicle to the dealer numerous types concerning various engine problems, however, they told me some of the problems could not be fixed. I also contacted nissan north america, however, they basically turned me down, leaving me with astronomical bills for causes that were manufacturer related and not operational related. Below is a few of the problems I have experienced thus far and have had to pay out of my pocket: 1. Radiator crack - $1,000 including labor (at about 30,000 miles) 2. New throttle body - $1,200 including labor (at about 65,000 miles) 3. New engine - estimated $6,500 including labor (at 70,000 miles) 4. Electrical problems leading to battery failure every 2/3 months (a new battery was put in a year ago and the problem still persists) 5. Numerous other problems in which the dealer has not taken care of. As mentioned above, the dealer and nissan north america have not stepped in and fixed or cover some of the these costs despite numerous visits. Consequences: 1. Astronomical mechanical bills 2. No use of a vehicle presently which is affecting my livelihood.
Dt*: the contact stated a the federal safety agency recall # 03v455000 repair was performed on april 14, 2004 concerning, the engine and engine cooling. However, the repair did not remedy the problem. This failure almost caused an accident on april 28, 2006. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall. Updated 05/16/2006 - the consumer believes that the part that was replaced under the recall was defective. *ak
There was a crank shaft sensor recall on my vehicle which was repaired 2 years ago. Last month the crank shaft sensor went out and was not cover by nissan. This vehicle has had 2 crank shaft sensors. It's hard to believe that a vehicle would go through 2 crank shaft sensors if the part weren't defective.
Dt*: the contact stated the air bag light on the dash flashed constantly. There is a safety improvement campaign, # 02i001000, regarding the air bag. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the safety improvement campaign; however it is not included in the safety improvement campaign due to the VIN. Updated 4/17/2006 - the vehicle was taken to a dealer who indicated that eh air bag was defective. The dealer refused any assistance because the vehicle was 2000 mile out of warranty. The check engine light illuminated. The dealer found antifreeze leaking into the cylinders. The driver's side low beam headlamp was inop. The tech replaced the right side headlight bulb. Radiator leaked coolant. The heater blew out cool air when the vehicle was stopped. The tech found an air pocket in the coolant system. Replaced clutch assembly. Cylinder head gasket was replaced.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They determined the engine needed to be replaced however no repairs were made. The manufacturer was alerted.
Dt*: the contact stated the engine shuts off while driving at 60 MPH. Originally the check engine light was illuminated; the vehicle was cutting off, stalling and lurching. The RPM hand was moving erratically. The dealer determined there was a internal failure and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The catalytic converter was replaced by an independent mechanic. After having a second catalytic converter replaced, the vehicle is still having the same problems.
A recall (r3007) was issued on my 2002 nissan altima 2.5 to correct a manufacturing safety defect which could cause a fire in the engine compartment. The recall stated that the catalytic converter would fail and cause the engine to consume excessive oil, and if not monitored would cause an engine fire. Consequently, worse case, the engine would have to be replaced. On february 16, 2006 mossy nissan (national city) dealership did a diagnosis on my engine after I had stated that my engine was making a noise and consuming excessive oil. The results were "engine fail" and "catalytic fail". I brought recall r3007 to their attention and said that their recall did not correct the safety defect. They insisted to that I take it up with nissan north america. I have and nissan north america is stating that the recall r3007 corrected the defect and that I can't prove otherwise. My four year old car is suddenly a safety hazard as I drive it to work and for personal use with my family in it. Please help. There are others with the same problem. Thank you.
I was turning right when all of a sudden my car starts choking and sputtering and the service engine soon light came on, slip light came on, and the traction control light came on. I slowed down and it seemed to work alright but when I got up to 35-40 MPH the car started sputtering again and wouldn't go faster than 35 MPH. I pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car off and started it back up and had the same problem. Luckily there was not much traffic around and I was close to home so I drove back to my house. Later that night I went to start the car and it started but immediately died, started it again and it immediately died, started it a third time and it immediately died, but on the fourth try it started and stayed running. That next morning I had the car towed to a nissan dealership and explained the problem to them. The called me back the next day and told me that they have to replace the mass air flow sensor on the car at a price of $700.00 + tax. I have read many car forums and this problem with the mass air flow sensor failing seems to happen a lot on 2002-2003 nissan altimas. I think there should be a recall on the mass air flow sensor because with a car having this problem could cause a major accident. Reading the forums it sounds like nissan fixed the problems on the 2004 and newer altimas so why can't they fix them on the 2002 and 2003 models?
Dt: the consumer experienced problems with the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealership to determine what the problem was. The dealership stated there wais a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v455000, regarding the engine and engine cooling. The vehicle was exhibiting the same problem as indicated in the recall; however, the consumers vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
My 2002 nissan altima has been having problem with suddenly shutting off without any warning since around february of 2003. In april 2003, it grew worse & stopped in the middle of traffic and I manage to get it restarted. The check engine light would be reset only to come back on within a few days to a week later. They stated it was the engine sensor and they replaced that but that was only a temporary fix. Just this past august or september when I had my car taken to a repair shop & placed on a diagnostic machine which determined that catalytic converter was bad & had to be replaced. Once they did that the car drove well for at least 2 weeks only to have the same problems again. Took it to hampton nissan which is a 45 min drive from my home to have them check the car. They determined it might be the intake but wasn't really sure but they were going to have to check to see if that was the problem which was going to cost me $350. On my way home my car cut off in the middle of the street but luckily in front of my home but the car has not restarted since nov 10, 2005. Called nissan they informed me to take to the dealer & they have indicated that my engine has been damaged from the catalyst converter & I need to have the engine replaced. The cost for a new motor would be $4,800 & $3,800 for a used motor with over 24,000 miles on it. The mechanic stated that nissan knows there is a problem with the catalyst converter damaging engines. I feel that I wouldn't have to replace my engine if this problem was corrected by nissan. I had spoken to a representative of nissan on several occasions but now I can't reach him & I have left numerous messages. The dealer states that because my car has over 141,000 miles on it that they cannot replace my engine for free as the mechanic stated they would do if it was determined that it was the catalyst converter.
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