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2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints

Page 21 of 24: complaints 581 to 610 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Nissan Altima engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 29, 2005 · Engine · 30,000 miles · NY

Consumer 2002 nissan altima radiator was leaking. *ts

Filed Nov 11, 2005 · Engine · 50,000 miles · TX

I want to report a failure in my nissan altima 2002. They day before yesterday I was driving to my evening work and I was chatting on the phone with my sister when the "check engine soon" light came up. I kept on driving around 10 more miles, and by the time I was about to get to the parking lot of my work place the car start shocking on me like if it was going to stop. At that time I was already in the parking lot and I parked. Then I saw a huge smoke coming from the front and since I'm a women that doesn't understand much about cars, I just got scared and called my husband so he could pick me up after work. When I was at work I talk about the incident to my boss and he went to check the car, and he told me the radiator pretty much broke!!, he tried to put water, and the car couldn't hold it. It was just leaking, he told me I should tow it to the dealership so they could fix it, because if I drive it the engine will die and my car will stop in the middle of the street because it will overheat. I tow it to the dealership. I wanted to know why did the radiator broke, I was thinking I should get a reasonable explanation why that happen. The car is pretty new, it just has 50k miles. Anyways, the dealer wasn't able to give me any good reason. They just said the radiator started leaking and eventually broke. Excuse me? So what should I expect in the next 50k miles? The same?... I just don't think this is safe... What if I didn't got lucky and made it to my work place before the car died on me on a freeway?... I could cause an accident... This is obviously a nissan altima radiator defect.... And it should be a recall, I take care of changing oil and putting water in the car as I should.... So why do I have to deal with this?... Please help. I had to pay $1058.00 to get my car fixed.

Filed Nov 3, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 93,000 miles · CA

Dt: contact states while driving on the freeway vehicle stalled/ lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealership. They told the contact it was an alternator, and it was repaired. When she drove the vehicle home it started doing the same thing . She took vehicle back to the dealership, they said it was the intake manifold. There was a recall on this year, make and model of vehicle, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Also, the dealership told her that if she didn't have this fixed that it would blow the pistons.

Filed Nov 3, 2005 · Engine, Fuel system · ND

It has come to my attention that the nissan 2.5 liter power plant has issues with intake butterfly valve screws that have became loose and are sucked into the engine resulting in stalling and severe damage that could cause grave harm or death. I myself have not experienced this however there is great knowledge and a current recall for some of the 04-05 nissan altima models. I am a current 2002 nissan altima owner and this issue has me concerned to the point that for my own safety I am going to have all of the 8 screws lock tightened so I can feel safe when driving. Please see the discussions on this issue as it is a common problem(one found >20% had missing screws): http://www.b15sentra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=86248 and http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192671 and http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192671 people have to use these instructions to repair this issue themselves just to feel safe here: http://forums.thevboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=64780 they have a current recall (04-05) why not older models with the same problem? Http://www.nissanhelp.com/ownership/bulletins/nissan/2005/ntb05-058.htm

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 44,735 miles · MD

I have a 2002 nissan altima 2.5l. My car receives regular maintenance every 3 months and/or 3,000 miles (documentation can be provided), it never sits longer than 2 or 3 day, and it's driven on the highway for my work commute. Twice my car suddenly wouldn't start without warning. The first time it was fixed, which was around april, there were several recalls for my car. One was for the fuel pump screen and the engine sensor that would cause the car to not start or suddenly stop running. This second time (10-24-05), my local mechanic showed me a 6-page service technical bulletin that was issued by alldata for my non-starting problem. The document suggested replacing the starter, adding a nissan brand fuel injector cleaner and/or reprogramming the computer to fix the problem. This second repair will cost me about $500 to fix when I pick up my car tomorrow. I thought the recall repairs would resolve this issue, but those repairs proved to only provide a temporary fix, but not resolve the underlying problem. Since there's a service technical bulletin about my non-starting issue, 2 recalls related to this same problem, and I've had the same problem happen twice, I think my car should be recalled. I'm fortunate that I wasn't driving the car when it stopped running or that could have caused a serious accident. I should not have the same problem happen twice in 6 months. If my car fails to start twice in 6 months and the recall repairs don't remedy the problem, then there must be something else causing the problem. I'd hate to find out in a few months that the $500 start replacement wasn't the culprit, because I'd be back at square one. Please tell me how I can get this issue escalated to a recall status or what I can do to prevent a 3rd failure. Thank you, jenny r. Baker.

Filed Oct 22, 2005 · Engine · 84,500 miles · LA

On march 27,05 my altima began to stutter while driving on the interstate very badly. I decided to return home to switch cars, and it began to stall while traveling at slower speeds (glad it did not stall while I was on the interstate). I took it to nissan the next morning and they said that both of the screws backed out of one of the butterfly valve plates in the intake manifold and the plate itself and the screws had fallen into the engine, thus causing severe misfiring and banging into the spark plugs and destroying them and also scoring all the walls of the engine. Nissan said I would need to buy a new engine but I refused and towed it another nissan dealer after talking to the service manager there and he said he might be able to help more. It has been sitting there ever since because I refuse to pay. The service tech said that all 8 of the screws holding the butterfly plates in were all loose. Many people have taken it upon themselves to apply the correct amount of loctite to the screws so they don't encounter the same problem. Nissan obviously takes the blame according to recall p5202 but it only applies to 04's and 05's even though it is the same engine with the same problem in the 02's and 03's. Please investigate this matter because if I had been crossing an intersection and the altima had stalled oncoming traffic could have killed me. This is definitely not a small problem and nissan needs to address it. I have taken some other steps already on my end to get nissan to accept fault, but please for my sake and other owners sake this issue needs to be addressed. I have plenty of printouts of how common the problem is with other owners and can email to anyone that is interested. The same engine (qr25de) is in the 02 and up nissan sentra spec-v so please check those complaints for similar issues since that is where most of the first complaints I have found came from.

Filed Oct 20, 2005 · Engine · 103,342 miles · GA

Certified ltr re complaints against the new nissan altima (my) 2002 & 2003 involving engine problems, requesting a defect investigation. *ts the consumer experienced problem with his vehicle not starting and cutting off once started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer claimed they fixed to problem but since the vehicle was no longer under warranty the consumer was financially responsible for the repairs. The vehicle would also lose power while accelerating and stall. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a cylinder 2 misfire. This occurred twice. The vehicle was returned to the dealer. This time they diagnosed the problem as a blown head gasket which was caused by a faulty converter. The service tech admitted that the initial diagnosis was incorrect but the consumer still had to pay to have the head gasket replaced. While doing research on the internet the consumer visited several sites which had complaints about the engine and other altima components. The consumer feels that the manufacturer should be responsible for his vehicle's repairs.

Filed Oct 19, 2005 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NJ

2 separate nissan dealers told me that I need a new engine and that the engine failure was caused by a failure of the pre cat that was sucked back into the engine. The cat was a recall that nissan replaced but parts of the cat were already sucked back into the engine. The second cat they installed failed again and is in need of replacement. They engine failure was a direct result of nissan's failure to repair my engine the first time.

Filed Oct 14, 2005 · Engine · 79,000 miles · IL

Nissan altima 2002, 6 recalls issues with 3 way catalytic converter that has burst into the engine causing engine failure. Has there been any other reports? Company honored warranty for converter, but denied to stand behind the engine. Service location in libertyville, il is aware also spoke to executive office in ca.

Filed Oct 4, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

Dt: 2002 nissan altima. The consumer stated when she would start the vehicle in the morning, it felt like it was not getting any fuel. She would have to press the accelerator. She stated it would happen sometimes at lunch time, and when she went home from work. The check engine light came on at this time. This started on september 12, 2005. The consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and they found a recall. The throttle body was cleaned by mechanic. She called nissan of clovis, and took vehicle there, and they found the vehicle did not fall under the recall. They found it was the throttle body. She had the throttle body replaced. The next morning it started again, the dealership told her to bring it back in. This time it was the ECM computer. It was also replaced. On september 28, 2005 the vehicle did it again. She took the vehicle back on september 30, 2005, and they found the coolant is leaking into the number two cylinder; the head gasket would have to be replaced. The consumer stated the service manager said these vehicles have been coming in with this problem but at 80,000 miles.

Filed Sep 20, 2005 · Engine · 90,000 miles · CA

My 2002 nissan altima has a pre-catalyst that has broken apart inside and has caused severe engine damage. This has happened after my vehicle was in for recall repairs for this exact issue. Never the less, this pre-catalyst has indeed failed and the engine damage has occurred including excessive oil consumption, engine noise and a burning smell. I am concerned that my vehicle is unsafe and that there is a possibility of fire since this has happened to other vehicles like mine. I have gone to a dealer and to nissan north america, but they refuse to help me. They claim that they have done the recall work and that this is no longer their problem.

Filed Sep 6, 2005 · Engine · GA

My "service engine soon" light came on and I took my car to a local shop. They let me know that the cam/crank sensor was the problem and that it had been recalled by nissan. I took the car and paper work on the recall to nissan and was told that it was not recalled on my car. I told them to fit it anyway and was quoted $385. I returned home and called nissan. I was told that the crank sensor had already been fixed on my car. I do not recall having thes done. I explained that if it was done, it was done improperly because it needs to be fixed again. They said that they would look into it and gave me a file number and said that I should hear something back within 24 hours.

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Engine · NY

In the beginning of april 2005 the engine light in my nissan altima came on - since I was told unless the light was flashing it is okay to drive - I called for the next appointment with nemith nissan. On the days prior to taking my car in I noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. I no longer drove the car and had it towed to nemith nissan. Upon inspection of the car a t nemith they stated that the pre-catalyst had failed ( a recalled part never replaced only inspected) and exhaust had blown into the engine scoring the cylinders. Answer: new engine $4573.45. Car had 87,000 miles but was well taken care of - oil changes regularly - reg. Maintenance etc.. Nemith suggested we contact nissan direct - filed a case - no satisfaction - completely refused any assistance. Car has since been fixed - mechanic clearly states pre-catalyst cause of problem - this part was recalled and only inspected by nemith - never replaced! Had I driven this car any further car would have caught fire!!!!!!!!!!!.

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Engine · 103,000 miles · GA · fire

(1) I allegedly had the enginge crank sensors replaced in march, as according the mandated recall on 2002 nissan altimas. Yet, my car still experienced difficulties starting and continued to conumse large quantities of oil. I was having to add 2 or 3 quarts in between scheduled oil changes. (2) if in fact the crank sensors on the enings of my vehicle were replaced, the starting difficulties persisted. Also, the recall informaiton listed and shown on nissan USA's website provide exlpicit and detailed information about what mechanical trouble and events will occur if the sensors and the catalyic (catalyst) converter are not replaced simulteaneously. (3) I had my 2002 nissan altima towed to peachtree nissan on 7/15/05, and on 7/16/05 I called the dealership and gainer smith (maintenance mgr.) informed me that my catalyic (pieces) converter had been sucked into my engine and caused major damage and cracked the pistons and engine block. Prior to this incident my car had ofter stopped without warning on the freeway, for unexplained reasons. My 02 altima never had any major engine or part problems since I purchased the automobile brand new from troncalli nissan. Peachtree nissan instructed me to call nissan USA because there dealership could not authorize themselves to replace the engine in my car. Also, a mechanic on duty told me the problem that destroyed the engine in my car happens often to 2.5 liter engine altimas. He stated the problem usually occurs at 60,000 miles and since my car has 103,000 miles and no warranty they wouldnt immediately take responsibilty for replacing my engine. Lastly, my engine did not malfunction because I abused my car. I changed the oil and kept coolant in the compartment at all times. My car is not working because when my car was at peachtree nissan in march the dealer failed to properly complete the recall portion on my exhasut/hanger pin and pre-catalyst (converter). A faulty exhaust should never cause an engine to be destroyed.

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Engine · 66,000 miles · TX · fire

The car had been using a little oil prior to the event. On my way out of town on the highway my car caught fire and blew the engine

Filed Jul 20, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 79,087 miles · TX

The first thing was the oxygen sensor. Then the oxygen sensor again. The dealership fixed the problem. Mext there was, and still is, the jerking transmission. When driving in rush hour traffic or driving on the open highway, the trans shifts hard comming out of first into second. I have taken this car into several nissan dealerships and to this day, no one has found the problem. They keep telling me that this is normal. I have driven other altimas including several rentals while mine wasin the shop and they didn't shift like mine. The next problem is those headlights. They have replaced one of my light asemblies an great river nissan but the other has not been replaced. Next, there was the heater coil that leaked and it took almost 6 months to determine because it didn't leak inside the car. Next there was the ignition coils that were replaced 2x within a week and still caused the check engine light to come on. After the ignition problem the mechanics at sterling mccall nissan told my that it was my sparkplugs that had hust been checked about 2 weeks prior at great river nissan in mississippi. I went back to the dealership and invited the service man to a nice long ride. After driving about 20 miles, I stopped the car and le it sit for about 5 minutes. The car started and he smiled. He said, "see there is nonthing wrong." after explaining that he needed to let the car set for a while and then try to start it, he said that it is still going to start.after sitting for about 2 hours, I asked the service man to step outside and lets giv the car a start... To no suprise, when I turned the key the car puttered, spitted, jerked, and everything else but started. It was determined the next morning that there was a blown head gasket that could have been caused by the catalyst that was just replaced due to a recall.

Filed Jun 1, 2005 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NY

My 2002 nissan altima 4 cylinder had a recall that certain engines may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If the particles enter the combustion chamber they could score the cylinder walls restulting in increased oil comsumption and engine fire the pre-catalyst was to be tested and if there is damage, a new engine needs to be replaced. I brought my car in 11/04 to be checked. Supposedly nothing was wrong. Last month, my oil light flashed and we checked and I was down 2 qts of oil. I brought it in last month and I was told nothing was wrong. One week later, I was down another 2 qts and then they advised me that I need a new catalyst converter. I brought it to nissan and they are requesting my documentation for all my oil changes even though my extended warranty did not run before this problem started. Autospa in medford, long island where I bring my car had a computer crash and lost all cocumenation and had to get new computers. Nissan will not fix the problem with my car. I asked them do I have to wait until my car goes on fire and they responded that it will be cheaper to replace an engine then to check if there is something wrong with the engine. Nissans voice service even states that vehicles manufactured before 5/20/03 are having these problems. I purchased mine in 1/02. I feel the problems with my car are manufacturing problems. My oil changes should not determine if my car should be looked at when the company is admitting to having problems. I pulled my car out of nissan and having my personal mechanic put in a new catalyst converter. If my car goes on fire and either myself or my son is injured, there will definitely be a lawsuit.

Filed May 5, 2005 · Engine · 84 miles · TN

I am very upset. Just all of a sudden, I started hearing a noise that sounded as if it was coming from the exhaust. I took it to a local service repair store for new tires and asked them to check out the noise. They informed me that this was a common problem with 2002 nissan altima's and that it was a very serious, dangerous problem. They indicated the problem was the 02 valve backed out of the catalitic converter and because the catalitic converter and the exhaust manifold were one piece, they all had to be replaced. They adivsed me that there was a service advisory out on this and it was very serious. It cost me $900.00 to get this fixed as I was in fear of my life to drive this any longer. I want to know why there was not recall on this and I am requesting my money be refunded. This is extremely frustrating for a 3 year old vehicle. If I do not receive some type of contact on this complaint, I plan to contact the bbb and possibly an attorney. If this problem warranted a service advisory, it certainly should have warranted a recall.

Filed May 5, 2005 · Engine · 36,000 miles · VA · fire

Dt: the consumer was driving and heard a loud bang on the passenger side. She exited the vehicle and checked it and everything seemed fine. As they accelerated smoke started coming from the engine. Consumer exited the vehicle and was walking away from it to call for help when it burst into flames.

Filed May 4, 2005 · Engine · 75,781 miles · MD

My car heating system was not functioning properly and then my car had overheated. Mechanic said there was a leak in the radiator which caused my car to overheat causing a crack in my engine. Car is only 3 years old with 75,781 miles.

Filed May 4, 2005 · Engine · 38,000 miles · MN

Engine shutdown and the car stopped suddenly at 70mph on a highway. Car was restarted but quickly shutdown again when trying to return to highway speed. Managed to pull over, but when trying to shift into park the transmission got stuck in reverse and the car would no longer move. Car had to be towed to dealer and is being looked at. Car has a recent history of stalling 1 second after cold start, including at least once when the car lunged forward as it stalled while still in park. Priot to this shutdown, the dealer was not very cooperative and had only found two settings out of spec in the engine management system and reset them (twice, 2 days apart).

Filed May 2, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 58,000 miles · CA

The consumer stated a new engine was placed in the car in november, then two months later, it needed a new driveshaft, and currently needs motor mounts. There was a moving sensation when first taking off. When the consumer stopped the vehicle there was a popping noise. The car has been doing this since ownership.

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Engine · 72,000 miles · MD

Recall campaign 03v455000 crank shaft failure. Consumer took vehicle to dealer because the check engine light came on. Consumer was informed there was recall repairs that needed to be performed for the crank shaft sensor. Recall repairs were performed. Upon receiving the vehicle from the dealer the performance changed. Then, vehicle started to smoke from the rear. It was taken back to the dealer, and the engine was found to be defective, and needed to be replaced at consumer's expense. *ak consumer kept oil changed every 3,000 miles, engine failure.

Filed Mar 23, 2005 · Airbags, Engine · 77,000 miles · NH

First was the service engine light was coming on and off. Then I noticed as I accelerate there was a strange noise, which was getting more pronounced daily, finally the last two days as I was traveling and accelerated to go faster it was almost like it was slowing down instead of increasing in speed. The noise also is obvious in park now. I went on-line and noticed a recall (03v455000) for the exact same symptoms so I called the dealer and was told "no that does not incude your VIN #, we go by VIN#'s and yours isn't listed. I said"but this is what is going on with my car and it says it can stall at high sppeds and crash". She said she could charge me $85 to hook it up and check it out but it is not under a recall nor warranty. Perhaps their recall is not broad enough and should include more VIN#'s... Not sure what to do from here, afraid to drive it, and the dealer is 50+ miles away. Another recall (03v061000) is for driver air bag intermittent which is also whats going on in my car.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Engine · 29,778 miles · MI

Lost of heat the dealership has replaced the water pump,heat box,termostat's, flushed cooling system & still I lose heat. They have contacted the engineers in calif. And they don't know what wrong either. One should be here in detroit by march 22,2005 to try and solve the problem. Now the car is burning oil, whin in a week I have to replace oil in the car because all the oil is gone and it's not leaking.

Filed Feb 9, 2005 · Engine · 101,900 miles · LA

Engine damage due to catalytic converter breaking up into pieces and this pieces going into the engine.

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Engine · PA · fire

No collision- while driving the vehicle made a large noise and suddenly everything shut down.the engine was on fire and we had car towed. Car needs complete new engine. Two different auto shops said they had no idea what could have caused this. Car had always been properly maintained. Nissan was notified and came to take pictures of car in november 2004. Has been under "legal review" ever since and company has been less than cooperative when we've tried to contact them numerous times, so we've contacted an attorney.

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Engine · 116,000 miles · GA

Nissan's recall deals severely with the motor. Heat sensors were not installed on the motor allowing the motor to reach extreme temperatures, thus burning off the oxygen sensor into the pre-catalyst converter causing my motor to lose 3 qts. Plus of oil per day. Nissan knew of the problem and have tried to correct the problem. Although I have 117,000 miles have kept up with oil changes, nissan wants me to pay 50% of the cost to fix my vehicle. I have called and complained to nissan's 800 number and over 20 plus calls went unanswered. I then dropped my vehicle off and left in order to get someone to return my call. Nissan threatened me with the towing of my vehicle off their premises and have done so. I am now out of a vehicle and nissan wont budge off of their 50% split for a motor. This was nissan's fault in the production of the vehicle not mine.

Filed Dec 22, 2004 · Engine · NJ

Recall campaign, replaced exhaust cat shields and front pipe. Several other problems. *bf as soon as the vehicle was started it stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle consumer excessive amounts of oil and the check engine light illuminated. The consumer was told that he needed a long block engine assembly, a catalytic converter and front oxygen sensor.

Filed Nov 18, 2004 · Engine · 35,000 miles · MD

Engine had a clicking sound. There was noise when vehicle accelerated. Then, pedal was loose, and engine was hard to start.

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