The vehicle has a defective catalytic converter that goes bad very quickly which results into junk being sucked into the engine. Eventually the engine gets blown or burns oil at an alarming rate. Everyone with the 2002 nissan altima has this problem and nissan refuses to accept responsibility and make a recall. Nissan simply charges us thousands to replace the engine multiple times which of courses does not fix the problem.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 4 of 24: complaints 71 to 100 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without manual force and a fire emerged from the harness of the vehicle. The fire was put out by the contact. A police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 12/12/13
I was driving my car to work while I was driving to the I 95 highway by pembroke rd there was a big metal stuff on the lane I was I couldn't go nowhere because the highway was busy didn't want to get into an accident therefore I drove into that metal stuff and hit under my car now my car don't start I don't have now way to go to work and didn't know what to do I called towing to towning my car I did not know I should police on the first place that's real suck they should have people to clean the highway I have a picture of the thing and I took it on the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and stalled. The contact stated that he had to add two quarts of oil to the engine in order for the vehicle to operate correctly. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000. Updated 09/06/13
On 6/27/2013 I was driving about 30 MPH per hour. The car engine shuts off abruptly and I loss all power to the car. I was stuck and the cars behind me almost hit me from behind. I put the hazards on and tried to start the car. I sat for about 5 minutes, put the car in neutral and it started then shut off again. In previous years I had to start the car in neutral but it never shut off while in motion until today,6/27/2013 and the service soon engine light came on and also the tcs, slip. I am now seeing that there is a recall. Can you please help me to get nissan to fix this problem because this is a hazard and there is a recall. Thank you. I will also call nissan again and report this problem, and I hope that they fix this problem because I could have been injured also others and there is a product recall on the crankshaft, timing control sensors, etc...why was a product recall notice not mailed to me about this serious defect/ problem?
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that after having the vehicle serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling), the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 122,000.
My car is using 2 to 3 quarts of oil about every 200 to 300 miles. I've been putting the best oil in it along with getting the oil changed regularly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the crank position sensor would have to be repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) but was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
The nissan altima 2002 has muffler recalls people can get killed with the smoke ,all altimas has missfire problems can get killed while driving ,electrical recalls please do something or are they paying you so you don't do nothing ??????????
The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would also stall while driving at various speeds and would often hesitate to start while parked. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the crank shaft and the cam shaft position sensors would have to be replaced. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. Also my car is loosing coolant and don't know where the cooling is going, took it to nissan they don't have a clue either. Also I sometime smell gas when the car start up after a long stall crank.
After one of my regularly scheduled oil changes I noticed that my oil light flickered. Checked the dip and noticed I was extremely low in oil. It had been about 400miles since the last oil change. A quart every 100 miles. No smoke from the exhaust, no leak when parked so I bring it to a mechanic. Notified me that its possibly my catalytic converter which will cost $2k since this model has 2 or it could be the engine running a total of $3k to $6k for the engine and install plus the $2k for the converters making the grand total of $5k to $8k. Did some research and it is looking like these cars are notorious for the converters and ultimately the demise to the engine. Any suggestions would be helpful. College and broke.
Car was purchased almost two years ago, used. It drove well and any maintenance showed the car in great shape until recently. The engine started making a rattling noise. I took it to a mechanic to find that the car was extremely low on oil, which had never been an issue and oil changes done on schedule. The car now goes through about one quart of oil per two weeks. I was told the car would need a new engine. No warning lights appeared while driving to indicate that there was an issue with the engine or the low oil.
Car was being driven at approximately 35 MPH when it stopped running. Diagnosis: the cam position sensors were bad and needed replacement (replaced 2 sensors). The check engine light remains illuminated after replacing the sensor with parts obtained from the dealer. There is a recall on vehicle which was never fulfilled, however, nissan claims it does not affect my vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while parked, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would also stall while driving at various speeds and would often hesitate to start while parked. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the crank shaft and the cam shaft position sensors would have to be replaced. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle exhibited a strange noise as smoke began to bellow from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer informed him that bits and pieces of the catalytic converter were becoming caught in the engine. He was informed of a recall for the failure under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) but was also informed that his VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 85,316.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while traveling 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was able to be moved to the shoulder where it was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic but he was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileages were 170,000. The VIN was not available.
The car has an unusual oil consumption related to catalytic converter problems seems like. It is too many owners of this car having the same issue and base on their information there is not accountability from nissan. This issue must be investigated by the authorities and enforce the quality material from nissan for these car parts (catalytic and engine). This could be a hazard issue for possible fire or undesired gases on lungs and/or environment. Nissan must accept their wrong doing and responsibility for this poor quality materials and technology sell by them in our country. We must be protect from this cheap companies products without any work ethical. If you check www.carcomplaints.com you can find over 200 complaints about nissan abusing people for the same matter. You also can see how in canada there is an organization who protected the consumer and was able to get a fully refund of the customer money. Thank you so much. And let justice reins.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that he received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000(engine and engine cooling: exhaustsystem: manifold/ header/ muffler/ tail pipe ) and took the vehicle to the dealer for recall service. Several years later, the engine failed without warning. The contact stated that because of an oil consumption issue with the vehicle, excessive smoke would blow out of the exhaust pipe. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection where they advised that the head gasket was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the engine did not need replacing and that they had honored their end of the recall campaign agreement. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Soon after buying the vehicle the vehicle began to shake severely when started or when coming to a complete stop. Bringing it to the place where I bought the vehicle the changed the spark plugs and the shaking stopped for a while then weeks later it began again and only got worse. Now it shuts off when running or won't turn on at all.
Catalytic converter went out and destroyed engine. Now car uses 1 qt oil every 100 miles. Nissan claims engine is old and there is nothing that they can do. Too many cars have this type of problem for it to just be old engines and now the out of warranty people are paying for it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact approached a stop signal when the vehicle suddenly began to shake with a hesitation. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. He noticed coolant leaking into the oil and the engine oil level had become extremely low. In addition, black and gray smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent auto shop twice. The technician advised the contact that the catalytic converter and the engine cylinder seal were defective. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) however, the contact's VIN was ineligible for repairs under the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. An independent mechanic was performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle to determine what cause the check engine light to illuminate; he stated that the exhaust and the catalytic converter were defective. The vehicle was also consuming oil excessively. The mechanic informed the contact the vehicle needed a new catalytic converter system, 3rd such repair. Oxygen sensors, a new ECM reflash and a new engine the 1st catalyst had apparently cause parts to be sucked into the engine which subsequently LED to the failure of additional converters and engine oil consumption . The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that he would have to pay to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle is having a remanuafactured engine, catalyst and sensors replaced at a cost of nearly $3000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed of a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repairs however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that her vehicle had an outstanding recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v251000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) however none for the crank shaft position sensor. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 180,000.
I am the original owner of my 2002 nissan altima and I bought the car in the fall of 2001. I religiously change the oil on time and have properly maintained the car. The car has extremely low mileage for its age. I have received all of the nissan recalls. Since december 2001, I have had the problem of the engine stalling without warning and also, at times, losing all power in the car, an extremely dangerous condition and that almost caused me to have two accidents. After four recalls for the same problem of the engine stalling without warning, this year the car is again stalling without warning and I am told by my mechanic that I need to replace the crank sensor, which was replaced in 2004 by one of nissan recalls. I am told a crank sensor should last of the length of car's life. I am also told that those who received the 2009 version of the sensor have had no subsequent problems only those who had the older sensors are apparently at grave risk. I was in the car trying to cross an intersection with my 5 year old son in the back of car when my engine stalled without warning and when the engine dies I am without power. This was the first time since the last recall that the car stalled on me. This makes the stalling problem even more deadly. People think the problem was fixed by the earlier multiple recalls and are instead driving cars that are time bombs. Nissan needs to address this problem immediately.
My car has been burning oil at a very fast rate, the check engine light has turned on, and my gas has lowered. My check oil light has never turned on, not even once in the 2 years that I have owned it.
Engine was consuming oil at an accelerated rate (1+ qt per 2,000+ miles). Dealership conducted an oil consumption test beginning december 2011. It appears that when the catalytic converter goes out, it sucks in pieces of the converter substrate during the negative cycle. The small pieces of the converter then score the cylinder walls. After several months of the dealership monitoring the oil consumption, I was told that I would need a new engine. I took the car in to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. The cylinder compression test indicated the first cylinder was at about 82 psi and the other three cylinders ranged from 111 to 118 psi. Back at the nissan dealership, the mechanic stated that the first cylinder is the one that is initially damaged by the pre-catalyst overheating. Nissan consumer affairs has told me they would not provide financial assistance in getting a new engine because I did not get a warranty when I bought the car used, and also because the mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter at 90,000 miles was not the nissan dealership (nissan case # 8897586). The car is suffering the effects identified on the federal safety agency campaign id 03v084000. There is the possibility the engine could catch on fire as identified in the campaign. I have meticulously recorded all of the repairs and oil changes to the car, only to have nissan tell me that they will not provide me with any assistance with this issue. It appears to be a design flaw with the pre-catalyst overheating and subsequently casing grave damage to the engine. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a routine oil change and she was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken in for the same procedure just a few months prior. The dealer diagnosed that the oil was never exchanged and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty. There were also no recalls covering the failure. The failure and current mielages were 66,000.
My car burns a quart of oil a month at least, were is it going its to much to be evap from loose rings and my gaskets are good and I cant just keep changing catalytic converter 1 a month also my clutch doesn't seem to hold pressure it stays pretty sloppy and sometimes starts grabbing real low.
I purchased the vehicle on 3/23/12. I had an oil change on 3/26/12. The engine started making a rattling sound on 4/20/12 and a mechanic recommended an oil change because the oil was black and low. He did the oil change. The noise went away after the oil change. Then on 5/6/12 the rattling noise came back. I checked the oil and it was extremely low. I added 3 quarts. Then on 5/16/12, I checked oil again and had to add 1 1/2 quarts of oil. There are no leaks under the car or inside the hood. The car is consuming an excessive amount of oil. I only drive the car about 100 miles per week and sometimes less. . And the "check oil" light never comes on to indicate that it is low. I now have to check the oil every other day because I am worried that it will use it all. I have to keep quarts of oil in the trunk, in case it runs low again. This is not normal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the engine was consuming oil rapidly and every two weeks, he would have to add oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised the contact that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to replace the component. The dealer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was also contacted who confirmed that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. The dealer didn't know the exact cause of the problem. However, the dealer recommended replacing the catalytic converter and the entire exhaust system at a cost of $2000. The consumer was informed it was not a guaranteed fix.
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