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2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints

Page 7 of 24: complaints 161 to 190 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 Mar 11, 2011 · Engine · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic because the check engine light illuminated. The mechanic stated that the failure was within the exhaust system and catalytic converter, which was related to the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 82,590.

Filed Mar 1, 2011 · Engine · 161,000 miles · GA

My vehicle has shut off three times while driving in traffic. Of course, this has been extremely dangerous each time, and we have been very lucky to avoid accidents. Each time, we have had to find a way to get the vehicle to a safe location, and have it towed. Because various mechanics have been unable to properly diagnose the problem, we have given up on driving the vehicle. We have now been through three alternators, a battery, and some wiring. After having previously said parts replaced, I decided to try the dealer. I dropped the vehicle off at the nissan dealership one morning before work. They called me at work and told me that a bolt had been welded to the alternator, and that it would cost me about $800 to resolve the problem. They also assured my wife that there was no recall on the vehicle. I told them not to fix it. When I went to inspect it myself, it was plainly evident that the bolt was not welded to the alternator, it was just not fully tightened down. Since complaining to nissan recalls about poor service and the vehicle shutting off, I have been told that there is in fact a recall on my year, make, and model, but not on my specific VIN. I have also been promised that a regional manager would be in contact with me. I have called back asking to speak with this regional manager,and they keep telling me he will call me in two business days. It has been at least two weeks now. The federal safety agency id number: 03v455000. 2002 nissan altima, 3.5se.

Filed Feb 25, 2011 · Engine · CA

2002 nissan altima. Consumer requests reimbursement for the expense of replacing catalytic converter and oxygen sensor *tgw the consumer stated the check engine light illuminated. When the consumer took the vehicle to the a mechanic for a diagnosis, they found a stored code p0420; catalyst system efficiency below threshold. They erased the code to see if it would return and shortly thereafter it returned. Another diagnosis revealed a failed pre-catalytic converter. Upon removal of the catalytic converter it was found to be damaged as a result of overheating. The front oxygen sensor was also damaged and both had to be replaced. The consumer then discovered a recall had been issued, but when he contacted the dealer, they informed him that since he had already had the catalytic converter replaced, there was nothing further they could do for him, the consumer then contacted nissan north america and was informed there were no open recalls on his vehicle.

Filed Feb 25, 2011 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima 3.5. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact applied pressure to the accelerator pedal but the vehicle became resistant to acceleration. The contact stated he was able to drive the vehicle but the vehicle continued to decelerate independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the catalytic converter would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) but the contacts VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 03/18/11

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the crankshaft sensor malfunctioned. The failure occurred several times before. The vehicle was taken to a local shop where the contact was informed that the crank shaft sensor and the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 65,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2011 · Engine · 247,000 miles · 00 · fire

I bought a nissan altima 2002 2.5 one month ago from her previous owner I drove the car back home it was smooth and perfect I put a temporary plates on it to do safety and emission test to it put before I do that I replaced the oil in it and after a couple of days I drove it to do the safety checks on it suddenly the car was making noise from the engine while I was driving on the highway and I was going about 100 and the car engine shutdown thank god I controlled the car on a highway filled with a lot of cars so I called a towtruck to take it a way from the street to the garage and when the mechanic looked and did some test on it he told me that it needs a new engine and it cost 1,500 to buy an engine I told him its impossible I just bought the car it cant be , I asked him how did this happen he told me that this car has a manufacture problem the programming of the crankshaft sensor gave the engine a wrong codes causing the engine to overheat and to burn more oil and because of that the engine is dead now he told me to call the nissan dealership and give them the v.I.n number of the car I live in ottawa by the way and to ask if there is any recall on it so I did that and they told me to call the nissan dealership in north america because its from there I did that I spoke with an agent and he told me yes there is a recall on it but we cant do anything about it because the car is nine years old now and the recall has ended tow years ago I told him why? Its the dealership responsibility to make sure that they recall every damaged cars or some one will get hurt because of it that's first, second there was an investigation about this issue and there was alot of customers having the samething so its the dealership fault to make sure that every car has to be safe and perfect to drive it especially its a family car too so all im asking is that they have to take responsibility of this and to fix my car and every car that has a manufacture problem in it as soon as possible please....

Filed Feb 17, 2011 · Body, Engine · 124,000 miles · NM

2002 nissan altima has know had to have motor mounts replaced for a second time since purchase of vehicle. Motor mounts seem to be defective.

Filed Feb 11, 2011 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the motor was ruined because the catalytic converter was disintegrated due to particles entering the engine. The engine was burning oil rapidly and in addition, the interior heat failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him he would need to replace the engine and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was contacted who informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 127,250.

Filed Feb 10, 2011 · Engine · 85,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH when he noticed the check engine light illuminate on the instrumental panel, then suddenly the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle within a few minutes. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was due to the converter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

I have owned a 2002 nissan altima 2.5s since 2003. I bought vehicle with 11000 miles as a short term lease turn back. I have done all regular service work; oil changes,tires, brakes ect. Recently took to dealer for inspection on engine noise. Vehicle has 113,000 miles on it at present time. Service writer informed me that the catalytic converter is disintegrating and causing the materials that this is made of to be ingested into engine. Consequently, the engine now needs to be replaced. I have discovered thru some online research and inquiries, with other nissan service departments, that this is a common problem on this vehicle for the model years 2002 & 2003. There was a tsb for this car for the dealer to do a visual inspection on the converter in 2003. I feel that a vehicle should not need an engine replacement due to a defective factory part. The advertisement for the manufacturer displays the vehicle being tested for prolonged driving . This is a serious issue with the amount of these vehicles that are on the road. A car owner should not be subject to extensive repairs due to a factory defective part. There are alot of complaints posted on the internet concerning this fault.

Filed Jan 27, 2011 · Engine · 109,000 miles · CA

Nissan 02 altima 2.5s has problem with engine/cat converter, car developed a p0420 error and has been routinely consuming oil, now dealer has diagnosed problem of cat converter disintegrating and getting sucked into engine causing it to fail, estimate for repair is ~ $6,000. See following links for the similar problem reported by others. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/nissan/altima/2002/engine/excessive_oil_consumption.shtml.

Filed Jan 17, 2011 · Engine · 128,800 miles · RI

2002 nissan altima engine has hole in the side. I was told they had a recall to put a shied between the engine and the catalytic converter. I think this was done to stop the heat from the cat. Converter from fatiguing the block. Well on my car they did the recall but it didn't work! I had to put another engine in the car! I have also put a complaint in for the floor boards rotting out on the same car! Nissan doesn't care that they have built cars with defects!!! These problems should both have been fixed for free!!! These two problems will cost me thousands to fix!!!

Filed Jan 9, 2011 · Engine · 115,000 miles · WI

We have a 2002 nissan altima that has about 132xxx miles on it and it is burning oil at about 5 quarts in a week. We have changed the oil regularly prior to this problem starting, which was about 6 months ago. We took it to the dealership and were told we had a catalytic system failure and it was going to cost $900 to fix, then we were told that the engine would have to be replaced costing upwards of $4000. I have looked into this problem and found a ton of other people have had this problem just outside of the "warranty".

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Engine · 90,000 miles · RI

I have a 2002 nissan altima 3.5l v6. Vin# is [xxx]. At 90,000 miles my car dies while slowing down to a traffic light. The engine light comes on so I got it towed to auto zone for a diagnostic test. A failure crankshaft senor was a result. It has a recall for camshaft/crankshaft sensors. It states that due to these defective parts, the car will shut off while in operation resulting to a accident/crash. So I brought into nisaan to have this these fixed along with other recalls. They said that only the camshaft was fixed and not the crankshaft. It wasn't a recall for my vehicle according the VIN#. I thought it ridiculous and a coincidence that the sensor that caused my car to shut off wasn't a recall for my car. So I ended up buyin the sensor for around 80 dollars. But after a few weeks after fixing, it my cars stalls out again while on the highway with both of my little children in the car almost ending up what would of been a real bad crash. Fortunately I was in the inside lane with light traffic and able to quickly pull into the breakdown lane. My car would still be running but would not accelerate when in drive. After waiting for a 15 mins it would start to accelerate again and when I start to slow down it would stall again. This would go on and on until I finally got to a repair shop for help. My car was put through a diagnostic test and it came up twice for crankshaft sensor failure. I do not want to spend another 80 dollars on a sensor that will fail again. There is alot of complaint about this same issue for these nissan altimas. I am paying to much for this car and cannot afford another. I'm afraid to drive it now because I don't want to put the lives of my family at risk in this car with this ongoing problem. Please help correct this problem before it becomes tragic. Thanks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 1, 2010 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NJ

2002 nissan altima with only 80,000 miles. My complaint is the same complaint you have received from others, regarding their nissan altima 2.5l engine. Excessive oil consumption/catalytic converter issues, where the nissan dealers say we need total engine replacement at a cost of over $4,000. On vehicles that have been maintained according to service requirements. I am amazed that nissan continues to get away with this. Just look up nissan altima engine problems, smoking, excessive oil consumption and you'll see all the complaints, with people from various states amazed that nothing is being done about it. Especially, since this condition could cause a fire which was noted in nissan recall id# 5449.

Filed Nov 23, 2010 · Engine, Suspension · 111,111 miles · WA

I have a 2002 nissan altima, that is burning oil. I have to put at least two quarts of oil in there every 2 weeks. Now my car is shuttering and hissing at me and not getting anymore when I accelerate. I'm being told that I will need a new catalytic converter and possibly an engine. Nissan is willing to do nothing about this issue. After doing some research I'm showing that this a common problem with this year of car and should be taken care of by nissan. As a consumer what can be done. This is unfair to us, thinking we are buying a reliable car when it's really a piece of crap. I will never buy a nissan again. Sticking to honda's.

Filed Nov 16, 2010 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 45 MPH he began to see smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the pistons and catalyst needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified informed him that his vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v084000, engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. He also noted that the vehicle would burn oil quicker than usual. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v223000 (engine and engine cooling) for the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs under an updated version of the recall but his vehicle was not included in the expansion. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle under the updated recall. The vehicle was not further repaired at this time. The current and failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2010 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

2.5 engine the same as all the others, this engine should have been replaced or repaired by nissan. If nissan would have recalled them before the damage was done.

Filed Oct 24, 2010 · Engine · 102,000 miles · CT

I purchased my nissan altima in august 2003, I have maintained my car for 7 years at 111,000 miles my engine went on my car. I was going through 3 quarts of oil in a week, I had a mechanic look at it and could not find anything leaking. I have my sensors change twice in period of 6 months. My sparks plug kept going bad after six months. I would started it up and would get a rattling noise, then I would hear water coming from my front dash. My car was being maintained very well. Until it started to put oil every week, I had it looked at several times and was told needed my oil flushed, then my I had to replace spark plugs. I did everything I needed to do but the issue was still happening. My engine light kept coming on, 2 cylinder misfire, 02 sensor, cat converter. I took it to a mechanic and replaced the censor engine light went off came back on 1 week later had it replaced again. I would come to a stop and would jerk put in neutral and stops, get home check my oil bone dry. I had an mechanic look at so many times that I was throwing money away enduring this for one whole year and no mechanic can find the solution. I was told to keep oil in my car. This was just unacceptable. On august 27th 2010 I went to leave from work and saw a cloud of smoke took it the mechanic only to be told I need a new engine I was appalled. Because my engine should not have went this soon. Well I reviewed complaints on the 2002 nissan altima and what I come to found out many consumer all over the u.s.a. Had the same issues I experienced. This very upsetting. I feel nissan should take responsibility for there products. I have went to many website and found many consumers have made attempts to have there engine replace and to no satisfaction nissan has turned the other ear. This is just unacceptable business practices. I should not have to put out $4800 dollars when it very clear that there is a problem with the nissan altimas made in 2002.

Filed Oct 19, 2010 · Engine · 60,000 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer for the crank shaft position sensor recall, but the repair didn't correct the failure. On october 19, 2010 when he attempted to start the vehicle the crank sensor failed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure might be caused by the crank shaft position sensor. The vehicle will be towed to the dealer. Report 69622767 was filed with the manufacturer and stated that they would only pay for the federal safety agency recall 03v455000, engine and engine cooling repair one time. The contact will be responsible for the repair cost. The failure and the current mileages were 60,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2010 · Engine · 112,254 miles · CA

There were no significant events leading up to this failure. Vehicle has been meticulously maintained. Failure was recognized by cel p0420. Catalytic converters were replaced. Now engine has lost power and is emitting smoke. Coolant and engine oil are dropping at increasing rates requiring constant attention but have never been allowed to be "dry." now engine needs to be replaced. This appears to be consistent with many other claims which nissan denies.

Filed Oct 14, 2010 · Engine · 125,000 miles · GA

I had a 2002 nissan altima with 125,000 miles. I was told by nissan that my catalytic converter was bad and there was only one quart of oil in the engine after my check engine light came on. They added oil and I had to replace it again after only 2 weeks. I called the nissan dealership about the excessive oil consumption and was told that the only thing I can do to fix this problem is to replace the engine. I have found that this is a huge problem with altimas. I really think there needs to be a recall as this is not acceptable.

Filed Oct 11, 2010 · Engine · MS

The car began to loose acceleration and the engine would kick and then gained the acceleration back. After 20 miles of driving started loosing acceleration again and shut off on a under construction interstate w/one lane of traffic. No service lights at first and after cranking and driving another 10-15 or so it stalled again and the check-engine, oil, and brake indicator's lights on the dash board came on. Checked for recalls for this problems. Contacting dealership for possible repair if its a recall problem.

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Engine · 112,176 miles · VA

2002 nissan altima. Excessive oil consumption with no leak and problems with the vehicle starting. Dealer states head gasket is blown. Did not look at catalytic converter although I asked them to look into the problem as it mirrored issues car was recalled for. Nissan will not cover as a consequence of mileage 112,000. Many complaints online regarding the same issue. Please investigate for the thousands of owners who need your help.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Engine · 140,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the head gasket was blown. The check engine light had been illuminated fro some time and the contact noticed that the vehicle would shake abnormally at various speeds. The contact, who was a certified mechanic, stated that the head gasket failed due to the catalytic converter failing. In addition, the third cylinder was blown and caused the engine to fail. The dealer advised the contact that the failure was a known issue and was associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The contact did not confirm if his vehicle was included in the recall. The contact made repairs to the vehicle himself and replaced the engine. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 148,000. Updated 01/11/2011*lj updated 04/07/11

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Engine · CT

2002 nissan altima. Consumer states premature breakdown of the catalytic converter *tgw the vehicle was burning a quart of oil every few days, due to a defective catalytic converter that was deteriorating and its particles were sucked into the engine destroying its ability to administer power to the vehicle. Also the vehicle would stall when accelerating. *jb updated 01/21/11

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Engine · 95,000 miles · CA

I made a complaint by phone regarding my 2002 nissan altima and have yet to hear back or get a copy as promised of my complaint. Due to the many complaints, concerns and problems related to this year ,make and model ,you would think nissan would be a little bit more concerned and wanting to remedy the problems that exist to avoid legal action for ignoring a potently dangerous problem that could be deadly . All though I have not been hurt physically ,mentally I am beside myself thinking if you cant get nissan to step up to the plate then who can???? I had a engine replaced by nissan dealership and it did not last 20,000 miles before the catalytic converter fell apart and got sucked up in the engine.. Nissan is aware of the recalls for this year/make/model???? Its time to do something as you have pages and pages of complaints regarding this exact thing and it is obvious nissan will do nothing because they get away with it time and time again..they are worse than toyota, at least toyota admits there is a problem...please let me know what and when you intend on doing something to get nissan to do what's right?/?

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Engine · 118,000 miles · NY

The car initially used a lot of oil and anti-freeze. Basically we needed to put a quart of oil and anti-freeze in the car every 100 - 200 miles. We had the head gasket replaced and this helped with the antifreeze and the oil but after a while it started to use a lot of oil again. It got to the point where it was going through a quart of oil every 100 miles or less. My son went out to run some errands and while driving smoke started coming from the engine and it just quit. Upon looking at the engine, he noticed that there was large puddle of oil under the car. Fortunately traffic was light and no one hit me.

Filed Aug 8, 2010 · Engine · 69,100 miles · RI

Nissan 2002 altima 69,00 miles, always serviced now consuming oil at the rate of 4 qts a week, no indicator notice on dash panel until car all of a sudden slows down to 20 MPH. This has happened while on the highway several times. Went on the web and found over 169 + complaints. Nissan has no comment. Next time someone is injured driving an altima may want to check the oil.

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