Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The contact shut off the engine but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where she was informed that the head gasket had failed due to there being very low oil in the vehicle. The contact stated the engine was recently replaced. The dealer replaced the head gasket. On a separate occasion, the contact had a routine oil change performed on the vehicle. After the service, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where she was advised that there was no oil in the vehicle despite her just having an oil change. The mechanic was unable to locate the oil leak but advised there was oil was leaking from an unknown source. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was advised that the engine and catalytic converter would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 114,000.
2002 Nissan Altima engine complaints
Page 8 of 24: complaints 191 to 220 of 682, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 2.5 nissan altima . While driving approximately 25 MPH the contact heard a noise coming from the engine. He stated that he continued to drive the vehicle to his residence where the oil was checked. He added oil to the engine after he noticed that there was no oil on the stick. The failure had occurred for nearly a year. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer or local repair facility. The vehicle continued to use excessive amounts of oil. He had to add two quarts of oil per week. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. The current mileage is 83,000. Updated 10/05/10 *bf updated 10/07/10
Tl*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; however, he stated that the exhaust and the catalytic converter were defective. The vehicle was also consuming oil excessively. The independent mechanic informed the contact the vehicle needed a new catalytic converter system, oxygen sensors, a new ECM reflash and a new engine. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that she would have to pay to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. He stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where he was advised that the catalytic convertor was defective and would need to be replaced. However, after additional testing, the dealer discovered that the engine also would need to be replaced. The manufacturer advised that there was an open recall on the vehicle (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000: engine and engine cooling) however, the recall would only cover a portion of the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 128,996
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated the vehicle was burning engine oil at an excessive rate. The vehicle would often blow black smoke from the tail pipe. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming approximately one quart of oil per week. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 141,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing one quart of engine oil per week. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the pre-catalytic converter had disintegrated. The contact inquired with the manufacturer about the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) however, his VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,505 and the current mileage was 116,908.
Car shuts of while driving. Car will start immediately after engine has shut off. Very dangerous almost wrecked. My 2002 nissan altima doesn't feel safe. There are several problems with this vehicle that should have been recalled. All which could cause potentially fatal and or severe accidents. The head gasket blew on my 2002 2.5 s qr25 4 cylinder engine. I had the head gasket replaced and it blew again. Upon further inspection the head had been cracked and there were thousands of marks in cylinder 1. One of the power valve screws located in the intake manifold of the engine came loose and shot through the engine, ruining engine compression (in turn destroying the engine) and it also destroyed the exhaust manifold, o2 sensor and power valve intake and power valve plates. The estimate to repair this is over 6000. Apparently one of power valve screws had gotten loose and was banging around the engine. Apparently this can ruin these engines. I experience power loss because of this. My car has stalled several times nearly causing a severe accident each time. The vehicle starts right up immediately after it stops. Besides the cost to repair these issues it is very concerning driving this vehicle. It is definitely unsafe and should not have been allowed to be mass produced in my opinion . I believe many others would agree. The is a voluntary service campaign on the 04 and 05 models, but 02 and 03 owners have the exact same engine and are experiencing the exact same problems. Are not included in these recalls? It's ridiculous and someone will get hurt or killed if these issues aren't addressed. Nissan should be required by law to fix these issues. T he results are very similar to toyotas recent problems which killed several. Apparently nissan is trying to use some kind of loophole by volunteering a service campaign. But this needs to be fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Within a few hours, she was able to restart the vehicle without difficulty. In addition, the vehicle burned oil excessively. The contact confirmed that she the oil was changed at least three times a week. The dealer was called and stated that there were no related recalls for her VIN. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing or to be repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
I have taken my car to nissan april 6, 2010, due to dashboard lights went out, I had to pay $630.00 for a new cluster, after 4hrs of diagnosis testing nissan had to arrange for me a ride home two days later while driving the service engine soon light lit again I returned the car back to nissan and was told I need a catalytic converter and sensors $1668.00, there was a recall regarding this problem , but I do not think nissan fix the problem.
After reading hundreds of complaints about the 2002 nissan altima 2.5 l engine failures, I've decided to write. Car began running rough. Mechanic said an oxygen sensor was out, but was probably the cat. Converter. Paid for both, and car is still running rough and using 2 quarts/oil per week. Mechanic said when the cat con went, it blew refuse into the engine, requiring a new one. I've joined the ranks of the 1000's who are getting no help from nissan corp. In rectifying this expensive problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that repairs for recall 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) had been partially performed by the previous owner. The dealer told the contact that the catalytic converter, which was supposed to be replaced, was not and was not malfunctioning; the converter failure caused the engine to malfunction which also needed to be replaced. Although the recall had not been thoroughly performed, the manufacturer stated that they would offer no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The current mileage was approximately 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated the engine light illuminated while driving 40 miles per hour. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic of a recall for the catalytic converter. The contact spoke with the dealer who advised there was no recall. The contact received a call from the dealer the next day who advised the catalytic converter was defective and the contact would have to pay out of pocket since the vehicle was not under the recall. The current and failure miles were 81000.
This complaint is in response to nissan recall r3007 which covers heavy oil consumption which leads to low oil level, catalytic converter damage, engine damage and eventually an engine fire. I've been having this problem for sometime where I need to add oil on a biweekly basis. My check engine light has been on for some time. I've had two diagnostic tests performed and showed code p0420 - cat. Efficient low, needs exhaust manifold/catalytic converter/gaskets replaced. Based on internet research (type: nissan altima 2002 - heavy oil consumption or catalytic converter) I found that thousands of other consumers with the same car are having the same problem and have filed complaints with nissan corporation. Nissan refused to remedy the situation. Please advise what recourse I can take.
My engine blew up. I called my nearest nissan dealer who forwarded me to nissan corp, who sent me to nissan north america and after telling them my story 3 times, they advised me there was nothing they could do since it as not yet a recall. I looked online and many had the same issue and were trying to get this to be a recall. I had just moved to that area, I had no job, no money and was attending school. My car sat in front of my house for 6 months while I paid $430 a month on my note. When I finally had the money to fix it, I explained to them I had just gotten a new engine and only needed them to restart the computer. They advised me there was a recall on it, I asked for what and they could not explain. They then said they could not restart my computer or do the recall because it had a code that needed to get fixed. I said fine, and paid for them to fix it and the recall. Later that day my engine light came back on and they had me come back in a week later and advised me a new code came on. I asked why they didn't tell me about it when I was there and they said they didn't see it then. I did more research and found out that the codes they found were part of the recall, and that was the reason my engine blew up. But they would not fix or pay for it. I have been back and forth on this and finally I found a number to call regarding nissan recalls. The person I spoke with advised me that it was nissan's responsibility to have fixed the issue at no cost since it was a recall and it was all connected. (had that recall or problem been fixed my engine would have never blown up! Recall or no recall, this was obviously a manufacturing issue! They never even contacted me about that recall! I found out about it when I took my car in!) she filed a claim for me and said someone would call me. It has been a week and no call from nissan north america yet. I call them everyday and everyday they say someone will call me. At least toyota is taking care of their customers! *tr updated ivoq 08/20/10 updated 10/27/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle over heated continuously and she smelled fuel. She also stated that it was difficult to start the vehicle after it had been parked; she had to pump the accelerator pedal several times in order for the vehicle to start. On one occasion, the contact noticed a burning smell from the engine once the engine was warm. The dealer advised the contact that there was a recall for the catalytic converter for her model but her VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The current mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle completely shut off. The contact coasted to the side of the road and was towed to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic test. The dealer informed her that the mass air flow sensor was defective. The failure mileage was 93,338. The current mileage was approximately 98,000. Updated 07/02/10
While driving my car the day before, engine suddenly stopped on a five lane hwy in center lane during heavy traffic at speed limit of 70mph. My son and I were stranded helpless in the midst of cars heading right towards us. An hour later geico sent a tow to take us to the nissan dealership where I purchased my car. The stall was due to a recall on the engine sensor issued in 2006. Dealer had denied recall multiple times prior but had finally recognized it. Left the car overnight to have ecn reprogrammed and was told that it needed diagnostic for $192.14. I stated I wanted to take it elsewhere and was called the next morning to come pick up my car. Got there car was running, asked if there had ever been any other problems with this model and told no. Got 1/2 of mile and loud noise and loss of power. Engine completely died while driving and lost steering and brakes while in traffic. To avoid going into next lane oncoming traffic, I swerved other way into telephone poll. Engine completely dead since then and has been proclaimed as totaled due to locked engine. Engine qr25de was taken off sales floor in 2006 and I received no information at all. Dealer told me he never heard of any problems with my car. On receipt from dealer it states car is unsafe to drive but dealer never gave me receipt to sign and never even eluded to car doing same thing it had done less than 24 hours prior. Said he put oil in car and it started up and was ready for me to pick up. I had just had oil change and had no oil leaks whatsoever. My son is traumatized and can't sleep nights from first incident and I have no vehicle and can't get to doctor for my back, leg, and knee injury I suffered in the crash. Nissan says 6 weeks until they send an inspector to see car and I'm paying for each day it sits on the lot of mechanic. Still have not even dispatched orders and it is now 9 days later. My life and my son's were knowingly put in danger twice due to corp & dealer negligence.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at speeds of approximately 69 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The warning blinkers were activated and was unable to maneuver the vehicle from the center of the highway. The gear was shifted into neutral with the foot applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was pushed to the to the median with another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The recall repaired was performed under campaign id number 07v527000 reprogramming of the ecu), before the vehicle was completely off the lot, the vehicle stalled a second time without warning. The dealer advised a diagnostic test to determine the actual failure, at the owner's expense. The contact refused to pay out-of-pocket for a recall associated repair. The dealer stated the vehicle was "unsafe to drive." the identical failures occurred one mile from the dealer. The brakes were inoperable and the vehicle began to veer into on coming traffic. While the brakes were depressed the steering wheel was non-responsive with extreme bodily force applied. The vehicle crashed into a telephone pole. There was no personal injury. The insurance company deemed the cause of the crash as "due to engine failure." the vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 76,800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. When the contact would drive the vehicle she noticed a loud rattling noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact had the vehicle's engine computer reprogrammed, however the contact is still experiencing the problem. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 213000.
I have a 2002 nissan sentra se-r with the 2.5 liter (qr25de) engine I purchased new. This is the same engine that the problematic 2002 nissan altima has. My car has had numerous serious recalls, originating within the first year and a half I purchased it. Two years ago, my ses light went on. My car was still under warranty at this point as I'd purchased nissan's "gold plus" warranty coverage. I was told it was a loose gas cap, they'd checked and performed all outstanding recalls, and all was fine. 8 months later, the ses light went on again.the car began to also exhibit signs of increased oil consumption. I had it checked, was told it was a cracked oil pan by an independent mechanic. Finally, I took it to nissan. I was told I needed a new catalytic converter, the exact part that has been mentioned in several recalls on my vehicle, and since the car was out of warranty they would not pay for it. Estimate was $1200, which I got in writing, for the catalytic converter. I asked for records of what they had done to inspect and repair the recall previously. They had no record of it. I called nissan north america, who told me the dealer kept the records, and to ask them.. Finally, an independent mechanic replaced the part. The ses light went on two weeks later. The independant mechanic said the pre-catalytic converter was damaged/falling apart, also listed in my recall explicitly. The dealer had misdiagnosed the car. Called dealer, wrote letter, bbb complaint, nissan complaint, no response. Had pre-cat replaced for $600. Ses light came on again. Eventually, my car stalled and wouldn't start. I had it towed to a repair facility who informed me my engine was blown, replaced for $4k. A screw had been found in the third cylinder. This is also listed in some of the 'bulletins' nissan distributed to their dealers. I've tried a demand letter, no response. Obviously, no one inspected my car for recalls, or repaired the faulty parts.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated two days after he brought the vehicle it would not start. The contact stated he is having the same problems as in the recall 03v455000. The driver states he contacted his nissan dealer and they told him to bring in the vehicle and they would check it and if it were the same problem they would fix it free of charge. The contact stated that now they are telling him his vehicle VIN is not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages was 126,100. Updated 04/16/10. *lj the consumer stated the crankshaft position sensor was faulty. The consumer stated the crank shaft position sensor was replaced at his expense on march 10,2010 and the next day the vehicle would not start again. Updated 05/17/10
On 1/25/10, my 2002 altima with only 27,000 miles on it, kept stalling or not starting during 3 shopping stops. I thought it was my battery and was near clark auto where my battery is under warranty...
2002 altima nissan-problem with oil consumption. There is 196 pages of complaints regarding oil consumptions on 2002 altima nissan where this is causing the engine to fail. The car dies after driving, which can cause wrecks and even deaths. Nissan is aware of the problem and will not help with any of the cost to repair the vehicles. I am a single mother with 2 children and at this point don't have the funds to repair this vehicle. Please refer to www.carcomplaints.com/nissan/altima/2002/.../excessive_oil_consumption.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving on the highway at 65 MPH. The driver stated that his vehicle started to lunge forward and then cut off completely. The driver pulled off of the highway. The driver stated that the vehicle restarted after 10 minutes but the service engine light came on remained illuminated. The driver stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer but nothing was done. Occasionally his vehicle does not start immediately and he has to restart it within 30 minutes. The failure mileage was 56,000 and the current mileage was 56,140.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. Whenever the contact drove the vehicle at any speed he noticed a rattling noise under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact previously noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard. The current and failure mileages were 133,000.
Check engine light came on 2/5/10, next morning (saturday) went over car looking for issue, found low oil level in engine, added oil, monday scheduled with dealer for soonest appointment, wednesday dealer checked out the car. Found that the pre-catalyst had crumbled into dust which was pulled in to the engine. Engine is ruined and needs to be replaced. Have contacted nissan and they will do nothing. There is a related recall (nissan r3007) - this had been done by the dealer in january 2004. All other maintenance has been done. My statement to nissan was a. Recall was not actually done (dealer says it was - have no reason not to believe them) b. Recall was not done properly or c. Recall did not fix the problem completely - I believe it was c that the problem was not really fixed, just delayed. Understand that the catalytic warranty was 80,000 miles, but should a catalytic breakdown actually be able to ruin the engine? If nissan knew it did not totally resolve the issue, they should have notified owners to replace the catalytic at xx miles, or at xx years. Never heard of this with any other vehicle that the catalytic failure can ruin the engine. Now rather than $700 or $800 for the catalytic, facing that plus another engine (estimate $3000 to $4000) for a used, salvage engine. But then would still have the same problem waiting to happen again. Recall states that this can result in engine fire. I believe it is faulty design.
The heater/ AC had many problems, almost yearly-needed to be blown out & anti freeze added. Head gasket was replaced at 60,000 & cylinder had to be replaced, timing chain tension repair. Now engine & timing belt need to be replaced @$4800.00 65,000 miles-doesn't seem right! *tr updated 03/05/10.
I own a 2002 nissan altima with the 2.5l engine. Excessive oil consumption lead to damage to the engine and having to get it rebuilt approximately one year ago. Purchased the car new and while I drive a lot of miles each year there was no indication in terms of warning lights that the engine oil was low. This probably lead to damage to the engine in addition to that possibly caused by the other design defects (I.e. Pre-catalyst) in this model. There should be some penalty to nissan for lack of owning up to the problems that they must have been aware of for this many years.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The vehicle burns motor oil excessively. The contact is concerned that the engine could seize while driving. The failure has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 100,450.
Nissan 2002 2.5 sl has to be checked once a week because the engine loses oil. When the oil is checked it is completely dry. Oil has to be put in the car once a week. The engine knocks and comes close to shutting down.
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