Page 14 of 21 · complaints 651–700 of 1,047

2002 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 11, 2007129,000 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). HE STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE KEPT STALLING AND HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND BOTH THEY AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 129,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 6, 200780,000 milesNH

PROBLEM STARTED WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON.. HAD IT PUT ON COMPUTER AND CODES READ OFF WERE REFERRING TO CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS. HAD DEALER LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. CARS ENGINE HESITATES, LOSES POWER, GOES THROUGH WAY TO MUCH GAS FOR OUR DRIVING. SO NOW LIGHT HASN'T COME BACK ON SINCE THEY ERASED THE CODES! NOW SEVERAL MONTHS LATER CAR DRIVES AWFUL. STILL SAME ISSUES BUT NOW CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND DOES AT OTHER TIMES..ENGINE SPUTTERS AS TO WANTING TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND JUST TODAY VEHICLE NO LONGER STARTS!!! BUT DEALER WAS STILL SAYING HEY THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE. SO MY VEHICLE NOW SITS AT THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. WHILE I HAVE NO CAR AND WE WAIT TO SEE IF THEY WILL REMEDY THE ISSUE AGAIN OR STILL SAY NOTHING IS FOUND. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 5, 200799,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST OF 2005. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED, BUT OBVIOUSLY IT WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART HAS SINCE FAILED. UPDATED 12/31/07. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank AssemblyFire1 injured
Filed Sep 12, 200773,000 milesMH

MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT BOB BELL CHEVROLET NISSAN, 7900 EASTERN AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 21224, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007. IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICING OF ALL THE VEHICLES' RECALLS, A SOFT GRINDING NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND LOW FREON LEVELS FOR AIR CONDITIONING. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 3, 2007 AROUND 5PM, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STRONGLY ADVISED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SERVICE DIVISION CLOSED AT 6PM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT ALL RECALLS AND ISSUES HAD BEEN RESOLVED AND COMPLETED. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AROUND 5:45PM AND PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL HOME. AFTER ONLY FIFTEEN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE PROFUSELY. THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING HARDER AND HARDER AND A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE TEENAGE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VOMIT AND HER EYES STARTED SWELLING DUE TO THE VOLUME OF FUMES EXPELLED FROM THE CARS ENGINE THROUGH THE VENTILATION AND INTO THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER (3700 EASTERN BLVD.) AND RUSHED TO GET HER OUT OF THE SEAT WHERE SHE CONTINUED TO VOMIT ONCE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW DENIES EVER SEEING SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE (SEE ATTACH.), AS WELL AS, DENIED CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT POTENTIALLY RESULTED IN THE ENGINE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007 WITH THE ENGINE RATTLING UNCONTROLLABLY EVEN AFTER BEING RETURNED A SECOND TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP. TH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Sep 7, 2007122,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE FOUR MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER, THEY STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 4, 200720,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED DURING WARM WEATHER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY MADE THE REPAIR, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW HEAD GASKET. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Aug 30, 200759,632 milesCA

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S MODEL FROM MY 75 YR OLD AUNT ,IN TRYING TO SMOG IT . CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON W/ P0420 CODE , CAR HAS 61450 MI. USES ALOT OF OIL , ALHAMBRA NISSAN CHECKED AND STATED ENGINE NO GOOD RUINED CATALYTIC. CATALYTIC HAS FEDERAL WARRENTY 8YR-80K,ALSO ALOT OF SMOKE EARLY AM START UP..INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE./ IATN SAYS CATALYTIC BREAK UP CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE ,SCORING CYLINDER WALLS, DEALER HAS REPLACED 23 ENGINES & CATALYTICS MOSTLY UNDER WARRANTY. POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED 01/07.. FIRST INSPECTED 03/97 & AGAIN 08/07. I BELIEVE PROBLEM COME FROM CATALYTIC, SMOKE ,OIL CONSUMPTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I THINK NISSAN SHOULD WARRANTY PROBLEM..A RESPONE WOULD BE APPRECIATED...

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 28, 2007CA

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OVERHEATS, AIR CONDITIONER AND ENGINE FAILURES. CUSTOMER STATES THAT SHE HAS BROUGHT THE CAR IN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR THE OVERHEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND ENGINE FAILURES. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND NO STEERING CAPABILITY. THE STARTER, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND RADIATOR WERE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT WAS STICKING WHICH WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT LOCKED INTO PLACE. THE FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN USING THE INTERNAL LATCH. THE GEAR WAS DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF PARK. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 27, 200770,000 milesNJ

VARIOUS SERVICES PERFORMED BY DEALER DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM---SUCH AS THROTTLE BODY CLEANING, CHECKING SPARK PLUG COILS, CRANKCASE SENSORS, O2 SENSORS---AFTER 6 MONTHS DEALER DECIDED HEAD GASKET BLOWN WHICH I TOLD THEM FROM BEGINNING PLUS OIL USAGE AND ANTIFREEZE USAGE---HEAD GASKET REPLACED ON "EXTENDED WARRANTY" WHICH I DID NOT PURCHASE WITH CAR- SO THERE IS SOME ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PROBLEM---CURRENTLY OIL CONSUMPTION ABOUT 1 QT FOR 400 MILES, PROBABLY THE RESULT OF HEAD GASKET AND PRE CAT CAUSING DAMAGE TO OIL SWEEPER RING ON PISTON WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL INTO CYLINDER---THUS A REASON FOR ROUGH RUNNING AT LOW IDLE PLUS SMOKE ON ACCELERATION---NO SMOKE ON NORMAL RUNNING SINCE CAT CONVERTER IS COOKING---BUT SURE WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER CAT CONVERTER FAILURE- THIS PROCESS STARTED WITH DEALER 01/07. *TR

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Aug 27, 200700

DRIVING ALONG COUNTRY ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY CHANGED POSITION, I.E., I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED 30 DEGREES BUT THE CAR CONTINUED STRAIGHT. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ABLE TO RETURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE PROPER POSITION BUT THE OCCURRENCES CONTINUED UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPLACED (NOT UNDER WARRANTY) BY THE DEALER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Aug 24, 200768,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE CATALYST WAS SCORCHED AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REMOVED THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 21, 200729,000 milesCT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL AFTER EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT WOULD NOT SELL THE CONTACT A WARRANTY. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 21, 200788,000 milesTN

AT 6:30 PM I TURNED LEFT OUT OF A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME TO CROSS TRAFFIC AND ENTER THE VACANT TURN LANE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA LOST POWER LEAVING ME IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE APPROACHING TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO BRAKE BEFORE HITTING ME BROADSIDE. IN THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS THE CAR HAD BRIEFLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THESE OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. THIS WAS THE SAME PART RECALLED IN 2005. IT WAS REPLACED THEN ALSO. THERE WAS ALSO A NEAR ACCIDENT BEFORE THE FIRST REPLACEMENT. THIS PART HAS FAILED TWICE, WITH NEAR ACCIDENTS. BOTH WERE POTENTIALLY FATAL. *TR THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A EXHAUST HANGER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 20, 200774,432 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 50MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING INTERMITTENTLY. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE OCTOBER 5, 2006. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY; HOWEVER, THAT DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE COST OF $42.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE RE-SET DUE AN IDLE ERROR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS GIVEN THE CONTACT FIVE AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS; HOWEVER, THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE.THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HIS TWO TOP TECHNICIANS ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS CHARACETISTIC OF THE CATALYST THROTTLE ON THE EXHAUST. THE FUEL PUMP AND CATALYST THROTTLE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAS DETAILED INVOICES REGARDING REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VIN IS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,432 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 16, 200750,000 milesTX

DEFECTIVE HEADLAMPS. CLIP MELTS FROM HIGH HEAT, BULB LOSES CONTACT. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE ASSEMBLY, OR IF NOT, REMOVAL OF FRONT BUMPER JUST TO REPLACE BULB. FIRST TIME OCCURRED AT NIGHT ON A HIGHWAY -- WENT TO AUTO PARTS STORE BUT COULD NOT ACCESS TO CHANGE THE BULB. DEALER CHARGED TWO HOURS TO PULL FRONT BUMPER -- ONLY TOOK ONE HOUR. COST OF REPLACING BULB ABOUT $260. BULB BY ITSELF IS LESS THAN $30. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 6, 200786,000 milesUT

06/29/07 MY CAR SPUTTERED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION OF 33RD AND HIGHLAND DRIVE. I THEN PULLED INTO A BAKERY ON 3100 SOUTH AND HIGHLAND DRIVE WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR I WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE SMELL OF GAS. THERE WAS A TRAIL OF GAS BEHIND MY CAR AND A LARGE PUDDLE UNDER MY CAR. AT THIS POINT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I WAS AFRAID TO START MY CAR SO I ASKED A GENTLEMAN AT BIG O TO COME AND LOOK AT MY CAR TO SEE IF I COULD START IT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT START IT NOT KNOWING WHERE THE GAS LEAK WAS AT. I THEN CALLED THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY DID NOT SUGGEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUT HAVING IT TOWED DOWN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TOW COMPANY PICKED ME AND MY CAR UP AT ABOUT 8:50. THE GENTLEMAN TURNED ON MY CAR AND BACKED IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT TO PUT IT UP ON THE TOW TRUCK. THE MOMENT MY CAR WAS TURNED ON IT BEGAN TO LEAK GAS. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD TURNED ON A WATER FAUCET AND IT CREATED ANOTHER LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS IN THE PARKING LOT. ONCE AT THE DEALER SHIP. I EXPLAINED TO SHANE AND NICK WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY CAR WHEN NICK SAID, " I KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED TO ANOTHER CAR THIS WEEK. BUT THAT ONE CAUGHT FIRE" HE TOOK MY CAR BACK INTO THE SHOP AND ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER COME BACK OUT OF THE SHOP AND SHOWED MY GRANDFATHER AND MYSELF WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THE GAS LINE HAD "FALLEN OFF AND THE GAS WAS SOAKING INTO MY BACK SEAT." IT HAD CREATED A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE TANK AND ON THE FOAM OF MY SEAT AND THE SEAT WAS SOAKED FROM THE GAS. I LEFT MY CAR WITH THE DE

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 4, 2007FL

CONTINUAL FAILURE OF LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE. HAVE REPLACED LAMP NUMEROUS TIMES. BAD GROUND CONTACT. DUE TO FAILURE OF LAMP, HAVE HAD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT EITHER WITH ONE HEADLAMP, OR WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2007109,800 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. ON JULY 23, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 110,000 MILES. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,800.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 31, 2007116,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED OR STATIONARY HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER; HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR SHOCKS WERE BAD. UPDATED

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 27, 200760,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING AND CONSUMED LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND COOLANT. THE DEALER CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE FAILURES BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2007230,667 miles00

CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" DASHBOARD LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS SOMETIMES FLASHING. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE CAR AT LESS THAN 80 KPH (PER OWNER'S MANUAL RECOMMENDATION) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, DEALER ADVISED THAT "POWER VALVE" (PART OF INTAKE MANIFOLD) CAME APART ON 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, RESULTING IN METAL PARTS ENTERING THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. DEALER MADE REPAIRS, BUT NOW THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY (HAVE HAD TO ADD 2.5 L OVER 1400 KM). THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2.5L ENGINE FOR THE 2004 NISSAN ALTIMA, WHICH APPARENTLY HAS IDENTICAL ENGINE TO THE 2002 MODEL. CAR HAS 230,000 KM SO IS BEYOND WARRANTY. DEALER NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 23, 2007109,432 milesUT

CAR CONSUMING LOTS OF OIL. NO OIL LIGHT EVER CAME ON LEADING TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 4 QUARTS OF OIL COMPLETELY GONE WITH NO TRACE (NO OIL SPOTS IN GARAGE, NO SMOKE, ...NOTHING) IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. ALSO A PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR SPLIT.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jul 19, 2007107,000 milesCT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A SMOOTH SURFACE, THE TAIL PIPE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE) AT 33,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL, BUT THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jul 10, 200796,000 milesNY

MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, OIL BURNING, IN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L STANDARD. CATALYTIC CONVERTER SETTING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW HEAD GASKET. $1200. STILL BURNING OIL. NISSAN HAS MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE AND REFUSES TO HELP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 10, 200769,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOSS OF COOLANT. NISSAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 5, 200768,850 milesIL

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE ALTIMA JUST CUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE STEERING LOCKED NOT GIVING ME TIME TO PULL OVER OFF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. TWICE AT HIGH SPEED AND 2 TIMES AT LOW SPEED AND ONCE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND ACTUALLY SPOKE TO ONE DRIVER WITH THE SAME EXACT CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT DRIVER TOOK THE CAR IN, AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR TO DEALER AT A RATE OF $110.00 TO HAVE IT CHECKED . SOMEONE SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE CARS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR SO MANY PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, NOT INCLUDING THE ONE'S THAT HAVE NOT TAKEN OUT TIME TO VOICE THEIR COMPLAINTS. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY RECALLS INVOLVING THIS MATTER. I ALSO, HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THEY AGAIN CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE AND NOT AFTER SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jul 3, 200772,633 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THEY PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AND HALF LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL TEN DAYS AFTER THE OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,739 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,633.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2007GU

MY ENGINE STILL DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 20, 200766,900 milesOH

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 BEGAN TO CHUG VIOLENTLY WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEXT EXIT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. SHUT OFF THE CAR, AND RESTARTED TO EXAMINE THE ENGINE WHILE IDLING, NOTICING AN INTERMITTENT SHUDDERING OF THE ENGINE. DROVE THE CAR A FEW MILES TO MY DESTINATION, AND IT STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER THE LAST STALL O THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. HAD IT TOWED THE NEXT MORNING TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP. AFTER RUNNING THE CODE, THEY IMMEDIATELY WENT TO WORK ON THE POWER VALVE. BOTH SCREWS HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE METAL PLATE IN THE POWER VALVE, AND THE SCREWS HAD GONE THROUGH THE ENGINE CRUSHED THE SPARK PLUG IN CYLINDER #1, AND THEY MADE THEIR WAY INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE SCREWS, THE PLATE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, THE EXHAUST AND ADAPTER GASKETS, AND THE SPARK PLUG. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2004 AND 2005 ALTIMAS, THOUGH NOT ON 2002 AND 2003 MODELS, WHICH SHARE THE SAME ENGINE. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED IN OTHER 2002 AND 2003 MODELS ON THIS ODI WEBSITE AND ON VARIOUS INTERNET FORUMS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 13, 200746,900 milesVA

TWICE LAST MONTH THE CAR JUST CUT ITSELF OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THANK GOD I WAS ON A SECONDARY ROAD AND NOT GOING OVER 35 MPH. I GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ROANOKE VA DEALERSHIP AND TOOK THE CAR IN. *AK BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, THE SERVICE MGR STATED THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR--HE THEN CHARGED ME $77 AND TOLD ME TO DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD IN CASE IT HAPPENED AGAIN!! I COPIED REPORTS OF THE RECALL FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND LEFT FOR TH SERVICE DEPT, BUT BECAUSE THE "CODE" DID NOT SHOW UP, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A CAR FROM FIRST TEAM NISSAN AGAIN. THEY REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR IN 2004 AFTER I RECEICED A RECALL LETTER. BUT I FOUND OUT THAT SOME OF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE TOO-I LEFT THAT INFORMATION AND HI-LITED THE PART ABOUT BAD REPLACEMENT PARTS. NO HELP FROM DEALER AT ALL!!

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 7, 200760,493 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT TAKES HER VEHICLE IN REGULARLY FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND IS UPSET THAT AT 60,000 MILES, THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY ON JUNE 9, 2007 AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. ON MAY 13, 2007, THE VEHICLE BEGAN OVERHEATING AND SHAKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN BATTLING WITH THE CORPORATE OFFICE EVERY SINCE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 60,604 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,493.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 6, 200765,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SE. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD THE ENGINE ATTEMPTING TO TURN OVER, BUT WOULD ONLY START WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE ONLY RESTARTED WITH A JUMP START. THE BATTERY WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC WHO FOUND NO FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE RECALL WAS SERVICED TWICE BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 6, 200745,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND BURNING OIL. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE AND WILL NOT REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 24, 200785,500 milesTX

HINGED SEATBACK LATCH FAILED. NO APPARENT CAUSE; I DISENGAED IT TO USE THE PASS-THROUGH FEATURE OF THE SEAT AND WHEN I WENT TO LATCH IT, I NOTICED THE LATCH HAD FAILED.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 23, 200778,903 milesTN

2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CUSTOMER STATES THAT IN OCTOBER SHE NOTICED OIL LEAK AND HAS TAKEN CAR IN AND NOTICE HAS BEEN FOUND BUT CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM**CC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD SHE QUALIFIED FOR A NEW ENGINE. HOWEVER WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS TOLD SHE DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR EVEN HAVING THE EXISTING ENGINE FIXED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S STANDARDS THAT A VEHICLE CONSUMING 3/4 QUART OF OIL WAS ACCEPTABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, BEFORE IT JUST FLICKERED. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 21, 200767,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER DAMAGED WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO PREVENT. NISSAN AND THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE MATTER. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED IN JANUARY OF 2004 AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPAIRED THAT SAME YEAR. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 145,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed May 17, 200797,288 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWO TO THREE WEEKS LATER AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET ON THE ENGINE THE CATALYST CONVERTER BROKE CAUSING THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE WALL TO BE DESTROYED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL. AFTER DRIVING 645 MILES THE VEHICLE BURNED TWO QUARTS OF OIL. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 ALTIMA. THIS IS THE SECOND CATALYST CONVERTER REPLACEMENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 131654 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97288.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 16, 200790,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 112,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed May 14, 200750,762 milesMD

THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S HAS 50700 MILES ON IT. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM BECAUSE CATALYST SUBSTRATE PARTICLES FLEW INTO THE ENGINE. THESE PARTICLES HAVE SCORED THE CYLINDER WALLS. NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BASED ON NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE02078, NISSAN HAD MADE PREVENTIVE CHANGES TO THE CAR TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM, AS REQUIRED BY LAW IN 2004. BUT WHATEVER THEY DID HAD NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT RECURRED. SO NOW THE ALTIMA 2002 HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE BECAUSE OF THE PRE CATALYST OVERHEATING PROBLEM, AND NISSAN WAS REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM . THEY STATED HAD DONE RECALL PROCEDURES IN 2004. IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR NHTSA TO LOOK TO THIS MATTER AS NISSAN HAD NOT FIXED THE DEFECTS JUST PROLONGED IT. THERE WERE LOT OF ALTIMA OWNERS AT RISK AS THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. SO OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION SHOULD OPEN THIS INVESTIGATION AGAIN TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THE PRE CATLYST OVERHEAT PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed May 9, 2007CA

MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE NEWER MODEL, AND NISSAN REFUSED TO REPAIR IT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PROBLEMS ONLY PERTAINED TO 2003-2004 MODELS, NOT THE 2002 MODELS *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 7, 200789,000 milesTN

ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO NISSAN OF RIVERGATE WITH 78,903 MILES ON IT WHICH WAS WELL WITHIN THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR BACK AFTER I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES. ON NOVEMBER 22 , 2006 I RETURNED AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE ADVISOR AND A MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THE OIL WAS ABOUT QUART LOW. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UP SOME QUALIFICATIONS ON THE COMPUTER AND DETERMINED THAT I WAS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE A NEW ENGINE. HE SAID THERE WAS AN ENGINE ALREADY IN STOCK, SO HE DID NOT HAVE TO ORDER ONE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR BACK ON NOVEMBER 28, 2006. WHILE THERE I WAS HANDED A BUSINESS CARD WITH A NOTATION ON THE BACK THAT READ DROP OFF ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2006 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ON NOVEMBER 28 I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT THE SHOP, EXPECTING IT TO BE THREE DAYS IN SHOP TIME FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2006 STATING THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO ANOTHER OIL CONSUMPTION TEST . AT THIS TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR EVEN TO FIX THE EXISTING ENGINE. ALSO, HE CLAIMED SINCE THE RECALL OF 2004 ALTIMAS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION EVERYBODY Y HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET A NEW ENGINE. THEN, HE ADDED THAT THE PURPOSE OF A DIPSTICK WAS TO SEE HOW MUCH OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED BECAUSE ALL CARS BURN OIL. A VEHICLE CONSUMING OF A QUART OF OIL WAS ACCEPTABLE OIL CONSUMPTION FOR 1100 MILES. I CONTACTED NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA, WHO ADVISED ME TO GO TO

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 3, 200780,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING. THROUGH FURTHER INVESTIGATION DEBRIS WAS DISCOVERED IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT REPLACING THE MOTOR WOULD BE THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION # PE02078 FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2003. NISSAN ISSUED A RECALL FROM THIS INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED, AND RECURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 89,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed May 3, 200730,000 milesPA

2002 NISSAN ATLIMA CUSTOMER STATES SINCE 30,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON**CC THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS, DUE TO THE DEFROSTER BEING INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER, SO HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS AND EVENTUALLY IT WOULD GAIN SPEED. THE CONSUMER HAD VARIOUS REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DETERIORATING, THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED, THE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES, THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO REPLACED THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AFTER EXPERIENCING THE STALLING AND NO START PROBLEMS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 26, 200772,309 milesVA

OVERTHE PAST TWO MONTHS BOTH THE CAM SENSOR & CRANK SENSOR FAILED ON MY 2002 ALTIMA. THE CAM SENSOR FAILURE TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HOWEVER THE CRANK SENSOR FAILURE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC MAKING FOR A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. JUST LAST WEEK I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER OF A RECALL FOR THE CRANK SENSOR, TWO WEEKS AFTER IT FAILED. WHY I WASN'T NOTIFIED SOONER IS BEYOND ME. I CONTACTED THE DEALER & WAS GIVEN A 800 TO CALL FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MY EXPENSES. LOOKING OVER THIS SITE IT APPEARS THE CRANK SENSOR RECALL IS A FEW YEAR'S BACK- WHY DID I JUST RECEIVE THE CALL ABOUT THIS RECALL? I ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE ARE CAM SENSOR FAILURE COMPLAINTS. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM INITIATED? *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 19, 200790,500 milesOR

DESIGN FLAW CAUSED CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKDOWN WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE DESPITE PROPER MAINTENANCE. CAR ONLY HAD ABOUT 85,000 MILES WHEN PROBLEMS BEGAN AND 90,500 WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN AND DESPITE PROPER CAR OF VEHICLE. NINETY THOUSAND MILES IS TOO SOON FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Apr 13, 200773,444 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ITS REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND PRE CATALYST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MONTH AFTER THE RECALL WAS HONORED A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 1,000 MILES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,444. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2007113,730 milesNJ

I PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S IN DECEMBER 2001 AND CURRENTLY HAVE 113,000 HIGHWAY MILES AND HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR WITH OIL CHANGES AND RECOMMENDED SERVICES. THOUGH I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE DONE ALL RECALLS WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT ADVISED THAT THERE ONE ON IT. ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE INTO PIECES AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO FAIL ($5,000). AFTER PAYING THE $550 FEE FOR NISSAN BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT I HAD A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH CAUSE THE DAMAGE, I WENT HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH. I FIND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF FRUSTRATED ALTIMA OWNERS. I CALLED NISSANS HEADQUARTERS TO ADVISE THEM OF MY SITUATION. I WAS CONTACTED BY NISSAN 48 HRS LATER BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT MY CAR HAD TO MANY MILES ON IT AND PAST THE WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS AWARE OF THE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND CAN'T BELIEVE THAT NISSAN IS CHOOSING TO IGNORE THAT THEY HAVE MADE THIS CAR WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS. I ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE CHOOSING TO RISK PEOPLE LIVES AND IGNORING THE MANY CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEIR EXCUSE IS THAT THE CAR IS PAST THE 80,000 MILE WARRANTY, ALTHOUGH I'M SURE THEY WILL COME UP WITH SOME OTHER POOR EXCUSE. THE MESSAGE I GOT FROM NISSAN IS THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT ONLY UNTIL THE WARRANTY AND ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE MADE THEIR CARS WITH A KNO

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Apr 12, 200774,000 milesLA

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP SCREEN WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL, AND THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. DURING THE DIAGNOSIS THEY FOUND A SERVICE ENGINE CODE PERTAINING TO THE CATALYST. HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CALLED NISSAN, WHO INFORM HIM THAT THE DEALER WOULD FIX IT, BUT NISSAN CALLED BACK REFUSING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 , AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.*AK THE MANIFOLD EXHAUST WAS REPLACED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE, IT WOULD SURGE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/22/07. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Apr 10, 200712,800 milesPA

MY VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. AND THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL, WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE BAD, I CAN'T SEE OUT THE WINDOW.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Apr 3, 2007126,000 milesGA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. SPARK PLUGS DIED. TOOK CAR TO SHOP. REPAIRED AND OTHER ISSUES APPEARED: CATALYTIC CONVERTER-FAIL (IN PIECES) REPAIRED FOR $800. ONE WEEK OF DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, OIL EXTREMELY LOW, COOLANT LOW TOOK BACK TO SHOP NOW ENGINE GASKET BLOWN, ENGINE DAMAGED AND NEEDS REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. THIS NISSAN NA MADE SOME PREVENTIVE CHANGES TO THE 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA AS REQUESTED TO BY LAW. HOWEVER THE CHANGES NISSAN NA MADE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT NOR SUCCESSFUL. IT APPEARS THAT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE NISSAN PROVIDED HAS ONLY PROLONGED THE OUTCOME. THOUSANDS OF 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH A DIRECT RELATION TO A FAILURE IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOTICEABLE CHUCKS OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ARE MISSING. NISSAN NA IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SELECTIVELY FIXING SOME CONSUMERS VEHICLES. IF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THEIR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY NISSAN NA REFUSES TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER IS FIXING THE PROBLEM. SAFETY SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO A PERCENTAGE OF MILES OR TO A PERIOD OF TIME. *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Nissan Altima → · Every Altima year → · How the figures are calculated →