Problems with 2002 Nissan Altima ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

After replacing the oxygen sensor various times, i began to get huge amounts of oil consumption where i had to add every week. as a result the catalytic converter was shot, and also ruined the engine. during that period, my 2002 altima had spontaneously shut down completely while operating on city roads and interstate freeways. despite having perfect maintenance and completing all recalls (see nhtsa recall number: 03v084000 or nissan recall r3007), i had no choice but to replace the engine. the design is completely flawed and no recall will correct this bad design. *tr

I was turning right when all of a sudden my car starts choking and sputtering and the service engine soon light came on, slip light came on, and the traction control light came on. i slowed down and it seemed to work alright but when i got up to 35-40 mph the car started sputtering again and wouldn't go faster than 35 mph. i pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car off and started it back up and had the same problem. luckily there was not much traffic around and i was close to home so i drove back to my house. later that night i went to start the car and it started but immediately died, started it again and it immediately died, started it a third time and it immediately died, but on the fourth try it started and stayed running. that next morning i had the car towed to a nissan dealership and explained the problem to them. the called me back the next day and told me that they have to replace the mass air flow sensor on the car at a price of $700.00 + tax. i have read many car forums and this problem with the mass air flow sensor failing seems to happen a lot on 2002-2003 nissan altimas. i think there should be a recall on the mass air flow sensor because with a car having this problem could cause a major accident. reading the forums it sounds like nissan fixed the problems on the 2004 and newer altimas so why can't they fix them on the 2002 and 2003 models? *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 03v251000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). she had the vehicle repaired according to the recall. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle completely stalled. she did not hear any noises and there were no warning indicators. minutes later, the failure recurred. the contact noticed that the failure occurred only during cold weather. she took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that although she previously had her vehicle repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling), the part needed to be replaced again at her expense. the contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 44,000 and current mileage was 86,000.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the engine stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. they determined the engine needed to be replaced however no repairs were made. the manufacturer was alerted.

I have had a problem with my vehicle since the catalytic converter failed...i noticed that my oil level had dropped but did not equate it initially with this issue. after the failed converter ( check engine light code)....i bought a new converter and had it replaced within the week....as well as an oil change from . a few days later when i as i was checking fluids in my car i noticed my oil was very low......adding oil ( soon after an oil change did not seem right. i went to nissan ( dealer) and explained the problem. they did an oil consumption test and determined that i needed a new engine. i have done research online and have explained to them that other cars have the same problem in different areas but they declined to fix the engine, only stating that i needed to pay for a new engine. *tr

I have a 2002 nissan altima that began consuming oil. previous to having any problems, nissan had a recall on the precatalyst which said that materials could be caused to go into the engine and increase oil consumption. i had this recall done along with a number of other problems. now, i and other altima owners are experiencing oil consumption. i was told that the problem was with the catalytic converter which has now messed up my engine and both needed to be replaced. when i questioned the dealership regarding the previous recall, they told me that they would have look for damage when the recall was done. obviously not, since now a number of altimas are having this same problem after the recall was done. i have spoken with a former engineer that said there were a number of design issues with the 2002 model. i have also found on the internet that the catalylic converter may be located too close to the engine which is causing the problems. so if if the engine and catalytic converter were replaced, the problem can start again. some owners who have paid for replacement have eventually starting experiencing the same problem. the 2002 model year is not the only model with engine problems. *tr

I have had my 02 altima for 3 years now and have about 85000 miles on it. around 15000 miles ago, the car started to loose power, burn oil, burn spark plugs and burn o2 sensors. i have since spent $1000's of dollars trying to prevent/remedy the problem but to no avail. nissan won't talk to me and the dealerships are crooks who have been changing random parts for the same problem. soon my engine will blow just like all the others. being in the military, i don't have the funds to keep this up. this car has problems and nissan is dodging a huge bullet. i have notified everyone i can think of and nothing has been done about the problem despite the massive numbers of people with the same problem! i have told everyone i know about the car and the way nissan is addressing the situation, neither myself or anyone i know will ever buy a nissan again! this is ridiculous!!!!!!!! *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start for two days. the check engine light was illuminated prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who was not able to duplicate the problem. also the heater defroster was not working.

oil consumption very high , engine seized without any warning or dashboard warning light.on highway engine stalled and burned some ruber hoses etc..car inoperabble.nissan stated it was my problem due to miles on car were high..i paid $7,000.00 in canadian money for repair that seems to be a defect..i am angry at nissan for saying it was my problem...with no warning lights or other warning , i do not feel this is normal...

Dt: the consumer experienced problems with the engine. the vehicle was taken to a dealership to determine what the problem was. the dealership stated there wais a nhtsa recall, # 03v455000, regarding the engine and engine cooling. the vehicle was exhibiting the same problem as indicated in the recall; however, the consumers vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *jb

I own a 2002 nissan altima, which falls under the engine & cooling system recall, along with a number of other recalls. i did not receive the recall notice, however, because my service engine light came on, i took the vehicle to the dublin nissan for inspection. they noted the recall and apparently repaired the problem. after i picked up my car from the dealership in the evening, the service engine light came on the next morning. i took it back to the dealership. they apparently did not find any problems and just reset the sensor for the light. the next time i took it back to the dealership they said that they did their job and to do an inspection on the vehicle they would need to charge me. at this time i contacted nissan consumer dept. to see what needs to be done to resolve the issue. at this time the vehicle was also consuming oil very excessively (of which i was not aware of since i just had an oil change done), therefore causing the engine to overheat and damage the radiator. i took the vehicle to a private, licensed mechanic to replace the radiator. they also reset the check engine light, but it still came back on. at this time i took the vehicle to fremont nissan, where they did diagnosis of the vehicle and informed me that the vehicle has a blown head gasket and 2 of the cylinders are misfiring on the test. they said that in order to determine the cause of the problem and determine the exact damage to the vehicle, they would need to take apart the engine and physically examine it inside (cost approximately $900). i again contacted nissan consumer services, they said that they are not willing to help me in any way. the lady told me that in order for them to commit to any repairs, i would need to pay the dealership to examine the engine and if they dealership determines that the problem is warranty related then nissan would look into repairing. i symptoms of the problems with the vehicle are all those described on the nissan's website. *jb

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

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

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

I bought an '02 nissan altima in jan. 2002. in 2003 i had recall work performed for the engine cooling system (cat converter defect) and at the time i complained that my vehicle went through excessive amounts of oil even though i had the oil changed regularly. the dealership stated that they inspected my vehicle and found that my car did not need any repairs and that the recall was performed. at 97,167 miles i took the car into the dealership because it was running rough and my warranty was about to expire. also advised them that i heard water running behind the dash and the check engine light was on. dealership stated that all i needed was a tune-up due to the mileage but other than that my car was great. at 100,460 miles my car would not start and flooded several times. had towed to the dealership. they stated that they could start the car just fine and that i had flooded the vehicle. again recommended tune-up and replacing spark plugs. (i had just replaced the spark plugs myself) next thing i know...my car won't run and sits in my driveway for several months. had towed to independent auto repair shop and advised me that my engine was blown and needed replaced due to cat converter. i made the dealership tow the car to them and they informed me of the same and that i would have to pay $5000 for a new engine. the service mgr. told me that nissan knows that this will occur,and that when they contacted the nissan rep they declined to replace the engine due to the mileage. i called nissan consumer affairs and got a total run around and told me that my mileage was too high and they have had no other complaints on this issue. bull!!! nissan must be responsible for this and fix the problem. i am paying for a car that has been sitting at the dealership back lot for 3 months!!! i am contacting the attorney general and making my voice heard and others need to voice as well because nissan is trying to sweep this under the carpet....not anymore. *nm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dt*: the contact stated the engine was burning oil at a rate of 5 quarts per 1000 miles. the vehicle was provided with the proper oil service. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

My 2002 nissan altima had sparks plugs changed as a manufacturer recommended service. after i picked the car up and drove it for some time i would periodically smell gas coming through the vents. i took it to the dealer several times and they said they could not duplicate this problem. later the catalytic converter ceased working and i am told the car has to have the engine replaced. the catalytic converter was already replaced once by the dealer before the 60,000 mile mark. i have documentation that my car's engine was also using excessive oil as has been reported in the media. i am told because the warranty has passed, there is nothing that nissan will do. i am still making payments on this car. i have all the documentation to support my claim that this was a defective car. i have read in the news reports that nissan will recall all altima's back to the 2003 model year. i have the 2002 model which was the first line put out of this particular model. i am wondering what rights i have. if nissan does recall all the way back to 2002, how can my car be repaired if the engine has already failed? i would like to send in all of my documentation so my case can be studied and i can know where i stand. *jb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. the contact stated that the check engine warning indicator would continuously illuminate. the dealer could not determine why the indicator continued to illuminate and stated that there was rust around the fuel tank. on a separate occasion, the engine began to make a knocking sound and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. it was determined that the knocking noise originated from the overhead cam component of the engine. there was no oil in the vehicle, although the contact maintained regular maintenance and oil changes every 3,000 miles. his vin was not included in any of the recalls that described the same failures he experienced (nhtsa campaign id numbers 03v455000 and 03v455000). the failure mileage was 32,500 and current mileage was 86,600.

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

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

1.the year 2004 thanksgiving i was driving home from la, baton rouge when my heat wouldn't come on. i got it fixed but was the knob to the control would only turn 3/4 of the way or it wouldn't work. then when the spring came and i used my a/c it didn't work. i took it in and when i went to pick it up they said i would have to have it on max in order for it to work properly. 2. as of 2006 to current my car jerks and runs out of oil often and now i need to put at least 4 quarts every week. the check engine light comes on at lease once a week. 3. i take it into my mechanic to check to see what the problem could be and doesn't see a leak, burning oil it just consumes it. i get all the necessary car "medical" check up's and the car still eats oil, jerks and continues to give me panic attacks as i drive to and from work. my mechanic and i have detailed logs of how many times they've put in oil or i have purchased and put it in myself along with any additional work. *tr

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

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

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

Attempted to have an oil change done by wal-mart. they informed me that they are no longer authorized to change the oil on the 2002 nissan altima vehicle due to the dip sticks breaking off in many of the cars they have serviced. *jb

While driving,the vehicle stalled. the driver tried to restart,but was unable to do so. the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicated. please fill in additional information. *nm

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

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

I bought a nissan altima sl new in 2002. the car has only 34,500 miles on it. i took it to elkins nissan today because of a noise. i was told i need a new exhaust tube assembly at the cost of 400.00. i find it hard to believe that this part has already failed in a car with low mileage. *nm

(1) my 2002 nissan altima shutters and dies when being driven at low rpms. i.e.(heavy traffic, or stopping at a traffic light). (2) it shuts completely off when in motion. (3) i had the vehicle serviced last week, for this problem, and it's back at the shop again today for the same problem. i tried to explain that there was a related recall issue, but kevin at urban nissan in duncanville told me that according to his system, there were no recall issues for my car. *ak

While i was driving my car( 2002 nissan altima) the car stalled in traffic and a engine light came on i drove my car to the dealer mike shad nissan in jacksonville ,florida and they check my car and advice me that they found the number one spark plug closed the cause of the failure was due to a poorly manufacturer catalyst converter by nissan and advice me that my engine needed to be replaced this is the third engine on this car this car stalls at highway speeds it happen to me twice and resently at slow speeds while i was executing a turn these cars 2002 nissan altimas with the 2.5 4 cyl engines must be recall or have the dealers advice the owners to brign their cars in for check, before someones gest killed and to make matters worse nissan make me pay the dealer $498 to have my motor look at .why should i pay mike shad nissan $498 to take my engine apart to find a problem that the nissan corporation knows that is wrong with their cars the failure of my engine was cause by a faulty design part. the 2002 altimas are plague with problems.*ak

Bought car used in march 2003 with 28451 miles from decormier nissan in manchester, ct 06040. since i have had car there have been numerous problems. no starting, car would stop running while driving, ignition coils have been replaced, cam position sensor replaced (twice), 5 recalls, brakes redone due to excessive corrision, after brakes redone needed to replace both front warped rotors, radiator replaced after bottom seam blew out. latest problem is what i feel is excessive consumption of engine oil. car originally did not use oil between oil changes (3000 miles). car is currently using just over 1 quart per 3000 miles. brought car to dealer with 52,281 miles to perform oil consumption test. brought car back with 53,924 miles. in 1,643 miles car consumed 0.6 quart of oil. dealer said this is acceptable. have since contacted nissan of america (1-800-nissan1) to start case #4630040. i am also concerned about recall for pre-catalyst (done on 9/23/03) because there is a possibility certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. material from a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. i asked the dealer about the pre-catalyst and there were not aware of this. pre-catalyst recall is on the nissan of america web site then why is the dealer not aware of this?*ak

While driving vehicle stalled. dealership repaired the problem once, but problem recurred. *ak

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.