2002 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,062 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 07E074000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 21, 2007
CERTAIN ANZO AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS, P/N 02-AZ-NA02-B-A, SOLD FOR USE ON 2002-2004 NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ANZO AT 909-628-1440.
Campaign 07E063000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJul 25, 2007
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 315-1145L-AS AND 315-1145R-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP REFLECTOR SHAPE DEFORMED CHANGING THE SHAPE OF THE OPTIC SURFACE. THIS WILL CHANGE THE OPPOSITE POSITION OF LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM OPTICSAND CHANGE THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE AND ILLUMATED LOCATION WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 07E054000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 03V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJul 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. AT EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE IN THE FUEL TANK COULD FREEZE AND FORM ICE CRYSTALS. THESE ICE CRYSTALS MAY OBSTRUCT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP.
THIS CAN PREVENT THE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SCREEN AT THE SUCTION OPENING OF THE FUEL PUMP TO PREVENT ICE CRYSTALS FROM BLOCKING THE OPENING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-333-0829.
Campaign 03V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeMar 11, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.
EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Campaign 03V084000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleFeb 27, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY COME LOOSE. IF THE CONNECTOR COMES LOOSE, THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY.
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CLOCK SPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 03V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 17, 2002
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON CERTAIN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO MARCH 16, 2002, ONE OF THE SENSORS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS EXPECTED IN HIGH-SPEED OFF-SET CRASH SITUATIONS.
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261, CONCERNING THE PROBLEM.
Campaign 02I001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
687 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE THE OIL RINGS AND THE CYLINDER WALL HAVE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL# 03V084000 , ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE THEN NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ABSORPTION OF OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARTIALLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,200.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2009
RECALL NUMBER 03Y-455 FOR 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE PAST 24 MONTHS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED POOR ACCELERATION AND POWER AND IT ALSO RAN A LITTLE ROUGH. BUT, AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE OF MILES THE LIGHT WENT OUT, BUT A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY PERFORMED AN ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC. THEY WERE UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM AS TO WHY THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THEN GO OUT. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WAS APART OF THE RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. HE HEARD A PECULIAR NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). HOWEVER HE WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL ENDED IN DECEMBER 2009 AND WAS NOT AN "ACTUAL RECALL". THE REPRESENTATIVE ADDED THAT IF HE HAD BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE REPAIRS, THEY WOULD HAVE COVERED THE ENTIRE COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO SPLIT THE COSTS OF THE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 77,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 9, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL # 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). SEVERAL YEARS AFTERWARDS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE ERROR CODE WAS RESET. SOON AFTERWARD THE ENGINE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106500.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 9, 2009
I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 MODEL .I HAVE BEEN CALLING 1-800-333-0829 FOR NISSAN RECALL CAMPAIGN FROM LAST TWO AND HALF WEEKS. I HAVE A REFERENCE NUMBER FOR MY CASE . THIS RECALL IS WITH REFERENCE TO CAMPAIGN I.D. # R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, & R3017. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO GREAT NECK NISSAN DEALER, NEW YORK FOR ROUTINE SERVICING. I CAME TO KNOW THAT PRE-CATALYST WAS DAMAGED AND THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED ME ABOUT THE CHANCES THAT THE PARTICLES FROM THE CATALYST CONVERTER MIGHT HAVE ALREADY ENTERED THE ENGINE. I WENT THROUGH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE WHICH CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BY NISSAN. NISSAN HAS ALSO TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAME AND HENCE RELEASED THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN. HOWEVER, NISSAN ARE DECLINING MY CASE BASED ON THREE REASONS ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AT 1ST THEY SAID I AM NOT A LOYAL CUSTOMER , HOWEVER WHEN I INSISTED THEN THEY SAID MY VIN NO. DOES NOT FALL IN THE CATEGORY AND THEN ON THE 3RD CALL AFTER TOO MUCH OF PERSEVERANCE THEY SAID THEY DECLINE BECAUSE I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND I DO NOT HAVE MAINTENANCE RECORD FROM THE FIRST OWNER. AS A PROOF OF MAINTENANCE I HAVE ALREADY FAXED THEM THE CAR FAX REPORT WHICH SHOWS THE CAR WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. HOWEVER, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THE MAKE AND MODEL WILL NOT CHANGE WITH THE OWNERSHIP MY CONCERN IS THAT EVEN IF I CHANGE THE CATALYST CONVERTER AND CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE THEN THERE ARE CHANCES THAT IF MY ENGINE CATCHES ANY PARTICLES DUE TO PRECATALYST DAMAGE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT MY ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE AND I MIGHT BE BLOWN OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE SPOKEN TO NISSAN AND THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSE TO GIVE ME AN ANSWER IN WRITING. I HAVE TRIED TO GO ON WWW.GOOGLE.COM WHERE I HAVE SEARCHED NISSAN 2002 CATALYST CONVERTER . MY SEARCH HIT FOUND TOO MANY PEOPLE OWNING NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP US TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2009
VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR IN TO GARAGE AND CODE READS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CONVERTER WAS REPLACED, DROVE CAR HOME AND ENGINE WAS MAKING A TICKING NOISE. BROUGHT CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP ON SEPT. 30, 2009. DEALERSHIP SAID I NEEDED NEW TIMING CHAIN TO GET THE NOISE IN ENGINE TO STOP. TIMING CHAIN REPLACED, AND SAME NOISE STILL EXISTED. DEALERSHIP HAD MY CAR FOR 2 WEEKS AND IN THE END THEY SAID THEY CALLED A TECHNICAL SERVICE LINE FOR HELP AND AN REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THEY HAD REPORTS OF A SIMILAR NOISE AND THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. THIS DIAGNOSES WAS MADE OVER THE PHONE FROM A DESCRIPTION GIVEN BY THE TECHNICIAN TO THE SERVICE REP. ON THE PHONE. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO EXPLAIN THIS AND WAS ASSIGNED A REP. WHOM DIDN'T GET IN CONTACT WITH ME FOR 10 DAYS. HE SAID HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. HE EXPLAINED THAT NISSAN WOULD NOT PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT ENGINE SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I EXPLAINED THAT THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS SAID THAT THERE COULD BE PARTICLES IN THE CYLINDER AND THAT IS AN ENGINE DEFECT. THE REP ONLY OFFERED A MASTER TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE CAR AND WAS NOT SURE WHEN THAT WOULD HAPPEN. I INVESTIGATED A RECALL THAT SHOWS WAS COMPLETED ON MY CAR, BUT IT DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING WITH MY ENGINE. I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE AS THE FAULTY ENGINE ISSUE WAS LISTED IN AN ENGINE CAMPAIGN RECALL. I AM IN NO WAY TO BLAME FOR PARTICLES ENTERING INTO THE CYLINDER OR A SCREW AS THE TECH'S DESCRIBED AS A POSSIBILITY. I SHOULD NOT BE OUT OF A VEHICLE DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT WAS LISTED IN AN ENGINE RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MY RECOURSE IS IN THIS SITUATION TO GET MY ENGINE ISSUE COVERED UNDER THE CAMPAIGN OR HAVE NISSAN PLACE A REPLACEMENT ENGINE IN MY VEHICLE. IT IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL CAUSING THE CONVERTER TO OVERHEAT WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. JUST AS IT DESCRIBES IN THE RECALL INFORMATION #3V084000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2009
THE CAR HAD DARK OIL ON THE CAR LOT AND WE JUST ASKED TO HAVE OIL CHANGED, WE HAVE MENTIONED THIS WHEN WE TOOK THE CAR FOR RECALLS, ALWAYS HAVING TO ADD OIL AND NOW LOSING ANTI FREEZE. NO ONE COULD FIND OUT WHERE THE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE WERE GOING-NOT ON THE DRIVEWAY OR ANYWHERE. A MYSTERY. EVEN THE FIRST DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT SHOW WHAT WAS GOING ON. LEFT THE CAR ALL NIGHT TO TEST IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND WE WANTED TO FIND THE CAUSE BECAUSE WE HAD A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY UP UNTIL JULY OF 2009. LAST WEEK WE TOOK IT AGAIN TO HAVE IT CHECKED, BECAUSE IT IS GETTING WORSE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON- FINALLY THIS REPAIR CENTER FOUND THE REASON-WE NEED AN HEAD GASKET, A BAD HEAD, ETC. SO NOW I AM RESEARCHING AND I FIND A WEB SITE-CAR COMPLAINTS.COM AND BOY ARE THERE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. IT IS NOT RIGHT WHAT NISSAN IS GETTING AWAY WITH. MY CAR WOULD PROBABLY BE WORSE IF I WAS NOT ALWAYS CHECKING IT FROM THE BEGINNING. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. PLEASE READ THE LETTER AND I AM SURE IF I GO TO OTHER WEBSITES I WILL FIND ALOT MORE OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. SOME PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT THESE THINGS, BUT I ASSURE YOU I WILL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW. PEOPLE THINK NISSAN IS AN HONEST COMPANY. ALL THE LETTERS I READ TELL ME THEY ARE NOT. THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING TO MY CAR SINCE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ON 7/07/03. IT HAD 17,766 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE AND SO WOULD SOME OF THE PEOPLE ON THAT WEBSITE. THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY ARE TIRED OF BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. THIS IS NOT FAIR AND THE MEDIA NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS TOO. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2009
ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A TIME CHAIN AND OTHER ENGINE PARTS BEING DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 91,000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2009
SIMPLE ENGINE HEAT APPEARS TO DISINTEGRATE THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER PART ON A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L ENGINE. THE ENGINE SUCKS IN THE BROKEN PARTS, WHICH THEN DAMAGE THE ENGINE, REQUIRING THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING UP AND PIECES DESTROYING THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAS STARTED BURNING OIL WITH LOUD NOISES. WAS TOLD CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BY DEALER WITH NO EXPLANATION ON WHY. CAR HAS ONLY 97, 000 MILES AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD TO SEND ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS. AFTER THEY REVIEWED ALL MY RECORDS I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. AFTER CONFRONTING THEM WITH THE FACT IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THAT MODEL CAR THEY STILL INSISTED THEY CANNOT HELP US. IF ENGINE SEIZES WHILE DRIVING IT WILL MOSTLY LIKE CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BY NISSAN TO RESOLVE THIS DEFECT THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 9, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER BREAKING UP AND PIECES DESTROY ENGINE. ONGOING BATTLE NEVER RESOLVED CAN'T GET HELP STILL OWE 3700 ON VEHICLE WITHOUT VEHICLE NOW. ENGINE WON'T CRANK HAVE TO PUMP GAS PEDAL EVEN THEN LIKE NOT GETTING GAS BUT MECHANICS ALL SAY THE SAME YOU GOT A BAD CAR, DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. PLUS NISSAN REFUSES TO DO RECALLS NEVER EVEN DONE THAT WERE ECM RELATED AND REAR SUSPENSION. ALL ONGOING SINCE APRIL 2006. HAVE RECORDS/EVIDENCE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5L S. HAS STARTED CONSUMING OIL DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE ANDU SE IG HOIGH QUALITY MOBILE 1 5W30 OIL. IN SEARCHING INTERNET THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF THIS MODEL YEAR AND ENGINE. NISSAN KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERS NO RELIEF. TIME FOR A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I HAVE NOT HAD A CAR BURN OIL AND HAVE DRIVEN EVERY ONE OF MY CARS OVER 200,000 AND SOLD THEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2009
MY CAR WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL ISSUE IN 3/09 BY THE MANUFACTURER. IN AUGUST OF 09, MY CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE WHEN STARTING, THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER AND HESITATION DURING OPERATION, SOON AFTERWARDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND FINALLY THE CAR FAILED TO START. I BROUGHT IT IN TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THE CAMSHAFT SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICING WHEN I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. I OPENED A CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE PART OF THE RECALL WORK, BUT NISSAN IS SAYING THAT THE PARTS THAT I HAD INSTALLED HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA IN NOVEMBER 2005. THE LAST TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE VEHICLE INCLUDING, JERKING, STALLING ON HIGHWAY, OVER HEATING AND SMOKING. I HAVE A THE OC SENSORS REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS, CADILLAC CONVERTS, COILS...THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. I NOTICED MY OIL LIGHT ALWAYS COMING ON AND THE NEED TO ALWAYS REFILL THE OIL BUT I COULD NOT SEE WHERE IT WAS LEAKING FROM. THE SAME PROBLEM WAS WITH THE COOLANT---I KEPT POURING IT IN THE PLACE FOR COOLANT AND IN 2 DAYS IT WOULD BE GONE.AT THE END OF AUGUST MY INFANT AND I WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN JERKING AND CUT OFF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED TO PICK UP THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND THE ENGINE. AFTER RESEARCHING IT LOOKS AS IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH SEVERAL NISSAN ALTIMA'S. I JUST WANT MY ENGINE AND CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED THE NISSAN CORP TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2009
AS I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL, I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. INSTANTLY I NOTICED MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOOT UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I PARKED MY CAR AND JUST FIGURED THAT IT HAD OVERHEATED. I ADDED MORE WATER TO THE RADIATOR AND KEPT DRIVING. 2 MINUTES LATER IT WAS ALL THE WAY HOT AGAIN. I HAD MY CAR TOWED HOME AT WHICH POINT I INSPECTED THE RADIATOR AND DISCOVERED A 4 INCH HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC HEAD OF THE RADIATOR DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE HOSE MOUNT. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT PLASTIC COULD CRACK LIKE THIS. I HAVE SEEN CRACKS IN PLASTIC ALONG SEAMS, BUT THERE WAS NO SEAM HERE. I JUST COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS CRACK COULD HAPPEN THIS WAY. THIS MUST BE SOME SORT OF A DEFECT BECAUSE THIS WAS UNBELIEVABLE. I WENT ON TO PURCHASE A NEW RADIATOR PLUS HOSES AND ANTIFREEZE FROM THE AUTO PARTS STORE FOR A TOTAL OF $250, PLUS I WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE 3 HOURS OUT OF MY DAY TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR. I DO ALL MY OWN WORK ON THE CAR AND TAKE GREAT CARE OF IT. I FIX ANY SMALL PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY TO PREVENT LARGER PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2009
DESIGN FLAW WITH ENGINE CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE BURNING OIL THEN MAKES THE CONVERTER START TO FALL APART AND BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. THIS MADE THE ENGINE STALL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS FLAW THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET. CONTACTED NISSAN I THEY SAID TO BAD. DEALER STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT I SELL THE CAR SINCE IT WOULD ONLY GET WORSE DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 30, 2009
I PURCHASED A 02 ALTIMA 2.5 (AUTOMATIC) ON THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009. ON FRIDAY, JULY 17, I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS MAKING A TERRIBLE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. UPON ARRIVAL, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE OIL TANK WAS BONE DRY. AFTER ADDING 3 QUARTS OF OIL, THE NOISE WAS GONE. THROUGHOUT THAT DAY WHEN DRIVING I SMELT SOMETHING LIKE EXHAUST OR BURNING OIL OR SOMETHING. I JUST THOUGHT OIL WAS SPILLED ON THE ENGINE AND IT WAS SIMPLY BURNING OFF. I PUT APPROX 30 MILES ON THE CAR THAT DAY. ON SATURDAY, JULY 18, I PUT APPROX 20 MILES ON THE CAR (SAME SMELL). ON SUNDAY, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY MUFFLER WHEN I WOULD HIT THE GAS. IT WOULD GO AWAY WHEN I WAS AT A STEADY PACE BUT IF I PUT GAS IN IT, THE SMOKE WOULD COME OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FRIEND OF MINE AND HAD HIM CHECK THE OIL. TO MY SURPRISE, THERE WAS NOT A LICK OF OIL LEFT IN THE TANK... WHERE DID IT GO????????? THERE WAS NO SIGN OF LEAKS UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND NO SPOT ON MY DRIVEWAY. WE WENT AND PURCHASED 3 MORE QUARTS OF OIL AND ADDED IT TO THE CAR. WHEN WE CHECKED THE DIP STICK, THE OIL WAS PITCH BLACK. THE CAR WAS ALSO BLOWING BLACK SMOKE. I AM A SINGLE 27 YEAR OLD MOM, WORKING AND GOING TO SCHOOL. A NISSAN IS WHAT EVERYONE TOLD ME TO GET.. WHY??? I HAVE JUST FORKED OUT EVERY DIME I HAD (7800.00) IN SAVINGS TO PURCHASE THIS CAR SO WHAT WAS I TO DO NOW? ON MONDAY, JULY 20, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHICH THEN TOLD ME THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHICH VERIFIED THE SAME THING. AFTER 2 WEEKS A 05 MODEL ENGINE WAS PUT IN THE CAR AND I PICKED IT UP ON AUGUST 7. SHORTLY AFTER BEING ON THE ROAD, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS MAKING A LOUD SQUEAKY SOUND. AFTER TAKING IT BACK ON AUGUST 18, THEY SAID IT NOW NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THEY REPLACED A BELT. ON AUGUST 23, THE CAR STARTED GOING DEAD WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING; ONCE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE! IT ALSO ACTS AS IF IT DOESN'T WANT TO CRANK NOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2009
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 45MPH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2009
I BEGAN TO BURN ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL PER 1000 MILES THAT I DROVE AT THE BEGINNING OF 2009. THERE WAS ALSO A STRANGE GROWLING NOISE WHEN STARTING MY CAR. EVENTUALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE OIL USAGE ALSO BEGAN TO INCREASE. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WERE SOME ENGINE ISSUES THAT WAS BEYOND THEIR CAPABILITIES. THEY RECOMMENDED TAKING IT TO A NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF ON 8/15 AND WITHIN LESS THEN 2 HOURS THEY SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT I NOT ONLY NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT I ALSO NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY DESIGN THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS TO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO OVER HEAT. ONCE IT OVERHEATED IT WOULD BREAK DOWN AND BECAUSE THERE IS NO EGR VALVE ON THE CAT THE PARTICLES OF THE CONVERTER WOULD GET SUCKED BACK INTO THE ENGINE WHICH ENDED UP SCORING THE CYLINDER WALLS. THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN # 03V084000 WAS "PERFORMED" AT 13,208 MILES NISSAN WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH IT IS DIRECLTY RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE PART THAT NISSAN IS ALREADY AWARE OF. THE SERVICE ADVISOR QUOTED ME 4586.OO PLUS TAX FOR MY OUT OF POCKET COST AND THE PARTS AND LABOR WOULD ONLY BE COVERED FOR 12 MONHS OR 12,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE THAT COMES WITH THE CAR WHEN IT IS NEW IS COVERED FOR 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES. I AM CURRENTLY FILING A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN AND CONSLUTING A LAWYER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2009
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. SINCE I'VE HAD IT, IT USES OIL AND HAS A BAD CATALYTIC PROBLEM DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS 2.5S IS UNDER A RECALL. THE ECM WAS REPLACED ON THE CAR TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT STILL PERSISTS. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH ITS NEVER BEEN FIXED......THE RECALL NUMBER FOR THIS CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS 03V084000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2009
MY NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 2.5 CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE THAT WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $5000. MY CAR HAD CLOSE TO 90,000 MILES. BUT IN TRACKING DOWN MY REPAIR HISTORY, THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN 70,000 - 90,000 MILES. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (YOUNKER NISSAN IN RENTON WASHINGTON) SEVERAL TIMES DURING A YEAR TO MAINTAIN SO THAT I DON'T RUN INTO ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT APPARENTLY DIDN'T HELP. THE PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A PROBLEM THAT TURNED OUT TO BE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CORP BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TAKING MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO MAINTAIN BUT ONLY TO BE TOLD LATER I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. CORP NISSAN DID NOT WANT TO HELP OUT AND NEITHER DID THE DEALERSHIP. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND WAS FOUND SO MAY PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL I'VE BEEN NOT BEEN TREATED FAIR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TAKING CARE OF MY CAR (THROUGH MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP (YOUNKER NISSAN IN RENTON WASHINGTON)) AND ONLY TO BE TOLD LATER I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WOULDN'T START, BLOWN HEAD GASKET, LEAKING COOLANT, NOW NISSAN SAYS I NEED A NEW MOTOR. ALUMINUM WAS USED MAKING THESE CARS AND NISSAN NEW THEY COULDN'T WITH STAND THE HEAT. MY SON NEEDS HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2009
INTERNAL OIL LEAK IN 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2009
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA - ENGINE DEFECT. THE ENGINE NEARLY CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE THE OIL WAS BURNING SO MUCH THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AFTER A FEW MILES! FIRST THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATING/COOLING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHITE SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE. HAD EACH PROBLEM ADDRESSED AT MECHANIC BUT PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED BECAUSE THE SOURCE WAS IN THE ENGINE ITSELF - A NISSAN DEFECT. NOW I "NEED A NEW ENGINE" BECAUSE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM IS THE HEAD GASKET. MY MECHANIC HAS SEEN 2 OTHER 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND IT IS DANGEROUS IF YOU DO NOT CATCH IT AND REPLACE THE ENGINE, DUE TO SUCH FAST OIL LOSS AND AN OVERHEATED ENGINE! SCARY! THE CAR ONLY HAS 100K MILES!! THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE NOW AND I AM SEEING HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME NATURE ONLINE WITH SOME FIRES ALREADY STARTED. YIKES! *TR