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 and engine cooling
599 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING RECURRING ENGINE FAILURES IN WHICH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, AND OIL WAS BEING CONSUMED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE NUMEROUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. VARIOUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE ENGINE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2011
I HAD PURCHASED A NISSAN 2002 ALTIMA FROM A DEALER AS CERTIFIED VEHICLE. I HAVE BOUGHT TWO OTHER CARS FROM THE SAME DEALER AND IN ADDITION ALL THE CARS WERE ALWAYS SERVICED BY THE SAME DEALER. SINCE LAST TWO YEARS THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COMES ON AND ON ONE SUCH OCCASION I WAS INFORMED BY THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAT CONVERTER HAD FAILED AND THE SAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED . RECENTLY THE CAR HAS FAILED MV INSPECTION WITH TWO CODES P0420 AND P1217. THERE IS A SIMILAR RECALL # PE02078 ON 268,000 CARS ON OCT. 2002 (I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2005, AND HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE IF THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF OR NOT.) THE MV INSPECTION REPORT CLEARLY INDICATES THE FAILURE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND REQUIRES REPAIRS AND MONITORS SET FOR RE-INSPECTION. THE INSPECTION ALSO NOTES A VOLUNTARY RECALLS NTB07-081 AND NTB03-070C FOR PRE-CATALYST. THE FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES EMISSIONS WARRANTIES (AS PER THE MV INSPECTION REPORT)FOR AT LEAST 80000 MILES AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS WAS CORRECTED ON MY VEHICLE ON NISSAN'S VOLUNTARY RECALL. I HAD NOT OPTED TO REPAIR THIS WHEN THE MECHANIC AT DEALER INFORMED THE REASON FOR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" AT 82080 MILES AS THE COST WAS EXORBITANT AND UNTIL I HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM (RECALL)WITH A FORD WINDSTAR VAN THRU" NHTSA AND WAS SOLVED BY THE DEALER. (I WAS ABOUT TO JUNK THAT CAR, THANKS TO NHTSA). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2011
MY FAMILY HAS OWNED MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA SINCE IT WAS ORIGINALLY DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE AND HAVE COMPLETED ALL RECALLS. IN JULY 2005 RECALL 03V084000 WAS "SUPPOSEDLY" CORRECTED, BUT I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO PARTICLES FROM THE CONVERTER BEING INHALED BY MY ENGINE. I HAVE 143,582 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. DUE TO THIS DESIGN DEFECT I FEAR THAT DRIVING THE VEHICLE IS A HAZARD, DUE TO THE CHANCE THAT IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER CONCERNING THIS ISSUE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. THROUGH MY RESEARCH I'VE LEARNED THAT THOUSANDS OF 02 NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE HELP NISSAN CUSTOMERS GET JUSTICE, WHEN NISSAN IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE THAT THE CORRECTIVE ACTION DOES NOT STOP THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SINCE WATER AND OIL WERE MIXING TOGETHER AND LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO OVER HEAT. THE ENGINE BLOCK ALSO NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. THE REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2011
THIS COMPLAINT IS A CONTINUATION OF YOUR INVESTIGATION PE02078. NISSAN ONLY ADDRESSED A PART OF THE PROBLEM BY RECALLING CAT CONVERTERS. HOWEVER, THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AS THE ENGINES WERE DAMAGED CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE PROBLEM IS ALL CONNECTED BUT THEY DIDN'T REPLACED THE ENGINES WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN UPGRADED. HERE'S A LINK TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS EVEN AFTER THE RECALLED PARTS WERE REPLACED (KEEPING IN MIND THAT NOT EVERYONE MAKES A REPORT). HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/ALTIMA/2002/ENGINE/EXCESSIVE_OIL_CONSUMPTION.SHTML NISSAN KNEW THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS CONNECTED BUT THEY ONLY ADDRESSED A PART OF IT. AS YOU REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS, YOU WILL SEE THAT THEIR RECALL DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SOME HAD THIS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM AS EARLY AS 20-40K MILES. I THINK NISSAN SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINES, ALONG WITH A NEW CONVERTER AND MANIFOLD. IF THE WHOLE THING IS NOT REPLACED THE PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO REPEAT ITSELF AS ONE PART WILL CAUSE THE OTHER TO FAIL. A NEW ENGINE FOR THIS CAR IS ROUGHLY $2900 + TAXES, MANIFOLD $500 INSTALLED, NOT SURE OF THE COST FOR THE CONVERTER. I AM NOT BASHING THE COMPANY, I HAVE OWNED A NISSAN FOR 16YRS WITH NO PROBLEMS OTHER THAN NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. REPLACING THE ENGINE IS SOMETHING THEY KNOW THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE BUT ONLY CHOOSE TO ADDRESS A PART OF THE PROBLEM. I PLEAD THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS AS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE UPSET AND ANGRY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT GET A FULL AND PROPER RESOLUTION FROM THE COMPANY. AGAIN THIS PROBLEM IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE. THE DEBRIS FROM THE CAT GETS SUCKED UP INTO THE ENGINE AND DAMAGES THE CYLINDER WALL CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE. I HAD TO REFILL (NOT ADD) MY CAR WITH OIL EVERY 200 MILES DRIVEN.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE IT WAS IDLE. THE CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,683.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BROKE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE ALSO BURNED OIL WEEKLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO ADD OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $105. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART YET THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND INQUIRED WITH THE DEALER TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FIRST NEED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE WHO ONLY REFERRED HIM BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,138 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000. UPDATED 07-06/11 *BF UPDATED 3/1/12 *CN
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING EXHAUST SYSTEM MANIFOLD HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, BOUGHT NEW, AFTER 93,000 MILES IT BURNS EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL, AND COOLANT. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, RECALLS, ETC. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICS TO FIND OUT WHY MY CAR IS DOING THIS AND A RESOLUTION HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. NEVER HAVE I BEEN INFORMED BY NISSAN OF THE ISSUE AT HAND THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. I HAVE READ AND RESEARCHED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AS WELL AS OTHER ONLINE MECHANICAL FORUMS AND HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE RESULTS OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE RESOLUTION FOR THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO A CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL/FAILURE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, CONTINUOUSLY ADD OIL AS NEEDED, SELL/TRADE THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A FORMAL INVESTIGATION THAT IS ONGOING OR HAS BEEN RESOLVED. IF RESOLVED, WHAT SOLUTION(S) HAVE BEEN DETERMINED TO HOLD NISSAN RESPONSIBLE FOR LACK OF INFORMING CONSUMERS, NOT DOING MORE TO PREVENT FURTHER ENGINE FAILURE. WILL NISSAN PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT ENGINE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND SUCH AS NEEDED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT ADVISED THAT SHE SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,761.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2011
NO REAL WARNING. ENGINE STARTING KNOCKING ONE DAY AND FOUND OUT IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW AFTER CHANGING IT THE PREVIOUS WEEK. PUT 2 QUARTS OF OIL MORE IN AND DROVE 300 MILES TO ONLY FIND THAT IT WAS LOW AGAIN. I HAVE TO PUT OIL IN AROUND EVERY 200 MILES NOW TO PREVENT MY ENGINE FROM MAKING LOUD NOISES. THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TOO SAID THE CAT CONVERTERS AND MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND CANNOT AFFORD A REPLACEMENT ENGINE OR A NEW CAR SO AM STUCK DUMPING 2 QUARTS IN EVERY 200 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST LISTING THE FAILURE WITHIN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR; BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING EXHAUST SYSTEM MANIFOLD HEADER MUFFLER TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 79,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2011
MY CAR IS 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 77,000 MILES ON IT. MY CAR HAS FAILED EMISSIONS AND THE REASON IS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE PERFORMED ALL THE RECALLS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NISSAN DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2011
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SOME HESITATION AT SPEEDS OF OVER 40MP BUT WAS INTERMITTENT. EVENTUALLY IT WOULD STALL FREQUENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. REGULAR MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM - NO ENGINE LIGHT. I LOOKED UP RECALLS AND FOUND TWO RECALLS FOR MY MAKE , YEAR AND MODEL. ONE RELATED TO ECM SENSOR - WHICH CAUSED THE STALLING. RECALL INDICATES THAT SENSOR WOULD BE REPROGRAMMED. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALER - THEY REPROGRAMMED IT AND SENT ME OFF ON MY WAY. SAME DAY THE CAR WAS RUNNING WORSE THAN BEFORE - RPM RACING AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR OVER 40 - THEN IT WOULD RUN OK AND THEN START UP AGAIN. THE STALLING CONTINUED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE REPROGRAMMING WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND WOULD ACTUALLY CAUSE THE CAR TO RUN WORSE. I WAS NEVER TOLD THIS WHEN I WALKED OUT THE FIRST TIME. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THE DEALER IS TELLING ME TO LOOK AT IT THEY NEED TO CHARGE ME $120 PLUS WHAT EVER IT COST TO FIX. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2011
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN WARM WEATHER FOR OVER 15 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC OR REFUSE TO START AFTER ENGINE IS TURNED OFF BRIEFLY (EX: AT THE GAS PUMP.) THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE RECALL FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, AND WE HAD ANOTHER PUT IN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SINCE THEN. DIAGNOSTICS GAVE CONSULT CODE PO420 CATALYST SYS-B1. GAVE US AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE CATALYST. HEARD ABOUT A RECALL OF SOME NISSANS FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN FALL OF 2010, BUT I GUESS THIS CAR DID NOT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. WE ARE ALSO TOLD THAT THE HEATER CORE NEEDS REPLACING, BUT DO NOT WANT TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY INTO A VEHICLE THAT HAS A STALLING PROBLEM THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2011
AT 85,000 MILES, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND HAD DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING; THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. AT AROUND 130,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED FEELING ROUGH AND MAKING RATTLING SOUNDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT AND BACK ENGINE MOUNTS, LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKETS, FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND LEFT FRONT HUB AND BEARING BUT THE SOUND STILL EXISTS. AT 141000 MILES THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. AT 144,000 MILES, THE CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 10 MPH. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, THE ENGINE INITIALLY WOULD NOT TURN OVER; AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE CAR STARTED AGAIN BUT STILL COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 10 MPH. THE SECOND STOP SEEMED TO TEMPORARILY REVIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT COULD BE DRIVEN AT NORMAL SPEEDS (AT LEAST LONG ENOUGH TO MAKE THE 1 MILE DRIVE HOME) BUT IT EMITTED A STRONG BURNING SMELL. AT THIS POINT THE DIAGNOSIS IS IRRELEVANT - IT'S TIME FOR A NEW, MORE RELIABLE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2011
THIS IS A FORMAL REQUEST PETITIONING NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION FOR AN INADEQUATE REMEDY OF RECALL 03V-084 (NISSAN # NTB03-070D) 3/8/11-MATERIAL FROM A DAMAGED PRE-CATALYST ENTER THE ENGINE CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE WHICH INCREASED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TO 1 QT OF OIL PER 100 MILES. 1/20/11-OIL CHANGE AT 74,243 MILES, IN PERFECT RUNNING CONDITION NOT CONSUMING ANY OIL. 3/8/11-875 MILES LATER, HEARD ENGINE NOISE AND SCHEDULED SERVICE INSPECTION. ENGINE NOISE DUE TO LOW OIL LEVEL. FILLED OIL AND THE ENGINE NOISE STOPPED. CAR SMOKES AT HIGHER RPM'S. MECHANIC ASKED IF RECALL NUMBER 03V-084 WAS PERFORMED. NISSAN CLAIMED THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL. LATER ADMITTED TO A RECALL BUT CLAIMED OUR CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED, AND THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FOR THE AGE AND MILEAGE. 8 YEAR/80,000 MILE EMISSIONS WARRANTY EXPIRED 10/5/10, 3/10/11-SENT EMAIL TO NHTSA. NHTSA SAID, FROM VIN LISTINGS, OUR CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED, AND SENT A REQUESTED FOR RECALL HISTORY TO NISSAN. 3/15/11-NHTSA SAID RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED 3/2008, AT 54,000 MILES. THE RECALL OWNER LETTER STATES, 'THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST. MATERIAL FROM INSIDE THE DAMAGE PRE-CATALYST COULD ENTER THE ENGINE AND RESULT IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION'..THE NISSAN DEALER WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE TO PREVENT ANY FUTURE DAMAGE TO THE PRE-CATALYST.' THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED IN 3/2008 DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST PREMATURE PRE-CATALYST FAILURE WHICH CAUSED ENOUGH DAMAGE TO REQUIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE RECALL PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE AT 54,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE PROTECTED ME MORE THAN THE 21,118 MILES. THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE PRE-CATALYST SHOULD BE LONGER THAN 75,118 MILES, OR AT LEAST ADDRESSED UNDER THE RECALL INSPECTION AND CORRECTED WHILE UNDER THE ORIGINAL EMISSION WARRANTY PERIOD. IT IS FOR THESE REASONS I AM PETITIONING THE NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION FOR AN INADEQUATE REMEDY OF THIS RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2011
[XXX] [XXX] RE: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA VIN [XXX] I TOOK MY CAR TO MORIN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE ON 2/7/2011 TO HAVE THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' LOOKED AT . DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A FAILED PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER. UPON REMOVAL THE CAT WAS FOUND TO BE PHYSICALLY DAMAGED. BOT WERE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY I DISCOVERED THAT NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA HAS AN ACTIVE CAMPAIGN OR RECALL COVERING REPLACEMENT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. (RECALL #'S R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017) I CONTACTED THE SERVICED DEPARTMENT AT COAST NISSAN IN PERSON AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I ALREADY HAD THE CONVERTER REPLACED, THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICES AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALL CAMPAIGNS ON MY CAR. THIS IS WHAT I WANT NISSAN TO DO FOR ME: REIMBURSE ME FOR THE EXPENSE OF RELACING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. VERIFY THAT THE CURRENT PROGRAMMING IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. VERIFY THAT THE PROGRAMMING IN THE CONTROL MODULE HAS ALSO BEEN UPDATED TO ADDRESS STALLING ISSUES (RECALL 0712) ASSURE ME IN WRITING THAT SHOULD MY ENGINE BEGIN USING OIL AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE CONVERTER, NISSAN WILL REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY DETECTED A FAULTY ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. ` UPDATED 5/2/11 *CN UPDATED 1/11/11 *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER SIGNS OR ANY FAILURES OTHER THAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD DRIVE ROUGH AND WOULD SPUTTER ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THEY REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET, RADIATOR AND THE TIMING BELT COVER BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITHIN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,590.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2011
MY VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. OF COURSE, THIS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS EACH TIME, AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. EACH TIME, WE HAVE HAD TO FIND A WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION, AND HAVE IT TOWED. BECAUSE VARIOUS MECHANICS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, WE HAVE GIVEN UP ON DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE NOW BEEN THROUGH THREE ALTERNATORS, A BATTERY, AND SOME WIRING. AFTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY SAID PARTS REPLACED, I DECIDED TO TRY THE DEALER. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ONE MORNING BEFORE WORK. THEY CALLED ME AT WORK AND TOLD ME THAT A BOLT HAD BEEN WELDED TO THE ALTERNATOR, AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT $800 TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO ASSURED MY WIFE THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM NOT TO FIX IT. WHEN I WENT TO INSPECT IT MYSELF, IT WAS PLAINLY EVIDENT THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT WELDED TO THE ALTERNATOR, IT WAS JUST NOT FULLY TIGHTENED DOWN. SINCE COMPLAINING TO NISSAN RECALLS ABOUT POOR SERVICE AND THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS IN FACT A RECALL ON MY YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL, BUT NOT ON MY SPECIFIC VIN. I HAVE ALSO BEEN PROMISED THAT A REGIONAL MANAGER WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH ME. I HAVE CALLED BACK ASKING TO SPEAK WITH THIS REGIONAL MANAGER,AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME HE WILL CALL ME IN TWO BUSINESS DAYS. IT HAS BEEN AT LEAST TWO WEEKS NOW. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 03V455000. 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA, 3.5SE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 25, 2011
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS, THEY FOUND A STORED CODE P0420; CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD. THEY ERASED THE CODE TO SEE IF IT WOULD RETURN AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER IT RETURNED. ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A FAILED PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER. UPON REMOVAL OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IT WAS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING. THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR WAS ALSO DAMAGED AND BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER THEN DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, BUT WHEN HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT SINCE HE HAD ALREADY HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED, THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO FOR HIM, THE CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND WAS INFORMED THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. *JB