1. Nissan Altima
  2. Problems
  3. 2002
  4. Catalytic Convertor

2002 Nissan Altima Catalytic Convertor Problems

69
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 69 stored complaint records:

  • 0 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 1 indicate fire

What owners report

  • catalytic converter · 54 records
  • engine light · 24 records
  • check engine · 18 records
  • needed replaced · 11 records
  • engine engine · 9 records
  • failure mileage · 8 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi33
100–150k mi20
30–60k mi3
1–30k mi3
150–400k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • October 3, 2006 · 98,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    2002 nissan altima. Lost the engine due to "no oil". Dealership stated catalytic converter failed and caused abundant oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced on recall at 50,000 miles. The new converter only had a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, unlike the original warranty. Advised to contact nissan and i did. They stated converter and car were out of warranty and the y could accept responsibility.…

    ODI 10173618

  • August 5, 2006

    Catalytic Convertor · Suspension · Visibility

    I have followed the manufacturer and dealers maintenance and have so many major problems with my car. I think nissan needs to revisit this model and determine if it is a defect. I have an 02 nissan altima. The heater was replaced in the 2nd year, this year the catalytic converter was replaced and now the struts are worn out. To my understanding, this is something that happens in the long run, not with a new car. *jb

    ODI 10164601

  • July 19, 2006 · 129,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    The engine light on my 2002 nissan altima came on, i brought it into my local service station for an oil change and asked them to check it. They said that they got a catalytic inefficiency code but were positive the catalytic needed to be replaced. I decided to bring the car to the dealership and was told that the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced but everything else looked good. One week later the light came…

    ODI 10164165

  • March 1, 2006 · 90,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    Dt*: the contact stated the engine shuts off while driving at 60 mph. Originally the check engine light was illuminated; the vehicle was cutting off, stalling and lurching. The rpm hand was moving erratically. The dealer determined there was a internal failure and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The catalytic converter was replaced by an independent mechanic. After having a second catalytic converter…

    ODI 10151525

  • February 16, 2006 · 114,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    A recall (r3007) was issued on my 2002 nissan altima 2.5 to correct a manufacturing safety defect which could cause a fire in the engine compartment. The recall stated that the catalytic converter would fail and cause the engine to consume excessive oil, and if not monitored would cause an engine fire. Consequently, worse case, the engine would have to be replaced. On february 16, 2006 mossy nissan (national city)…

    ODI 10150768

  • January 1, 2006 · 85,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    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…

    ODI 10224041

  • August 30, 2005 · 85,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    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…

    ODI 10140226

  • August 28, 2005 · 79,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor · Equipment

    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

    ODI 10139711

  • July 15, 2005 · 103,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    (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…

    Fire reported

    ODI 10129750

  • June 1, 2005 · 130,678 miles

    Catalytic Convertor · Engine And Engine Cooling

    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…

    ODI 10162511

  • February 6, 2005 · 90,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    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…

    ODI 10137137

  • January 2, 2005 · 101,900 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

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

    ODI 10110206

  • November 10, 2004 · 83,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    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.…

    ODI 10123800

  • August 10, 2004 · 75,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor

    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…

    ODI 10088435

  • June 24, 2004 · 64,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor · Crankcase (Pcv) · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mechanical

    Well i have 2002 nissan altima 2.5 i have about 66,000 miles on the car and it has been having the same problem . It first started when they had recall oxygen sensor. I have had to replace the same sensor 3 times already at about cost of $350 each time . Now my check engine light keeps coming on the replaced the catalytic converter and told me i had to change my engine coils and spark plugs for about $1000 dollars .…

    ODI 10218911

  • November 1, 2003 · 30,000 miles

    Catalytic Convertor · Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Engine And Engine Cooling · Exterior Lighting

    2002 nissan atlima customer states since 30,000 miles the check engine light has been on**cc the consumer was unable to defrost the windows, due to the defroster being inoperative. The consumer stated the vehicle would lose power, so he would have to take his foot off the gas and eventually it would gain speed. The consumer had various repairs made on the vehicle. The catalytic converter was deteriorating, the valve…

    ODI 10191092

  • May 7, 2003

    Catalytic Convertor

    The dealer replaced the catalytic converter because the vehicle consumed excessive amounts of oil (every 1500 miles). *nlm

    ODI 10019411

  • December 10, 2002 · 21 miles

    Air Conditioner · Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Catalytic Convertor · Engine And Engine Cooling · Wheel Bearing

    Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The air conditioning system will not circulate heat. Also after service the oil and antifreeze levels depletes prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and she was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine coil needed to be replaced. A representative from the dealer and manufacturer stated that the repairs cost $1600.00. No repairs were made. The failure…

    ODI 10297131

  • Catalytic Convertor · Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

    2002 nissan altima. Consumer states premature breakdown of the catalytic converter *tgw the vehicle was burning a quart of oil every few days, due to a defective catalytic converter that was deteriorating and its particles were sucked into the engine destroying its ability to administer power to the vehicle. Also the vehicle would stall when accelerating. *jb updated 01/21/11

    ODI 10357531