1. Nissan Altima
  2. Problems
  3. 2002
  4. Engine

2002 Nissan Altima Engine Problems

164
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 164 stored complaint records:

  • 3 indicate a crash
  • 3 indicate injury
  • 7 indicate fire

What owners report

  • catalytic converter · 31 records
  • engine light · 21 records
  • check engine · 16 records
  • head gasket · 12 records
  • current mileage · 12 records
  • failure mileage · 12 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi77
100–150k mi30
30–60k mi13
150–400k mi9
1–30k mi7

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • December 25, 2005 · 100,000 miles

    Engine

    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…

    ODI 10212852

  • November 19, 2005 · 88,000 miles

    Engine · Fan/Motor · Instrument Cluster/Panel

    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…

    Fire reported

    ODI 10163088

  • November 3, 2005

    Engine · Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    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…

    ODI 10141657

  • July 19, 2005 · 66,000 miles

    Engine

    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

    Fire reported

    ODI 10129659

  • July 2, 2005 · 100,000 miles

    Engine

    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.

    ODI 10173857

  • March 22, 2005 · 72,000 miles

    Engine

    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…

    ODI 10117021

  • February 10, 2005 · 32,500 miles

    Engine · Tank Assembly

    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…

    ODI 10256989

  • November 29, 2004 · 45,000 miles

    Engine

    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/[redacted] 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…

    ODI 10250804

  • November 15, 2004 · 116,000 miles

    Engine · Mechanical

    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…

    ODI 10107887

  • November 5, 2004 · 58,000 miles

    Driveshaft · Engine

    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

    ODI 10118851

  • October 15, 2004

    Engine

    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

    ODI 10096999

  • July 30, 2004

    Engine · Radiator Assembly · Rotor

    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…

    ODI 10083137

  • June 18, 2004

    Engine

    Reporting 2002 nissan altima accident/fire; and requesting assistance on how to get reimbursed for auto repairs. *bf the consumer was involved in an accident in which he re ended another vehicle. The vehicle sustained severe front end damage and the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was totaled due to fire and water damage. The other vehicle drove away from the accident with little to no damage. *nm

    Crash reported · Fire reported

    ODI 10097917

  • May 10, 2004 · 45,000 miles

    Engine

    Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the engine is making a loud noise and burning oil. The service engine light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as needing a new engine and will not replace it free of charge. The vin and purchase date were unavailable. The current mileage is 110,000 and failure mileage was 45,000.

    ODI 10192560

  • February 26, 2004 · 31,000 miles

    Engine

    Well, i filed a complaint on march 12, 2003 regarding my engine on my 2002 nissan altima. Well, i've noted since 2002-2004, my car has had major problems with the engine. Well, here it is 2004, i'm having the same problem with the car stalling and the air bag had a default. It was towed about three weeks ago and once again, i was told there was a recall on the censor for the computer and the starter went out as…

    ODI 10062070

  • January 18, 2004 · 61,308 miles

    Engine

    Engine stalled at highway speed nearly causing a major accident. Car restarted and smae thing happened. I had car towed to dealer and they replaced a sensor as part of a reclaa (r3022). *ak

    ODI 10054546

  • January 1, 2004 · 67,000 miles

    Engine

    Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that there was a recall for his vehicle. The dealer stated that he needs a new engine, but the contact believes that the dealer damaged what they were trying to prevent. Nissan and the consumer affairs office did not offer any assistance in the matter. The recall repair was performed in january of 2004 and the head gasket was repaired that same year. The…

    ODI 10191305

  • November 20, 2003 · 15,000 miles

    Engine

    Was driving 40-mph the vehicle stalled. Driver had managed to get vehicle out of traffic and towed to the dealer. Dealership had replaced the cam shaft sensor twice. Driver don't feel safe any more to driving this vehicle. *ph

    ODI 10048399

  • November 14, 2003 · 18,000 miles

    Engine

    I purchased a 2002 nissan altima in november of 2001. Twice within a short period of time, i was stranded when my vehicle would not start after turning it off. Both times the service department where i bought the vehicle told me that some minor adjustments fixed the problem. The third time my vehicle failed was this week, and it put my baby daughter and i in a life-threatening situation. As we traveled down i-10 at…

    ODI 10047257

  • October 9, 2003 · 81,588 miles

    Engine

    Engine failure due to recall that was not performed by nissan. *ak

    ODI 10067857

  • September 17, 2003

    Engine

    While driving at any speed the vehicle stalled out without warning. The dealer replaced the crankshaft position sensor but the problem still occurred. Please provide further information. *nlm

    ODI 10040180

  • June 16, 2003 · 28,975 miles

    Engine

    While at a stop light, my car died. It was a hot day, the ac was on. I turned it off, it started after hesitating to turn over. Same exact situation except i was coasting down a hill the next day and it died, hot/ac was on. That time, the service engine light came on. I took it to the dealer the next day. I just got it back today and on the way home (again, hot day, ac on), it died again. The service ticket that i…

    ODI 10023618

  • May 20, 2003

    Engine

    The consumer noticed every 1000 miles the engine consumed one quart of oil. The dealer was unable to find a problem. *jb

    ODI 10020227

  • May 7, 2003

    Engine

    The consumer noticed that the engine consumed 1/2 quart of oil every 1500 miles. The dealer replaced the engine. *nlm

    ODI 10019405

  • April 28, 2003

    Engine · Mechanical

    My 2002 nissan altima has complete loss of power while driving on three separate occasions, twice i lost control of car and miraculously avoided a crash. I have been told that the problem was repaired the second time having it towed to the dealership. I no longer feel safe placing my children in this car. This car is a death trap, i'm surprised the government (lemon law) requires a total of 5 times same…

    ODI 10052352