NissanAltima2002
  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.

  • April 1, 2003

    Engine

    The vehicle intermittently stalled while driving, which resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the ignition coils, but the problem recurred. *jb

    ODI 10017637

  • March 24, 2003 · 6,000 miles

    Engine

    This is written notice of a complaint i have regarding my new 2002 nissan altima. At the time of purchase, i was sold a defective engine, which is leaking oil at the rate of 2 quarts every 1,300 miles. The nhtsa has a recall for this as 03v084000 under the 'notes' section as i believe this is what my problem is. The car only has 7,000 miles but i have had to top the oil since i purchased the 2002 2.5 altima. *nlm

    ODI 10011093

  • March 1, 2003

    Engine

    Recall campaign, replaced exhaust cat shields and front pipe. Several other problems. *bf as soon as the vehicle was started it stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle consumer excessive amounts of oil and the check engine light illuminated. The consumer was told that he needed a long block engine assembly, a catalytic converter and front oxygen sensor. *nm

    ODI 10110875

  • February 19, 2003

    Engine

    THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START.*JB

    ODI 10008922

  • December 27, 2002 · 18,914 miles

    Engine

    Hot air blowing in vents, burns 1/2 qt. Oil every 1,000 miles, nissan wants to replace engine.*ak

    ODI 10026019

  • December 1, 2002 · 180,000 miles

    Engine

    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…

    ODI 10407020

  • October 10, 2002 · 90,000 miles

    Engine

    I have a 2002 nissan altima 3.5l v6. Vin# is [xxx]. At 90,000 miles my car dies while slowing down to a traffic light. The engine light comes on so i got it towed to auto zone for a diagnostic test. A failure crankshaft senor was a result. It has a recall for camshaft/crankshaft sensors. It states that due to these defective parts, the car will shut off while in operation resulting to a accident/crash. So i brought…

    ODI 10372069

  • March 16, 2002

    Engine

    Like thousands of other 2002 nissan altima 2.5 owners, nissan has left every one of us hanging out there and all they can recommend is to replace the engine. Nissan created this problem and is very aware of the oil consumption, catalytic converter break up and oxygen sensor failure. Then there is the excessive oil consumption and let's not forget the hard starting and failure to start. I will not buy another nissan…

    ODI 10245313

  • February 28, 2002

    Engine

    The first failure was on 2/28/02. The car stopped on my husband on the interstate & was towed back to the dealer. The crank sensor was defective & was replaced. Exactly one weeek later on 3/7/02, the car was taken back to the dealer where a defective coil to the crank sensor was found defective & replaced. On 5/10/02, the car stopped on me in the middle of the street & after being towed back to the dealer, the crack…

    ODI 763499

  • January 1, 2002

    Engine

    When putting the key inside of ignition switch to start vehicle it starts intermittently, and then shutoff without prior warning. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak

    ODI 8002754

  • Engine

    Multiple engine failures. *ph even with a new engine, the vehicle experienced the same problems. The service manager replaced plugs, and gave consumer a loaner vehicle. Also, a new computer was installed and still problem existed. *la *jb

    ODI 10066861

  • Engine

    Consumer was never notified about recall 03v084000 for debris/fire in the engine although the vin number was included. Vehicle was serviced several times for this problem by the dealership, and nothing was ever said about recall.*ak

    ODI 10033680

  • Engine

    Consumer states at any speed vehicle stalls . There is no warning. It is very dangerous. *ak

    ODI 10032281

  • 49,130 miles

    Engine

    The consumer stated the vehicle stalled without warning while driving on the highway. The dealer diagnosed the failure of the camshaft position sensor and replaced it. *ak. The vehicle failed to start twice and had to be towed, the first occurrence, the vehicle stalled while in driving. *ts *jb

    ODI 10026396