2002 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
- 89
- 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 89 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 3 indicate fire
What owners report
- catalytic converter · 27 records
- needed replaced · 17 records
- check engine · 17 records
- engine light · 15 records
- failure mileage · 15 records
- independent mechanic · 13 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 26 |
| 150–400k mi | 22 |
| 60–100k mi | 18 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 30–60k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine
The car has an unusual oil consumption related to catalytic converter problems seems like. It is too many owners of this car having the same issue and base on their information there is not accountability from nissan. This issue must be investigated by the authorities and enforce the quality material from nissan for these car parts (catalytic and engine). This could be a hazard issue for possible fire or undesired…
ODI 10489202
Engine
I purchased the vehicle on 3/23/12. I had an oil change on 3/26/12. The engine started making a rattling sound on 4/20/12 and a mechanic recommended an oil change because the oil was black and low. He did the oil change. The noise went away after the oil change. Then on 5/6/12 the rattling noise came back. I checked the oil and it was extremely low. I added 3 quarts. Then on 5/16/12, i checked oil again and had to…
ODI 10458714
Engine
Soon after buying the vehicle the vehicle began to shake severely when started or when coming to a complete stop. Bringing it to the place where i bought the vehicle the changed the spark plugs and the shaking stopped for a while then weeks later it began again and only got worse. Now it shuts off when running or won't turn on at all. *tr
ODI 10485894
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact approached a stop signal when the vehicle suddenly began to shake with a hesitation. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. He noticed coolant leaking into the oil and the engine oil level had become extremely low. In addition, black and gray smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken…
ODI 10475991
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that while parked, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would also stall while driving at various speeds and would often hesitate to start while parked. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the crank shaft and the cam shaft position sensors would…
ODI 10493815
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 37,027.
ODI 10669171
Engine
Engine was consuming oil at an accelerated rate (1+ qt per 2,000+ miles). Dealership conducted an oil consumption test beginning december 2011. It appears that when the catalytic converter goes out, it sucks in pieces of the converter substrate during the negative cycle. The small pieces of the converter then score the cylinder walls. After several months of the dealership monitoring the oil consumption, i was told…
ODI 10465751
Engine · Engine And Engine Cooling · Fuel/Propulsion System · Vehicle Speed Control
The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would also stall while driving at various speeds and would often hesitate to start while parked. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the crank shaft and the cam shaft position sensors would have to be replaced. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 03v455000…
ODI 10499757
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. While driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle lost power and the services light illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
ODI 10703139
Engine · Engine And Engine Cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that after having the vehicle serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling), the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure…
ODI 10521066
Engine
If you google 2002 nissan altima problems you will see hundreds if not thousands of people complaining from about 60k to 100k about a design flaw of having the pre catalytic converter too close to the exhaust valves. The pre-cat was found to be a problem of breaking down the metals inside and causing them to be sucked into the engine and ruining the piston rings and ultimately blowing the engine. Nissan had said my…
ODI 10637153
Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id number 03v084000(engine and engine cooling: exhaustsystem: manifold/ header/ muffler/ tail pipe ) and took the vehicle to the dealer for recall service. Several years later, the engine failed without warning. The contact stated that because of an oil consumption issue with the vehicle, excessive smoke…
ODI 10488715
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of anti freeze and oil. The contact mentioned that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the head gasket and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, eight months later…
ODI 10659700
Engine
My car keeps consuming oil 2qts every couple hundred miles. This is outrageous. I've been told that i need to replace my engine and that this is a common problem with the year and the vehicle i have. Not only this but also my catalytic converter needs to be replaced!!! Please help!! *tr
ODI 10554225