Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-85
It's very depressing reading all of the above comments.
I purchased my 2002 Nissan Altima brand new off of the shop floor. I believe it only had about 14 miles on it. I loved the interior as well as the exterior. The car ran great for approximately 2 to 3 years.
First, I experienced the problem where my car did not want to crank. I may have already had one or two recalls at this point. Then more and more. The recalls continued.
The check engine light starting coming on and going off constantly. I remember just last year looking at the dash and the light just magically went off right before the car was due for inspection, so I drove it straight to the local garage and had it inspected in fear of the light coming back on. And what do you know... the very next day - the light came back on.
The car has been using oil for about the last two years. Not a drastic amount, but I have to keep a check on it as well as the coolant fluid - which has a higher consumption rate than the oil. Any now, well the check engine light will not go off. I took it to the local dealer to have yet another recall fixed... reprogramming. Well, when I went to pick my car up, I was told that the Nissan place could not complete the recall because the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and that the 02 sensor would also need replacing. The catalytic converter alone is priced at $1271 (not including tax). And guess what I cannot get the car inspected until this is fixed and it is dead now. So I am looking at a possible ticket if I am pulled over and a fine of a couple hundred dollars if I do not get the car inspected ASAP. Money don't simply grow on trees.
Even though the look of the Altima is very impressive, I believe I will begin to start thinking more logically from this point on before I purchase another automobile. I really don't think I will consider purchasing another Nissan due to the fact that I work in a manufacturing environment and these issues should have been identified before the car was mass produced. However, I also know that in some cases it is impossible to catch every detail, but I don't think that this was the case with the 2002 Nissan Altima.
Thanks, Concerned owner.
I am extremely surprised. I mean this a nice looking car from the outside; looks way better than Camry and Accord of that year. That was the only reason why I bought it; more power also, but unfortunately I am also having problems starting the car and the heater. I was just looking forward to buy a brand new when I finish paying this one, but let's see overall how it does, I will give it a try, positive.
I too have had problems with the crankshaft sensor.
I had not had any problems before it was replaced due to the recall. Subsequent to the recall, the sensor failed while I was in rush-hour traffic on the highway. I was able to restart the car after multiple attempts and brought it to the dealer.
The dealer charged me $300 to replace the sensor as it was outside the warranty period (18 mos. vs. 12 mos).
I have had no problems with the replacement sensor (over 2.5 years now), leading me to believe that the one I received as a result of the recall was faulty.
When I recently discussed this with the dealership, I was told by the service manager, "Parts Fail." Nice. She proceeded to tell me that my memory was incorrect as to the number of recalls my 2002 has had. {Hmmm...I have the notices and can count...}
I have spoken with customer service at Nissan's corporate headquarters and have filed a claim. Hopefully, they will honor my request and reimburse me for the failed part.
I bought a 02 Altima in 2007 with about 55,000 miles on it. It now has about 70,000 miles on it and is burning oil like crazy. And now it makes a rattling sound when it is at about 3-400 rpm; can anyone give me any advice?
It also seems it lacks power too.
Ravensatl@alltel.net
I wish I would have read the woahs before I go my Altima. 2002 130,000. I got the car form a Nissan Dealer 2 years ago. I noticed now that the mounting screws were missing holding the shroud for the fan. Leads me to think the radiator had been replaced.. Oil consumption is OK. I am now hearing a sound in the rear pass side. Could it be a the effects of a cat going bad. Thanks for the info on this site.
Same problem as everyone. 75K miles, the Service Engine light came on, and soon after, it started excessive oil consumption followed by a significant drop in power, especially in take-off speed. Took it to the dealer and was informed that I need to change the engine for close to $5000.
I am in on the class action suit.
E-mail kodamelash@gmail.com.
My wife has a 2002 Altima, leased brand new for 3 years, garaged, then bought out the lease. Only has 68K miles as of Sept., 2008. In Nov. 2007, heater starting going bad, replaced all parts at a cost of close to $500. Started leaking anti-freeze, but not on the ground. After numerous trips to repair shop, then to Nissan, I was told we need another engine! We have maintained the car very well, changed oil regulary. One shop said dip stick was on empty! No oil spots or burning smoke. We change oil every 3k-4k miles. We have supporting documents on service issues.
Still losing anit-freeze, sometimes the car bucks, engine light blinks on and off then it will go off. This is our 6th Nissan since 1981 and 8 total in our family, including children. We have driven 4 of them well over 225K miles. We have 3 payments left and was looking forward to having no car payments for the next 4 years.
We contacted Nissan Consumer Hotline on Sept. 12, 2008. Our complaint is working it's way thru the regionial office, still waiting for an answer and solution. We not only have a oil cosumption problem, but an anti-freeze problem that is leaking into the head gasket area, causing the car to sputter. it is in mint condition, rides well and is everything we wanted in a loaded Altima, (leather, Bose, chrome rims, moon roof).
We have taken the car back for recalls and maintenance.
We trust our service mgr. 100%. Engine warranty was up at 60,000 miles? We believe we were less than that last Nov. when these problems started and the faulty thermostats/ no heat problem was masking the real problems. We believe we are entitled to a new engine and Nissan knew that they had a problem with these new aluminum engines when they re-designed them, that they can't withstand the heat. Did I hear something about a class action suit against Nissan for all of these engine problems? Please reply. I am currently driving my 2002 Sentra (#4) and it runs great as usual. We hope that Nissan will come to favorable terms regarding this issue with us ASAP. It's almost winter in OH and we have to have a dependable car!
If there is no settlement, we have a worthless almost 7 year old car sitting in our driveway. After 27 years of Driving Nissan vehicles, this will be the last one if we can't settle this issue. Thank you for reading this, we welcome your comments!
I just got a Nissan Altima SL 2002. This 2008 it has about 120000 miles on it. The service engine soon light just came on after I drove the car for like four days; the oil is OK and the coolant, but can anyone tell me what to do about the service engine soon light?
The car also shakes when the gear is in the park position. Please help, thank you.
Very informative site... very depressing... I love my 2005 Nissan Altima. I bought the car 3 yrs. ago with 12,000 miles on it and have had problems with the heat in the vehicle ever since... Idling is terrible and I only have heat when I floor it. My baby has come secondary in the winter-time due to no heat and frigid temps... I have two small children and I am unable to cart them around in it because they are frozen in the back seat. While sitting in the front I've put my arm in the back seat and felt the difference in temp instantly. I love my Altima... but after she is paid off she may be garaged so I can park my new car in her spot, sadly.
Thanx for everyones info... very sad but true.
I bought a 2002 Altima in Sept, 2001, with the 2.5 L engine. After over 160K miles the car is burning a quart of oil every 150 miles or so. This is after a ring job, seals and gaskets were replaces (over $1500.00) with an good experienced mechanic. What a problem. I've had Toyota's and put on over 250K without this type of problem. I recommend not spending money to repair- the repair does not work. I now realize I have to scrap the car or replace the engine. Thanks Nissan!
If there is a lawsuit I'm in.
To the one three above that says the car shakes. I have the same problem, I bought my car off my parents for university and have had no problems over 6 years accept for the noise when idling, they said it was a loose plate and is inexpensive to fix, however they haven't fixed it during the numerous recalls we have been to. My heat won't work as well, I might try changing the water hose like one of the reviews said. He said the water hose was blocked and once it was replaced the heat worked perfectly. Cheers.
Before you take the car in to check why the engine light is on, take off the gas cap and make sure it is on properly and tight then give a day or so, the light will turn off. If the cap isn't on properly air will get in and cause the light to turn on. Cheers.
I have purchased a Nissan Altima 2005, 2.5 SL just 4 months ago. After buying the car I was visited Nissan dealer for general inspection and servicing. The Service Advisor informed me that I have to leave my car for a day to fix the SUB-FRAME (although he did not tell me, but finally I came to know that there was a product recall) and it would be free of charge, but I have to replace one of the CV B
boots immediately and that will cost about $350.
As per his recommendation, I have fixed everything, but on next day the engine light came on while driving the car. Immediately I called the Nissan dealer to make an appointment and the service adviser told me that it is safe to drive before next visit. On third day my car became disabled on the busy highway. After multiple tries I could able to start the car and bought one of the nearest Lubrico authorized (I have purchased warranty for 4 years) garage. After inspection the mechanic informed the crank sensor had a problem and it will cost $230 as Lubrico would not cover it.
Within 4 months I really become angry with Nissan as I had to spend so much for that that, which was really little extra on my plate. Most importantly, the car became disabled on the highway and luckily I was safe. Next time will think twice before buying Nissan and I will never recommend to buy Nissan to my friends and relatives.
I have Nissan Altima 2002 with 94000 km on it, and I'm having the same above problems.
Need to add coolant every other week, Service Engine Light came up, and the catalytic converter has to be changed, and it shakes a lot when it starts in the morning.
I have Honda Accord 1993 with 259000 kms driving for last 7 years, but still in very good shape, never give me any major trouble.
Yes we should have to do something for NISSAN, and NO MORE NISSAN in my family and friends too. Thanks.
I have a 2002 Nissan Altima. This is a great looking car and it has lots of room. I have really loved this car and thought I'd be a lifelong Nissan Owner until recently. My heater blows cold if I'm idling or going under 35mph. This started at the end of last winter when I was at 95,000 miles. I'm now at 120,000 and it's really bad. I took it to the dealership and they told me they needed to bleed the radiator. After that I had heat for approximately 4 days and then it was cold again. I returned to the dealership and they said I need two thermostats. One old fashioned kind and one water control valve. I had them replace both and it is still not working. This morning they told me I need a new engine?!?!?! A new engine will cost more that the car is worth. They said they might be able to get away with just replacing the head gasket but then I'll probably start losing oil. I can't afford to trade this car in right now so I'm going to keep it and my two year old and I will just freeze everyday while driving it until Spring comes. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER buy another Nissan. I filed a formal complaint with Nissan USA. This is a widespread problem and they know it. If anyone knows of a class action law suit, please contact me at chellif@charter.net
Buyer Beware.