2002 Nissan Altima review from North America

My husband and I purchased a new 2002 Nissan Altima. Being a new car it ran smoothly for awhile. We began to experience immense problems after about 12,000 miles. Inititally we found that the windows would fog up and this impaired your vision making it dangerous to drive. My husband also complained about the heat coming from the under cabin driver side during the summer. Several thousand miles later, we began to hear a rattling sound under the hood. We could hear the lifters upon starting the vehicle indicating a low oil level. Upon taking the car to the dealer, they quoted that the book stated the car would burn an extra 1 quart of oil after 1,000 miles over the recommended 3,500 miles oil change. I began to tell my husband that the car did not sound right, he would then call the dealer to make an appt. Once again, they stated they could not find any problem. The check engine light appeared warning us there was a problem. The dealer however stated that it was sensor problem and not an engine problem. The engine light comes on repeatedly and the technican now states, that the problem in sludge in the radiator. We replaced the radiator, only to find that the check engine light is still on. We now have about 83,000 miles on the vehicle and upon another service appt, the check engine light appears again. We have the oil changed at 82,000 miles and at 83,000 miles the sound under the hood is worse and the engine light is on. Taking the car to the dealer again, they now state that there is no oil in the engine. After conversing with them a second day, after they spoke with Nissan headquarters, they state that the cataylic converter breaks and parts are in the motor causing engine failure.

Please do not purchase this car. Share this information with family and friends.