CarComplaints.com Notes: Here's a disturbing trend for the 2002 Nissan Altima: the engine starts burning oil like crazy, the catalytic converter goes bad, the head gasket blows and eventually the entire engine needs replacement. Sound familiar? Like a script from a horror film, these Altimas seem doomed to fail around 95k miles.

3.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,946 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Nissan Altima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2002 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 102002

Altima 4-cyl

  • 21 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The air conditioning system will not circulate heat. Also after service the oil and antifreeze levels depletes prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and she was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine coil needed to be replaced. A representative from the dealer and manufacturer stated that the repairs cost $1600. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 21. The mileage was 105,000. The consumer stated the vehicle would stall while driving at any speed. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and upon inspection, the consumer was informed a sensor was soaked in oil. There was no oil leaking from the vehicle, but they were not able to tell the consumer where the oil was coming from. Soon after, there was a recall for the same problem. The wheel bearing and alternator had to be replaced. The engine light has been on for over 2 1/2 years, the vehicle has no heat and anti-freeze was evaporating, but there were no leaks. The consumer stated she could smell coolant coming through the vents. Updated 02/01/10

- Matteson, IL, USA

problem #2

Feb 292008

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,818 miles
1. vehicle's exhaust pipe hanger caught bag of debris from the road and felt like the car was falling apart in the rear. Debris was removed by discount tires after purchasing new wheels and tires. 2. service engine warning light is on. Engine has reduced power and it causes the engine to stop running without warning during operation, with vibrating noises. Nissan states that the cam sensor with crank sensor is faulty and should be replaced. Apparently it is under recall and they want us to pay for a recalled item. 3. engine long block was replaced on 2/14/06 because of catastrophic engine failure, and the engine continues to have problems with vibrating and sluggishness. 4. rear engine mount replaced in 11/03/04 as recommended. Now, passenger upper mount was recommended to be changed on 3/14/08. 5. air conditioning is blowing hot air and we replaced air conditioning high side compressor and oil recharged system in 6/01/07, as recommended. As of today 3/30/08 air conditioning is blowing hot air again. We purchased new wheels, tires and brakes because of the vibration in the car and steering column with low sounding noise. We have consistently taken our car in for maintenance, recalls and additional mechanical problems with very minimal resolutions. Thank you.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #1

Mar 182004

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2002 Nissan Altima overheats, air conditioner and engine failures. Customer states that she has brought the car in on numerous occasions for the overheating, air conditioning, and engine failures. The consumer stated she was backing out of the driveway, when all of a sudden the engine light flashed and there was an immediate loss of power and no steering capability. The starter, engine control module and radiator were replaced. The thermostat was sticking which was one of the reasons the engine was overheating. The rear middle seat belt locked into place. The fuel door would not open when using the internal latch. The gear was difficult to get out of park.

- San Jose, CA, USA

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