I have the 2002 Nissan Altima as well. I just took it to dealership for third time because check engine soon light was on (for the sixth time!!) they finally came clean and said that I have a blown head gasket, and that they will most likely have to replace the whole engine once they get started working on head gasket!!!! That is after they charged me for bringing it in on three separate occasions for a new engine belt, oxygen sensors, spark plugs and diagnostic! I am so upset that I have already spent almost $1000 right there for them replacing parts that didn't even need to be replaced!! I HATE YOU, NISSAN!!!!!!!!

That said, I also have a 2006 Nissan Altima and I am currently in a lawsuit with Nissan over it being a lemon as well.

My 2002 Nissan Altima is a piece of junk. Every since the day I drove it off the lot, I have had nothing but problems. I am so tired of fixing this car and paying for it at the same! As soon as you fix one thing.....here comes another problem. So far I have had to replace the catalytic converter, the thermostat, and the clutch. Now the head gasket has blown. I also have to add oil at least twice a month. My temperature hand is constantly moving up and down. There is never water in the radiator overflow (where is it going??????)I agree with others....this is the first Nissan I have ever bought and it will most definitely be the last...........

I purchased my 2002 Altima brand new along with an extended warranty up to 100,000 miles. As you may know, my problem started at 101,000 miles. Call Nissan who claimed to know nothing and would not fix my car..they told me to call my Nissan dealership in Conyers, GA, however, the manager NEVER returned my call.

I can't afford a new engine right now and am driving the car..it consumes oil and I have the white smoke..sometimes it won't start but when it does, I just ride it..it's my only means of transportation. Paid car off last month..so I am car note free..car still looks good..but as they say what looks good on the outside isn't always good on the inside..blown engine!

Getting another engine is in my plans..but I'm thinking the next one could have the same problem. I'll never purchase another Nissan because they're not being responsible and stepping up to the plate.

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima and my SES light came on yesterday

I took it to a local mechanic and was told

1) this was due to error code P0300 2) there was a strange smell from the engine and he suspects that its coolant 3) cylinder 2 and 4 had moisture on them 4) he thinks the gasket has been breached and needs to be replaced 5) it will cost me close to 2.5K for the repair work!

I'm trying to see what options I have at this time as I have already pumped in 3.5K last year to replace the transmission and radiator

I also own a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5. It is a hunk of junk! The car idles rough when it first starts, there is a water rushing sound under the dash, and my check engine light has been on since 70,000 miles. I have 75,000 miles on the car and it has already blown a head gasket. My private mechanic, who is a family friend, notified me of the problem and he also stated that the catalytic converter was also bad. I did not want to pay for the repairs after reading so many negative comments of the common problems with this crappy car. I reported the problem to Nissan Consumer Affairs. Mark Worley a specialist told me to take the car to a Nissan Dealership to have it diagnosed. Now the dealership wants to charge me $95.00 just for looking at my car and telling me I have a blown head gasket, but supposedly nothing is wrong with my catalytic converter. Which I think is crap because in CA by law o2 sensors and catalytic converters are covered up to 100,000 miles. Thanks a lot Nissan for stepping up to the plate. Oh yeah, it's been 3 weeks and my car is still at the Nissan Dealership, and I haven't heard a thing from Mark Worley regarding my car. Nissan has horrible customer service and sold me a Lemon. I will never buy one of their cars again.