Nissan Altima Engine Failures

ken75 · December 2007

Thank you for the reply. This noise appears to be coming from the top end of the motor and is a continuous tapping noise such as you might hear from lifters or valves. The car will be going in for inspection to see if it may be the beginning of a problem. I just posted it here to see if anyone else had a similar occurance. Thanks again.

electricdesign · December 2007

I'm sure you don't have much to worry about. Your car is new, and it sounds like a minor problem, maybe just a valve adjustment. I am sure that they have made improvements to the engine over the last 6 years, I would think that they would have the problems ironed out by now. I am not sure what changes or upgrades have been made, as I have been concentrating on the problems with my daughters 2002 model. From my perspective, I have seen two basic problems with the early models, the excessive oil burning, probably caused by defective oil control piston rings, and the Exhaust Precatalyst problem.
They could fix both problems by using better piston rings and by redesigning the exhaust system (use a better catalytic converter and move it farther away from the engine exhaust ports). Other than that, it seems to be a good engine. The engine block is cast in Mexico, it says so right on the front of the block next to the crankshaft pully. The crankshaft comes from somewhere else, and the engine is assembled in the plant in Decherd Tenn.

ncage1974 · December 2007

I'd also like to know if they fixed the QR engine problems (2.5L) with the redesign of the engine for 07. They have had problems i think from 02-06. I really don't know if everyone experienced the oil consumption/oil burning problems or if it was small subset. I'd love to have the QR engine in general because it gets great gas mileage and for a 4-banger has great power. If i decide to go with the 2.5L then should i get an extended warranty? My luck it would decide to explode at about 90,000 on it.

Ncage

ken75 · December 2007

One of the extended problems I may have with the car is the low mileage I will put on it. I am retired and do not do a lot of running around like the Boss who drives an "06" CR-V. If I am going to have a problem, I want it to be in the time frame of the 7 year extended warranty we purchased. I will be checking oil level weekly as that seems to be a good hint for the consumption problem as well as other fluid levels. I also may have a local shop do compression tests once in awhile. I am still thinking on the Nissan dealer doing all the periodic work called for in the manual but I sure hate to spend the $100.00+ burden rate the shops ask for. Is this expensive shop work on top or expensive warranty work? I don't know how to call this one but common sense tells me to suck it up, pay Nissan for the work and stick em if it all goes south.

As far as power goes, the 2.5 is great for my uses, should have very good econony and when attached to the CVT trannie, is very smooth comfortable. I have wanted this car for a long time and I wish I had the money to go for the fully dressed car but I can't really complain. I am fortunate to have this one and I will enjoy driving it as long as peices do not start to fall off and systems fail. I sure do like some of the little goodies that were not pointed out to me like the "Aux" button on the stereo which allows me to play an ipod through the speakers as well as a GPS. Neat stuff.
Thanks for the help.

electricdesign · December 2007

Refering to my posts #98 & #103, taking the 2002 Altima 2.5S QR engine apart, I got the head off last night (Thursday night), and dropped the head off at the machine shop this Friday morning, to have it checked and rebuilt. They will do a pressure test to check for any leaks, then do a vaccum test to test the valves, then straighten and mill the head flat. Then if it passes all that, they will break it down and do a valve job on it and put on new valve seals. That will cost me $281 plus parts. They will also sell the new head bolts for $83 and Gaskets for $99 plus tax. With some gasket sealer it wll cost me about $500 or more for the machine shop work and parts. They are closed on the weekend, so I won't get the head back until next week, Monday afternoon at the earliest or Tuesday. Hopefully, the head will pass all the leakage tests. If not, then I need to exchange it for a rebuilt head which cost about $350 plus tax, taking at least 2 days from the time that it is ordered.
E.D. ISF

antiochnissan · December 2007

Hey there, I'm 19 year old guy I'd appreciate an older wiser take on this. Two months ago I purchased a used 2002 Altima with 80,000 miles from the local dealership. I am the second owner. The first time I checked the oil after driving aprox 900 miles it was a quart and a half low. I kicked myself for not checking the oil the day I bought it for $10,000. I filled it, drove it, and again checked it around 900 miles later and again the same thing, 600 miles later it was a quart low. I took the car to the dealer and explained the problem. I was told they would need to disassemble the engine to do a proper inspection. They explained to me they would need to determine if the problem was covered by the $2,800 dollar warranty I had purchased. I trusted this dealership, I had worked there for 6 months until I was hired by the refinery here. Two days ago I went in and spoke to the service rep, he told me the catalytic converter failed and was sucked into the engine, I saw that all four cylinder walls were scored, two of them recieved the majority of the damage. They said it was not a warranty issue, it would be $4,000 to repair the engine or I can pick up the car tomorrow after I pay them $1000 for diagnosing the problem.
Just today I began researching on the internet and found you folks and others
with the same type of problem. Today I found the car had been purchased in 2002,
had a record of being serviced once in 2003, was traded into The Nissan / Toyota
dealer in Sept. of 2007, ( possibly because it was burning a lot of oil?) apparently it passed an emission test before it was resold to me. How can they do this?
They had to be aware before disassembling the engine what the culprit was,
Nissan is placing the burden on me for there problem, now want $1,000 more
for a car that needs $4,000 to make it a car I thought I was buying in the first
place. Should I cut my losses? This stinks! Count me in on any bandwagon also!

Mr_Shiftright · December 2007

I don't understand why the extended warranty you purchased does not cover this.

I think you need a lawyer, unfortunately. This sounds very wrong, unless there are parts to this story we don't know yet. I can understand (but don't agree with) why Nissan might not step up to the plate on the original warranty, but I can't understand why your extended warranty doesn't cover it.

electricdesign · December 2007

Wow, I really hate to see this happen to you. I sure sounds like the dealership took advantage of you and unloaded the car on you to cut their losses. The more I am hearing of this, the worse it sounds. You responded to my post #75 and I hope you read all the posts following that one, particularly the ones that deal with this particular problem, #'s 76, 77, 80, 81, 82, 98, 102, 103 & 113 to date so far. I am not an attorny, just a lowly electricain/mechanic, but you are right, this stinks! This is happening to too many people, and it seems like it should be making the news. I am wondering what the actual numbers of this happening are? It seems to be happening a lot, as people are popping up on this forum with the same problem.
Mr antiochnissan, you situation sounds bleak, you need legal help, see an attorny, print out all these posts and anything else you can find on the internet, get as much documentation as you can.
I've got my daugthers 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S with 100,900 miles, engine torn down right now, with the head in the machine shop getting a valve job and resurfacing. I've got 313 digital pictures showing the teardown of the engine. I'm lucky the cylinders look OK in her car, I think it was drove hard enough that the precatalyst material was blown out of the precatalyst through the exhaust pipe to the second catalyst under the center of the car right before the muffler. It then plugged the cat under the car, which I took off and unplugged. Since the material was forceably blown out of the precatlyst, it may have partially saved the engine from so much of the precat material being blown back into the engine.
I think this whole engine failure situation is getting rediculous, we need to get some reliable numbers on how many of these incidents are occuring, and how many is too many? Nissan is apparantly not going to do anything about it, and their dealers seem to be dumping these cars onto innocent unsuspecting people. We need to get together and do something about this situation. We need get the word out on these cars, to prevent people from being victimized by these faulty engines! How bad is this going to get? Is Nissan just waiting and hoping that enough time will pass and that this situation will just blow by? How many people have been victims of these engine failures, and how many more will there be? How many years and/or miles out can from the manufacturing date can you go and still have cause for legal action? If anybody can help or have suggestions, please chime in. I'll help anyway I can.
E.D. ISF

gooddeal2 · December 2007

Is Nissan just waiting and hoping that enough time will pass and that this situation will just blow by? How many people have been victims of these engine failures, and how many more will there be? How many years and/or miles out can from the manufacturing date can you go and still have cause for legal action?

I don't really think we should really blame Nissan for the problem. If you go to other threads, Lexus ES, Camry, Acura TL, you will see diff. problems there. I think there're always numbers of defect cars in the manufacturing process, That's why most manufacturers only offer 5 years warranty because they know that there's a better chance that a car needs some kind of repairs after that period.

That's why the previous owner dump the car after 5 years/ (s)he rather pays more money upfront by buying a new car and then doesn't have to worry about the repair bills.

Usually, the used car dealers are the problems. They look at the car, know the problems, buy it LOW from the previous owner and then turn around try to sell that car at retail to an un-educated consumer. My .02.

jd10013 · December 2007

Usually, the used car dealers are the problems. They look at the car, know the problems, buy it LOW from the previous owner and then turn around try to sell that car at retail to an un-educated consumer. My .02.

Thats probably the truest thing I've read in a long time. I became so disgusted with used cars that 15 years ago I refused to ever buy one again. I'd much rather buy a brand new kia rio for 10k + 100k warranty than roll the dice on a 3 or more year old car.

ken75 · December 2007

I guess all I can do with my brand new 25 grand car is drive it until something pukes and hope Nissan will do the right thing. I am hoping that some of the issues from the past have been fixed. These people are not idiots and they still have to answer to stock holders who can make life miserable for the execs. Time will tell.

honeybzs · December 2007

I just recently purchased a used 2004 Altima. So far I have not had any mechanical problems with the car but my FM radio reception is horrible. When I play a CD it sounds great but no matter what station I have on, the radio quality is crap. I believe it is because of the internal antenna. Does anyone know of any antenna boosters or any other options so that I get better reception? I really don't want to have to drill a hole in the car to have an external antenna installed.

ferusolin · December 2007

I have a 2001 nissan Altima that is running really rough at idle, almost wants to die, feels like a bad miss fire but engine is perfect off idle, I have replace plugs, wires, cap and rotor and did an injector service but the problem remains, compression is @ 120 per cylinder and injectors are pulsing. I have also cleaned the mass air flow sensor. Has anyone had this problem or are there any suggestions, any help would be greatly appreciated.

electricdesign · December 2007

What engine? How many miles? Has the "check engine light" or "service engine soon light" come on? If so, have the DTC's read and report back with them. A likely cause here is a vaccum leak. Check for vaccums leaks around gaskets, hoses, etc.
The compression reading sounds low, how were they taken? They should be taken with the battery fully charged, all spark plugs out, and Throttle wide open (if you have drive by wire, the throttle should be physically blocked open). I would expect cylinder compressions of over 140 psi.

jd10013 · December 2007

I'm not bashing nissan, I have two in my driveway right now (1 being a 2007 altima). I'm bashing used cars :P You never know what somebody did to them before your, or how they took care of them. Between that, and the fact that most people will sell when they know a major problem is about to occur, I refused to buy used.

electricdesign · December 2007

Referring to my posts #98, #103 & #113, taking apart and reassembling the Altima 2.5S QR Engine, I got the head back from the machine shop Monday afternoon (12/1707). They said the head passed the pressure and vacuum tests, no cracks or leaks, but the head was warped .005", which is too much (was the cause of the head gasket leakage). They milled the head flat, did a valve job, and installed new seals on the valves. They charged me $471.57 for the machine work, including a gasket set, new head bolts, and a tube of gray silcone sealer. I worked on cleaning and assembling everything back together, on the evenings of Sunday(3hrs cleaning parts), Monday(6hrs), Tuesday(1/2hr), Wednesday(3hrs), then all day Saturday(12 1/2hrs) and part of Sunday(5hrs). I tested the cylinder compressions before I started the engine, and they were all 210 pounds, very good. I started the engine at 2pm on Sun 12/23/07, and it started and ran perfectly as soon as I turned the key to start. The computer showed no codes. After warming it up, and taking a test drive, I came back to the shop and flushed the cooling system, put in the new coolant, and changed the oil and filter. No leaks, no skips, no misses, it performed as good or better than new. It got up to 110 mph on the freeway, but I had to let off the throttle due to traffic. The amount of money I spent in parts and machine shop work is about what I had figured, total of $533. I roughly tracked my labor, and I spent about 18 hours tearing it down, and I spent about 30 hours cleaning, checking and assembling the engine. I worked rather slowly and methodically, because I don't do these every day and I had to be certain that it was right. I took 313 pictures during the teardown and 350 pictures of the cleaning and assembly. I spent about 48 hours working on it over two weeks, while still working at my 40 hour a week daytime job. My daughter came over sunday night and picked up the car, so now I can take a rest, and do my Christmas shopping!
So far so good, she called and said it is running fine. I want it keep running that way for a couple of more years till she can get another car, NOT a Nissan!
Good Luck and Merry Christmas to all of you,
E.D. in Sunny Florida

p.s. to jd10013 - I understand your concern about not buying used cars because it is a gamble and you may inhierit someones problems, BUT I only buy used cars and I am very sucessful at it because I do a massive amount of reasearch before a buy a vehicle. My cars all go over 200,000 miles with no major problems. The Nissan Altima in this post, I DID NOT BUY, nor would I have bought. My daughter made the descision to buy it and she was very adamant about getting one, because she liked the "new look". I think she has learned better by now, because next time I won't be fixing it, she will have to pay to get it fixed.
Back to my cars, I research for reliable vehicles that fit my needs, usually 5 years old with 80,000 to 100,000 miles and with a good deal. I do all my own servicing and repair work.
My current vehicles - a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 with AODE auto transmission 2wd with 160,000 miles -run great, and a 2000 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 with AODE auto transmission 2wd with 148,000 - runs great.
My next vehicle - probably a 2004 Toyota Highlander.

smoothride4me · December 2007

While driving my 2002 Altima the other day, Which is a 2.5 L engine.. I got off the freeway and the engine had almost completly lost all its power.. Tried to get it home but I eended up having it towed, Took it to the mechanic and he was a little confused.. He did look up that there was a recall with some sensors involved, Does anyone know anything about this ?

electricdesign · December 2007

First thing to do is get the codes read from the computer, the codes are call "DTC's" Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The mechanic should have read those first and informed you of what they were.
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Crankshaft Position (CKP) and Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensors and screws falling out of the intake manifold Power Valve on the 2.5L engine. Failure of the CKP Sensor or the CMP Sensor may cause the engine to stall, and may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. When the intake manifold Power Valve screws fall out they enter the engine through the intake manifold and can damage the spark plugs causing the engine to misfire or may damage the engine block.
Good Luck,
E.D. in Sunny Florida

smoothride4me · December 2007

Merry Christmas and Thank you very much for the scoop, I did have the code read, And all it is showing is the 3rd gear in the transmission is slipping, Maybe another problem but the trans is not the cause of the engine running rough with its loss of power..No other DTC's came up on the computer..I am just wondering if I should have the mechanic change the CKP and CMP? I also have a Ford diesel pick up.. I saved a bundle of money without taking it to the dealer and changing the CPS myself..
Thank You again
Raymond, In windy California!!!

electricdesign · December 2007

Now I understand why the mechanic was confused, he had no codes to guide him.
I would not recommend to blindly change sensors and parts without proper diagnosis, you will be throwing away time and money.
There are some common problems that can cause the engine to run rough or badly and NOT throw a code, any vaccum leaks, like leaky or broken vacuum hoses, leaky intake gaskets, leaky fuel injector seals, etc or any air leak in the air intake duct between the MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor) and the throttle body. Pull the entire plastic intake duct off the engine and inspect it carefully for and leaks, cracks, holes, and be sure everything fits securely when installed.
Also check the fuel pressure at the fuel injector rail and monitor the fuel pressure to be sure it remains constant while driving. If there is a problem with the fuel pressure, check the fuel pressure regulator, Fuel Pump Relay, and lastly check the fuel pump and filter (located in the gas tank, asscessable through a cover under the rear seat/truck area0.
There are a few other things that could cause problems, but the possiblities are remote, and I don't want to lead you to "chasing your tail".
Good Luck,
E.D. in Sunny Florida

smoothride4me · December 2007

Thank you very much for rhe info, Trust me it helped.. I called Nissan Headquartes and they did say there was a recall on the sensors.. Right before I was going to take the car, The mechanic and I decided to take out the 02 sensor, The car was loud but then it ran fine, Some stuff blew out of the hole, Put the sensor back in and it ran fine.. I still am going to have the Cat converter changed but Nissan made the exhaust manifold and converter as one part, In the tune of $494, Just for the part..
Thaks again!!!!

electricdesign · December 2007

Your power loss was due to an exhaust restriction in the precat and/or exhaust. We have had long discussions on all this before. I would suggest you look back over earlier posts and you can glean much useful information from them. You can use the SEARCH feature to find what you are looking for. I posted extensively on this particular subject of the precat and the lower second cat failing and clogging in this forum in Post #75 through #77. Be sure to read them. Removing the oxygen sensor relieved the backpressure in the cat, but the problem still remains. The contents of the precat can break free and blow down the exahust pipe to the next part, which is another cat under the car, right before the muffler, it's about 4 feet back from the connection of the exhaust pipe to the bottom of the precat. This second cat under the car can clog up and plug the exhaust. Go behind the car when the engine is running and feel how much exhaust gas is coming out the tailpipes. If not much, the cat may be cloged. I was able to take the exhaust pipe with the second cat out from under the car and unclog it, and put it back on. It worked fine after that.
Good Luck,
E.D. in Sunny Florida

aguarino · December 2007

What an eye opener. I have 2 Altima's-- 2002 with 80,000 miles and a 2003 with 75,000 miles. Well, the 2002 started a problem with engine noise, then the catalytic convertor went out, now the oil comsumption problem. I have contacted Nissan, with no response so far. Does anyone know if Nissan is recognizing this is a problem?? I've read all the recalls and tech service reports on this Nissan. Only see one that might come close to acknowledging an issue. I have not been to the dealer yet, wanted to gather as much information as possible first. Any suggestions?

badluckchris · December 2007

I am done...I have never been through so much with a car in my entire life. Its like when it hit 80,000 miles it just gave up and decided to break every other day. As soon as i hit that millage i noticed that my oil of very low for changing it a week before. And then i was adding a quart every other week.Then it was the converter. My warranty didnt cover it, it had a list of things not covered and that was 1 out of the 3. After that it seemed to be ok (for about a week). Then boom check engine light came on. I took it there they reset the system and they said it was fine. Then im driving about a week later light came on again and i had so much to do around the holiday i said ***** it and i ignored it for about 3 days. I was on the highway driving my grandma over for Christmas. I was going about 70 and the car died in the fast lane. Thank God that i put my forways on put the car in park tried restarting it 2 times and it kicked over and i was able to get off the highway. I mean come on the car indangered my life...what kind of crap is this. Then i took it to get fixed and they said the crankshaft sensor went that that cause all the problem. So i was happy drove it home, woke up this morning went to get breakfast and the light came back on. I got out of my car and was screaming at the top of my lungs kicking my tire and making a complete fool out of myself at my local bagel shop. So now i am furious i am over the edge and cant take it anymore. i Should have spent the extra money and just brought a nicer car when i had the chance. I mean come on nissan this is redic. There has to be a way to sue these sons of ***** and we can get are money back. (i spent just about a grand fixing this car)....God,Jesus,Muhammad, Someone HELP ME

isileli · December 2007

I have the same problem which occurred approx a month and half ago. I did a quick search online and there was a news article posted on the 26th of Nov 2007 about a major recall on nissan altima 2002 to address this problem. I'll post it if I find it again. I also know there is a major recall for the 2006 models. Also, from other internet searches, it looks like that there are a lot of people out there with this same exact problem. (2002 models). And on average, most people had this problem at approx 100000 miles. Also, there was a internet hit about about the specific engine type that was on recall. I think it was QR25DE engine type (not sure if this is the engine type or model). May someone can shed more light on this?

Unfortunately, for me the problem has already occurred but I've seen some postings on the internet saying that even the recall didn't fix the problem.

Anyways, I took in my car to the local dealership and they said something was leaking into something that causes the engine to use up too much oil. Bottomline, they said I need a new engine. I asked them if this was a common problem, and they said I had a unique problem, and that it was very rare. I told them ok, and in other words manufacturer defect. I told them to replace it and pay for it since my car is only at 100500 miles. And in addition to this I've brought my car in several times before that (month after month including the month the problem occured) and at most times paid them on average over $1000 to fix a problem. And if I remember correctly, this problem occurred approx 23 days after dropping over $1000 for them to work on another problem. Anyways, as you expected, they did not want to pay for it.

So I have case with corporate and its in a waiting for the customer to call status. Actually, they've been calling me early in the morning when I'm still sleeping knowing that they won't talk to me. But I've done my part and called them back 4 to 6 times a day and left a message but they've never called me back twice in a day.

Anyways, I've been out of town on work and vacation and just got back, so I'm going to address this issue.

This is what I'm going to do. I am going back to the local dealership and make one last attempt to have them fix my car at their expense. If they refuse, I will have them give me a detail description of what the problem is. And also a detail description of what they've done to my car in the last 6 months. Then I'm going to tell them that that nissan armada I was planning to get in 2008 will be something else, non nissan (seriously, I am planning to get an armada). Then last but not the least, I'm going to tell them that I will take them to court. It's about time someone slapped this company on the face to take ownership of these issues.

Anyways, I've been frustated like most of everyone on this forum

mikefrommi · January 2008

Also have a 2002 Altima with 105,000 miles. In Oct 2007 started hearing engine knocking noise. I noticed that my oil was very low and began adding oil every few weeks. But it was not enough. By the end of Nov 2007 the engine had been damaged so badly that it had to be replaced at a cost of over $4,000.

Has Nissan issued a major recall on Altima 2002 engines yet to address this problem ?

aguarino · January 2008

Message 135, Research the recalls of Nissan. There is a memo from the news bureau from corporate Mar 18,2003 with a voluntary safety recall campaign on models of 2002 and 2003 Altima regarding the exhaust problems with the 2.5 Liter engine. (This is what starts the oil problem). File a report with Nissan and get a file #, then go to your dealership and follow direction from Nissan. Mine is in the shop now, no verdict what will be said but the recall states and Nissan states "it will be taken care of." I'll let you know.

stevec5112 · January 2008

stevec5112 · January 2008

Noticed the transmission was slipping in between 2 and 3rd. Had our mechanic check it out. Ruled out the valve body/controller. Took it to the dealer yesterday and was told it needs a new transmission. 78xxx miles. Estimated cost $3500. The icing on the cake! Six days ago the SES light comes on. Take it to my mechanic. Code says "misfire #4 cylinder". With much effort he is able to remove the plug. Antifreeze is evident. Says most likely the head gasket is leaking. Check the oil and is a quart low. Was full two weeks ago. Having read all the posts on this and other forums about this vehicle makes me sick. I'll never buy another Nissan.

aguarino · January 2008

Has anyone had Nissan pay for catalytic convertor replacement or replace a motor involving any of these problems? Mine is at dealership now and the district rep is to call me on Mon. 01-07-2008

czander · January 2008

I have read and heard at least 25+ valid complaints on oil burning and engine failure/replacements on the 2002 Altima to-date from vairous websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen. Clearly, Nissan won't do anything until someone else does. I have a 2002 Altima S as well, also had the same engine/oil problem in September 07. I changed my oil on 9/4/07, had to refill it again on 9/10 and again on 9/19. I was out of town for five days, a friend of mine drove the car (had her 8 yr old daughter with her at 8pm in the evening on a highway) then the engine blew. It cost me $2400 and much inconvenience. How ridiculous that there are Nissan is not stepping forward to recall this vehicle. Please respond with your name and email address, and I intend to write the BBB and the Illinois Attorney General. Regards, C Zander

czander · January 2008

I have read and heard at least 25+ valid complaints on oil burning and engine failure/replacements on the 2002 Altima to-date from vairous websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen. Clearly, Nissan won't do anything until someone else does. I have a 2002 Altima S as well, also had the same engine/oil problem in September 07. I changed my oil on 9/4/07, had to refill it again on 9/10 and again on 9/19. I was out of town for five days, a friend of mine drove the car (had her 8 yr old daughter with her at 8pm in the evening on a highway) then the engine blew. It cost me $2400 and much inconvenience. How ridiculous that there are Nissan is not stepping forward to recall this vehicle. Please respond with your name and email address, and I intend to write the BBB and the Illinois Attorney General. Regards, C Zander

czander · January 2008

SAVE YOUR PAPERWORK, DOCUMENT ALL WORK AND SAVE YOUR FAILED PARTS! I have read and heard at least 25+ valid complaints on oil burning and engine failure/replacements on the 2002 Altima to-date from vairous websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen. Clearly, Nissan won't do anything until someone else does. I have a 2002 Altima S as well, also had the same engine/oil problem in September 07. I changed my oil on 9/4/07 (AND HAVE PAPERWORK DOCUMENTING THIS ON 9/4), had to refill it again on 9/10 and again on 9/19. I was out of town for five days, a friend of mine drove the car (had her 8 yr old daughter with her at 8pm in the evening on a highway) then the engine blew. It cost me $2400 and much inconvenience. AND I HAVE THE PISTON AS EVIDENCE. How ridiculous that there are Nissan is not stepping forward to recall this vehicle. Please respond with your name and email address, and I intend to write the BBB and the Illinois Attorney General. Regards, C Zander

czander · January 2008

If we all take actions, in 3 months we should hear something. I have read and heard at least 25+ complaints about 2002 Altima to-date from websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen. Clearly, Nissan won't do anything until someone else does. I have a 2002 Altima S as well, also had the same engine/oil problem in September 07. I changed my oil on 9/4/07, had to refill it again on 9/10 and again on 9/19. I was out of town for five days, a friend of mine drove the car (had her 8 yr old daughter with her at 8pm in the evening on a highway) then the engine blew. It cost me $2000. How ridiculous that there are Nissan is not stepping forward to recall this vehicle. WHAT TO DO: Write the Better Business Bureau and the Illinois Attorney General. Remember to: 1) include reciepts and written testimony from mechanics, 2) Print as many complaints from others you can find on blogs, exchange boards, etc. and include them; and 3) write the number of hours and inconvenience and any safety concerns.
Regards, C Zander

czander · January 2008

If we all take actions, in 3 months we should hear something. I have read and heard at least 25+ complaints about 2002 Altima to-date from websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen. Clearly, Nissan won't do anything until someone else does. I have a 2002 Altima S as well, also had the same engine/oil problem in September 07. I changed my oil on 9/4/07, had to refill it again on 9/10 and again on 9/19. I was out of town for five days, a friend of mine drove the car (had her 8 yr old daughter with her at 8pm in the evening on a highway) then the engine blew. It cost me $2000. How ridiculous that there are Nissan is not stepping forward to recall this vehicle. WHAT TO DO: Write the Better Business Bureau and the Illinois Attorney General. Remember to: 1) include reciepts and written testimony from mechanics, 2) Print as many complaints from others you can find on blogs, exchange boards, etc. and include them; and 3) write the number of hours and inconvenience and any safety concerns.
Regards, C Zander

gooddeal2 · January 2008

I have read and heard at least 25+ complaints about 2002 Altima to-date from websites and from Buick and Dodge dealer servicemen.

First, you don't need to post the same messages 2 or even 4 times to make your point.

Second, I just don't see why Nissan should pay for your repairs as your car isn't under warranty any more. I think it's a problem if they try to deny to fix your car if the car is still under warranty. There're defect cars with any manufacturers. Cars are not designed to last forever that's why most manufacturers only offer 5 years warranty.

electricdesign · January 2008

czander, you don't need to post 5 messeges to say the same thing, just draft one messge, preview and edit it, add to it or subtract from it, preview it again, and when it finally looks like it says everything you want to say, hit the "Post My Messege" button. While you are drafting your messege, you can preview it an endless number of times, to be sure that it is exactly the way you want it. Even after you posted the messege, if you see something you want to change or add, you can still edit the messege for 30 minutes after you have post it.

That being said, I understand your frustration, as all the Nissan Altima owners here with problem engines are equally upset. I'm sure everyone here expects the engine in their car to last over 100,000 miles if taken care of properly, regardless of the warrenty. I always expect my engines to last over 200,000 miles, and they do, because I always fully research and buy only vehicles that are known to be RELIABLE, and I take exceptionally good care of them. I DID NOT buy this 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5s, my daugther did, and I am trying to help her out. Her fight is MY fight! The Factory Warranty is needed to protect the customer because in mass production, there are bound to be some mistakes, and the warranty should protect the customer from such mistakes. But I believe that all modern vehicles have a "reasonable lifetime" based on the modern design practices, materials and technology of today. But the responsibilty of the Manufacturer ends at the end of the warrany, unless some sort of legal action could prevail against them (I'm not an attorny, so I can only give my opinion on that). I have been on many Web Sites about this and I have not yet heard of any attorny, action or court case prevailing against Nissan concerning these beyond warranty Altima engine issues yet. Nissan is apparantly NOT going to do anything about the problem, other than to tell you to check your engine oil level, maintain all required service and to keep the engine oil filled up to the proper level to "avoid an engine fire". How comforting that is! So, to build a case against Nissan, it would seem to me that you would have to prove a reasonable expectation of how long the engine should last, and somehow hold them to that, even if beyond the warrany period. The warrany period is legally defined, and as far as Nissan is concerned, that is how long the engine, transmission and the rest of the car is supposed to last. I am hoping that a sharp attorny, or team of Attornys will arise and file a class action lawsuit for the Nissan Altima Owners against the Nissan Corporation and prevail in this case using something like a basis of Nissans faulty design of the Altima's engine and exhaust sytstem, causing damage and suffering to it's customers. I have suffered enough with my daughters 2002 Nissan Altimas 2.5S, it has caused me much pain, suffering, time, money and has changed my life forever. This problem is now occuring on many of these Altimas everywhere, I am hearing about it every day all over the internet, more and more every day. If this gets large enough, I'm hoping it will attract national attention, and that some sharp attorny, or team of attornys will take an interest in persuing a lawsuit, if it looks like he or they might be able to prevail. I've been ready to jump on the bandwagon for a long time.
To all that are reading these current posts (messeges), much has been said and posted here about all these problem engine issues in this Forum. If you have not done so, please read all the posts in this Forum from begining to end. That's going to be about 147 posts in this Forum so far. I started posting in this Forum with Messege #75 and on. Please read them if you can.
I sincerely wish good luck to all of you. May the Force be with you!
E.D. in Sunny Florida

blackaltima · January 2008

I have a 03 Altima S and am having the same problems. I just talked to Nissan about it yesterday and they are telling me there is nothing they will do about it.

Nissan told me the cause of the problem is the catalytic converter went bad and the internal parts started breaking down into very small pieces. After that happens once you start the engine the initial suction on the exhaust system sucks the small pieces into the engine. If you don't have the converter replaced immediately after it goes bad
it will damage the engine thus leading to oil consumption, noises, and possible loss of power. Nissan told me the only way to fix this problem is to have the engine replaced.
The service tech on the phone admitted this is a common problem with these vehicles.
Something needs to be done about this and Nissan needs to deal with it.

czander · January 2008

Thanks for your email. I did learn from another website (automotive dot com) that some who works at a law firm has already began a Class Action Law Suit.
So write your Attorney General and inquire if there is something already in progress so you can be included. Also include your story, your receipts and any statements, storys or websites that have posted complaints by others you can find on the internet. Good luck ~

Clearly, Edmunds needs to have a database that also generates letters automatically to these state agencies and business bureaus. Many associations and lobbiests use these types of sophisticated sharable/exchange databases. I'll write Edmunds with my suggestion -- it certainly would be word $9.95 per letter just to be heard!

czander · January 2008

Thanks so much for the information! I also located someone on automotive dot com that has a Nissan Altima, and works for an attorney. He has already began compiling a Class Action Suit.

I will take your thougths into consideration when constructing my letter to the Attorney General (and copy Nissan) and inquire if there is something already in progress. Also will include your whole story, receipts and any other statements, stories or websites that have posted complaints by others.

I've recommended to Edmunds -- to offer a database that services this process and generates letters automatically to state agencies, business bureaus, etc. Many associations and lobbiests use these types of sophisticated sharable/exchange databases. It certainly would be worth $9.95 per letter to have some confirmation that the information we are spending minutes compiling would be put in the hands of those who could do something with it sooner than later.

thanks again ~

mrsbryant1976 · January 2008

I am having the same problem. On Janurary 2, 2007 my car wouldn't start. I had it towed to Nissan they reprogrammed the ECM and replaced the headlights which was another recall. When I got my car back my car was smoking they said it is possible I have cracked heads. I had no problem until it wouldn't crank. It drove fine on the first. Now Nissan is telling me I will have to pay to get new heads.

pat · January 2008

Just a note about posting personal contact information - for your own safety and security, please do not do that.

You can contact each other through your carspace email accounts and/or you can make your email address public in your profile. Doing either of those things provides you with a much higher degree of safety than posting any information on a public webpage such as this.

Please also understand that we can't support solicitation for class action suits. We understand that there are reasons you'd like to be in touch with each other, but please don't associate it with anything that can be construed as solicitation for legal action. Take it off the boards.

Thanks!

electricdesign · January 2008

What engine does your Altima have? I noticed that you said "Now Nissan is telling me I will have to pay to get new heads". If you have more than one head, you must have the 3.5L V6 engine. I think the discussion here about the catalytic converter and oil buring is referring to the 2.5L I4 engines. I am not sure of how the catalytic converters are arranged on the V6 engine setup. The 2.5L engine has the pre-catalyst built into the exhaust manifold. I do not know it the V6 pre-catalyst is built or designed the same way. If someone reading here knows about this, please let us know.
Concerning you car smoking, I assume that this smoke is coming out the tailpipe. Has this been verified to be smoke and not steam? Usually a cracked or leaking head will cause radiator coolant to leak into the engine, causing steam out the tailpipe, and cause combustion gas to leak out the radiator and also cause the radiator coolant level to go low, with the radiator coolant mysteriously disssapearing without any noticable leaks. I just had to remove and replace the head on my daughters 2002 Altima 2.5S, the head was warped and had to be milled, but no cracks in the head, just leakage past the head gasket due to the clyinder head warpage of .005". It may be possible for a cracked head to cause oil to leak into the clyinder, but it is not common for that to happen. If they pull the heads off, BE SURE that they are sent out to be checked by a reliable machine shop to check for any cracks or warpage. They can detect any cracks by doing a special pressure test and vacuum test on the head. Have Nissan VERIFY that the heads are bad BEFORE they replace them. After the heads are replaced, the cooling system must be flushed clean and new coolant added. The cooling system must be checked to be sure it is operating correctly, including the radiator, hoses, water pump, cooling fans, and cooling fan controls. On the Altima 2.3S I4 engine, the radiator fans come on when the coolant temperature reaches 203 degrees, and the radiator fans cut off when the coolant level falls to 188 degrees.
Let us know what happens with your car.
Good Luck,
E.D. ISF

mrsbryant1976 · January 2008

My car is the 2.5 S

electricdesign · January 2008

Is your car also a 2002? Since your car is the 2.5S, then you have the 4 cylinder engine with one head. Referring back to messege 154, disregard the comments on the V6 engine, and note the comments on the 4 Cylinder engine. This engine is often referred to as the I4 engine, meaning "Inline 4 Cylinders". Before they pull the engine apart and take off the head, you should ask them how they know that the head is bad. There is a simple test that tests for the prescence of combustion gasses in the radiator. If there IS combustion gas present in the radiator, then the head or head gasket is bad. If there is steam coming out the exhaust pipe after the engine and muffler are fully warmed up, then the head or head gasket is bad. The head gasket is the most likely part to fail, and it fails for a reason, they just don't "go bad". The head gasket fails because the cylinder head has warped from getting too hot. Once the head warps a little bit, the head gasket is not held tight and it blows out or leaks. If it is determined that there IS a problem with the head or head gasket, then the head must be removed and inspected. As I said before, be sure the head is tested and proven to be bad before buying a new head. The machine shop that I went to said that it is a common problem for the Altima cylinder heads to warp. If the head is only warped, they can mill the head flat, do a valve job on the heads, that includes checking the valve guides, installing new valve seals, and resealing the valves. I had all that done for my daughters Altima 2.5S cylinder head. The cost for the head work was about $300, plus about $85 for new cylinder head bolts, plus about $100 for an engine gasket set, and $5 for a tube of gray silcone sealer. With tax the total machine shop cost was about $532, plus about another $100 for some miscellanious costs for new hoses, thermostat, new coolant, new motor oil and new motor oil filter. If it turns out that your cylinder head IS cracked, you should be able to find a rebuilt one for about $350. These prices are all cost of parts only. Add tax and add cost of Labor if done by the Dealer or a Shop. I would also suggest to use the phone and call around and get prices for the work from several sources, as there are many independent garages that can do the work as well and cheaper than the Dealer. Just check their reputation before letting them do the work. Take the car to who you are considering to do the work, and let them do a diagnosis on it to see what they say it needs. They can also do a cylinder compression test and other diagnostic procedures to find out what the problem really is.
If you have any questions, just come back here and ask.
Good Luck,
E.D. in Sunny Florida

kannadiga · January 2008

I am planning to buy a 2008 nissan Altima. reading all theses posts about the previous years nissans make me wonder if i Should go for a Nissan. My alternate choice is a 2008 Camry LE (basically as they have good financing specials).

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

elisha · January 2008

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S as well that is having the same problem that apparently everyone else is. I am due for an oil change, but unfortunatley my car will not start!! I would love to know how you contacted the BBB in order to have a hearing. Nissan should be held responsible for their LEMONS they call cars.

aguarino · January 2008

I suggest you reasearch it completely and understand what you might be getting into. The style and built of the auto has not changed since 2002. When you hit 75-85,000 miles is when the problems start. Look at the recall on the 2006 for the exact same engine that is in the 2002-3-4-5's. What does that tell you?? If you like the auto, can afford to possibly put a new engine in about 3 years down the road, and do not mind the hassel, go for it! If you run the recalls in the older models and then check the corrections made by automakers, you can tell what you are up against. My personal oponion, with owning 3 of these, is I am going to Toyota or Honda.
Hope this helps

mrsbryant1976 · January 2008

Thanks

sonoffar · January 2008

I own a 2004 Altima 2.5S had 74,000. The check engine light was always on. Took it to a local and had brakes replaced and the light checked. The result of the check and a pre smog inspection, was a bad C Converter. Called Nissan about the possibility of the converter being in warranty, but they were unsure untill it was inspected by an authorized dealer. Nissan also informed me there were 2 recalls on this car that had yet to be done. They were a re-program of the engine computer and a check of some sort of power valve. The recall of importance was recall NTB05-058. The power valve is located under the intake manifold and it looses it's 4 mounting screws. As I understand it the screws have no where to go but into the combustion chambers. Also the C converters were bad but also had 80K warranties.
The results for me were a complete new engine replacement, 2 new C converters, all done at Nissans expense, because of the recalls and the 80K warranty on C converters.
If you are having the sort of problems I have been reading here it might be a good idea to contact Nissan, give them your VIN#, and perhaps, luck out as I seem to have done.

Nissan Altima Engine Failures

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