Catalytic Convertor problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima - part 1

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter fractured and went into the engine. The contact was repaired per an unknown recall in 2003, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. When the vehicle was started, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact mentioned that after having replenished the engine with oil, the engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

My 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5s has around 70k miles on it and so far had been running very well until very recently, when the service engine light turned on last weekend. Within a day or two, the car started running a little rough. A few days ago the car showed low oil pressure light on the dash board. When I checked for the engine oil level, there was barely any oil left. I immediately put 5 qts of mobile full synthetic oil and took it to the Nissan dealership in denville, NJ. There I got a shocker that the catalytic convertor of my car got sucked into the engine and furthermore some of that material was bracing against the cylinder walls. It was the reason why my car was running rough sometimes and burning oil. I was further told that the only fix to this problem is to replace both the engine as well as the catalytic convertor. Job cost was estimated to be around $6000 to $6500. The dealership furthermore warned me about the fire hazard or engine seizure due to overheating. With some investigation I found a nhsta recall on my generation of Altimas-NHTSA campaign# 03v084000. In order to seek further help in this regards, I opened up a case with Nissan motors USA- case # 12257145. I got a callback from the regional representative on Thursday- 10/10/2013 where I was told that my VIN did not qualify for a recall which had been issued by Nissan earlier. I asked her about the nhsta campaign for my car, for which she asked me to hold on to the car for a few more days, before they could resolve the issue. On, 10/14/2013 I got a call from the same representative and this time I was given a different answer stating that although the catalytic convertor has a warranty of 80,000 miles but it is for only 8 yrs. I do not qualify for the warranty, because although I drove very less, but still my car is 10+yrs old. She further told me that Nissan will not bare any expense on my car.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to shake and stalled. The contact stated that he had to add two quarts of oil to the engine in order for the vehicle to operate correctly. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000. Updated 09/06/lj.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the catalytic converter broke and damaged the engine. The engine also burned oil weekly causing the contact to add oil every two weeks. The check engine light illuminated constantly. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test. The contact was responsible for paying $105. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. An independent mechanic was performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle to determine what cause the check engine light to illuminate; however, he stated that the exhaust and the catalytic converter were defective. The vehicle was also consuming oil excessively. The independent mechanic informed the contact the vehicle needed a new catalytic converter system, oxygen sensors, a new ecm reflash and a new engine. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that she would have to pay to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. He stated that while driving at 65 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where he was advised that the catalytic convertor was defective and would need to be replaced. However, after additional testing, the dealer discovered that the engine also would need to be replaced. The manufacturer advised that there was an open recall on the vehicle (NHTSA campaign id number: 03v455000: engine and engine cooling) however, the recall would only cover a portion of the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 128,996.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. Whenever the contact drove the vehicle at any speed he noticed a rattling noise under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact previously noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard. The current and failure mileages were 133,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and roadside assistance was called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the failure was contributed to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 03v08400 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe); however, the remedy has not corrected the safety defect. The vehicle is currently inoperable and has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were less than 101,0000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was not working properly and the parts damaged his engine. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000; however, the failure continued. Debris from the catalytic converter entered the engine and caused more damage. The failure and current mileages were less than 103,000.

I own a 2002 Nissan Altima, 2. 5l engine. I have had more problems with this car than you can imagine. The car has stopped on me two times in the past year or two. It came to a halt in September 2007 in the middle of traffic and I had to wait over an hour for a tow truck. At that time I had the sensor detector replaced by a neighborhood garage. On last Tuesday, the car stopped again and would not move but I happened to be in parking lot and waited 3 hours to get my car moved. This time the car was repaired by a Nissan dealer and the sensor detectors were again replaced. I was informed that my engine was coming apart internally bit by bit and I would need the engine replaced or run the risk of having the engine stop on me at any time. I have changed the catalytic convertor, have an oil leak and some gaskets have been replaced. I put oil in my car every week because the leak was not repaired. I never seen any oil on my driveway and don't know where it is leaking. When I checked to see if I could find an engine for less than what the dealership quoted me, I found 400 complaints on one website and 99 on another website complaining of the exact same problems with their 2002 Nissan Altima with a 2. 5l engine of which I am complaining. Many of the complaints are reporting engine failure or breakdown. This is very concerning and I think something needs to be done by Nissan as this seems to be a manufacturing problem but I don't know where to go.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While the vehicle was at a service center, the technician observed that the engine oil reservoir was empty. An oil change was performed on the vehicle at that time. One week later, the reservoir was empty again. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the catalytic converter failed. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) in 2004, but the recall has not corrected the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The recall repair was performed in July of 2004; however, the failure is recurring due to the catalytic converter. The failure could cause an engine fire. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the engine light illuminated while driving 40 miles per hour. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic of a recall for the catalytic converter. The contact spoke with the dealer who advised there was no recall. The contact received a call from the dealer the next day who advised the catalytic converter was defective and the contact would have to pay out of pocket since the vehicle was not under the recall. The current and failure miles were 81000.

'service engine soon' light came on & would go on & off for the past 3-4 months. I took the car to a dealer due to a recall notice about something else and the dealer said the catalytic converter needed replaced. The exhaust system should not be failing on this car. When picking up the part from the dealer, the dealership told my father that they keep this part (exhaust manifold) in stock b/c they replace so many of them. My dad asked if they were going to recall the part, the Nissan service mgr said no. The catalytic converter should not be cracking or needing to be replaced. I got the part ($400) and my mechanic is fixing it today.

Car misfiring ,took it to Nissan dealer was told that power valve screws located in the intake manifold became loose in to engine damaging #3 spark plug head cylinder and precat dealer estimate repair over $3,000 . Contacted Nissan corp for assistance with no luck,recalls for the same problem on 04 and 05 but not for mine 02 or 03 although the engine is the same,and alot of complaints. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle feels as if it will shut off, but it remains running. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who stated that there may be recalls on her vehicle. The manufacturer stated that there were four open recalls on her vehicle and advised her to go to a dealer for the recall repair. The repair was made, but the failure continued. The contact returned to her local mechanic and the oxygen sensor was removed. The mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter had shattered into pieces as explained in NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The failure mileage was 149,000.

While driving my 2002 Nissan Altima to work on March 16th 2008 I noticed that it was bucking severely on the freeway and that my check engine light was flashing rapidly. My car had approximately 85,000 miles on it at that time. I drove my car to the Nissan dealership in tempe and had it looked at on March 17th 2008. I was informed that the head gasket had blown in the engine. After having my warranty company take a look at it I was informed that I would in fact need a new engine in my car. Apparently when the head gasket blew it leaked coolant into my catalytic converter. When that happened and the coolant heated up enough to combust it started to disintegrated the inside of my catalytic converter. My engine then ingested some of the sub strait of the converter. In doing so I now have to replace my engine because all of the components are covered in a fine sandy material from the inside of the converter.

The vehicle was taken to a dealership for 90,000 mile maintenance on 2/26/08. At that time, we were informed there was an open recall for the ecm. The maintenance was done and the ecm was "reprogrammed" per the service dept. 3 days later on 2/29/08, the "check engine" light came on while we were driving home at night on the freeway. We stopped at a gas station and checked under the hood, but nothing unusual appeared, ie no leaking fluids, not overheating, engine running smoothly, etc. We checked the oil; the level was at full and was clean as it should be from an oil change 3 days earlier. The next day, we took it back to the dealership for diagnosis. They told us the error code indicates that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Its extended warranty expired at 80,000 miles. Looking for key words "altima catalytic converter" on the internet to do a cost analysis, we have found many blog entries by other 2002/2003 Altima drivers discussing this same issue. Many of them indicated that the cat converter will break apart and backflush parts into the engine, damaging the cylinders and ultimately requiring engine replacement. This has apparently happened before and also after converters have been replaced. The converter or associated parts apparently have serious design flaws that can ultimately cause engine failure while a driver is on the road. This could have potentially serious side effects depending on where and when the failure occurs. Replacement of our converter is pending; in the meantime, the vehicle is parked in our garage.

We purchased a 2002 Nissan Altima on 11/01/07 at newburgh Nissan in newburgh NY on 17k. 3 weeks after, we saw on the news that the Nissan 2002 had a recall. Then we contacted Nissan in newburgh & informed them . They informed they found that in addition to the recall that there was a coil that needed to be fixed. (this should sound familiar as every other complaint on the web states the same story) they told me that they would need to charge us almost $1kto have it fixed. I proceeded to remind them that this is a recall;then transferred me back to the receptionist at the newburgh Nissan who said that we would have to pay. I then said I wanted to speak to a mngr immediately. Finally they gave me to a diff person. This mngr comes on the phone with the clear message that they were not going to help. ) he said well give me some time to go over the info. They said its in great condition, we're going to replace the battery" after it always acted as if it was ready to stall. I then called Nissan consumer affairs. I placed a complaint. I then received a call from Nissan in newburgh the next day that they would fix the car. Then when they fixed the recall and its coil issue then my husband received a call from Nissan consumer affairs asking if it was fixed. Well he told them that it has been two days since they fixed it and the engine check light is on and now the car is not going up hills. They never called us back. I called the Nissan consumer affairs people and left numerous voicemail messages for the regional contact. This is what was in they their invoice: c/s check engine light is on found muliticylinder misfire. Coil packs are deteriorated and breaking up replaced all 4 spark plugs and coil packs why is it ironically that the car they sold us cannot climb a hill. My car will not start. I can't even get the car to the dealer. I was told that if I can't get my car started I would have to get it towed to them at my expense. This car is not safe.

I was very happy with my car until 1-/9/08 I took my car to stewart Nissan in fayetteville to do a computer update and to see why my check engine light was on. They did the update and turned the light off and said I might wind up needing a catalyst converter if the light comes back on. It came back on before I even got home. I called them back and ask if it was under warranty they said the one that tells them that was off and I would have to wait till that Monday but I called vester in clinton. I took it to them on Saturday but they had to get one in. Picked my car up thought everything was fine but it started skipping and my oil was a quart low . Drove a few more days another quart low called back to clinton took it back in they changed plugs and did oil change told me to drive a few days and keep a check on my oil I have and it is worse still skipping and using oil but cannot see a leak of any kind I just do not under stand what happen to my car I did not have any trouble until this catalyst converter I am suppose to take it back to vester Saturday. I have seen several complaints close to this one on the internet so maybe you can tell me what needs to be done to get my car back to normal and why this happen in the first place I really feel like this is something that came from that part . I only have 81,000 thousand miles.

I had a 90,000 mile vehicle checkup at Nissan village in attleboro, MA. The vehicle had 88,000 miles at the time of the service. At the suggestion of the service technician, I had the catalytic converter replaced. My car currently has 92,000 miles on it and I noticed a problem with the engine. After looking the car over I noticed that the oil was bone dry. I searched on the internet for problems related to this vehicle and noticed multiple instances of the exact same problem with the catalytic converter, burning oil, and eventually total engine replacement. I have only had the catalytic converter replaced and the oil burning problem has started. I fear that I will have complete engine failure shortly, like numerous others have, because of this issue. . Read more...

I bought my 02 Altima in March 02. There was several recalls over the years and once fixed there were no problems. In 2007 I reached 80k miles and the engine light starting coming on. I took it to the dealership and they said it was a catalytic converter going bad and since I was past the mileage for warranty I would have to fix it at a cost of $1000+. The car is hesitant to start at times, it rattles under the hood and blows cold air when idling. There was also another recall issued this year where the engine is said to stop at any given time. I'm getting the car fixed this weekend which is totaling me $3700, of which the mechanic is saying Nissan really should have taken another look because he's had to fix more than 100 of this same vehicle at his dealership alone. Unfortunately there is nothing he can do without Nissan's approval but to fix it at my cost. I called Nissan and all they could tell me is there was nothing they could do except fix the latest recall that came out at the end of 07 into 08. Well the mechanic can't fix the recall without fixing the problem which is causing the engine light to come on and off. Oxygen sensor, catalytic converter is what the code is coming back saying needs to be fixed. From the list of complaints it looks like this car has a defect in these parts, not due to owner misuse and should be taken seriously not lightly.

2002 Altima, loss of power early in Dec 2007, Dec 17 2007 at 85,000 miles catalytic convertor fails, at 90,000 miles using 1 quart of oil in 700 miles. At 91,125 miles to dealership and report made with Nissan. A recall part of a exhaust pipe hanger replaced by dealer and I am told the other expenses of convertor (approx $800. 00 plus labor and possible motor replacement $3900. 00) are up to me. Yet there are thousands of other people with the same identical problem and no recall is issued. Research, per Nissan news bullitins, has indicated that the convertor on the Altima and sentra blows internal residue into the cylinder walls causing the excessive oil problem.

Massive oil loss which causes numerous problems, c02 censor, catalytic converter goes out, head lights went out, car shakes and rattles. Plug wires, spark plugs all needed to be replaced.

Pre-catalytic failure causing engine damage leading to excessive oil consumption presenting a potential fire hazard. Nissan's previous recall campaign to address this issue has proven inadequate as I have read about numerous complaints regarding this same issue.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact noticed that the engine was using more oil than usual. While at the dealer for a 60,000 mile inspection, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, oil was able to enter into the engine valve and eventually the engine will also need to be replaced. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle new and the manufacturer built the vehicle with a defected catalytic converter. The manufacturer stated that the contact will receive a call back from a regional specialist. It has been over a month and she has not received a call. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 61,000 and failure mileage was 58,000.

Dealer says the engine in my 2002 Nissan Altima must be replaced at a cost of $5,400 because it blew a head gasket allowing coolant to enter the cylinders. Car is out of warranty because it has 83,00 miles. It has come to my attention that this is a very common problem for this model because of defective design. Nissan refuses any help to correct problem.

My engine blew up. I called my nearest Nissan dealer who forwarded me to Nissan corp, who sent me to Nissan north America and after telling them my story 3 times, they advised me there was nothing they could do since it as not yet a recall. I looked online and many had the same issue and were trying to get this to be a recall. I had just moved to that area, I had no job, no money and was attending school. My car sat in front of my house for 6 months while I paid $430 a month on my note. When I finally had the money to fix it, I explained to them I had just gotten a new engine and only needed them to restart the computer. They advised me there was a recall on it, I asked for what and they could not explain. They then said they could not restart my computer or do the recall because it had a code that needed to get fixed. I said fine, and paid for them to fix it and the recall. Later that day my engine light came back on and they had me come back in a week later and advised me a new code came on. I asked why they didn't tell me about it when I was there and they said they didn't see it then. I did more research and found out that the codes they found were part of the recall, and that was the reason my engine blew up. But they would not fix or pay for it. I have been back and forth on this and finally I found a number to call regarding Nissan recalls. The person I spoke with advised me that it was Nissan's responsibility to have fixed the issue at no cost since it was a recall and it was all connected. (had that recall or problem been fixed my engine would have never blown up! recall or no recall, this was obviously a manufacturing issue! they never even contacted me about that recall! I found out about it when I took my car in!) she filed a claim for me and said someone would call me. It has been a week and no call from Nissan north America yet. I call them everyday and everyday they say someone will call me. At least Toyota is taking care of their customers! updated ivoq 08/20/10 updated 10/27/10.

The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving, the engine makes strange sounds, and black smoke comes from the vehicle intermittently. The vehicle also has excessive oil consumption. A mechanic performed a diagnostic and discovered that the catalyst converter and precatalyst were malfunctioning due to too much oil coming out of the engine. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.

Catalytic converter coming apart. Pulling parts of converter into engine. Causing mis fire on #3 cylinder. Need to replace engine and converter.

Engine cylinder walls are scored and using an excess amount of oil also catalytic converter is no good.

I recently purchased a 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5s model from my 75 yr old aunt ,in trying to smog it . Check engine light on w/ p0420 code , car has 61450 mi. Uses alot of oil , alhambra Nissan checked and stated engine no good ruined catalytic. Catalytic has federal warrenty 8yr-80k,also alot of smoke early am start up. . Industry knowledge. / iatn says catalytic break up cause engine damage ,scoring cylinder walls, dealer has replaced 23 engines & catalytics mostly under warranty. Powertrain warranty expired 01/07. . First inspected 03/97 & again 08/07. I believe problem come from catalytic, smoke ,oil consumption, check engine light. I think Nissan should warranty problem. . A respone would be appreciated. . .

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. In 2007, the contact's vehicle burned 1 quart of oil per month. Within the last few months, the vehicle has begun to burn 1 quart of oil per week. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the oil was burning through the catalytic converter, which caused debris to flow back into the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed a new engine or should be sold. She received a recall notice and took the vehicle to the dealer for repair, but was informed that the service could not be performed because the error code for the catalytic code appeared. A local mechanic informed the contact of a service bulletin and NHTSA campaign id number 03v084. The mechanic advised her to check with the dealer to find out if the vehicle had previously been repaired. The manufacturer stated that the service had already been performed by the previous owner. The dealer wanted to assist, but the manufacturer would not let the dealer perform the service. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 105,000.

Massive oil consumption, oil burning, in 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5l standard. Catalytic converter setting check engine light. I was told I needed a new head gasket. $1200. Still burning oil. Nissan has many complaints for this issue and refuses to help.