Catalytic Convertor problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima - part 2

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 55mph, the check engine light came on two to three weeks later after the vehicle was repaired. The mechanic stated that after replacing the head gasket on the engine the catalyst converter broke causing the rings in the engine wall to be destroyed. Due to the failure, the vehicle burned excessive oil. After driving 645 miles the vehicle burned two quarts of oil. The mechanic also stated that this is an ongoing problem with the 2002 Altima. This is the second catalyst converter replacement on the vehicle. The current mileage is 131654 and the failure mileage was 97288.

The 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5s has 50700 miles on it. I am currently experiencing high oil consumption problem because catalyst substrate particles flew into the engine. These particles have scored the cylinder walls. Nissan had a recall on this problem based on NHTSA action number: pe02078, Nissan had made preventive changes to the car to prevent this problem, as required by law in 2004. But whatever they did had not fixed the problem because it recurred. So now the Altima 2002 had an engine failure because of the pre catalyst overheating problem, and Nissan was refusing to address the problem . They stated had done recall procedures in 2004. It was very important for NHTSA to look to this matter as Nissan had not fixed the defects just prolonged it. There were lot of Altima owners at risk as this problem could result in a fire in certain conditions. So office of defect investigation should open this investigation again to get Nissan to fix the pre catlyst overheat problem.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 55 mph, the service engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the inside of the catalyst was scorched and the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The dealer removed the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin prior to the failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA recall number 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.

Design flaw caused catalytic converter breakdown which resulted in engine failure despite proper maintenance. Car only had about 85,000 miles when problems began and 90,500 when failure occurred. New engine is needed at no fault of my own and despite proper car of vehicle. Ninety thousand miles is too soon for engine replacement.

My "service engine soon" lite became illuminated just prior to and rite after having my vehicle serviced. I became alarmed when, "I noticed it would not go out". I checked to make sure my fuel cap was tightly secured. I then drove my vehicle for several miles to reset the sensor. When that didn't work, I called Nissan service dept in victorville, calif. To ask what else if any could be wrong with my veh. The answer I received from the serv. Manager was one I could except. Having taken my car into the service dept for a diagnostic test of the problem. Just to be told that my "pre catalyst converter was not functioning properly and that I needed to replace it as soon as possible due to server engine damage that could result from debris being sucked into the converter. Now if the "protruding portion of the exhaust pin was removed", and heat shields installed on the pre catalyst and surrounding exhaust tubing was done to correct or prevent any further problems. Why would the pre catalyst convertor fail if proper corrective action was performed correctly in a vehicle not 5yrs old. I don't think I should have to pay $1092. 00 dollars for faulty manufacturer defective parts/equipment.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact brought the vehicle to the dealer for its regularly scheduled maintenance. The dealer informed the contact that there was a recall on the vehicle for the exhaust pipe hanger pin and pre catalyst. The contact stated that a month after the recall was honored a knocking noise was heard in the engine. The contact brought the vehicle to the mechanic, who stated that the oil was low. The contact had only driven the car for 1,000 miles prior to the failure. The current mileage is 75,000 and failure mileage was 73,444.

Check engine light comes on and off constantly. Spark plugs died. Took car to shop. Repaired and other issues appeared: catalytic converter-fail (in pieces) repaired for $800. One week of driving and check engine light comes on constantly, oil extremely low, coolant low took back to shop now engine gasket blown, engine damaged and needs repair/replacement. This Nissan na made some preventive changes to the 2002 Nissan Altima as requested to by law. However the changes Nissan na made were not sufficient nor successful. It appears that the preventive service Nissan provided has only prolonged the outcome. Thousands of 2002 Nissan Altima owners are currently experiencing oil consumption problems with a direct relation to a failure in the catalytic converter. After inspection of the catalytic converter noticeable chucks of the catalytic converter are missing. Nissan na is very aware of the problem and they are selectively fixing some consumers vehicles. If the consumers vehicle is outside their power train warranty Nissan na refuses to assist the consumer is fixing the problem. Safety should not be limited to a percentage of miles or to a period of time.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 75 mph, the vehicle lost power and the vehicle would not accelerate above four mph. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter failed. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall for the catalytic converter, however, they stated his vehicle was not included. The dealer replaced the engine. The failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 125,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The current mileage was 86,000. The vehicle was consuming oil as stated in the recall. The contact's vehicle had the same failures as stated in the recall issued by nissa concerning : exhaust pipe hanger pin and catalytic converter. The dealer advised the contact that the recall did not pertain to this vehicle. The current and failure mileage was 86,000. There is a related odi investigation, pe02078.

My 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5s appears to have pieces of the catalytic converter in the engine cylinder, causing an engine misfire. When doing research on the internet I find hundreds of owners of this same model vehicle with the same problem and in most cases they are being denied any help from Nissan due to the vehicle being out of warranty. It is obvious that there is a definite pattern of premature problems/failures with this model that Nissan refuses to address. It is time that nhsta uses their influence to get this company to stand behind these defective vehicles!.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that her motor mounts have either failed or are loose. When she depresses the brake pedal, the vehicle jerks dramatically. The sensor in the catalytic converter failed. The dealer stated that if the vehicle had less than 80,000 miles, the failure would be covered under Nissan's extended warranty. The vehicle exceeds 80,000 miles and will not be covered under warranty. The current and failure mileages were 116,460. Updated 04/21/08.

I was recently notified that my 2002 Nissan Altima is in need of a new engine. It has 72k miles on it. The catalytic converter was already replaced by the dealership. It has had an oil consumption problem that has of late become quite a cause for concern. (I now check my oil every couple of days. ) I fear that if I keep driving it, I will ruin another catalytic converter. Unfortunately, I have no other transportation and I cannot in good conscience sell it to another party. Nor can I afford the replace the engine. This was the first new car that I ever bought off the lot. I have kept excellent service records and have maintained the vehicle very well and have had all of the recommended recalls done. I feel that I have been duped. The dealership acts as if I have done something wrong but I have found that I am not the only one who has experienced this very same problem. Please add me to your list of dissatisfied customers! I would welcome your input as what my next course of action might be in the pursuit of a just resolution. I would also be interested hearing about any class action law suits that may exist as a result of Nissan's negligence in this matter.

This complaint is in reference to the following: NHTSA action number: pe02078 Nissan na made some preventive changes to the 2002 Nissan Altima as requested to by law. However the changes Nissan na made were not sufficient nor successful. It appears that the preventive service Nissan provided has only prolonged the outcome. Thousands of 2002 Nissan Altima owners are currently experiencing oil consumption problems with a direct relation to a failure in the catalytic converter. After inspection of the catalytic converter noticeable chucks of the catalytic converter are missing. Nissan na is very aware of the problem and they are selectively fixing some consumers vehicles. If the consumers vehicle is outside their power train warranty Nissan na refuses to assist the consumer is fixing the problem. Safety should not be limited to a percentage of miles or to a period of time.

My car has the same problems as the newer model, and Nissan refused to repair it, we were told that the problems only pertained to 2003-2004 models, not the 2002 models.

My daughter purchased the 2002 Altima, 64,000 mi, October 2007, her first car. In December the car began to sputter near to the point of engine stall. Per mechanic the computer registered an O2 sensor failure. They replaced the O2 sensor. Same day we picked up the car from the mechanic the check engine light came on again. We immediately returned the car to mechanic. The computer now registered a misfire problem. Per mechanic recommendations we replaced all spark plus and leads. Mechanic reported oil on one spark plug. Within 2 days of picking up car the check engine light was on again. In February we returned the car to the mechanic ,and also informed him that we were losing considerable oil, at least 1 - 1. 5 quarts every 2 weeks, roughly every 800 miles. Computer now reported catalytic converter failure. Mechanic advised to take car to Nissan dealer as catalytic converter was still under warranty , car at 68,000 miles. Dealer informed us that previous owner had car in their shop September 15, 2007 and they had advised to replace engine. Stated that engine coolant and oil was getting into exhaust system and fouling the catalytic converter. Stated that nature of problem is not covered under 80,000 mi catalytic converter warranty. No mention of Nissan recall regarding O2 sensor failure, high oil loss and catalytic converter failure. After reading the many complaints on NHTSA describing exactly our same problem and Nissan's reluctance to resolve problem I would like recommendations concerning how to make the dealer and Nissan own up to this pattern of faulty design and reluctance to take responsibility.

: the contact stated the vehicle did not start. There were some fumes prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined the catalyst converter came apart internally and sent the debris to the engine, damaging the engine. Updated 03/07/07.

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the check engine and oil light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who performed a diagnostic test which produced a failure code, and indicated the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, # 03v084000, regarding the electrical system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.

2002 Nissan Altima. Lost the engine due to "no oil". Dealership stated catalytic converter failed and caused abundant oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced on recall at 50,000 miles. The new converter only had a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, unlike the original warranty. Advised to contact Nissan and I did. They stated converter and car were out of warranty and the y could accept responsibility. Dealership charged me 4,500. 00 dollars to replace the engine and the converter. Vann york Nissan supposedly replaced the entire engine with one from the factory in a miracle of 2 days from getting my approval. (3) weeks later the serpentine belt broke and I discovered it was the original belt from the old engine. This is a rip off and Nissan north America should recall all these cars. Plus dealers are taking advantage of the situation and making a tremendous amount of money. I'm suing. . . . . . . . . .

I have followed the manufacturer and dealers maintenance and have so many major problems with my car. I think Nissan needs to revisit this model and determine if it is a defect. I have an 02 Nissan Altima. The heater was replaced in the 2nd year, this year the catalytic converter was replaced and now the struts are worn out. To my understanding, this is something that happens in the long run, not with a new car.

The engine light on my 2002 Nissan Altima came on, I brought it into my local service station for an oil change and asked them to check it. They said that they got a catalytic inefficiency code but were positive the catalytic needed to be replaced. I decided to bring the car to the dealership and was told that the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced but everything else looked good. One week later the light came back on and I brought it back to the Nissan dealer. I was told the catalytic convertor failed and pieces of it broke off and got into the engine causing damage to the engine and I would need to replace both the convertor and engine. I had the recall work done on my car that was supposed to prevent this problem but apparently it didn't. I have placed several calls to the Nissan consumer affairs department and have yet to hear back from anybody, for now my car is sitting at the Nissan dealership, inoperable.

: the contact stated the engine shuts off while driving at 60 mph. Originally the check engine light was illuminated; the vehicle was cutting off, stalling and lurching. The rpm hand was moving erratically. The dealer determined there was a internal failure and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The catalytic converter was replaced by an independent mechanic. After having a second catalytic converter replaced, the vehicle is still having the same problems.

A recall (r3007) was issued on my 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5 to correct a manufacturing safety defect which could cause a fire in the engine compartment. The recall stated that the catalytic converter would fail and cause the engine to consume excessive oil, and if not monitored would cause an engine fire. Consequently, worse case, the engine would have to be replaced. On February 16, 2006 mossy Nissan (national city) dealership did a diagnosis on my engine after I had stated that my engine was making a noise and consuming excessive oil. The results were "engine fail" and "catalytic fail". I brought recall r3007 to their attention and said that their recall did not correct the safety defect. They insisted to that I take it up with Nissan north America. I have and Nissan north America is stating that the recall r3007 corrected the defect and that I can't prove otherwise. My four year old car is suddenly a safety hazard as I drive it to work and for personal use with my family in it. Please help. There are others with the same problem. Thank you.

I have had a problem with my vehicle since the catalytic converter failed. . . I noticed that my oil level had dropped but did not equate it initially with this issue. After the failed converter ( check engine light code). . . . I bought a new converter and had it replaced within the week. . . . As well as an oil change from . A few days later when I as I was checking fluids in my car I noticed my oil was very low. . . . . . Adding oil ( soon after an oil change did not seem right. I went to Nissan ( dealer) and explained the problem. They did an oil consumption test and determined that I needed a new engine. I have done research online and have explained to them that other cars have the same problem in different areas but they declined to fix the engine, only stating that I needed to pay for a new engine.

2 separate Nissan dealers told me that I need a new engine and that the engine failure was caused by a failure of the pre cat that was sucked back into the engine. The cat was a recall that Nissan replaced but parts of the cat were already sucked back into the engine. The second cat they installed failed again and is in need of replacement. They engine failure was a direct result of Nissan's failure to repair my engine the first time.

Nissan Altima 2002, 6 recalls issues with 3 way catalytic converter that has burst into the engine causing engine failure. Has there been any other reports? company honored warranty for converter, but denied to stand behind the engine. Service location in libertyville, IL is aware also spoke to executive office in CA.

(1) I allegedly had the enginge crank sensors replaced in March, as according the mandated recall on 2002 Nissan Altimas. Yet, my car still experienced difficulties starting and continued to conumse large quantities of oil. I was having to add 2 or 3 quarts in between scheduled oil changes. (2) if in fact the crank sensors on the enings of my vehicle were replaced, the starting difficulties persisted. Also, the recall informaiton listed and shown on Nissan USA's website provide exlpicit and detailed information about what mechanical trouble and events will occur if the sensors and the catalyic (catalyst) converter are not replaced simulteaneously. (3) I had my 2002 Nissan Altima towed to peachtree Nissan on 7/15/05, and on 7/16/05 I called the dealership and gainer smith (maintenance mgr. ) informed me that my catalyic (pieces) converter had been sucked into my engine and caused major damage and cracked the pistons and engine block. Prior to this incident my car had ofter stopped without warning on the freeway, for unexplained reasons. My 02 Altima never had any major engine or part problems since I purchased the automobile brand new from troncalli Nissan. Peachtree Nissan instructed me to call Nissan USA because there dealership could not authorize themselves to replace the engine in my car. Also, a mechanic on duty told me the problem that destroyed the engine in my car happens often to 2. 5 liter engine Altimas. He stated the problem usually occurs at 60,000 miles and since my car has 103,000 miles and no warranty they wouldnt immediately take responsibilty for replacing my engine. Lastly, my engine did not malfunction because I abused my car. I changed the oil and kept coolant in the compartment at all times. My car is not working because when my car was at peachtree Nissan in March the dealer failed to properly complete the recall portion on my exhasut/hanger pin and pre-catalyst (converter). A faulty exhaust should never cause an engine to be destroyed.

My 2002 Nissan Altima had sparks plugs changed as a manufacturer recommended service. After I picked the car up and drove it for some time I would periodically smell gas coming through the vents. I took it to the dealer several times and they said they could not duplicate this problem. Later the catalytic converter ceased working and I am told the car has to have the engine replaced. The catalytic converter was already replaced once by the dealer before the 60,000 mile mark. I have documentation that my car's engine was also using excessive oil as has been reported in the media. I am told because the warranty has passed, there is nothing that Nissan will do. I am still making payments on this car. I have all the documentation to support my claim that this was a defective car. I have read in the news reports that Nissan will recall all Altima's back to the 2003 model year. I have the 2002 model which was the first line put out of this particular model. I am wondering what rights I have. If Nissan does recall all the way back to 2002, how can my car be repaired if the engine has already failed? I would like to send in all of my documentation so my case can be studied and I can know where I stand.

My 2002 Nissan Altima has a pre-catalyst that has broken apart inside and has caused severe engine damage. This has happened after my vehicle was in for recall repairs for this exact issue. Never the less, this pre-catalyst has indeed failed and the engine damage has occurred including excessive oil consumption, engine noise and a burning smell. I am concerned that my vehicle is unsafe and that there is a possibility of fire since this has happened to other vehicles like mine. I have gone to a dealer and to Nissan north America, but they refuse to help me. They claim that they have done the recall work and that this is no longer their problem.

Engine damage due to catalytic converter breaking up into pieces and this pieces going into the engine.

My 2002 Nissan Altima 4 cylinder had a recall that certain engines may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If the particles enter the combustion chamber they could score the cylinder walls restulting in increased oil comsumption and engine fire the pre-catalyst was to be tested and if there is damage, a new engine needs to be replaced. I brought my car in 11/04 to be checked. Supposedly nothing was wrong. Last month, my oil light flashed and we checked and I was down 2 qts of oil. I brought it in last month and I was told nothing was wrong. One week later, I was down another 2 qts and then they advised me that I need a new catalyst converter. I brought it to Nissan and they are requesting my documentation for all my oil changes even though my extended warranty did not run before this problem started. Autospa in medford, long island where I bring my car had a computer crash and lost all cocumenation and had to get new computers. Nissan will not fix the problem with my car. I asked them do I have to wait until my car goes on fire and they responded that it will be cheaper to replace an engine then to check if there is something wrong with the engine. Nissans voice service even states that vehicles manufactured before 5/20/03 are having these problems. I purchased mine in 1/02. I feel the problems with my car are manufacturing problems. My oil changes should not determine if my car should be looked at when the company is admitting to having problems. I pulled my car out of Nissan and having my personal mechanic put in a new catalyst converter. If my car goes on fire and either myself or my son is injured, there will definitely be a lawsuit.

While I was driving my car( 2002 Nissan Altima) the car stalled in traffic and a engine light came on I drove my car to the dealer mike shad Nissan in jacksonville ,florida and they check my car and advice me that they found the number one spark plug closed the cause of the failure was due to a poorly manufacturer catalyst converter by Nissan and advice me that my engine needed to be replaced this is the third engine on this car this car stalls at highway speeds it happen to me twice and resently at slow speeds while I was executing a turn these cars 2002 Nissan Altimas with the 2. 5 4 cyl engines must be recall or have the dealers advice the owners to brign their cars in for check, before someones gest killed and to make matters worse Nissan make me pay the dealer $498 to have my motor look at . Why should I pay mike shad Nissan $498 to take my engine apart to find a problem that the Nissan corporation knows that is wrong with their cars the failure of my engine was cause by a faulty design part. The 2002 Altimas are plague with problems.

Well I have 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5 I have about 66,000 miles on the car and it has been having the same problem . It first started when they had recall oxygen sensor. I have had to replace the same sensor 3 times already at about cost of $350 each time . Now my check engine light keeps coming on the replaced the catalytic converter and told me I had to change my engine coils and spark plugs for about $1000 dollars . After that was completed there was no change my check engine light still comes on engine idles rough always having to fill coolant . And have had to been towed several time to the dealer with no explanation as to what is wrong.

2002 Nissan atlima customer states since 30,000 miles the check engine light has been the consumer was unable to defrost the windows, due to the defroster being inoperative. The consumer stated the vehicle would lose power, so he would have to take his foot off the gas and eventually it would gain speed. The consumer had various repairs made on the vehicle. The catalytic converter was deteriorating, the valve cover gasket was replaced, the headlight was replaced 3 times, the tail light assembly needed to replaced the consumer was told the vehicle needed a new engine after experiencing the stalling and no start problems.

The dealer replaced the catalytic converter because the vehicle consumed excessive amounts of oil (every 1500 miles).

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. 00. 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/jb.