general problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima

First, I started to notice my car would loose power while driving, over a couple months, it started to stall and/or completely shut off while driving at low speeds or at red lights! when this first stared happening, the car would immediately fire back up when cranked, after about a month of this, I noticed, I could not drive at or above 45mph or it would shut down, or drive for more than 15 minutes and it would shut off…and not start again! it would crank, but not start, I would have to wait 30 minutes or more and then it would start right up! this is dangerous due to the immediate- no- warning shut off, whenever and wherever! I’ve almost caused multi car pile up! not to mention my kids in the back seat and on the interstate! we could have been slammed into, and pushed down the interstate and over into other lanes! there’s a recall on 2002 Nissan Altimas for this very issue!!! somehow, my vehicles VIN # does not qualify! infact…. . My VIN# never ever qualifies for any recall, but yet, my vehicle has the exact same problems!!.

Doors are locked shut all but one, cannot get them to unlock and when I get them unlocked, they won't latch closed. Will not unlock them even when I attempted manually. . . I need a solution.

This can prevent the supply of fuel to the engine and cause the engine to stop, which could result in a crash without warning. If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner.

The car keeps stalling while I drive it.

My brakes are going out fast. My heater takes forever to heat up. My fuses keep burning out,car lighter don't work. It runs rough. I think it has a short on some wires.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving at 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Hard starting.

On 6/27/2013 I was driving about 30 mph per hour. The car enginine shuts off abrubtly and I loss all power to the car. I was stuck and the cars behind me almost hit me from behind. I put the hazards on and tried to start the car. I sat for about 5 minutes, put the car in neutral and it started then shut off again. In previous years I had to start the car in neutral but it never shut off while in motion until today,6/27/2013 and the sevice soon engine light came on and also the tcs, slip. I am now seeing that there is a recall. Can you please help me to get Nissan to fix this problem because this is a hazard and there is a recall. Thank you. I will also call Nissan again and report this problem, and I hope that they fix this problem because I could have been injured also others and there is a product recall on the crankshaft, timing control sensors, etc. . . Why was a product recall notice not mailed to me about this serious defect/ problem?.

Car was being driven at approximately 35 mph when it stopped running. Diagnosis: the cam position sensors were bad and needed replacement (replaced 2 sensors). The check engine light remains illuminated after replacing the sensor with parts obtained from the dealer. There is a recall on vehicle which was never fulfilled, however, Nissan claims it does not affect my vehicle.

Car uses excessive amounts of engine oil and low oil light never comes on to warn driver, can only determine that it is low by engine knocking noise. Average oil consumption about 1 - 2 quarts every 300 miles also heater does not work when car is idleling only works when driving. Check engine light constantly comes on code states cat converter bad. Continous problem has been going on since car had about out 90,000 miles. Car also turns off after running and will crank but does not start after multiple tries.

I was on vacation, driving to cleveland, OH with my wife & parents on 6-13-09, sat in 2002 Nissan Altima, 2. 5 sl. Around 9. 00 pm, on I-80, apprx 40 mil from cleveland, suddenly smoke started coming from the car hood, causing poor visibility. Temp and oil level indicators did not show any sign of problem with the engine. After narrowly escaping crash with other vehicles by grace of god, we could stop the car with smoke still coming out. By the time I moved everybody away from the car, the smoke stopped. This sudden failure of the engine could have been more disastrous, endangering precious lives. On cranking the engine, loud noise from the engine made us believe that car was in bad shape, so car was towed to Nissan of north olmsted, OH (dealer). After inspection on mon, 6/15/09 I was informed that the engine casting had a big hole apprx 2" big. We were asked to either scrap the car or replace the engine with estimated cost of $4500. We were not told any good reason for this engine failure. Being stranded with my family for 3 days and despaired, I decided to replace engine hoping to get compensation from Nissan. Initial positive response from Nissan customer affairs became very dissatisfying and frustrating after I paid the dealer. It was a shock to us that after calling so many times Nissan did not took any responsibility stating on 6/24 that "the vehicle is outside of manufacturer's warranty" later I found many publications stating that 2002, Nissan Altima-2. 5l engines have faced similar engine failures but Nissan has not done enough to avoid such incidents. Irresponsible behavior like this is not expected from such a reputed org. There had been multiple recalls on my car including "engine sensor kit" and " engine cooling system". I would like to request you to look in to this matter so as to contain further damage to precious lives of people at large. I further request you to impress upon Nissan to reimburse us for total cost of replacing engine and mental agony.

Just commuting to work and using my car for leisure; however, every other month I have to put oil into my car because the oil light comes on. This is with me doing my quarterly if not earlier oil changes. My 2002 Nissan Altima only has 73000 miles and is consuming oil and now has begun shaking when at a stop and shakes even more when the a/c is on. I've had it checked out and have been told it need a new engine because the oil has to do with the engine and the shaking they can't figure out what is wrong with it. Nissan refuses to take ownership in this mechanical error. I've been doing research and I see that I'm not alone in this costly situation. It's hard for me to trust Nissan when I feel as if they refuse to listen to the consumers.

Speedometer registers 5 mph faster than car is actually driving at. I have verified this with a gps system, along with a police radar.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While the windows are in the up position, the doors will automatically lock and the interior lights remain illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure mileage was 53,000 and current mileage was 55,000. Updated 01/03/08. The consumer stated 5-10 minutes after the vehicle was locked, the windows would automatically roll don and the inside light would come on. When the consumer exited the vehicle, after 5-10 minutes the door would lock on its own. Updated 12/31/07.

- the contact took her 2002 Nissan Altima in for maintenance service on 01/18/07, while vehicle was at the dealership they stated that the catalytic converter assembly needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she had the recall (NHTSA campaign id number: 03v084000) work done on her vehicle sometime in 2006 and it was supposed to prevent the problem she presently experiencing.

- the contact has a 2002 Nissan Altima that he took to the dealership (anderson Nissan in loves park, IL) on 01/12/07. The dealership stated that the vehicle needed a new engine and catalytic converter. The contact had his vehicle inspected for NHTSA campaign id number: 03v084000 on 08/21/03 and the dealer(moladi's Nissan crystal lake, IL ) stated they fixed the problem by re-programming the computer. The contact felt that the dealer didn't perform the proper work when they work on it for the recall. The contact can provide copies of invoice repair.

: 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.

: the contact stated after parked for four hours, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was summoned and the fire was extinguished. It was determined the fire started in the driver door and could be electrical. A police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who could not determine the cause of the fire.

2002 Nissan Altima vents were blowing warm air when the air conditioner was on, service engine light illuminated. Vehicle is difficult to start. After the dealer stated they fixed the problem, which they claimed there was too much freon in the vehicle, the engine light illuminated again the next day. The consumer was then told the head gasket was leaking.

: the contact stated the vehicle was purchased less than two months ago and oil has been added 8 times. There is a NHTSA recall, #03v084000, regarding the electrical system. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Nissan Altima 2002, headlight assembly has a latent design defect. The dealer informed the consumer that the entire headlight assembly had melted which was caused by electrical power surges.

My car stalled on rt 9 at a light and did not start right back up. 6 weeks later it stalled on the mass pike going 70 mph hr. Both times I brought it to my local Nissan dealer who has told me they do not know what is wrong with it. I am scared for my family (my infant) and I. This is a safety issue that should be addressed! they built this car they really should know more about its mechanics!.

While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer tried to restart, but was unable to start vehicle. Driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was unable to resolve the problem.

Occasionally when it rains, the windshield wipers do not work. I have taken it to the dealership and they were unable to find the problem. Also, at any given time (day or night) the head lights will flicker on and off. Sometimes not even coming on at all. This is my second Nissan Altima purchase. I was so pleased with my first purchase I decided to get another one. I feel that is the biggest mistake that I made. I would not recommend this care to another consumer. What bothers me the most is the lack of concern that I received from the dealership. The car has never been wrecked therefore, I do not understand where the problem lies.

In 2003, Nissan conducted a recall of 2002 Altima's, ref #03v-084, in which they were to correct a fire hazard resulting from engine damage caused by a failure of the catalytic convertor. On 9/8/03, a Nissan dealer completed repairs under the recall. Over the last year, my vehicle had very high temperatures under the hood and began consuming excessive amounts of oil. In August 2006, the 'service engine soon' light came on and an independent mechanic advised me that the catalytic convertor had failed and was the probable cause of the excessive oil burning. I took my vehicle to a Nissan dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The vehicle burned 2 quarts of oil in 600 miles and advised me the engine was most likely damaged and would need to be replaced. I contacted Nissan and they refused to complete any diagnostics or repairs to the vehicle. I have had the catalytic convertor replaced again and the interior surfaces of the convertor installed as a result of the recall are clearly disintegrated. I have the old part available for inspection if needed. The repairs Nissan completed in its recall did not resolve the defect and are a continuing safety hazard.

Vehicle stalls without warning at any speed. Nissan mechanic at local dealershiip witnessed the car stalling. Nissan engineers state they are unable to find the cause, cannot actively duplicate the problem, and therefore have not repaired the car. This car is an uncalculating risk not only to passengers, but to anyone on the highway. Nissan should take possession of the vehicle to conduct further testing and replace this vehicle for highway use.

The tic-toc sound from the blinker is muted, then comes back days later. Fixed once before, problem is back again.

Multiple problems with recall service work not correcting the malfunction the recall is supposed to correct. Specifically of concern NHTSA campaign id numbers : 03v455000 & 03v084000 & 03v251000. Not receiving recall notices by manufacturer or being informed by Nissan service dept. I have since contacted Nissan corp consumer affairs but received no resolution or suggestions. Problems with engine performance, excessive exhaust, and strong burning smell are still present along with service engine soon light remaining on. Have taken vehicle to service department for over 6 visits in last 5 months - vehicle is still at service dept. I have been told the vehicle was safe to drive over these past months while these problems persisted. I asked for a loaner vehicle or to have transportation to get my vehicle to the dealership but was declined any help - even though id # 03v084000 Nissan recall notice states it should be offered free of charge if customer makes this request. I am greatly concerned for the safety of myself and my family and am scared to drive this vehicle any further. My local Nissan service dept (pine belt Nissan automotive) and Nissan consumer affairs has not addressed my concerns and have failed to correct this problem that has existed for months. Vehicle has had reduced power, hesitation, pulling and vibration, excessive exhaust and an increasingly strong burning smell from engine shortly after vehicle is started.

This car has been a lemon since day one, in and out of dealership for one reason or the other, it started with the car running hard, dealership told me it was because I have broke the car in and now this is how they run, took it back again 3 to 4 more times with same problem,told them car idles high, shifts bad, runs bad, they said nothing wrong, I do alot of highway miles and as soon as I was over the miles and out of the warrenty they told me that the motor mounts were gone only 800 to get fixed, I was then hit by a car head on and really hurt I suffered major back problems , come to find out I probaby could have prevented some of the damage to my self if I had a saver car, my air bags didn;t deploy. I have had every recall to this car , the service men at the dealserships are the rudest men I have ever delt with. I was right the whole time !!!!! I have also experienced the same thing with the lights cost around 800 to fox kept changing the lights not to mentions the tickets I recieved from the cops , I explained to them the light keeps going out, they are like this is a 02 that doesn't happen, if they only knew!!! I am really tired of this car , now I was just told that the car has another problem, it over heats they think it might be the therostat but they don't know. How much money will that cost me??? I am one angry person when it comes to this car!!!!!!!.

Odometer error 5% faster, speedometer error 5% faster.

I've owned my 2002 Nissan for about 6 months now the previous owner informed me prior to purchase about issues she was having and the reason she was selling the car, explain to me that her friend who has worked on cars 20+ yrs felt if cause could be found it was repairable but seems luck she had is now the luck I'm having. I have a couple ppl look over the car under hood and run diagnostics but nothing can be found. . I can't afford to junk the car my income budget is tight and doesn't allow much wiggle room to purchase a new ride a friend told me about the NHTSA website so we went exploring entering my VIN number comes back no recalls but looking over the recalls for saying make and model and year of my vehicle there's 12 to 15 recalls on it from headlights which I'm is an issue to engine stalls to catalyst issues but yet I'm told that no because we're done on my vehicle I know I'm not the first owner it's a vehicle that I just purchased but I want to speak to someone that can clarify or help me with finding out if my vehicle is actually supposed to be in recalls of these certain things because they were fitted the descriptions of what can take place fit what I'm experiencing and what the previous owner is experienced perfectly please contact me thank you for your time.