Ten problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2002 Nissan Altima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Nissan Altima based on all problems reported for the 2002 Altima.
My car won't accelerate beyond 20 mph, then engine would stall while in drive gear. Took it to my mechanic who turned off the engine service light which allowed me to accelerate to normal speed. However, the engine keeps stalling while I'm driving. I nearly had several accidents while driving on the street and exiting the freeway. Luckily I can notice the engine failing before it completely shut down so I hit my hazard lights each time to avoid accident and notify motorists behind me something is wrong. Several times car had to swerved suddenly around me to avoid rear ending my car. Then yesterday when my engine stalled while pulling out of a parking lot my engine stalled again and the steering wheels locked which almost caused my car to roll straight into a brick wall. I had to quickly turn off the engine put my gear to park then turn back on the engine to get power to steer away from the brick wall just in time. I took my car back to my mechanic today who ran diagnostic and said the car's crankshaft and crankshaft need to be replaced. I searched online and read about the recall for similar incidents with my make and model. However, when I contact the local Nissan dealer they say my VIN is not included in the recall. Something is wrong here if so many 2002 Nissan Altima have this same problem but only a selected vehicle are included in the recall. Please investigate and fine Nissan for this faulty parts endangering public safety and the drivers.
Purchased vehicle from a dealer in rittman, ohio, on September 10, 2011. Consumer reports rate this model as very reliable for the years manufactured. Less than one week later, 9-15-11, the oil light came on. Took to a quick change oil place on the morning of 9-16-11, and the worker commented that it only had 1 quart of oil in the engine. Drove for 2 days and was checking the engine compartment and notice there was again no oil in the engine. On 9-19-11, took car to a local garage and they diagnosed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced because the catalytic converter near the engine had broken into pieces and been sucked into the engine. Nissan dealership in mansfield, ohio confirmed this diagnosis on 9-20-2011. Alerted Nissan north America about this problem because of a vehicle recall executed by the NHTSA in 2003. (campaign id 03v084000) while the recall affected 338,000 vehicles, Nissan said my vehicle was not included? Nissan said that they would be unwilling to assist me with the cost of the engine replacement for that reason and that the mileage was too great. How can a car that exhibits the exact problem that the recall describes no matter what the mileage not be included in a safety recall? the NHTSA website lists 982 complaints regarding 2002 Nissan Altimas, many for engine failure caused by a faulty catalytic converter design. Cannot understand why the NHTSA has not opened another investigation to remedy this issue? the original complaint concerned three vehicles. This research should show that a greater problem still exists concerning the safety of these vehicles. I ask that the NHTSA please correct this problem for myself and the thousands of other motorists affected by this borderline criminal act. Have spent almost as much money to bring the vehicle into compliance ($4600) as the purchase price.
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 70 mph, the engine failed in the middle of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that there was no oil in the engine. As a result, a rod failed and destroyed the engine. The Nissan dealer stated that there were no recalls for this issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving at speeds of approximately 69 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The warning blinkers were activated and was unable to maneuver the vehicle from the center of the highway. The gear was shifted into neutral with the foot applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was pushed to the to the median with another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The recall repaired was performed under campaign id number 07v527000 reprogramming of the ecu), before the vehicle was completely off the lot, the vehicle stalled a second time without warning. The dealer advised a diagnostic test to determine the actual failure, at the owner's expense. The contact refused to pay out-of-pocket for a recall associated repair. The dealer stated the vehicle was "unsafe to drive. " the identical failures occurred one mile from the dealer. The brakes were inoperable and the vehicle began to veer into on coming traffic. While the brakes were depressed the steering wheel was non-responsive with extreme bodily force applied. The vehicle crashed into a telephone pole. There was no personal injury. The insurance company deemed the cause of the crash as "due to engine failure. " the vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 76,800.
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.
Losing oil and coolant which led to complete engine failure in March 2006. Replaced engine and 50k miles later losing coolant and misfire on cylinder 3. Suspect head gasket problem.
Engine failure due to recall that was not performed by Nissan.
My 2002 Nissan Altima has complete loss of power while driving on three separate occasions, twice I lost control of car and miraculously avoided a crash. I have been told that the problem was repaired the second time having it towed to the dealership. I no longer feel safe placing my children in this car. This car is a death trap, I'm surprised the government (lemon law) requires a total of 5 times same occurrence,report after the third time, then the dealership has another shot of repair #4, only then, they will consider replacement or buy back , after 5th time of engine failure. This to me is russian roulette, the worse part is , I'm paying for it (car pymt. )who is it that actually chose the criteriia for the lemon laws? and whose favor are they in ? the consumer and their families at risk, or the multi-billion dollar a year car manufacturers? I want a safe car!!!! and I want to be treated like the lives of my children matter and we're not just another number. Would mr. Ghosn (Nissan ceo), drive his children in a car that has total power loss while driving, resulting in loss of control?? do I paint big lemons on the side of my car,what does it take to get someone's attention, a death??? feel free to contact me kimflink@yahoo. Com.
Multiple engine failures. Even with a new engine, the vehicle experienced the same problems. The service manager replaced plugs, and gave consumer a loaner vehicle. Also, a new computer was installed and still problem existed.
Consumer received her third recall notice since ownership. The vehicle experienced engine failure. The engine sensor kit and the ecu case holder foam recalls were replaced. The consumer requested compensation for one month's car payment. Recall #03v455000.