Radiator problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that oil was leaking into the radiator and the vehicle was using one quart of oil per tank of fuel. The contact also stated that the he could smell smoke emitting from the passenger's side compartment. The dealer diagnosed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that when first starting the vehicle, it would drive rough and would sputter abnormally. In addition, the vehicle would stall sporadically without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times where they replaced the head gasket, radiator and the timing belt cover but none of the repairs corrected the failure. The contact finally took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was told that the failure was caused by the crankshaft position sensor. The mechanic advised the contact of NHTSA campaign id number: 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 76,000.

Recently traveling to nc and the car lost power and wont start. The service engine soon light engaged constantly and the car burns oil with no engine leaks. I purchased brand new manual transmission 2002 Nissan Altima 3. 5. The vehicle shifted very hard when purchased and clutch went straight to floor after 1 month. Took car to Nissan dealer on three occasions and they could find nothing wrong. Took it to an independent mechanic and he said the pressure plate was bad and I had to replace the entire clutch assembly in Aug. 2006 at 115k miles ($850). Theo2 sensor was replaced prior to the recall, had it replaced under the recall, and its still crap! to boot, the gear shift assembly broke within 6 months of purchase, and Nissan recalled. Their fix broke too. I was told that ill have to pay to have their resolution fixed because its not under warranty. Since that time, between 6/08 and 11/08, I have replaced the radiator, oil cooler, all motor mounts, fan belts, drivers axle, power steering box, valve cover gasket ($7k worth of work). Car currently has about 145k miles and I believe the car is just a lemon. I have always driven Nissan, but now declare it will be my last one. I don't have another $5k to put in to catalytic converters, sensors or an engine. Dont think so. Nissan needs to step up and take care of these issues.

New 2002 Altima, well maintained, buying Nissans since 1992 receiving mileage over 260,000 miles. Looking back car constantly low on oil w/no light registering then light never came back on for 3 years, yet oil was always low. Checking oil every 2 weeks and every oil change at dealership-oil low at tip of the dip stick. Had car serviced-no indication of problems; September the car smelled hot; not registering or showing any signs of it running hot. Car constantly not starting, stalling as driving along the road. Go to dealership, need a motor replaced, warped head gasket cost $4,000 plus dollars. The dealership owner asked how many cars has come in (altima 2002) per mechanic several hundreds for the motor and/or radiator problems (replacing motors). He has ordered a large number of Nissan motors from the company to replace the engines. Owner was surprised of this motor having to be replaced and has kept my car in storage until I can afford to replace the motor. He will also follow up on a recall for the engines with that many cars being repaired. This has changed my mind on purchasing another Nissan product because of the rudeness when reporting the problems to their customer affairs department and nothing can be done (per the rep). This need to take some priority with the number of issues reported as complaints on all the websites. Ii have found 114 here plus one more 115 plus I have about 30 other complaints and then the report that the dealership has fixed over 200 cars. Please help us get our money and/or engines repaired. With the stalling and shut down of the motors, thanks to god the low death rates. Car is still in storage at the dealership when it stalled on route 29 interstate.

I bought a used 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5 sl 2 months ago. I took it to Nissan service center 2 times for in 2 months for oil change. Last time I got "engine check soon " icon so I asked to do diagnostic engine check and required repair. They did it and said coolant level is low and engine cap is leaking pressure so need to replace the radiator cap. After 1 month I had a mechanical failure problem on highway suddenly and a rod threw from inside the engine out and made a whole on engine. This engine was called for a recall in March 2008 and it was done. But now I got the same problem again and now turned out to be a big problem to replace the whole engine. I'm a student and I can't pay $4500 for this. Nissan should take responsibility for this and bare the cost. This car's warranty period is also over. But as Nissan servicers know that when engine check soon problem occurs in these vehicles it is going to crash but they don't tell this. Nissan must take responsibility for my losses.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The service engine light began illuminating intermittently and then remained lit. When starting the vehicle and taking off, the vehicle made a strange noise and jerked as if something were slipping. Once the vehicle gained speed, the noise stopped. The dealer stated that the following components needed to be replaced: the catalytic converter, two major sensors, and the heating and air conditioning systems. The vehicle was burning oil on the inside of the engine, which caused it to fail. The vehicle could have an oil change and then four days later, the oil would have burned out completely. Nhtsa campaign id numbers 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/ header/muffler/tail pipe), 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling), and 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling were referenced. The current mileage was 116,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 06/05/08 the driver side power mirror was replaced, the gear selector was sticking. The cylinder head, gasket radiator and thermostat were replaced. Were replaced. Updated 06/04/08.

Car consuming lots of oil. No oil light ever came on leading to complete engine failure. 4 quarts of oil completely gone with no trace (no oil spots in garage, no smoke, . . . Nothing) in less than 2 months. Also a problem with radiator split.

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5 s I have had for less than 2 years. About 6 months ago at around 80k miles my engine started to randomly overheat even though coolant and fluid levels were correct. I had to tow it to a mechanic and he said the radiator was split. I spent $500 t replace that but then shortly after it happened again. We then replaced both thermostats on the vehicle and this helped for 2 months. Most recently we have been encountering a severe stuttering and shaking of the whole vehicle immediately upon starting it up. Regardless of it being in neutral, drive or reverse the car jerks back and forth very violently. After you drive it for a few minutes and the vehicle warms up it ceases this action. In addition to this though there is never any warm air coming out of the vents no matter how long the car is driven for. This is all happening simultaneously in addition to now the car is overheating all the way up but then jumps around so we never know where the temperature is at. Nissan themselves is very uncooperative in any capacity when attempting to rectify this situation. This is very disheartening as me and my wife are both working full time students and cannot afford to continue to chase this with time or money. My wife is a nanny part time and has had the car stop and need to be towed while she is out in the middle of the city with her 2 toddlers she watches. I am doing my best to avoid missing work as a result of having only one vehicle. We have a 2004 Volvo that has had no problems but this Altima is going to drag us down.

Since I purchased this 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5, I've constantly experienced cold starts. I've also taken the car to the dealership for a clicking sound that appears to be in the glove compartment area. The dealership could not locate the source of the problem. . I still have the clicking noise. On March 20, 2007 I took the car to the dealership because I am experiencing problems with starting the car. After 6 or 7 attempts the car starts. I thought it was the fuel pump. The car was put on a diagnostic machine whereby air pockets were found in the radiator system. They also found that anti-freeze was in my first and third cylinder. I was told that I needed an engine. I must say that I'm truly disappointed with this car. I've experienced nothing but problems since I purchasedit new. Now it is five years old and needing an engine. I don't understand it. I had an extended warranty which ended at 100,000 miles and I have 101,000. I don't think that I should have to pay for a new engine when Nissan knows that is problem existed with the 2002 models. The sales agent at the dealership also informed me that this was a common problem with this car. I will be contacting Nissan to get further compensation for the replacement of my engine. Why hasn't a recall been issued? thanks. . .

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 50 mph, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. She noticed that the check engine light was illuminated. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and they performed the replacement. Approximately a month and half later, the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to excessive oil consumption. The dealer performed an oil change. The contact stated that she had to add a quart of oil ten days after the oil change was performed. The dealer was unable to determine the reason for the excessive oil consumption. The current mileage is 78,739 and failure mileage was 72,633.

- the contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated the vehicle had air pockets in the radiator, preventing it from having heat. The failure mileage was 49,639. The dealer/mechanic changed the antifreeze and removed the air pockets. The failure returned after four months. The dealer/mechanic again removed the air pockets, changed the antifreeze ,and this time flushed the radiator. The failure mileage 55,200. The contact has the repair invoices.

Car needs an oil change every month because it burns so much oil. No heat in the winter because of malfunctioning radiator. Almost had several serious accidents on highway from the engine stalling, leaving me with no power steering or brakes.

Engine failure: at just under 78,000 miles the car would not start. Car towed to mechanic who was able to start the car after an extended crank. Cooling system pressurized instantly upon cold start in a. M. Mechanic suggested towing to dealership because he suspects a possible cylinder head problem. He says the 02 Altima has a well-known history of engine problems. 3 months prior to this the engine was constantly running out of oil and coolant. The thermostat and radiator cap were replaced by a mechanic. 2 months prior to that, the check engine light came on and a full tune up was done. All recalls have been done previously. The car is currently at the dealer for diagnosis. After reading many customer complaints I am concerned that the recall work that I had done previously was either not completed properly or something else is not quite right. A Nissan shouldn't have a ruined engine with this few miles. This is my second Altima and my love affair with Nissan is fading fast.

After purchasing my vehicle (2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5s) in December 2001 I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to the manual. However, good maintenance have not led to good performance after about 10,000 miles I started experiencing all kinds of engine problems (radiator, throttle body and now the entire engine) which I mostly have had to pay out of my pocket. I have been taking the vehicle to the dealer numerous types concerning various engine problems, however, they told me some of the problems could not be fixed. I also contacted Nissan north America, however, they basically turned me down, leaving me with astronomical bills for causes that were manufacturer related and not operational related. Below is a few of the problems I have experienced thus far and have had to pay out of my pocket: 1. Radiator crack - $1,000 including labor (at about 30,000 miles) 2. New throttle body - $1,200 including labor (at about 65,000 miles) 3. New engine - estimated $6,500 including labor (at 70,000 miles) 4. Electrical problems leading to battery failure every 2/3 months (a new battery was put in a year ago and the problem still persists) 5. Numerous other problems in which the dealer has not taken care of. As mentioned above, the dealer and Nissan north America have not stepped in and fixed or cover some of the these costs despite numerous visits. Consequences: 1. Astronomical mechanical bills 2. No use of a vehicle presently which is affecting my livelihood.

: the contact stated the air bag light on the dash flashed constantly. There is a safety improvement campaign, # 02i001000, regarding the air bag. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the safety improvement campaign; however it is not included in the safety improvement campaign due to the VIN. Updated 4/17/2006 - the vehicle was taken to a dealer who indicated that eh air bag was defective. The dealer refused any assistance because the vehicle was 2000 mile out of warranty. The check engine light illuminated. The dealer found antifreeze leaking into the cylinders. The driver's side low beam headlamp was inop. The tech replaced the right side headlight bulb. Radiator leaked coolant. The heater blew out cool air when the vehicle was stopped. The tech found an air pocket in the coolant system. Replaced clutch assembly. Cylinder head gasket was replaced.

I want to report a failure in my Nissan Altima 2002. They day before yesterday I was driving to my evening work and I was chatting on the phone with my sister when the "check engine soon" light came up. I kept on driving around 10 more miles, and by the time I was about to get to the parking lot of my work place the car start shocking on me like if it was going to stop. At that time I was already in the parking lot and I parked. Then I saw a huge smoke coming from the front and since I'm a women that doesn't understand much about cars, I just got scared and called my husband so he could pick me up after work. When I was at work I talk about the incident to my boss and he went to check the car, and he told me the radiator pretty much broke!!, he tried to put water, and the car couldn't hold it. It was just leaking, he told me I should tow it to the dealership so they could fix it, because if I drive it the engine will die and my car will stop in the middle of the street because it will overheat. I tow it to the dealership. I wanted to know why did the radiator broke, I was thinking I should get a reasonable explanation why that happen. The car is pretty new, it just has 50k miles. Anyways, the dealer wasn't able to give me any good reason. They just said the radiator started leaking and eventually broke. Excuse me? so what should I expect in the next 50k miles? the same?. . . I just don't think this is safe. . . What if I didn't got lucky and made it to my work place before the car died on me on a freeway?. . . I could cause an accident. . . This is obviously a Nissan Altima radiator defect. . . . And it should be a recall, I take care of changing oil and putting water in the car as I should. . . . So why do I have to deal with this?. . . Please help. I had to pay $1058. 00 to get my car fixed.

Bought car used in March 2003 with 28451 miles from decormier Nissan in manchester, CT 06040. Since I have had car there have been numerous problems. No starting, car would stop running while driving, ignition coils have been replaced, cam position sensor replaced (twice), 5 recalls, brakes redone due to excessive corrision, after brakes redone needed to replace both front warped rotors, radiator replaced after bottom seam blew out. Latest problem is what I feel is excessive consumption of engine oil. Car originally did not use oil between oil changes (3000 miles). Car is currently using just over 1 quart per 3000 miles. Brought car to dealer with 52,281 miles to perform oil consumption test. Brought car back with 53,924 miles. In 1,643 miles car consumed 0. 6 quart of oil. Dealer said this is acceptable. Have since contacted Nissan of America (1-800-nissan1) to start case #4630040. I am also concerned about recall for pre-catalyst (done on 9/23/03) because there is a possibility certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. I asked the dealer about the pre-catalyst and there were not aware of this. Pre-catalyst recall is on the Nissan of America web site then why is the dealer not aware of this?.

Car failed to start. . . Charged battery, no results. . . Next purchase a new battery. Two days later car failed to start with new battery. . . Charge battery for an hour. . . Car then started. . . While car was standing still in driveway with motor start car overhead and crack the radiator head . . . Car tow to dealer . . . Nissian of north America refused to replace a defective radiator. . . . . . Question how do you crack the head of a radiator at zero mile per hour in idle with nothing running accept the motor on a cool morning about 70 degree.

2002 Nissan Altima overheats, air conditioner and engine failures. Customer states that she has brought the car in on numerous occasions for the overheating, air conditioning, and engine failures. The consumer stated she was backing out of the driveway, when all of a sudden the engine light flashed and there was an immediate loss of power and no steering capability. The starter, engine control module and radiator were replaced. The thermostat was sticking which was one of the reasons the engine was overheating. The rear middle seat belt locked into place. The fuel door would not open when using the internal latch. The gear was difficult to get out of park.

Nissan replaced the radiator/parts three times but the consumer continued to smell antifreeze inside the vehicle. Several attempt by different service dealer have been made to alleviate the problem, but none have been successful.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced since water and oil were mixing together and leaking into the engine block which also caused the radiator to over heat. The engine block also needed to be resealed. The remedy did not correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 230,000.

Consumer 2002 Nissan Altima radiator was leaking.

Repairs required for 3 recalls, replacement or radiator and mass airflow sensor. However, manufacturer is willing to pay replacement of radiator, but won't pay for the replacement of mass airflow sensor.