Catalytic Convertor Problems of Nissan Altima - part 2

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.

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I own a 2. 5s 2003 Nissan Altima with just over 90,000 miles. My service engine soon light went on, I learned I need to replace my catalytic converter. In doing some research, I learned several owners of a 2002 and 2003 2. 5s Altima have the same problem and also remembered a recall I had done when the car was new involving the pre-catalyst. It seems Nissan has a major defect with this car and this specific issue occurring shortly after the 80,000 mile coverage has elapsed on the emissions system. In calling Nissan on this I was told sorry you are out of luck. I expect some level of support from a car manufacturer when there are several reports of the same problem from several owners at the same mileage, especially when they issued a recall on this 5 years ago.

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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.

I purchased a brand new 2003 Nissan. The first time I heard about a recall issue with the 2003 Altima, I took it back to the dealership and they told me there was nothing wrong. The car will sporadically not start. I have had to replace the tires early on, the plugs were also replaced because it was misfiring, the brakes were squeaky at about 20,000 miles, the ac and the heater did not work (at about 30,000 miles and we had to replace them), water sloshing sounds, and had to replace the rooter. At about 55,000 miles the car started stopping sporadically. I took it to the dealership and they claimed they had fixed it. On my daughter's birthday, (3 months later) the car stalled on us on the road and she missed her own 3rd birthday party. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was the battery (less than 3 years from the time it was replaced). 2 weeks before christmas, I was on the road with my 11 month old infant, making a left turn at a busy intersection and the car just stopped!!! the driver behind me was just inches away from rear-ending me with my infant in the back seat facing back. I called Nissan headquarter and told them what happened. I explained to them that I fear for the safety of my 2 young children and myself in the car. I explained to them that we drive on one of the busiest freeway in the country (CA ? 405). My children's lives are in danger each time I drive them in this car. I requested a replacement car from Nissan and was told that they could not do that. This vehicle is my main means of transportation. I am very frightened about driving this car. I fear being killed with my children in this car; this car is a death trap just waiting to happen. Why has Nissan refused to take responsibility and do something to prevent someone from being killed in their poorly built-malfunctioning vehicle?.

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.

My pre catalyst failed at 80450 miles, just 450 miles over the federal mandate.

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.

Under certain driving conditions my 2003 Nissan Altima's catalytic converter can have a failure that leads to destruction of the engine. Nissan has issued a voluntary recall to replace the defective catalytic converters, and in some cases replacement of the engine. It is my contention that Nissan has made the conditions of this recall impossible for most owners to meet therefore avoiding having to replace a great number of engines in a very popular car. When my vehicle suffered this damage in October of 2007 I took it to the dealer I had purchased it from. They informed me that one of the conditions of the recall is that the ecm (computer) in the vehicle report a specific trouble code. Without that code being present they are unable to proceed under the conditions of the recall. It is my contention that a vehicle suffering from this defect will never report the trouble code that Nissan is insisting it have. This defect causes material from the catalytic converter to be sucked into the engine resulting in major damage to the seals and rings inside the engine. This damage will result in an excessive amount of oil to exit the engine through the exhaust system clogging the oxygen sensors. Without functioning oxygen sensors the cars ecm will never report the malfunction of the catalytic converter which is determined by readings from the oxygen sensors. I assert that Nissan has deliberately placed this condition on the recall to avoid performance under it. The only condition of the recall should be a visual inspection of the catalytic converter to determine if the physical defects are present. This is covered in step 'd' of the recall which dealers never get to because they are stopped at step 'a' when they cannot get the ecm to generate the trouble code. The recall in question is ntb03-070.

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that his vehicle needed a catalytic converter. When the converter was replaced, he smelled a potent odor in his garage and must leave the garage door open to release the smell and the vapors. He took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that nothing could be done. The vehicle has not been driven since it was purchased on September 20, 2007. The engine size was unknown. The VIN was verified, but appears to be invalid. The failure and current mileages were 2,100.

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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.

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.

- the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Altima with an odometer reading of 130000 miles. The contact received recall 06v242000. When he went to the dealer they charged him for checking the catalytic converter. The contact took the vehicle to another Nissan dealer, and they told him that the catalytic converter was fine. The contact called the manufacturer, but they had not returned the call. There had been no failures to date.

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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.