Engine Burning Oil Problems of Nissan Altima - part 2

My car has been burning oil at a very fast rate, the check engine light has turned on, and my gas has lowered. My check oil light has never turned on, not even once in the 2 years that I have owned it.

See all problems of the 2002 Nissan Altima 🔎.

My 2006 Nissan Altima 2. 5 sl appears to be part of a recall (ntb06-028) for excessive oil consumption. The car began exhibiting the symptoms of the recall concerning excessive oil burning at 120k miles in late June 2012. The problem started suddenly, burning one quart every 600 miles and with in two weeks one quart every 300-350 miles. Throughout my ownership of the car the vehicle had always been properly maintained at my local Nissan dealer. At 138k miles the vehicle began making a noise that sounded like a bag trapped underneath the car. Just after arriving home, the car exploded in thick, black smoke that billowed from under the hood and into the vehicle through the vents. Recall campaign id number: 06v223000 clearly states that, ?certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2. 5l engines may experience excessive oil consumption?. The extreme consequence of this problem is engine damage and fire. According to my records the recall was performed on the car on 4/24/08 at my local dealership however my initial contact at Nissan corporate said that the car was not a part of the recall. Later, another representative said that the recall was performed on 4/26/06 (this predates the NHTSA a preliminary defect report). After multiple phone calls and conversations I am extremely disappointed that Nissan will not accept any responsibility for the faulty recall fix.

See all problems of the 2006 Nissan Altima 🔎.

My car began to shake uncontrollably and my check engine light started to flash. I've brought it into a shop 3x now and they can't seem to find the problem so my car has been sitting in my driveway since the incident. My oil is burning at an extreme rate. I only drive max. Maybe 20 miles in 2 days and keep having to put 2qts. Of oil in my car. It's smoking really bad too. I keep paying for labor when the problem hasn't been solved. I found the following on Nissanhelp. Com: ntb03-070c safety recall campaign -revised- 2002-2003 Nissan Altima, 2002-2004 sentra; voluntary recall campaign engine exhaust pipe hanger pin and pre-catalyst for 2002-2003 model year Altimas and 2002-2004 model year sentras, there is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. I don't know what to do. I keep paying money, but no one seems to fix the problem and I need a car.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan Altima 🔎.

My car burns a quart of oil a month at least, were is it going its to much to be evap from loose rings and my gaskets are good and I cant just keep changing catalytic converter 1 a month also my clutch doesn't seem to hold pressure it stays pretty sloppy and sometimes starts grabbing real low.

The car has an unusual oil consumption related to catalytic converter problems seems like. It is too many owners of this car having the same issue and base on their information there is not accountability from Nissan. This issue must be investigated by the authorities and enforce the quality material from Nissan for these car parts (catalytic and engine). This could be a hazard issue for possible fire or undesired gases on lungs and/or environment. Nissan must accept their wrong doing and responsibility for this poor quality materials and technology sell by them in our country. We must be protect from this cheap companies products without any work ethical. . Read more...

Due to faulty cat converter which Nissan failed to replace the engine is burning oil excessively due to debris from cat converter going inside the engine. Roughly at around 100k miles car needs new cat converters and new engine block. This issue is very famous among 2002-2006 Altimas and Nissan is well aware of this. The oil indicator fails to inform the driver of pretty much zero oil in engine and this creates a catastrophic damage to engine which can result in fire.

My 2005 Nissan Altima 2. 5 4 cyl qrd25 engine has had constant problems including excessive oil consumption which lead to cylinder 1 throwing a rod. Researched this problems and found 1000's of other people with the same problem. Purchased a replacement engine with 60,000 miles and the same thing is happening. No oil leaks, just uses a quart of oil/per 60 to 100 miles. Nissan is aware of this situation and has replaced several engines. I see that they are now offering an extended warranty but does not wish to help. Would like to participate in a class action lawsuit if one has begun.

See all problems of the 2005 Nissan Altima 🔎.

Engine was consuming oil at an accelerated rate (1+ qt per 2,000+ miles). Dealership conducted an oil consumption test beginning December 2011. It appears that when the catalytic converter goes out, it sucks in pieces of the converter substrate during the negative cycle. The small pieces of the converter then score the cylinder walls. After several months of the dealership monitoring the oil consumption, I was told that I would need a new engine. I took the car in to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. The cylinder compression test indicated the first cylinder was at about 82 psi and the other three cylinders ranged from 111 to 118 psi. Back at the Nissan dealership, the mechanic stated that the first cylinder is the one that is initially damaged by the pre-catalyst overheating. Nissan consumer affairs has told me they would not provide financial assistance in getting a new engine because I did not get a warranty when I bought the car used, and also because the mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter at 90,000 miles was not the Nissan dealership (Nissan case # 8897586). The car is suffering the effects identified on NHTSA campaign id 03v084000. There is the possibility the engine could catch on fire as identified in the campaign. I have meticulously recorded all of the repairs and oil changes to the car, only to have Nissan tell me that they will not provide me with any assistance with this issue. It appears to be a design flaw with the pre-catalyst overheating and subsequently casing grave damage to the engine. Thank you.

2002 Nissan Altima was serviced @ recall campaign in 2003. The dealership states the remedy was completed. However my car, overtime, shows the symptoms of a damaged catalyst substrate from the catalytic converter. These symptoms are exactly what is described in the original recall notice: ntb03-070d. Additionally my automobile has soot from burning oil in the tailpipe and has always run hot even though the dashboard temperature gauge, always stayed in the middle between hot and cold. I have taken my vehicle in for service and other recall notices, nothing was ever spoken of about this issue. Strange that an ase technician wouldn't see these symptoms, & report a potential problem. Only after my engine overheated and failed did I find the details of this problem; while researching my repair options online. The inspection process of the catalytic converter in my case seems to have not been properly preformed. I contacted the dealership to ask for the detailed service records for my Altima for that campaign. The service rep. Stated the repair was performed. I asked the service rep. To produce the inspection documentation for my vehicle's cat. System. He could not produce that documentation. I next called Nissan of na to file a notice. I stated my Altima may not have had the proper remedy to address the recall, and that damage was evident. I was informed that I would have to take my vehicle into a Nissan dealership for an inspection of the cat. System at my own expense. After the results of the inspection are noted, if it is warranted my case will be escalated to Nissan for review. I would like to follow up with further details if possible. If I cannot amend this complaint, I will document the resulting findings in another complaint and reference this number for correlation.

There was a recall id#06v223000 for 2006 Nissan Altima for oil consumption. My car is experiencing the same problem as the above mentioned recall id. Describes. According to Nissan consumer affairs, "that all recalls and service campaign info is vehicle indentification number specific, depending on the mfg date and the plant where the vehicle was assembled. Therefore not all models are subject to the same recalls" their saying my car dose not fall under that recall.

The car would intermittently stall and sometimes would lurch when driving. We replaced spark plugs and a coils, but periodically the check engine light would still come on. I was driving around town and was stopped at a stop light. As I took off from the light, the car stalled and suddenly stopped. I tried to restart the vehicle, the engine revved and smoke filled the interior of the vehicle and a strong burning oil/gas smell. I then had to have the car towed as it would not turn over. The person behind me nearly ran into me since the car stopped so suddenly. The mechanic replaced the crank position sensor and the pre catalyst and catalytic converters. It was discovered at that time that the vehicle had used about 2. 5 qts of oil and no oil light came on. Today, I drove the car for the 2nd time since the repair and it is losing power and lurching while on the highway. There is a ticking noise in the engine, and the car shudders like it is going to stall. It is being brought back to the mechanic today. The engine light started flashing and then turned solid. Clouds of smoke began coming out of the exhaust. I'm afraid that the car will turn off while I'm driving on the highway and cause a crash. This problem has been ongoing for 2 years (begain around 65,000 miles) and occurs at various speeds from stopped to 65mph.

I bought a Nissan Altima 2002 2. 5 one month ago from her previous owner I drove the car back home it was smooth and perfect I put a temporary plates on it to do safety and emission test to it put before I do that I replaced the oil in it and after a couple of days I drove it to do the safety checks on it suddenly the car was making noise from the engine while I was driving on the highway and I was going about 100 and the car engine shutdown thank god I controlled the car on a highway filled with a lot of cars so I called a towtruck to take it a way from the street to the garage and when the mechanic looked and did some test on it he told me that it needs a new engine and it cost 1,500 to buy an engine I told him its impossible I just bought the car it cant be , I asked him how did this happen he told me that this car has a manufacture problem the programming of the crankshaft sensor gave the engine a wrong codes causing the engine to overheat and to burn more oil and because of that the engine is dead now he told me to call the Nissan dealership and give them the v. I. N number of the car I live in ottawa by the way and to ask if there is any recall on it so I did that and they told me to call the Nissan dealership in north America because its from there I did that I spoke with an agent and he told me yes there is arecall on it but we cant do anything about it because the car is nine years old now and the recall has ended tow years ago I told him why? its the dealership responsibility to make sure that they recall every damaged cars or some one will get hurt because of it that's first, second there was an investigation about this issue and there was alot of customers having the samething so its the dealership fault to make sure that every car has to be safe and perfect to drive it especially its a family car too so all im asking is that they have to take responsibility of this and to fix my car and every car that has a manufacture problem in it as soon as possible please. . . .

My car has been diagnosed with a faulty crank and cam sensors, catalystic convertor as well. Today I took car into shop because it has been burning excessive amounts of oil. I have to put as much as 4 quarts of oil into car a week. I called Nissan and they indicate that their are recalls for this problem but my car is not one of the vins recalled.

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima, that is burning oil. I have to put at least two quarts of oil in there every 2 weeks. Now my car is shuttering and hissing at me and not getting anymore when I accelerate. I'm being told that I will need a new catalytic converter and possibly an engine. Nissan is willing to do nothing about this issue. After doing some research I'm showing that this a common problem with this year of car and should be taken care of by Nissan. As a consumer what can be done. This is unfair to us, thinking we are buying a reliable car when it's really a piece of crap. I will never buy a Nissan again. Sticking to Honda's.

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine exhibited excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent auto mechanic, who advised that a quart of oil was being consumed every 1,000 miles. The technician detected that the engine dip-stick was completely dry and engine oil was dispensed at the appropriate level. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 61,748.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5. While the contact was driving, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that the oil had been changed 2,000 miles prior to the light. The vehicle was taken to get another oil change but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a local repair shop but the failure could not be diagnosed; the mechanics stated that the problem was most likely oil consumption. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

2002 Nissan Altima. Excessive oil consumption with no leak and problems with the vehicle starting. Dealer states head gasket is blown. Did not look at catalytic converter although I asked them to look into the problem as it mirrored issues car was recalled for. Nissan will not cover as a consequence of mileage 112,000. Many complaints online regarding the same issue. Please investigate for the thousands of owners who need your help.

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima, bought new, after 93,000 miles it burns excessive amounts of oil, and coolant. I've taken my car to Nissan dealerships for regular maintenance, recalls, etc. I've taken my car to several mechanics to find out why my car is doing this and a resolution has not been determined. Never have I been informed by Nissan of the issue at hand though it's a known issue. I have read and researched on the NHTSA website as well as other online mechanical forums and have seen multiple results of customers with the same complaint. The resolution for the majority of complaints was to replace the engine due to a catalytic converter recall/failure resulting in damage to the engine, continuously add oil as needed, sell/trade the car. I would like to know if there is a formal investigation that is ongoing or has been resolved. If resolved, what solution(s) have been determined to hold Nissan responsible for lack of informing consumers, not doing more to prevent further engine failure. Will Nissan provide a replacement engine, catalytic converter, and such as needed.

We have a 2002 Nissan Altima that has about 132xxx miles on it and it is burning oil at about 5 quarts in a week. We have changed the oil regularly prior to this problem starting, which was about 6 months ago. We took it to the dealership and were told we had a catalytic system failure and it was going to cost $900 to fix, then we were told that the engine would have to be replaced costing upwards of $4000. I have looked into this problem and found a ton of other people have had this problem just outside of the "warranty".

I had purchased my 2002 Nissan Altima from a private party and had noticed it was burning an usual amount of oil when I took it on its first long distance drive a week after I had purchased it. When I took it back to the party I had purchased the vehicle from they told me they would help research the issue but could not refund my money. We found this particle model had problems with the catalytic converter and if not repaired in time could and would damage the engine. We then found that my car had been fixed at the the 50,000 mile range at the dealership from whom the previous party had purchased the car. I contacted Nissan corporate and they told me I need to pay to get an oil consumption test done to ensure that is was indeed burning oil. After I paid a hundred dollars to have this done they told me there was nothing they would do ( at this time the vehicle still had under 90,000 miles). Since then I have have replaces another catalytic converter, valve cover, and numerous gallons of oil. My last visit to the shop I was told I'm now burn antifreeze and I needed a new engine.

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the engine was burning excessive oil, causing the catalytic converter to fail. In addition, the rear suspension was sitting abnormally low to the ground and was sitting noticeably lower than the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 166,000.

I had a 2002 Nissan Altima with 125,000 miles. I was told by Nissan that my catalytic converter was bad and there was only one quart of oil in the engine after my check engine light came on. They added oil and I had to replace it again after only 2 weeks. I called the Nissan dealership about the excessive oil consumption and was told that the only thing I can do to fix this problem is to replace the engine. I have found that this is a huge problem with Altimas. I really think there needs to be a recall as this is not acceptable.

2002 Altima Nissan-problem with oil consumption. There is 196 pages of complaints regarding oil consumptions on 2002 Altima Nissan where this is causing the engine to fail. The car dies after driving, which can cause wrecks and even deaths. Nissan is aware of the problem and will not help with any of the cost to repair the vehicles. I am a single mother with 2 children and at this point don't have the funds to repair this vehicle. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The vehicle burns motor oil excessively. The contact is concerned that the engine could seize while driving. The failure has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 100,450.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. Within a few hours, she was able to restart the vehicle without difficulty. In addition, the vehicle burned oil excessively. The contact confirmed that she the oil was changed at least three times a week. The dealer was called and stated that there were no related recalls for her VIN. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing or to be repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Nissan Altima 2003 - excessive oil consumption. This issue is a known defective that thousands of Nissan owners have experienced, as a result of a faulty pre-cat that shreds into small pieces and then gets stuck in the engine, damaging it. I have always taken care of my car, and am now forced to add oil once a week or else risk the engine blowing.

2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5l s. Has started consuming oil despite regular maintenance andu se ig hoigh quality mobile 1 5w30 oil. In searching internet there are thousands of complaints from owners of this model year and engine. Nissan know about the issue and offers no relief. Time for a class action lawsuit. I have not had a car burn oil and have driven every one of my cars over 200,000 and sold them.

Vehicle check engine light came on. Took car in to garage and code reads catalytic converter. Converter was replaced, drove car home and engine was making a ticking noise. Brought car in to dealership on sept. 30, 2009. Dealership said I needed new timing chain to get the noise in engine to stop. Timing chain replaced, and same noise still existed. Dealership had my car for 2 weeks and in the end they said they called a technical service line for help and an representative said that they had reports of a similar noise and that I would need a new engine. This diagnoses was made over the phone from a description given by the technician to the service rep. On the phone. I called Nissan consumer affairs to explain this and was assigned a rep. Whom didn't get in contact with me for 10 days. He said he contacted the dealership and that I needed a new engine. He explained that Nissan would not provide a replacement engine since it is out of warranty. I explained that the dealership technicians said that there could be particles in the cylinder and that is an engine defect. The rep only offered a master technician to inspect the car and was not sure when that would happen. I investigated a recall that shows was completed on my car, but it describes exactly what is currently happening with my engine. I feel that Nissan should replace my engine as the faulty engine issue was listed in an engine campaign recall. I am in no way to blame for particles entering into the cylinder or a screw as the tech's described as a possibility. I should not be out of a vehicle due to a faulty engine, especially one that was listed in an engine recall. I would like to know what my recourse is in this situation to get my engine issue covered under the campaign or have Nissan place a replacement engine in my vehicle. It is deemed unsafe to drive and is burning excessive oil causing the converter to overheat which may cause a fire. Just as it describes in the recall information #3v084000.

I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5 sl, in approximately 2008 February, my car stopped on me while driving on the freeway. It turns out that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Had the work done at buena park Nissan then I realized that the car had also starting burning excessive oil. I was told there was an oil pan leak, had that work done at another dealership. Approximately 9 months later, the car stopped again, had the car diagnosed at the Nissan dealer ship in antioch, CA, was advised that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, again. At this point, I was frustrated with the car and I contacted Nissan of north american, and the dealership in buena park who both denied me any help. I was given a reference number of 6594593 when I called for a solution in 2009. Now, 8/2010, I am having acceleration issues again, my check engine light is on, my antifreeze is evaporation along with the engine oil every 300 miles. I called Nissan north America again today and spoke with lisa byrne at extension 41661 who told me there was nothing Nissan would do at this point because my previous claim had already been denied. I am replacing oil on a weekly basis as well as the antifreeze. I called Nissan again today, ref # [xxx]. I asked her who could I contact other than the regional office and she stated no one and that there was nothing Nissan was going to do to right my situation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

7/21/09- check engine light came on brought it into dealer and they tell me that my engine is shot and it needs to be replaced, $5,100 plus tax and labor. The parts from the pre-catalyst have be sucked through the exhaust and back into the engine scoring the cylinder walls, which increases my oil consumption and could result in a fire. After some research I discover that this has been a problem with hundreds of other people with the same model year as me. Nissan did a recall back in 05/03 (recall 3007) to try to fix this issue but proper measures were not taking. In national highway traffic safety administration action number- pe02078, it states that "Nissan is still developing a corrective action to address the pre-catalyst. " I have found no record that this work has ever been done, since 05/03 !?!?. My problem with Nissan is they have known about these problems with model year 2002 2. 5 liter Altimas and still after over six years of releasing this information to the public they never address any issue that would prevent this from happening. I have contacted Nissan and have been told that they have done all they can for me. With the issue of potential fire and sudden engine seizer I have not been able to drive my car since this issue has occurred. I would like Nissan to pay for all repairs that are needed due to this issue.

1. A bolt falls out of the middle of the engine. Causes greater oil consumption and in time cause catastrophic engine failure. 2. How often? don't know,checking the internet it was easy to find. 3. Replaced the engine, amazing for an engine with 55,000 miles.

2002 Nissan Altima - engine defect. The engine nearly caught on fire because the oil was burning so much that there was no oil in the engine after a few miles! first there was a problem with the heating/cooling, check engine light came on, white smoke from the engine. Had each problem addressed at mechanic but problem was never fixed because the source was in the engine itself - a Nissan defect. Now I "need a new engine" because the source of the problem is the head gasket. My mechanic has seen 2 other 2002 Nissan Altimas with the same problem. It was a defect in the original engine and it is dangerous if you do not catch it and replace the engine, due to such fast oil loss and an overheated engine! scary! the car only has 100k miles!! the car is not drivable now and I am seeing hundreds of other complaints of the exact same nature online with some fires already started. Yikes!.

I have a 2002 Nissan sentra se-r with the 2. 5 liter (qr25de) engine I purchased new. This is the same engine that the problematic 2002 Nissan Altima has. My car has had numerous serious recalls, originating within the first year and a half I purchased it. Two years ago, my ses light went on. My car was still under warranty at this point as I'd purchased Nissan's "gold plus" warranty coverage. I was told it was a loose gas cap, they'd checked and performed all outstanding recalls, and all was fine. 8 months later, the ses light went on again. The car began to also exhibit signs of increased oil consumption. I had it checked, was told it was a cracked oil pan by an independent mechanic. Finally, I took it to Nissan. I was told I needed a new catalytic converter, the exact part that has been mentioned in several recalls on my vehicle, and since the car was out of warranty they would not pay for it. Estimate was $1200, which I got in writing, for the catalytic converter. I asked for records of what they had done to inspect and repair the recall previously. They had no record of it. I called Nissan north America, who told me the dealer kept the records, and to ask them. . Finally, an independent mechanic replaced the part. The ses light went on two weeks later. The independant mechanic said the pre-catalytic converter was damaged/falling apart, also listed in my recall explicitly. The dealer had misdiagnosed the car. Called dealer, wrote letter, bbb complaint, Nissan complaint, no response. Had pre-cat replaced for $600. Ses light came on again. Eventually, my car stalled and wouldn't start. I had it towed to a repair facility who informed me my engine was blown, replaced for $4k. A screw had been found in the third cylinder. This is also listed in some of the 'bulletins' Nissan distributed to their dealers. I've tried a demand letter, no response. Obviously, no one inspected my car for recalls, or repaired the faulty parts.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. He took the vehicle in for an oil change and by the time he arrived back home (within 300 miles) the vehicle was in need of more oil. The low engine oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact placed more oil into the vehicle before it was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic verified the low oil level in the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was burning oil at an alarming rate. There was no evidence of oil leakage anywhere in the vehicle. The contact found over 700 complaints on the NHTSA web site for the same failure. The failure and current mileages were less than 178,000.

Vehicle stalling while driving, burning oil quickly doing oil changes every month, Nissan service station said catalytic coverter. Car still making noise other complaints that this is a normal problem then engine blows due to debris from converter getting into engine. This should be a recall.