Engine Exhaust System Problems of Nissan Altima - part 2

Popping noise from under car. Took it in and dealer first told me it was normal that it was the exhaust system cooling off. I did not accept his response because the popping was must too loud and I contacted Nissan America who got engineers involved. They finally concluded that it was the heat shield. The dealer worked on it and it seemingly got better for a while but it has kept recurring since then. I have taken it back to the dealer for rework several times and it helps for a while but returns. I have contacted Nissan american and they are currently getting engineering involved again. Hopefully they will come up with a fix. Very loud and annoying.

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I suspected that my car developed problems with the exhaust system, and two Nissan dealerships confirmed that the catalytic converter is cracked. I found out that problems with defective catalytic converters in 2002-2003 Altimas were addressed in Nissan voluntary recall campaign #r3007 (NHTSA #03v-084). The work pertaining to that recall was performed on my car on 07/31/2006 but the defective catalyst has not been replaced as instructed on page 5 of Nissan recall campaign bulletin #ntb03-070c. I asked the dealerships to replace the catalyst as part of the recall #r3007 (NHTSA #03v-084), but they refused since the recall has been recorded as performed. I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, but my request to complete the recall work was denied. I contacted ceo of Nissan, carlos ghosn, and executive vp of Nissan north America, carlos tavares. They also rejected my request to properly service my car as Nissan promised in its recall #r3007 (NHTSA #03v-084). The catalyst defects described in Nissan recall campaign bulletin #ntb03-070c are very serious. The debris from catalyst may damage the engine which can result in fire. I kindly request that you investigate whether Nissans remedy (recall #r3007, NHTSA #03v-084) in this case of defective catalyst was adequate.

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I am one of many who have had the same problem with my Nissan Altima 2003 2. 5 engine. The Nissan dealership kept telling me they were not sure what was wrong with my car when I would take it in for their diagnostic testing. Costing 91. 00 each time you have that test done. I was told after many times of the car stalling and shutting off while driving it that it needed a coil #3 well that wasn't the problem the at all driving the car the day that we were going to replace the coil the engine completely shut down. So because I am at 89,000 mile and the warranty has run out I am basically out of luck is what they said and they aren't responsible. So here I am with a 2003 Altima that needs a new engine cause the of the faulty catalytic converter. So why we were never told the many times we went in that this could be the problem is what I am so confused about. I am a single mom that still owes a year on this car at 400 a month and can not afford to replace the engine and the catalytic converter. This is crazy all the complaints of the same problem that I am having and Nissan is not being accountable at all. And this problem could be very dangerous also if you were in traffic and your car just shut off.

The failure I am writing about is intake manifold gasket in the 2001 Nissan Altima in doing research it is evident this problem occurs in most of these cars in order to fix had to bring to mechanic and pay $900 for a part that cost no more then$20 there has been other complaints submitted to you about this very issue from others it is easy to see how wide spread this issue is with one quick internet search.

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I have a 2006 Altima and there was a recall on oil consumption, the dealer said I needed a catalytic converter, then he said it wasn't under warranty, when I called Nissan hq they said I have up to 80,000 miles which I only have 53,000 on my car. The end result the catalytic converter caused my engine to seize and now I have no car and still have 10,000 dollars of car payments. The dealer is hillside Nissan in new jersey.

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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".

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Car shuts of while driving. Car will start immediately after engine has shut off. Very dangerous almost wrecked. My 2002 Nissan Altima doesn't feel safe. There are several problems with this vehicle that should have been recalled. All which could cause potentially fatal and or severe accidents. The head gasket blew on my 2002 2. 5 s qr25 4 cylinder engine. I had the head gasket replaced and it blew again. Upon further inspection the head had been cracked and there were thousands of marks in cylinder 1. One of the power valve screws located in the intake manifold of the engine came loose and shot through the engine, ruining engine compression (in turn destroying the engine) and it also destroyed the exhaust manifold, O2 sensor and power valve intake and power valve plates. The estimate to repair this is over 6000. Apparently one of power valve screws had gotten loose and was banging around the engine. Apparently this can ruin these engines. I experience power loss because of this. My car has stalled several times nearly causing a severe accident each time. The vehicle starts right up immediately after it stops. Besides the cost to repair these issues it is very concerning driving this vehicle. It is definitely unsafe and should not have been allowed to be mass produced in my opinion . I believe many others would agree. The is a voluntary service campaign on the 04 and 05 models, but 02 and 03 owners have the exact same engine and are experiencing the exact same problems. Are not included in these recalls? it's ridiculous and someone will get hurt or killed if these issues aren't addressed. Nissan should be required by law to fix these issues. T he results are very similar to toyotas recent problems which killed several. Apparently Nissan is trying to use some kind of loophole by volunteering a service campaign. But this needs to be fixed.

My oil light flashed on and off my 2003 Nissan Altima with 97,000 miles. I pulled over and checked the oil. The dipstick was bone dry. I had the car towed to an independent mechanic. He said it is an issue with the catalytic converter that destroyed the engine. I need a new engine. Nissan had a recall on this exact thing, but after contacting them, they claim there is no issue and they are not liable. When I pressed them, they said it was because Nissan had not been servicing the car and I have too many miles. I pressed them again, and there story changed again. If you google this problem, hundreds of people have the same problem with the same non-action from Nissan. This is after 9 recalls on this car. Someone has to help us. Please.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) as stated in my last complaint with odi id number: 10327349, I have a 2003 Nissan Altima. The car is now in the repair shop the engine blown. . . . The car was burning excessive amounts of oil. However, I also stated that the check engine light was on, and would stay on. Although, while driving on the interstate an reaching the speed of 70mph the check engine light would begin to start blinking. I don't have $3,000. 00 - $4,000. 00 to have this repaired. I'm still making monthly payments. I don't know if there was a recall on my vehicle engine with VIN: [xxx] . Furthermore, I need to know if this can be fixed/ repaired immediately by the Nissan in canton, ms. The mileage presently on the vehicle is 155,100. I didn't purchase the car new, but used. I truly don't know what to do at this point. I've keep the car maintained, and then this happens. Please someone from odi contact me regarding this matter immediately.

I have a 2003 Nissan Altima. This car is burning oil like crazy. There's no smoke or anything of that sort, but I have to keep an eye out and put oil in my car to keep it running at least every 4-5 days or so. Gas is high and oil is getting higher; I have to keep at least 2-3 quarts in my trunk. The check engine light has been on for sometime now. While driving on the interstate if I go over 70mph the check engine light starts blinking. When I take my foot off the accelerator the check engine light stops blinking, but continues to stay on. However, I just had my spark plugs changed and now the car won't start. Please I need some help ASAP. . . . I don't have money to purchase a new one at this time, but wish someone can tell me what is going on. The dealer is no help whatsoever. They get you in there and tell you that this, this, and this is the problem. It seems that nothing is under warranty with Nissan, and I don't own the car as of yet I'm still making monthly payments. I think that Nissan needs to go over the engine, electronic, and etc. Because canton, mississippi is the home of Nissan and you have some big problems on your hands!!!.

After reading hundreds of complaints about the 2002 Nissan Altima 2. 5 l engine failures, I've decided to write. Car began running rough. Mechanic said an oxygen sensor was out, but was probably the cat. Converter. Paid for both, and car is still running rough and using 2 quarts/oil per week. Mechanic said when the cat con went, it blew refuse into the engine, requiring a new one. I've joined the ranks of the 1000's who are getting no help from Nissan corp. In rectifying this expensive problem.

2005 Nissan Altima. About two weeks ago my car started jerking and the check engine light came on. I have had it serviced and no one seems to know what is causing this problem. Since all of this has happen it is now stalling when trying to crank up.

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I had a similar, yet extreme experience. I took my car in to get the oil changed at a local chevy dealership (it was cheap. ) when I went to pick up my car, the technician told me that he pulled less than a 8 oz. Of oil from the engine. He said he couldn't find any leaks, but to keep an eye on the oil everyday. I left the dealership and decided to take the car for a drive to "reoil" the engine. The engine had been running a bit funny: not starting right away, trouble shifting for about 48 hours. I got about five miles at ~55 mph, and while accelerating from a left turn, heard something fall out of the engine. After that, white smoke started pouring out the exhaust. I knew the engine blew. The steering and brakes went out, and I got it to the side of the road (somehow. ) the black smoke started pouring in from the vents. I don't remember stopping or getting out, but I remember turning around and seeing flames out the driver's side of the engine. The fire department arrived and put the fire out, but the car was totaled by my insurance company. The engine and interior, especially the driver's side, were destroyed. The backseat was smoke damaged. The trunk and three tires were relatively unharmed.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Altima. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic because the check engine light illuminated. The mechanic stated that the failure was within the exhaust system and catalytic converter, which was related to NHTSA campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 82,590.

I was driving when I noticed my Nissan Altima oil light came on. I went to get it checked and there was no oil in the car. I got the oil and filter changed and a few days later it happened again. I took my car to my mechanic, who told me that I needed a new catalytic converter and new engine. The repairs cost is 3,000 that I don't have. I've been looking online and have noticed that their are a lot of people with the same problem. I had so much exhaust coming from my car that my mechanic told me it wasn't safe to drive.

March 2010 my 2007 Nissan Altima se started smoking out of the exhaust when first starting after sitting awhile. The chek engine lamp came on. The Altima had less than 40,000 miles on it. The smoking got to the point of smoking all the time with dense black smoke. I checked the oil and found it low. After performing an oil & oil fiter service, I started monitoring my oil level and found the 3. 5 v6 engine was showing signs of excessive oil consumption. I checked the engine lamp codes(po420-3way catalyst function and po300-multi cylinder mis-fire). I took my Altima to the dealership I bought it from and had it checked under my warranty, 60 month /75,000 miles gold preferred plan. On the repair order it stated "ses needs engine / slugged". I was charged $107. 07 and was told this was not a warranty issue. I contacted the quality control engeneer @ Nissan north America's headquarters in franklin, TN and she set up a diagnostic inspection with the field rep from the engine plant / deccard TN. He stated since the tires were needng replacing in the near future and the Altima needed washing, it was a sign of neglect and there-fore the smoking and oil consumtion was not a warranty issue. The rep said the check engine lamp code was for reference:ntb10-009 - a seized exhaust sensor, which was covered under warranty but not related to the smoking/oil consumtion issue. I was employed at the time of this issue with Nissan north America, smyrna TN. I was a pre-delivery repair tech @ the manufactuting plant for 25 years until my retirement June 28, 2010. I used the same diagnostic tools that the dealer used and the engine plant field rep used on my car and know for a fact this is a warranty issue. I followed - up the complaint @https://survey. Nissan. Usa. Com with no results.

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There were no significant events leading up to this failure. Vehicle has been meticulously maintained. Failure was recognized by cel p0420. Catalytic converters were replaced. Now engine has lost power and is emitting smoke. Coolant and engine oil are dropping at increasing rates requiring constant attention but have never been allowed to be "dry. " now engine needs to be replaced. This appears to be consistent with many other claims which Nissan denies.

The "service engine soon" light came on and went off for a few weeks finally I took it to the shop. I was told that is the catalyst converter, the part alone cost around 600. 00, car is a 2005 Altima 2. 5 with 120,000. 00 miles, well maintained. After searching the internet I have come to realize that this a common problem with this model. I just spent over 300. 00 to repair the crankshaft as my vehicle would stall and not start all the time. On top of it all I was also just told that I need to replace the inner tie rod - another 300. 00 - this car is turning out to be a pile of junk.

I own a 2003 Nissan Altima 2. 5sl and the engine stopped working while I was driving, and hit the curb and blew out my tire and damaged my rim. This cost me about $500 out of my pocket, which really was disappointing. There should be a recall for my vehicle!.

Check engine light came on 2/5/10, next morning (Saturday) went over car looking for issue, found low oil level in engine, added oil, Monday scheduled with dealer for soonest appointment, Wednesday dealer checked out the car. Found that the pre-catalyst had crumbled into dust which was pulled in to the engine. Engine is ruined and needs to be replaced. Have contacted Nissan and they will do nothing. There is a related recall (Nissan r3007) - this had been done by the dealer in January 2004. All other maintenance has been done. My statement to Nissan was a. Recall was not actually done (dealer says it was - have no reason not to believe them) b. Recall was not done properly or c. Recall did not fix the problem completely - I believe it was c that the problem was not really fixed, just delayed. Understand that the catalytic warranty was 80,000 miles, but should a catalytic breakdown actually be able to ruin the engine? if Nissan knew it did not totally resolve the issue, they should have notified owners to replace the catalytic at xx miles, or at xx years. Never heard of this with any other vehicle that the catalytic failure can ruin the engine. Now rather than $700 or $800 for the catalytic, facing that plus another engine (estimate $3000 to $4000) for a used, salvage engine. But then would still have the same problem waiting to happen again. Recall states that this can result in engine fire. I believe it is faulty design.

I made a complaint by phone regarding my 2002 Nissan Altima and have yet to hear back or get a copy as promised of my complaint. Due to the many complaints, concerns and problems related to this year ,make and model ,you would think Nissan would be a little bit more concerned and wanting to remedy the problems that exist to avoid legal action for ignoring a potently dangerous problem that could be deadly . All though I have not been hurt physically ,mentally I am beside myself thinking if you cant get Nissan to step up to the plate then who can???? I had a engine replaced by Nissan dealership and it did not last 20,000 miles before the catalytic converter fell apart and got sucked up in the engine. . Nissan is aware of the recalls for this year/make/model???? its time to do something as you have pages and pages of complaints regarding this exact thing and it is obvious Nissan will do nothing because they get away with it time and time again. . They are worse than Toyota, at least Toyota admits there is a problem. . . Please let me know what and when you intend on doing something to get Nissan to do what's right?/?.

2. 5 engine the same as all the others, this engine should have been replaced or repaired by Nissan. If Nissan would have recalled them before the damage was done.

The car started to almost die and vibrate while stopped at red lights. I am paying $636 to have the manifold gasket replaced. The car only has 66000 miles on it and is garage kept and perfectly maintained. Based on the large number of identical complaints reported to NHTSA, I believe this a manufacturers defect and should be reimbursed by Nissan. I also registered this complaint with the Nissan website today.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The vehicle started to make noise in engine after oil change. Two days after oil was topped off, oil level showed it burned 4 quarts with no leaks. Since, it has consumed an excessive amount of oil. The low engine oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel again. The contact placed more oil into the vehicle before it was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic verified the low oil level and 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 88,000 miles. Internet complaints show 4 cylinder Altima engines had design flaw and pre-catalytic converter overheats and ash material enters engine and scores cylinder walls causing excessive oil use and engine failure. Nhtsa had recall for this in 2003 (NHTSA recall #03v08400 . Odi) Nissan only inspected engines but did not repair. Engine failures continued to occur to date as NHTSA closed recall and did not monitor Nissan since. Nhtsa is negligent in due diligence and follow up with Nissan by allowing failures to continue. In last several years, the pre converter has continued to fail and destroy engines. Original recall only delayed converter failure until warranty expired and $5000 engine replacement costs was pushed onto owner. Nissan will not acknowledge design flaw still destroying engines. Reinstate recall and payment by Nissan. *"tr.

I have a Nissan Altima 2002 model . I have been calling 1-800-333-0829 for Nissan recall campaign from last two and half weeks. I have a reference number for my case . This recall is with reference to campaign I. D. # r3007, r3014, r3015, r3016, & r3017. I had taken my car to great neck Nissan dealer, new york for routine servicing. I came to know that pre-catalyst was damaged and the dealer also informed me about the chances that the particles from the catalyst converter might have already entered the engine. I went through the national highway traffic safety administration website which clearly states that this is a manufacturing defect and it needs to be rectified by Nissan. Nissan has also taken responsibility for the same and hence released the recall campaign bulletin. However, Nissan are declining my case based on three reasons on three different occasions at 1st they said I am not a loyal customer , however when I insisted then they said my VIN no. Does not fall in the category and then on the 3rd call after too much of perseverance they said they decline because I am the second owner of the vehicle and I do not have maintenance record from the first owner. As a proof of maintenance I have already faxed them the car fax report which shows the car was properly maintained. However, I do not understand that the make and model will not change with the ownership my concern is that even if I change the catalyst converter and continue to operate the vehicle then there are chances that if my engine catches any particles due to precatalyst damage there is a possibility that my engine will catch fire and I might be blown out while driving. I have spoken to Nissan and they don't want to take any responsibility and refuse to give me an answer in writing. . Read more...

Intake manifold gasket failure causing idle to fluctuate, intermittent stalling 2000 Altima with 57,000 miles, this is a manufacturing defect due to the egr pipe running to close to cylinder 4 area of the manifold. This is happening to all Altimas 1998-2001. Nissan should repair as recall, this could cause accidents due to stalling. This should be investigated and Nissan should honor all the repair costs to all affected.

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My car shut of on me while driving at night which was hard to see because the headlamps didn't give much light and both airbags deployed and my seat belts don't work either. . . I own a 2003 Nissan Altima. . . The car would usually turn of on me like that but not a higher speeds. . . The car's engine has been making a loud noise it had 3 recalls for it( headlamp recall, engine exhaust recall, & engine cooling recall) before I had this done I had a service engine light on which came out as p0420, p0240, and had 3 p0335. . . After I had the "recall done". . . A week later my car "blew a head gasket" and I had a code p0300. . . I immediately got it fixed for like $1300. . . After that. . . 2 weeks later I got a service engine light on which came out as p0335, p0240, & p0420. . . I've also been in contact with Nissan consumer affairs. . . I've been in touch with a regional specialist which can't really help me at all. . . Nissan dealer like to take money for diagnosis and tells me the car is unsafe to drive. . . My car still shuts off and sometimes it doesn't even start. . . When the car start up it makes a loud engine noise. . . So right now my car shuts off at any speed rate now just low speeds, I don't have airbags in the car, engine makes a loud noise, sounds like there's something like a rock in the catalytic converter, and my car's seat belts don't work.

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).

I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima in November 2005. The last two years I have been having several problems concerning the vehicle including, jerking, stalling on highway, over heating and smoking. I have a the oc sensors replaced, spark plugs, Cadillac converts, coils. . . The list goes on and on. I noticed my oil light always coming on and the need to always refill the oil but I could not see where it was leaking from. The same problem was with the coolant---I kept pouring it in the place for coolant and in 2 days it would be gone. At the end of August my infant and I were in the vehicle and it began jerking and cut off right in the middle of the highway. A tow truck was called to pick up the car. I took the car to Nissan and they told me that the converter needs to be replaced again and the engine. After researching it looks as if this problem has been going on with several Nissan Altima's. I just want my engine and converter to be replaced the Nissan corp to take responsibility.

I purchased a 02 Altima 2. 5 (automatic) on Thursday, July 16, 2009. On Friday, July 17, I had to take it to the mechanic because it was making a terrible sound coming from the engine. Upon arrival, it was found that the oil tank was bone dry. After adding 3 quarts of oil, the noise was gone. Throughout that day when driving I smelt something like exhaust or burning oil or something. I just thought oil was spilled on the engine and it was simply burning off. I put approx 30 miles on the car that day. On Saturday, July 18, I put approx 20 miles on the car (same smell). On Sunday, I noticed smoke coming out of my muffler when I would hit the gas. It would go away when I was at a steady pace but if I put gas in it, the smoke would come out. I took the car to a friend of mine and had him check the oil. To my surprise, there was not a lick of oil left in the tank. . . Where did it go????????? there was no sign of leaks underneath the car and no spot on my driveway. We went and purchased 3 more quarts of oil and added it to the car. When we checked the dip stick, the oil was pitch black. The car was also blowing black smoke. I am a single 27 year old mom, working and going to school. A Nissan is what everyone told me to get. . Why??? I have just forked out every dime I had (7800. 00) in savings to purchase this car so what was I to do now? on Monday, July 20, I took it back to the mechanic which then told me the engine needed to be replaced. I then took it to another mechanic which verified the same thing. After 2 weeks a 05 model engine was put in the car and I picked it up on August 7. Shortly after being on the road, the check engine light came on and it was making a loud squeaky sound. After taking it back on August 18, they said it now needed a catalytic converter and they replaced a belt. On August 23, the car started going dead with no warning while driving; once I was on the interstate and thought I was going to die! it also acts as if it doesn't want to crank now.

I bought a 2003 Nissan Altima in Jan, 2008. It had 53,000 mi. At 78,000 mi the service engine soon light came on. I took it to my mechanic it was diagnosed that there was a blown head gasket. I had him replace the gasket. At about 79,000 mi. There was a burning smell coming from under the car. I thought it was on fire so I pulled over but there was no fire. When I went to accelerate there was no power. The ses light was on so I took it to the dealer in ontario, CA it was the catalytic converter(it was clogged) they replaced it free because of the federal emission warranty. Then they told me that I was burning oil and that the probable cause was the converter, but told me that they would not replace the engine because someone else had worked on it. They said that if I had brought the car to them they would have replaced it. There was no notice about engine replacement when the gasket goes bad (which they said was also caused by the converter getting clogged up) some one needs to force Nissan of north America to recall the 2003 Altima and fix the engine and converter design. There could be a catastrophic engine failure that could cause an accident at high speeds.

Engine rattles.

Hi! I have a probelm with my Nissan Altima 2. 3 2003. I need to change the motor because of the catalyst have enter some residu into the motor, so it take so oil like hell. . . I did not receive any recall and the Nissan garage did never ask or tell me about that. They told me about the front light recall but never the catalyst. The yellow light in the dash light up to check engine but the damage was done. Becausee a phone them to ask ifd it's ok to run the that light on, they say yes but come on the next appointment or if you can come to get to alarm code. So when I did it was catalyist alarm that a inside damage. I was about 140000 km on the car so told me that a need to change the complite motor. . . . I was in shock. I had a Honda accord 1989 at 380000 and never lift the motor. And on a Nissan 150000 km our car is out of order????? is that something that a could do with the Nissan garage to make them change the motor on waranty? and more the remove the inside of the cataliyst in there facilities ( repair garage). I think that they not alloy to do that? so can I have some help for that ? thank you!.

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle was rapidly consuming oil and overheating. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/ header/ muffler/ tail pipe) yet the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the mechanic installed a pre-catalyst and oxygen sensor but did not remedy the failure. In addition, there was excessive black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe after a routine oil change and smoke coming from under the hood. The dealer advised having a diagnostic performed at the contact's expense. The contact declined. The manufacturer advised having the vehicle diagnosed before they would determine if they would assist with repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 the current mileage was 142,000.

I took my car to a mechanic because I had an engine service light on and I felt that something was wrong with the way my car was behaving. After inspecting my car, the mechanic found that a catalytic converter has failed, which created potential for a fire. The mechanic told me that there was a recall for catalytic converters for Altimas 2002/2003 and that my car should qualify for it based on its VIN number ( I have a printout from my mechanic that includes eligibility of my car based on VIN#). However, when I called Nissan manufacture I was told that my car no longer has warranty and that there were no open recalls on my car at that time. I took my car to a Nissan dealership and received the same information. My on-line research showed that there was a recall on catalytic converters in canada and USA and also a lot of people here in us had experienced the same problem as I did after the warranty expiration and Nissan was not helpful. Also, I found out that it is hard to diagnose this problem at the very beginning as engine service light can be on for a lot of reasons. My mechanic was able to diagnose this problem, as he was familiar with catalytic converters' failures in Altimas because a lot of his customers who own Altimas took their cars to him to be fixed. I did take my car to a Nissan dealership, but I couldn't afford their prices, so I ended up going back to my mechanic. A representative from Nissan manufacture asked me if I received any letter from them confirming my eligibility for a catalytic converter recall, but I am not the first owner of my car, so there was no way for me to receive it. Perhaps I bought this car with a damaged converter and had no idea about it.