28th Sep 2006, 08:10

This car sucks. I purchased the 2002 Altima brand new in February 2002. I have nothing, but problems from the headlights (I finally was reimbursed) to the 02 sensor going out last year. I will never purchase another Nissan in my life, I should have purchased the Honda.

11th Oct 2006, 11:30

I want to learn how to change the oil in my Altima 2002???

Can you give me tips please??

2nd Dec 2006, 12:18

I bought a used 2002 Altima 2.5SL with 56,000 miles and as soon as the odometer hit 80,000 I started burning oil, lost heat, went through bottles of antifreeze and on top of that both headlights failed within a week of each other. All this and no check engine light. What gives? It finally decides to show a week before my engine fails.

I did a recall search and found a few (too numerous to list) that could cause these problems. Here's the kicker, all recalls except the headlight recall were previously performed and "I'd recommend you get a new engine, that'll run you ABOUT $5k" was uttered to me. I didn't know they were hurting that bad for money. Maybe they should take advice from Ford and GM and lay off thousands of workers so that the board of directors can pocket another billion dollars.

Anyway, I'm getting off the beaten path here. I've done research and found a lot of people with the same problems, so I am curious if there is a class action suit in the works? Thanks. NO to NISSAN.

2nd Feb 2007, 09:28

I have owned a 2002 Nissan Altima for approximately four years and was quite pleased with the car until last Fall. I had to replace the front and rear oxygen sensors, and the Check Engine Soon light has come on again, two weeks after replacing the rear sensor. My mechanic brought the car to the local dealer, and I've been told it needs a front catalytic converter. Guess what? The part is on back order with all the local dealers, so I can't even get the car fixed at this time! I was told to drive the car as little as possible until the part is replaced, as I can burn out the oxygen sensors I recently spent hundreds putting in the car. I have had all the recalls done, including the rear catalytic converter, in a timely manner. If Nissan had any clue they would also be covering the front catalytic converter under recall. Nothing like making customers dissatisfied with their product. I was told the part I need will cost approx. $500, and the labor will run a bit under that, so almost $1000 for this problem! So much for the 2002 car of the year!! My vehicle has about 88,000 miles, mostly highway.

9th Feb 2007, 06:10

I too wonder if there is a class action suit??? I bought my 02 Altima SE NEW... I now have 98900 miles and have been going through about 2 qts of oil a week+!!! The check engine light has reported 02 sensors and valve problem and goes on and off! This can all be done at my expense! Obviously they produced a piece of junk for the engine.

Yes, it WAS a good car, roomy etc. However, without feeding it oil, it rattles etc under hood and you just cringe when you see dipstick with NO oil on it!

27th Feb 2007, 23:43

I'm having the very same problem with my 2002 altima with the oil. I took the car to the dealership to get it checked out and he said it was low on oil. He also said that it was burning to much oil and he suggest to trade it in and never get another nissan altima. He also said he's been getting a lot of cars in with the same problem.

8th Mar 2007, 10:35

After owning two Toyota Camrys since 1989, I purchased a 2003 Nissan Altima in August 2003. The vehicle had 17 miles on it at the time of purchase. I too have had problems with this car not starting and also shutting off while you are driving. It was towed to the dealer twice and given jumps on numerous occasions for this problem.

My major problem with the Altima is the heating system. It takes forever to get the heat started and when it does start you freeze if you have to stop or idle the car. I keep my fluids filled and change my oil as listed in the manual. The car is beautiful and roomy, however I think I should have stayed with the Toyota.

7th Apr 2007, 13:45

I too bought an Altima 2002. I thought I would check into why my Altima is burning oil. I googled it and I stumbled across this page and was astonished on how many people are having the same problems. I just started having the heating problem. It makes me mad that Nissan new of all the Altima issues, but still sold me this lemon in 2004. I hope there is a class action suit against them. I wish I had stuck with Honda.

13th Apr 2007, 18:17

4/13/07.

I bought a 2002 Altima SL just five months ago with 82k miles on it. It looks beautiful. I thought I got a bargain for just $9,200. Wouldn't you know I'd end up here. First, the ABS system was always on. A sensor I'm told. No big deal. Then the check engine light came on, I immediately pulled over to check the oil.

There was practically no oil in the car! This is only after about 2000 miles of driving the car since they had changed it at the dealership. I put oil in, but it was soon low again. Shortly afterwards, the car wouldn't start. I took it to a Nissan Dealership today. They told me that it was the Catalytic Converter and that both of my O2 sensors have been melted by this. Over $1200. to replace the "Catalyst" as they called it. Another $160. for the brake sensor and I'm still not sure if Labor is included. I'm with the rest of these people. What a Lemon!