23rd May 2008, 16:51

I too have had problems with the crankshaft sensor.

I had not had any problems before it was replaced due to the recall. Subsequent to the recall, the sensor failed while I was in rush-hour traffic on the highway. I was able to restart the car after multiple attempts and brought it to the dealer.

The dealer charged me $300 to replace the sensor as it was outside the warranty period (18 mos. vs. 12 mos).

I have had no problems with the replacement sensor (over 2.5 years now), leading me to believe that the one I received as a result of the recall was faulty.

When I recently discussed this with the dealership, I was told by the service manager, "Parts Fail." Nice. She proceeded to tell me that my memory was incorrect as to the number of recalls my 2002 has had. {Hmmm...I have the notices and can count...}

I have spoken with customer service at Nissan's corporate headquarters and have filed a claim. Hopefully, they will honor my request and reimburse me for the failed part.

15th Jun 2008, 01:51

I bought a 02 Altima in 2007 with about 55,000 miles on it. It now has about 70,000 miles on it and is burning oil like crazy. And now it makes a rattling sound when it is at about 3-400 rpm; can anyone give me any advice?

It also seems it lacks power too.

Ravensatl@alltel.net

22nd Aug 2008, 01:53

I wish I would have read the woahs before I go my Altima. 2002 130,000. I got the car form a Nissan Dealer 2 years ago. I noticed now that the mounting screws were missing holding the shroud for the fan. Leads me to think the radiator had been replaced.. Oil consumption is OK. I am now hearing a sound in the rear pass side. Could it be a the effects of a cat going bad. Thanks for the info on this site.

17th Sep 2008, 22:25

Same problem as everyone. 75K miles, the Service Engine light came on, and soon after, it started excessive oil consumption followed by a significant drop in power, especially in take-off speed. Took it to the dealer and was informed that I need to change the engine for close to $5000.

I am in on the class action suit.

E-mail kodamelash@gmail.com.

25th Sep 2008, 14:14

My wife has a 2002 Altima, leased brand new for 3 years, garaged, then bought out the lease. Only has 68K miles as of Sept., 2008. In Nov. 2007, heater starting going bad, replaced all parts at a cost of close to $500. Started leaking anti-freeze, but not on the ground. After numerous trips to repair shop, then to Nissan, I was told we need another engine! We have maintained the car very well, changed oil regulary. One shop said dip stick was on empty! No oil spots or burning smoke. We change oil every 3k-4k miles. We have supporting documents on service issues.

Still losing anit-freeze, sometimes the car bucks, engine light blinks on and off then it will go off. This is our 6th Nissan since 1981 and 8 total in our family, including children. We have driven 4 of them well over 225K miles. We have 3 payments left and was looking forward to having no car payments for the next 4 years.

We contacted Nissan Consumer Hotline on Sept. 12, 2008. Our complaint is working it's way thru the regionial office, still waiting for an answer and solution. We not only have a oil cosumption problem, but an anti-freeze problem that is leaking into the head gasket area, causing the car to sputter. it is in mint condition, rides well and is everything we wanted in a loaded Altima, (leather, Bose, chrome rims, moon roof).

We have taken the car back for recalls and maintenance.

We trust our service mgr. 100%. Engine warranty was up at 60,000 miles? We believe we were less than that last Nov. when these problems started and the faulty thermostats/ no heat problem was masking the real problems. We believe we are entitled to a new engine and Nissan knew that they had a problem with these new aluminum engines when they re-designed them, that they can't withstand the heat. Did I hear something about a class action suit against Nissan for all of these engine problems? Please reply. I am currently driving my 2002 Sentra (#4) and it runs great as usual. We hope that Nissan will come to favorable terms regarding this issue with us ASAP. It's almost winter in OH and we have to have a dependable car!

If there is no settlement, we have a worthless almost 7 year old car sitting in our driveway. After 27 years of Driving Nissan vehicles, this will be the last one if we can't settle this issue. Thank you for reading this, we welcome your comments!

19th Oct 2008, 20:48

I just got a Nissan Altima SL 2002. This 2008 it has about 120000 miles on it. The service engine soon light just came on after I drove the car for like four days; the oil is OK and the coolant, but can anyone tell me what to do about the service engine soon light?

The car also shakes when the gear is in the park position. Please help, thank you.

2nd Nov 2008, 22:49

Very informative site... very depressing... I love my 2005 Nissan Altima. I bought the car 3 yrs. ago with 12,000 miles on it and have had problems with the heat in the vehicle ever since... Idling is terrible and I only have heat when I floor it. My baby has come secondary in the winter-time due to no heat and frigid temps... I have two small children and I am unable to cart them around in it because they are frozen in the back seat. While sitting in the front I've put my arm in the back seat and felt the difference in temp instantly. I love my Altima... but after she is paid off she may be garaged so I can park my new car in her spot, sadly.

Thanx for everyones info... very sad but true.

8th Nov 2008, 11:02

I bought a 2002 Altima in Sept, 2001, with the 2.5 L engine. After over 160K miles the car is burning a quart of oil every 150 miles or so. This is after a ring job, seals and gaskets were replaces (over $1500.00) with an good experienced mechanic. What a problem. I've had Toyota's and put on over 250K without this type of problem. I recommend not spending money to repair- the repair does not work. I now realize I have to scrap the car or replace the engine. Thanks Nissan!

If there is a lawsuit I'm in.

30th Nov 2008, 23:25

To the one three above that says the car shakes. I have the same problem, I bought my car off my parents for university and have had no problems over 6 years accept for the noise when idling, they said it was a loose plate and is inexpensive to fix, however they haven't fixed it during the numerous recalls we have been to. My heat won't work as well, I might try changing the water hose like one of the reviews said. He said the water hose was blocked and once it was replaced the heat worked perfectly. Cheers.