My 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 V6 SL ran perfectly on Friday night when I got home. It wouldn't start on Saturday. Thought maybe the fuel lines froze because of the cold temps. AAA couldn't get it started so they towed it to Nissan Dealership. Now, I have a $5,000+ repair bill, needs cat converters, mass air and flower sensor (2nd in a year). They said it wasn't covered because someone "tampered" with it. I said I had 1 1/2 qt too much oil in my car. No one has put any extra oil in my car. They said that is what ruined the Cat Converters and trying to start it flooded the cat converters, with too much oil and gas. I had this same nightmare with two American made cars so I thought I will try a import, guess that's no better, maybe I will just take the bus, definitely cheaper and better for the environment.
Consumer Complaints & Reviews
Nissan Altima Engine failure. I had to have the head gasket fixed and in less than 3,000 miles, complete engine failure. No check engine light came on and no oil light came on.
As a widow, after having to borrow money out of my deceased husbands 401K, I no longer have a vehicle. I can not afford to fix it or buy a new car.
I have had nothing but problems ever since I bought the car (at 109K). First, it made rattling noises when the AC was on at idle. The dealership said that it was the belt but got it fixed and the rattling still continues over a year later. The check engine light comes on once every couple months (sometimes stays for a month or two then will disappear). I replaced the crankshaft positioning sensor the first time the light came on.
Now at 123K, it eats oil and coolant like crazy, leaving my engine to overheat every few weeks and I'm having to put more oil and coolant in it quite often. Keep in mind that I have been extremely prompt with oil changes and maintenance. After getting it looked at for the mysterious burning of oil and coolant (because there were no signs of it ever leaking). I am now being informed it needs a new catalytic converter, a $600 fix which I don't have the money for.
My worry is that if I don't fix it in time it will end up like other Altimas that need new engines. After spending a ridiculous amount of money getting this car fixed and regular maintenance on it (tires rotated, oil changes, tune up, new windshield wipers, trans fluid exchange, radiator fluid exchange, all in the last year) and it still doesn't run I'm very hopeless and this car leaves me stressed out daily. I would not recommend this car to anyone!
I trusted Nissan motors over Honda for my nephew, as he needed a car to commute to and from his school. But guess what? Within 4 months of buying it, the catalytic converter got busted and parts of it went into the engine which scored the cylinders. It's a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5s. I bought it from a local dealer Tameron Honda. I took my car to them as I had a lifetime engine warranty, but these people are a ripoff too. They tore my engine apart and later found out that catalytic was the problem.
Now, I have to pay for the assembly. I was like "What the **! Can't you run a diagnostic test before tearing my engine apart?" I'm telling you all that if you don't know anything about cars, this ** people will keep ripping us off. Plus, there was a recall on precatalyst for the Nissan Altima, but they said my car doesn't fall under that category. I was like "What the **, my car had same symptoms and also the engine failed". But sorry for me, Nissan didn't honor it. I don't think this people should be allowed to do business over here if they can't keep up with their ethics.
I own 2003 Nissan Altima, 1998 Nissan Altima, and 2009 Nissan Altima. We took 2003 Altima in for oil change. We found out a week later that there was no oil. Then, catalytic converter exploded into engine, ruined the engine. It cost us $4700 to fix at Poughkeepsie Nissan. They told me to contact Nissan Consumer Affairs, that they would replace the engine, because the car has 50,000 miles and is in mint condition. We had the vehicle in Nissan lot for over 6 weeks, with a storage fee of $1400. Nissan Consumer Affairs representative Chris ** was never available. And he did not even try to do anything until the 3rd and 4th week, only when I asked to speak with his supervisor.
I also spoke with another representative. The rep looked in my file and said that absolutely nothing had been done for 4 weeks, but a few notes. Chris ** was waiting for information faxed to him 2 weeks previous, but he "misplaced" the fax and had a secretary call me to refax. Every time I spoke to him, I told him that I was worried about the storage fees. I told him to please move this along. I remained pleasant, because I had been assured Nissan would replace the engine. But he did nothing!
Then, the"secretary" called to say that Nissan would not replace the engine, even after Nissan recall for 2003 Altimas, that were blowing the catalytic converters into engines and ruining cars. He said that there was never a Nissan recall, although I faxed it to him from an independent auditor, Zurich National Insurance. Every 5 years, we bought brand new Nissan automobiles. We will never buy Nissan again. If this is how they treat their loyal customers, especially after having a recall on the specific part that ruined my car, they can keep their cars in their lots. Buyers, Beware!
I purchased a 2006 Nissan Altima on 5/1/06 from Colonial Nissan in Feasterville, PA. I received a notice from Nissan Corporation on 8/06 that there were problems with the engine, oil consumption and the engine module reprogramming on the 2006 Nissan Altimas. The notice informed me to take my vehicle to the dealership in order to get it checked to see if my car was affected by the defects in the 2006 Nissan Altima.
I took my car on 8/06 to the Colonial Nissan dealership automotive and was told that the vehicle was okay. I then received an extended warranty on 8/17/06, which stated that my 2006 Nissan Altima was covered under an extended warranty until 5/1/13 or 100,000 miles.
In 8/20/08, I contacted Nissan because my vehicle began having problems. A file was made for me, case # ** and I was told my case would be looked into. I was also told by the representative that there was no record of an extended warranty for my vehicle so they may be able to partially help me with the cost to fix my vehicle. I was told I would receive a return call but was never contacted. I eventually went and paid in full for my vehicle to be fixed.
On 3/25/10, I contacted Nissan Corporation again regarding issues with my vehicle. My check engine light had come on and I was told that it would cost me $2,000 to repair the issue. A file was established for me, case # **. The representative again told me there was no record of an extended warranty on my vehicle and I would receive a call back within 24 hours. I never received a call. I then called again on 3/26/10 to find out what could be done for the repair cost of my vehicle, a case was established for me case # ** and I was told that I would receive a call back within 24 hours. I never received a call.
I then began having serious problems with my engine and alternator and the car began to stop on me. I then called Nissan Corporation on 6/2/11 and explained the issue with my car. I spoke to a representative who finally found my extended warranty. But because my car was at 120,000 miles, Nissan could not help me with the repairs. The representative filed a case for me, case # **, and told me I would receive a call within 24 hours from a Nissan representative. I never received a call.
On 9/9/11, I contacted Nissan again because my vehicle stopped working. The transmission went, the check engine light was still on and the check alternator light came on. The vehicle would not drive. I spoke to a representative named Jesse, her ext. **, she informed me that there was nothing the company could do for me and she filed a case, case # **. I then asked her would she be able to send me a copy of the extended warranty and she said that she would mail it but it would take 30 days.
I then called again on 9/14/11 and spoke to a representative named Eric, ext. **. I explained the issue, he filed a case, case # **, and told me that he doesn't know what they would be able to do for me but he would contact the consumer affairs department of Nissan and contact me back. He also questioned me about the complaint I filed with the Better Business Bureau and told me that it's best if I cancel my complaint and just deal with the company because Nissan may not want to help me if I pursue the claim with the Better Business Bureau. I informed Eric that I would fax a copy of my auto repair records to him and asked him to speak to the consumer affairs department for me. Eric basically hinted that if I continued with my BBB complaint there would be no need for him to inform the consumer affairs department of Nissan. He also questioned me on why I felt I needed a copy of the warranty.
I want to file a complaint about Nissan and see if my case is eligible for a law suit against the company. My vehicle is not drivable and I still have payments to make on it. I was continuously lied to by Nissan until my warranty expired and I feel like I was defrauded. This situation has caused me stress and lack of transportation with a car note to pay. And no one at the Nissan Company seems to take my case seriously.
Thank you.
I have a 2002 Nissan Altima and unfortunately after 10 months, I began experiencing excessive coolant consumption issues, replacing of the crank shaft sensors which ultimately ended up in a blown head gasket preceding a blown engine as well. However, due to the current situation and Nissan's endeavors to exhibit excellent customer service, I would love to further my business with Nissan considering my family's positive history of owning them in the past. I have grown to value and trust them.
Owning this vehicle less than a year and an engine blown, at the cost of 5000.00 dollars, is way too expensive. I am a full-time student and employee. A car is necessary to every aspect of my life and due to a blown engine, it has all come to a drastic halt. My sister and I have the same car model, year and make, and both were purchased at the same time. Her engine also blew last month at the result of the way the 2002 Nissan Altima were constructed. I can't afford to pay for this and neither could she. All at the expense of an error made way before this vehicle hit the hands of a consumer.
My 2003 Altima is stalling. I bought this car brand new in 2003. And I continue to have problems. My driver side floor is rusting out. I have replaced the crankshaft sensor and catalytic converter. I have had several batteries replaced. And just yesterday, my car cut off in the middle of oncoming traffic. Is there a recall on this vehicle? I will never buy a car from Nissan again.
I bought my 2002 Nissan Altima brand with 88 miles. I've had so many problems with it. The check engine light is always on and they charged me $300 to fix the problem. Also my car frequently shakes a lot and stops in the middle of an intersection. My mechanic cannot diagnose the problem.
Recently, I was driving on the freeway and my car started over heating without any warning of an overheat. My car burns so much oil and leaks oil.
Overall, I've had so many problems with Nissan since I bought it.
I have had a 2002 Nissan Altima. I used to love Nissan. I'm reading all these complaints about a recall on a faulty catalytic converter, with engine burning through oil like crazy and non stop problems that appear to be a result of this. And this is exactly what happened to me!
My 2002 Altima has been burning through oil for the past 2 years. Nobody (even the dealer) had an answer for this. I've been through 4 radiators, 2 thermostats and a new water pump, all in hopes (according to the mechanic) of fixing reoccurring problems. Finally, my check engine light comes on and reads a catalytic converter code. I got on the internet to find that there is a recall in this model. And this is what was causing all the other problems on the vehicle, with the engine burning through oil like crazy. The dealer won't fix with recall, because the car had too many miles on it. So, I have to dump more money into my car. I think I've dumped at least $5000 into my car because of this problem. And now, I have to dump another $1100. I hope that the head gasket doesn't blow for a $4500 engine overhaul. I don't think so.
I had a 2002 Nissan Altima around Jan to Feb. I started having problems first with the service engine light. Then, I noticed light steam from engine. I was told by mechanic that I needed a new thermostat. After replacing the thermostat, the car continued to have problems. I eventually had problem with head gasket being cracked. I could not afford a new engine, so the car was as good as dead
The check engine light came on so I took my 2002 Nissan Altima to the dealership. The vehicle was extremely sluggish and shaked upon stopping. My check engine light came on and the engine ceased to operate. I had to place two other engines into this vehicle and once again, after each change in engine, came the dreaded service engine light. Now the Number Two Cylinder is acting up and also the white smoke from the exhaust pipe. I see over and over again the problem with the Nissan Altima. I used to be a Datsun and Nissan family....not no more. We are a Toyota Family. The vehicles are better, the service department cater to your needs and they treat you like family. I have been with them now since 2003 and will not ever go back to Nissan.
My 2005 Altima stalled on the interstate. I took it to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and fixed ($300.00) the crank shaft assembly. I reported the problem to Nissan but they offered no assistance. About a month later my check engine light came on and my car stalled out again, this time in the middle of an intersection. I took it to the dealer after reading about the recall issues. The dealer said my "ECM" would need to be re-programmed but they wouldn't reprogram it with the check engine light on. The check engine light was on because of the faulty Camshaft sensor. I contacted Nissan. Again, they offered no assistance. I paid $350.00 for Nissan to fix the problem that they created with their faulty positioning of the Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors.The recall only provides "reprogramming of the ECM" which Nissan refuses to do if the check engine light is on. The check engine light is coming on because of the faulty positioning of the 2 sensors. Nissan is making money from this supposed recall.
Many people are having this same experience. Safecar.gov has listed 521 complaints against Nissan (Altima 2005) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V527000 DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
I own a 2002 Nissan Altima and the head gasket overheated without any warning at all. The vehicle has only 126,000 miles and this appears to me of instead of the 2002 North American Car of the Year, they should have called it the biggest piece of "CRAP" of the year. WHAT THE DEAL!
My Nissan Altima after only 42,000 miles blew the head gasket and had to be replaced. The dealer wanted $875.00. I have done all the proper maintenance on this car and can not believe that a car with that amount of mileage would have a blown head gasket. The mechanic who fixed it said that the gasket was tight on one side and the defective side was loose. He said it could have beeen installed wrong when built.
I purchased a new 2002 Nissan Altima from COX Nissan back in March of 2003. The car only had 19,000 miles on it. The car just fell apart. First the engine started giving me problems. I took it into Nissan Auto Tech to get it fixed, the service tech told me my O2 sensors went bad. I had the car for about three months. Then in October of 2003 the radiator failed. It started leaking anti-freeze as though it had a hole in it. So, I took the car back to COX Nissan in the Bronx where I purchased it from. They worked out a deal where I could get a new car. Of course I have a higher money payment now.
Well, lo and behold the new 2003 Altima on Saturday January 10, 2004, radiator started to leak. I took the car back to COX nissan. The service tech told me the car started to leak because Nissan used a cheap cap for the radiator. The cap will not release the pressure from the raditor and your radiator just goes bad. This is the second time this has happen to me with a different car. I really did not get any help from Nissan Consumer affairs department. I wrote several letters and all I received was a standard form about were my needs satisfied.
The engine on my '02 Altima seized after an internal failure of the engine that allowed the engine oil to be passed into the exhaust and burned out. The engine was eventually replaced but only after having to deal with consumer affairs at Nissan. Now the car is leaking around the axles. I had researched Nissan vehicles thinking that it would be the best purchase. I was wrong.
I was fortunate that this happened during a time that I didn't need to have the car but my wife had to deal with this by paying a $250 fee upfront out of pocket. All of this happened while I was deployed to Iraq during the war.
Bought a 2002 Altima 4-cyl exactly one year ago. Nuisance problems from day one: temperature gauge in mirror is off by 15 - 30 degrees, center console under radio compartment door sticky. Both problems acknowledged by dealer as "every new (model that year) Altima has them".
Car has interrmittent problem - sometimes doesn't want to start. Starter doesn't move. I was scared at first, then I heard of "sticking starter inhibitor switch in transmission lever". After moving to neutral and back, sometimes a few times, car starts. Same problem experienced by two other 2002 Altima owners that I know. Dealer tried to find the problem but couldn't "duplicate" it. I told them the switch has to be readjusted or replaced, but no.
Now the car is at the dealer for "fuel flooding problem" - it failed to start today, starter operational but got flooded. At 11000 miles and $18500 it seems like a bad buy. During the last year it failed to start about 20 times, two of which it was flooded. Nissan has to have a recall done on that switch.
