
Nissan Altima Reviews
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The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car. Read more Nissan reviews to learn about other models.
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Nissan Altima Reviews
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Reviewed Jan. 6, 2010
I bought a 2003 Nissan Altima in 2006 and began having problems in 2007. The check engine light has been on since 2006, giving a diagnostics report that the fuel system has evaporation and not sealing properly (which is one of the recalls). Last year, the car randomly wouldn't start after being driven. After having it towed to the dealership, they determined the CAM sensor went bad.
Only six months later in December, the car would not heat the cabin at an idle position. Only while driving on the expressway would any heat come through. In addition to not heating/defrosting, the car would not start without making noises, as if it were about to stall out. Well, I took it in yesterday only to find out that the coolant had leaked into the third cylinder, destroying my engine (as well as a handful of other "little" problems). I still have a warranty (only for a few more months) and am waiting to hear if the company will cover the repairs.
Altimas are dangerous and unreliable with numerous recalls that may result in fires and engine shutoff while driving that may result in a crash. I bought this car for $14,500 from Ganley and still have 2.5 more years to pay on it. Not to mention, I have a three-year-old who has been with me while this car has broken down.
I have always taken it in to get the proper maintenance and should not have to deal with this, although I have now learned a little too late that it is all so common with Nissan Altimas. I will never buy another Nissan. I plan on purchasing only American-made cars in the future.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2010
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima and the service engine light stays on 99% of the time. It cuts off driving down the road and at red lights. Sometimes, it starts right up and sometimes it has to set for a few minutes. I do not trust this car anymore. I will never buy another Nissan.
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2010
This is about the Nissan Altima 2004. I'm having the same problem as a lot of other people. The car has a little over 77,000 miles. It was part of the recall in 2006, ECM which the dealership corrected. Last night the "service engine soon" light came on. I took it to a local garage because the dealership is 30 miles away. It is the crank shaft sensor and some transmission sensor. Tonight while driving, I stopped at a light and the car just shut off. It didn't exactly stall; it just quit. It started up right away, but now I'm afraid to drive it. I haven't contacted the dealership yet, but I don't know if the car would make it that far. From what I've read here, I'm not too sure it would do me any good to get it repaired. Seems like there is something really wrong with Altimas made between 2002-2006. How can Nissan allow cars on the road that just shut down while driving?
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2009
I’ve owned a 2002 Altima for 4 years and experienced no problems until recently. My check engine light came on and the car would stall at both low and high speeds. A diagnostic scan showed that the crankshaft position sensor was bad, there was a prior recall on this part, and it was already replaced in ‘03 but was failing once again. Once I had this replaced, my idle control sensor was malfunctioning causing sudden drops in RPMs with just the slightest ease off of acceleration. I continue to deal with computer issues for this car.
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2009
2002 Nissan SER SPEC V with 2.5 engine uses excessive engine oil. 29,000 miles used 4 quarts of engine oil for a trip Oklahoma City to Ft. Worth, TX, 600 miles. The Nissan dealer in Oklahoma City said there is no recall on record for this engine. The new owner of 2002 Nissan SER demands from me, the recent seller, $5,000.00 cash back or a new engine. I have a Nissan Altima 2005, low mileage, 2.5 liter engine available. I will install for customer. This will cost me approximately $1,500 engine labor and material.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2009
Nissan Altima 2005 - Engine stops while going high speed. Car won't start. Car won't heat up unless moving. It burns oil since purchased. We had to replace the catalytic converter. Check engine light stays lit. We have spent hundreds of dollars every year ever since we bought it.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2009
I'm the only owner of 2003 Nissan Altima. My car started consuming oil 3 years after I bought it. I took it to Nissan's repair shop, and they said there were no known problems. The check service light never came on at this point, but my car continued to mysteriously burn oil? I recently traveled long distance, and I made it to second fill up. I didn't even make it out of the gas station, and I knew something was terribly wrong. I parked my car and checked my oil, and it was empty? (I just had my oil changed before I left.) I filled with oil and made it to my destination. I set up an appointment with Nissan. Shockingly, they told me I needed a catalytic converter and a new engine (what $5,500.00?). I have had regular maintenance, and I'm the only owner. I was shocked, and then I did my homework (too late) and confronted Nissan mechanic, and they acted as if they didn't know what I was talking about. I tried taking it a step further and contacted Nissan headquarters. They said I should have basically taken better care of my car, even with proof of regular oil changes and maintenance! They were no help. If anyone has a class action suit against Nissan, I would like to participate!
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2009
Nissan 2003 Altima - Catalytic converter went and fed rust and metal back into the motor and ruined the motor as well. When my mechanic called the Nissan dealer for the part, the mechanic at Nissan said, "Is the car burning oil?" My mechanic said "yes," and the Nissan mechanic said, "Oh yeah, the motor’s blown as well. This is a known problem with Altimas due to a faulty design of the cat converter, which is actually part of the exhaust manifold." I still owe several thousand on the note and do not have a car to drive.
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2009
I have called and talked to the service manager about why my wife’s 2006 Nissan Altima that we purchased in 2006 won’t put out heat when you start it in the morning and run it at least 20 minutes. Okay! They said it might need a thermostat, so I purchased one and installed both. Okay! It didn’t work. Then I purchased another thermostat, installed number 2 and it still doesn't work. So then I called back to the dealer and talked to the service manager about same thing; you have to jack the front up, start engine and let it run for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Well that worked for maybe 2 days. I do this 4 or 5 times and it’s still doing the same thing again. I'm tired of this. The service manager was nice and was a pleasure to talk to. I don't blame him, because he said that would be what they would do if I brought it in to them. I have done enough mechanic work to know what I’m doing. What can I do or what can be done to solve this problem? Thank you and God bless.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2009
I have had a number of problems with my Altima. The O2 sensors have been replaced. The heating coils stopped working, which means I had no heat in the dead of winter. It drinks oil like crazy, and just recently, it was losing antifreeze and the car was having trouble starting. I took the car to my mechanic. After he checked it out, he found that the antifreeze was leaking into the spark plugs which were causing the car to flood out and not start. He said that he had just repaired an Altima of the same make and model with the same problem. When I went to pick it up, he had 3 more come in with the same problem! It is just very inconvenient to have a car that spends a lot of time in the shop. It is also beginning to get very expensive to keep this car up. I think Nissan should reimburse those of us who are having these problems and they should put this in their list of recalls!
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2009
I have a 2004 Nissan Altima. Since last year, I have taken my car to this dealership for service 2-3 times. One of those times was because of a recall. The light continues to stay on saying engine needs to be serviced. I have asked the service shop each time about it. My car has high mileage, but I have always had it serviced and kept the oil changed on a regular basis. I finally took it somewhere else to have an analysis ran on it and it came back saying there is a malfunction with the crankshaft position sensor A circuit and the engine speed sensor Ckt.
I am reading that other owners have had these same problems. I shouldn't have to keep taking my car in to be fixed and being told it’s fixed when it's not. I feel like these places take advantage of women because they think we don't know any better. I'm here to tell them that, I know better and I do my research. I want my car fixed and Nissan needs to do something about these dealerships that are selling their products and not taking care of their customers. I have always driven a Nissan but if this is the service I'm going to get, I will have to find me something else where women are taken care of in the same manner as men. Consequences: wear and tear on the vehicle.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2009
I bought a 2004 Nissan Altima with only 46,000 miles in 2007. It only has 60,000 miles now. I have had idle sensor, idle throttle body, computer, cam and crank sensors, O2 sensors, and catalytic convertor and struts put on. Now it needs a whole new steering column assembly for $800 and also still idles high and hesitates to crank again. I am on disability and can't keep continuing to take this car to the shop. Help!
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2009
My car is burning oil and coolant like mad. I go through 2-3 quarts of oil a week with no visible oil leak. The oil becomes dirty within 50-100 miles after adding/changing oil. My mechanic cannot figure out the problem, but on Monday, I am having him check the catalytic converter and engine. My coolant has drained and cracked the radiator, and I am just lucky that I was right by a repair shop when my light went on.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2009
I would just like to add to the numerous complaints regarding my 2005 Altima and the catalytic converter. My car does have high mileage and I do keep it serviced. However, I have spoken with several mechanics and they have all told me they replace 2-3 of these per week in models ranging from 02-06 year models. This is very discouraging news that one of the few car manufacturers that seem to be surviving cares nothing about their product or their consumers. I don't mind replacing parts that have actually been worn out by use, but the catalytic converter should last a decade, at least. I have purchased a 94 Altima, 98 Sentra, 98 Infiniti, and an 05 Altima. Sad to say, it will be my last Nissan purchase. I had faith in the manufacturer until this issue with the converter. Toyota, here I come!
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2009
My 2006 2.5L Altima is using an excessive amount of oil. I checked online to see if there was a recall and it was a recall on certain cars. I called Nissan and since there were no recalls and the dealership on Church St., Decatur, GA 30030 said I would have to pay for an oil consumption test. I would like to know if I could have my car included in the recall because the problem is the same as in the recall. I am afraid that the engine will catch fire as a result.
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2009
2003 Altima had a crank position sensor issue like many other 2003 Altima owners. This cost $360.00. There should be a recall on this. Please log a complaint about your 2003 Nissan Altimas with Crank Shaft Sensor problems. This is causing the car to shut off and it's a known defect in the 2002, 2005 and 2006 Altimas. I don't know why I have to pay to get a known defect fixed just because it's a different year.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009
We bought an Altima 2005 in Cd. Juarez Mexico border, and it started failing 2 months and a half ago. We took it to a Nissan agency and they have replaced a lot of parts with no success. It works one or two days and it fails again. Last time, the car motor went dead completely and the cars suddenly stopped; almost the car behind hits our Altima. I found a notice in a newspaper that Nissan had taken out of circulation several thousands of Altimas 2005 and I think that my Altima has the same problem as those ones.
Does anybody know about these cars? 713,986 Altimas 2005 were taken out of circulation and from Canada and Mexico 62 993 should be taken out. However, I don’t know if my car is one of those 62 993 that should be taken out. This action was established. Consequences: I have the risk of accident with this unit. Does somebody have the list of the serial numbers of those cars? I appreciate if somebody can send it to me.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009
Nissan Altima (manual) ‘02 112k (mil), the check engine light came on. I took it to Pep Boys to run the code and was told that may possibly be the catalyst converter. A week later while driving on the highway, I heard a knocking then a boom. A blown piston from the motor went through the oil pan. I spoke to a mechanic and did research online. I found out that many ‘02 Altimas are having problems with cat converter, which may have gotten lodged in the engine, which may have dissolved into the oil, which may have blown out a piston. What to do?
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2009
My 2006 Nissan Altima is 3 years old, and about a month ago, I went to park and my gear shifter got stuck between drive and neutral. And for about 3 minutes, I couldn’t park it. It never happened again until yesterday when I went to park in a parking lot with my 6 month old in the backseat. Again, I wasn’t able to park or go in reverse. For 2 hours and eventually, the shifter unlocked and I was able to park it. But now, the shifter won’t come out of park. I was terrified. I had my baby in the backseat who was getting hungry, and I couldn’t park it except to put it in neutral and emergency brake. It’s very unsafe, and I tried to call Nissan Helpline. And they never returned my page.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2009
I have a 2002 Nissan Altima that is leaking oil to the engine. I have replaced the catalytic converter in September, and after spending a $1075.00, now I was told by a mechanic that it is the engine. Metal has gone into the engine apparently. It will cost $3700 for a rebuilt or used engine, and $4700 for a new. Just sad and disappointed. Not only that the gas door will not shut and has rusted on the inside. So disappointed with Nissan.
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2009
I own a 2007 Altima. As was recently discovered, if in emergency, breaks are slammed and locked up until vehicle comes to complete stop. The throttle becomes totally unresponsive for up to 1 minute. This happened to me at an intersection and scared the hell out of me. Similar thing occurred a few days later. I decided to test if this issue can be duplicated. It can with almost 100% accuracy. Took car to dealership. Duplicated the issue for their confirmation and left car for examination. According to service rep "It is too dangerous to drive car in this condition."
A few hours later, I got a call from dealer with the following explanation. They tested this issue and were able to repeat it on 3 identical cars. Apparently, manufacturer told them that this is an expected behavior to protect certain components of a car transmission. I have been in contact with Nissan USA and was told that this is not a defect but a design to protect transmission. I have taken several other Altimas for test drive. This issue affects all Altimas equipped with CVT but not with ABS. I have traded my car in as I was too scared to drive it and would like to bring this to attention to a lot of people who may not be aware of the danger. Not been able to move a car for up to a minute after an emergency. Can you visualize your self being stuck at an intersection (happened to me) or on a highway?
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2009
My crankshaft positioning sensor needed to be replaced; I replaced it, but the problem persists. They told me that the ECM needed to be reprogrammed, but since it was already done under warranty, I am responsible for the cost. If it’s already been done, the problem wouldn't have happened in the beginning, and I think they need to do it again w/o cost to me. This has been a well-known problem with 2005 Altimas, worldwide. It's a defect that comes with the car. It's a recession, and to continually deal with the same problem is becoming a major headache. Where is the customer service and satisfaction here? If my car cuts off again with my two children and me, Nissan will not be seeing or hearing the last of me. A lawsuit will be on the way. The vehicle keeps shutting off when I go low speeds, and I have two children (a 4-year-old and a 6-month-old). I cannot afford to keep dealing with this problem.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2009
Nissan Manufacturing plant has installed a faulty Catalytic Converter in all vehicles 2002 through possibly 2006 on the Nissan Altima 4-cylinder 2.5S vehicles. It is the manifold right before the Catalytic Converter which houses the O2 Sensors. Inside this manifold, metal is fragmenting into the engine which is causing your engine to stall, causing your engine light to come on and your O2 sensors to burn up. Nissan is aware of this problem and has possibly recalled vehicles in other countries but not the United States. They want you to believe the damage is being caused by you, the consumer, being negligent, by not performing routine maintenance. If you are an unsuspecting consumer, you would not be aware that your vehicle is burning off antifreeze and oil into the engine, which in turn could cause your engine to stall or quit all together.
Nissan mechanics are being coached to pretend that they do not understand what is causing this problem when the Company Nissan North America and Nissan Global America are fully aware. A full investigation needs to take place with a Nissan mechanic and an outside source mechanic present. The manifold needs to be removed from the vehicle, then taken apart. Once the manifold is opened and exposed, you will see the source of the problem. Once again, Nissan is aware of this problem. They don't want the consumer to know the problem.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2009
If you own a 2002 or 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5S 4-cylinder, you may encounter engine damage or your vehicle may stall because of a defective catalytic converter that Nissan is aware of but will not replace or fix or recall. What is happening is the defective catalytic converter is fragmenting metal into the engine, which in turn is causing your engine to lock up or fill up with oil and antifreeze. The first indication that this is going to happen is your car will burn oil and antifreeze, but there will be no leak that will be flowing into your engine. At first, you will think you have an oil leak or a leak in your radiator and that is what they want you to believe. And because of the pressure from your engine, your radiator may crack and they will be happy to replace it for you knowing that the root of the problem stems from a faulty catalytic converter that is fragmenting metal into your engine, which will in turn cause your O2 sensor to blow because the metal is traveling at more than 100 mph in your engine and is damaging the O2 sensor.
If you do not check your oil and antifreeze regularly, the dealership or Nissan will blame you for not doing routine maintenance and make you feel like you created the problem. I just recently found out that this problem was not exclusive to just my year and make, but to all 2002 - possibly 2006 - 2.5S 4-cyc Nissan Altima because Nissan puts the same engine in all makes, even after they were aware the catalytic converter was faulty. By just replacing the 02 sensors that will not solve the problem, your engine light will come on again because of the metal fragments already in your engine. The engine and exhaust will have to be replaced.
Nissan is aware that I have written letters to them; however, they have no intention of solving the problem nor are they going to recall any vehicles in the United States. But to my knowledge, they have recalled these vehicles overseas. There needs to be an investigation with an outside mechanic and a mechanic from Nissan so that this can become public knowledge and the public can stop purchasing this manufacturer’s defect of a vehicle.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2009
2003 Altima had a crank position censor issue like many other 2003 Altima owners. This cost $214. There should be a recall on this.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2009
My car has not been starting. I have had it looked at but no one seems to know why. I have taken good care of my Nissan Altima. It is a 2003 2.5 S. I have missed work and my boyfriend has missed work. I am having trouble affording to get it fixed. I went to a website and there are tons of complaints about this and no one has gotten answers. I called the recall dept. and my car does not qualify.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2009
I spoke with someone to ask for help with my 2002 Altima, when the engine blew up and my car caught on fire. I have been a faithful owner and have taken my car to the dealer for all service. When I asked for some help to replace my engine (after I had read online about the problem with 2002 engine losing oil), I was denied. I will never buy another Nissan product. I have had to replace my transmission, my engine, my right and left control arms and other repairs as well. You people did nothing for me and I am also disappointed that the dealer was of no assistance as well. Then I got a postcard in the mail telling me to go to this website and put in my personal ID number of ** on the introductory page. There is no such place to do this. I am greatly disappointed in the way the entire operation is ran.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2009
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima that has a crankshaft position sensor problem. I found a recall online for this, but only on certain 2005 Nissan Altimas, only certain plants and mine was not assembled in "that" plant so it is not covered even though I have had the exact same problems. Shame on Nissan, only taking responsibility for some and not all 2005 Nissan Altimas. I have read online many thousands of people with this sensor problems. Shame on Nissan for not listening and fixing the problem.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2009
I agree that auto dealers don't want to do recalls. I have a Nissan Altima. The door leading to my gas tank would no longer close. I took it to the dealer, who said in order to replace the door, it would cost $104 of which I refused to pay. I then contacted the corporate office via e-mail and the phone. I stated that in my daily driving, I've seen a number of Altima's with the same problem and suggested they send out a letter to all Altima owners because it was obvious to me that there was a defect in the door. I had even sent them about 20 license plate #'s of Altima's with the defective door. I got no results until I contacted the Better Business Bureau. Nissan mailed me a voucher, which paid for the replacement of the door. How many people are still driving around with the defective door or have come out of pocket to have the door repaired? I would say thousands.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2009
I purchased my 2006 Nissan Altima in December of 2005 and as of the first week of August 2009, only have exactly 23,000 miles on it, the majority of which were added under 50 mph while commuting 8 minutes to work and back. While easing into my driveway one afternoon, my car lost power and wouldn't restart. The following day, I took it in to have the dealership reprogram the computer (per a recall issued for a faulty crankshaft position sensor) and was told if it gave me further issues, I would have to pay out of pocket since my warranty was expired. The following day, the check engine light came on and has remained on, and I have lost power while driving at speeds of 60 mph and above.
The internet seems to be saturated with consumer complaints about the crankshaft position sensor failure that creates this potentially very dangerous safety issue reaching back to the early 1990's. There may eventually be a critical moment in a traffic situation where a driver needs power steering and braking ability and if it's not there, it could prove disastrous. This is an obvious engineering flaw and needs to be addressed by Nissan. What a ripoff.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2009
They have recalled all prior to 2005 Nissan Altima's for a faulty crank and cam sensor that causes the vehicle to stop running when the sensor overheats. This problem seems to happen on highway driving that is causing rear-end collisions. Nissan knows about the problem, but it does nothing to fix it. I'm scared to death to drive my vehicle anymore. It happened to me on 95, as I watched in my rear view mirror in horror.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2009
I bought a new Altima 2006. Since the 60,000 miles, the engine began to spend oil. The engine has extended warranty. I took it to the dealer and Nissan has been telling me that is the normal consumption of oil. I change the oil every 6,000 miles because I put synthetic oil, but the consumption is one quarter or more, sometimes it's almost empty. Please advise what to do.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2009
After the complications I had with Nissan concerning the first Altima, I had decided then that I was done with Nissan. After talking it over with a few people about the situation, I was urged to try Nissan again. This time, don't lease and don't buy a new car, try for a used car with low miles. For months, I did research and looked at various dealers for a particular model with certain features and colors. I finally found one somewhat local but a lot closer than New Jersey or New York or Pennsylvania.
I called Sheehy Nissan in Manassas, Virginia and inquired about the used 2008 Nissan Altima I found online. I drove out to the dealership that weekend and all the while, I had been working with two of my banks to get pre-approved for a certain amount. I went to the dealership to test drive the car and decided that I wanted it. When we got inside and started to talk numbers, I told them the monthly payments they were asking for were too high.
Mrs. **, the Finance Director, explained to me that with the negative Nissan mark on my credit report, it wasn't possible to give me a better rate. I explained to them that the Nissan charge off was not correct and that I was currently working with the credit bureaus to remove it. I also made it very clear that I was not going to absorb a high interest rate based on something that I felt was unjust and unreasonably incorrect and just greedy on Nissan's part because they want to make an extra buck. I informed them that I was already approved for an amount and a 6% rate through one of my credit unions; I was just trying to get a couple of thousand dollars more. I told them I was interested in buying the car, but let me see what my credit unions could do for me and I would be back. I also told them that if the car was still there when I came back, great, and if it wasn't, then I would understand it would just be my loss.
That wasn't good enough for them so first, Mrs. ** tried to lock me into a contract without telling me she was doing so by saying that she would give me a quote to take back to my my bank. But she needed my car insurance company and my car insurance policy number for my coverage and I needed to sign here and sign there. I felt that something was not right. I told them no, I didn't feel comfortable signing anything for a quote for my bank if, in fact, it was just a quote they were giving me.
After Mrs. ** continued to push, I told them never mind, I changed my mind. I didn't entirely trust Nissan after my first ordeal and this was only making it worse so I said I didn't want the quote. I will just verbally tell my bank and print the listing off of the website instead - that would be easier and I will get back to them. Mrs. ** told me to wait; she left the room and came back with the used car sales manager, **. He then persisted to tell me that if I leave the car, it might sell and if I sign the paperwork, this would hold the car for three days while I contact my banks and so on.
I, again, informed him and Mrs. ** that if the car got sold, it would just be my loss and I understood that. But what difference did it make to Nissan? Nissan would get a sell regardless if I bought the car or if it was someone else. ** just had to know what he could do to get me in that car that night and I told him, the car payments had to be within a certain range - but definitely under $400.00 - and that amount would have to include any other fees or taxes that may get tacked on top of the base price. I was only going to put $2,500.00 down payment and nothing more. So, he sat down and played with the numbers on the computer and presto chango, with my $2,500.00 down payment, my monthly payments were under $400.00 and my interest rate was 7.99%. I told ** if he was serious about that amount and that is exactly what would be in the contract, then he had a deal. ** promised that he could get a bank to honor that. Mrs. ** said she could explain the Nissan charge off and the bank would understand. And so, Mrs. ** made it happen and we signed a contract.
I left my Honda at the dealership because I didn't trade it in and I drove home with my new, used Nissan Altima. On the way home, I noticed a rock chip in the wind shield and called the dealership the following morning about getting it fixed. After playing phone tag with Marty, the salesman I was dealing with, the problem never got fixed, even after driving back to pick up my Honda and to attempt to get the windshield fixed. I was unsuccessful because the dealership was closed at the time.
It was two weeks exactly, when Mrs. ** called me to explain that she was having trouble finding someone to finance for the car because of the negative Nissan mark on my credit report; but no need to worry because she was going to try a few other options. She wanted to know if I had contacted my credit unions for other financing options. I informed Mrs. ** that I didn't bother because of the monthly payment amount that Sheehy Nissan had promised in the contract, but I would look into it and at the same time she would continue to look into other options.
I contacted my banks and one said they couldn't get me a better rate and the other had already approved me for a lesser amount and they were not willing to give me $2,000 more because of the Nissan charge off on my credit report. I decided to stick with the rate and amount that Sheehy Nissan promised me in the contract. A few days later, Mrs. ** called back and stated she was sorry but she was unable to find a bank that would honor that rate because of my credit, not the debt to ratio, but the negative Nissan mark was the main reason.
Mrs. ** explained that she had tried to explain the circumstances especially since my income was so high there was no question that I couldn't afford the car; but with a $390.64 settlement on a $32,000 car loan damaged my credit and the banks just weren't convinced. However, Mrs. ** was able to find one that would finance me but it was at a higher rate, 13.86%. If I could come back and we could talk about it, she could explain and so on. I told Mrs. ** that I didn't agree to the 13.86%, that is not what they promised they could get me that night I drove off the lot.
Mrs. ** stated that she couldn't get me a better rate. I told Mrs. ** I would just bring the car back, but I wanted to consult an attorney first and that I would get back to her in a few days. I found it interesting that in the middle of the whole ordeal of trying to find an attorney, I tried to call Mrs. ** back and she was let go or had quit or just disappeared. All of a sudden, I called back and Mrs. ** no longer worked at Sheehy Nissan.
From then on, I dealt with **. I kept in contact with him concerning the car while my attorneys looked over the contract. In the meantime, I had stopped driving the car. Well, I guess my attorney took too long for them because next thing I know, I am getting late night harassing phone calls from repossession companies looking for the car. They accused me of hiding the car and when it has navigation and the car was sitting in front of my apartment. I honestly didn't feel the need to hide the car because I honestly didn't feel like they had a case and I told them just that.
The following night, a man was at my doorstep to take the car and I gave him the keys. I told them I wasn't going to fight them over the car, no car was worth this aggravation. I signed a legitimate contract that I felt was binding. I had already wrote out the first month's payment, awaiting an address to send it to and the dealership had $2,500.00 of my money. Everything on my part had been held up, the dealership was the one who reneged and in the end, I was the one who was left without a car and part of my down payment.
The following business day, I contacted ** concerning my down payment and he informed me that it would take the mechanic two days to look at the car and get back to him and he would call me. After two days, I hadn't heard anything so I called him and he informed me that Sheehy Nissan would mail back a check in the amount of $1,501.00. When I asked why, he came up with some made-up damages and mileage because he said I drove the car to Florida (which I had not), the rock chip in the windshield, the repo fee and various labor charges for an oil change and filter.
Based on the handwritten recondition fee paper that I was faxed, I was charged $136.00 for an oil change that, when I called the dealership only costs $36.00 for an oil change for a Nissan Altima, that includes the filter. The repo fee was $375.00, which after talking with the man that towed the vehicle, informed me that he did not charge the dealership for that tow because of how the dealership had screwed me on the car. The rock chip that I was being charged for was existing damage the car had and that I had reported to the dealership within the first 24 hours that I had the vehicle before all of the contract issues.
The salesman that I was dealing with returned my phone call about it the first time I called and when I returned his phone call, he never called me back again. I figured that was after the finance department started having problems approving my loan. But regardless, I am being charged $38.00 for pre-existing damage. I was charged $300.00 for mileage. The dealership is 42 miles from my home, one way. A round trip is 84 miles. I drove the car home the night I signed the contract leaving my car at the dealership; that is already 42 miles. I had to drive back to have someone else pick up my car and drive back home, while at the same time trying to get the dealership to fix the front windshield rock chip, which never got fixed, that is 84 miles.
I didn't find out that the dealership was having problems with the financing until I had the car for two and a half weeks. By that time, I had already put 2,000 miles on the car from commuting from Maryland to Virginia for my full-time job and to my part-time job and back, daily. So, the mileage that they are charging me is for local driving, using a car that is based on the contract that Sheehy Nissan and I had signed - stating the car was legally mine to use and I was paying for with full insurance coverage paid by me. And as for the so-called body damage that I was charged $55.00 for damages, that miraculously appeared from the time the car was towed to the dealership and inspected by the dealership and the $95.00 charge to detail the car are all bogus!
I find it very convenient that when I asked for the corresponding paperwork detailing the part of my deposit that Sheehy Nissan took from me, it took them weeks to fax me that information. Not to mention how many times I had called and received so many different excuses as to why the paperwork was taking so long. And let's not forget the fact that the original invoice stating the various charges for Sheehy Nissan taking part of my down payment should have been sent in the beginning with the check they issued me for the remaining amount of my down payment, after they deducted an inexcusable amount.
I do not believe that I am asking for too much when I demand for the return of my $999.00 (not including the insurance coverage) that was taken from me by Sheehy Nissan in Manassas, Virginia for a vehicle that I had signed a contract and honestly drove after placing my down payment of $2,500 - with the intention of owning and while under the false impression that I was the new owner of a used 2008 Nissan Altima.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2009
I currently own a 2005 Nissan Altima 6-cylinder which was purchased back in 2005. This vehicle currently has approx. 150,000. Within the last 6 months, I have been told by different service techs I need to replace the catalytic converter for this vehicle to pass smog. I contacted Nissan because this is a known complaint, only to be told by Judy this part is only covered up to 80,000 even though most consumers do not experience any issues with the converter until 120,000. The purchase price for this part in California starts at $900 but you can purchase this part in another state for much less, $138 to be exact through Napa, which is illegal to ship to California. Since Nissan has known this is an issue for a long time now, I believe they should assume responsibility for the defective parts they are installing on their Nissan vehicles.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2009
I have a 2007 Altima and I had a warranty to 36,000 miles. All of a sudden, my air went out. I took it up there, they said it was my compressor. Now my car is 2 years old. How can my car need a compressor? They said it was a manufacturer problem and it's nothing I could have done. So, I understand that. I didn't purchase an extended warranty, but my car obviously wasn't correct when they sold it or even if it was, my car shouldn't need that so soon. They are making me pay for a brand new one because I'm out of warranty. Well, if it's nothing I did, a manufacturer problem and it has never happened to Altima before, why am I still responsible? That's like having a recall.
I don't mind paying some, but the whole $800 they are talking about is steep and I shouldn't be responsible for the repairs. Even if I am out of warranty, it was a default. Nobody will help me out in the stores so I would like to talk to the head person because I need air. I live in South Carolina and I have a newborn. I have 42,000 miles on my car. It's only 2 years old, why is my car needing a new air unit if it's not my fault? If someone can please give me a call about this matter right away, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2009
I got a 2002 Nissan Altima in 2006. I, as so many others, am having the same problem with my Altima. My engine oil just burns out and we found out that when this happens, you have no choice but to get a new engine because there is a part that should have been replaced and if it’s not, then it crumbles into your engine and that is why your oil is going too fast. This is something that needs to be an alert to us as the owner. Now, I never was given the manual for this car and I feel that Nissan should fix this problem and help us with this as owners. I can’t afford to get a whole new engine. This is not fair at all to me or others.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2009
The 2002 Nissan Altima is no longer starting at 108,000 miles because of the same problem reported by other owners - the head gasket. First, there were problems with the heating/cooling and it was knocking when it started. Then the check engine light came on. Then it’s burning too much oil and blowing white smoke when it starts. Now, it just won't start - all due to a defect in the original engine. My mechanic said mine was the third 2002 Nissan Altima he has seen this year with the same problem at below or around 100,000 miles and it's just a lemon of an engine in this car. What is the recourse here? This does not seem right for what I paid for this car! Well, I have no car to drive now and I am looking at a $3,000 bill to get a new engine. But I must say that I don't want another 2002 Nissan engine!
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2009
For the second time in 4 years, I'm going to have to replace the crankshaft sensor in my 2004 Nissan Altima. There is no reason something like this should need such constant maintenance. I also know I have some O2 sensors that supposedly need to be changed too, but with 2 per cylinder (I believe) it's too costly and we don't have emissions checks here. So, I drive with my "Service Engine" light knowing it's the O2 sensors, but my car doesn't start well with the crankshaft sensor shot, so that needs to get fixed, again.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2009
I have a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.3 SE and I have been having problems with it for the last few months. I took it to Nissan a few times and they did this and that and this again. They charged me hundreds and hundreds (of course, my warranty was up). Finally, after resorting to having to put coolant and oil every few days in my car, an outside mechanic said it was a blown head gasket. When I went to the internet to see if this is a common problem with Nissan, I learned that this is obviously a defect with the car! An over abundance of ‘02 Altima 2.5 SEs have this problem. This has resulted to a few thousand dollars spent to Nissan and $1,400 to a private mechanic to repair a defect.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2009
Just today, I found out the newest problem I'm having with my 2004 Nissan Altima is the crank sensor. About a month ago, I paid $120 for the CAM sensor replacement. Same symptom, but different sensor this time. The car's "service engine soon" light comes on and next thing you know, the car won't restart after shutting it off. I've only got 62K miles on this car and drive it locally. This is the second unnecessary issue I've had with this car. The first was when after having it not even a year, the car started making noises going over bumps. I took it in as it was covered under warranty and they told me they fixed the problem.
The next year, the same problem started up again. Again, I was under warranty so I brought it in to be fixed. The third winter, it started again and when I complained that it was the same exact problem, Nissan refused to cover the warranty since it had expired. I wrote and complained and my claim was "denied". They offered to repair the car for $700. I refuse to pay the money for something they should've covered and have never had it repaired. Every winter, I just deal with the noise. I am unbelievably disappointed in both the Nissan brand and the service. I will never buy another Nissan product. This is my second Nissan with problems and I won't be fooled a third time.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2009
As I was reading the complaints from other Nissan consumers, we all have the same issue with the crankshaft position sensor. I took my car to the car wash and after I drove off, the service engine light came on. So, I took my car to AutoZone and they gave me the OBD-II codes P0335 and P0735. I went to the auto parts store and I bought the cps. I replaced the damage sensor - after replacing it, I reset the computer. After just a couple of miles, the service engine soon came back. At this point, I honestly don't know what's causing the issue.
Reviewed July 30, 2009
I bought a 2003 Nissan Altima Summer of 2006 from a dealer. A week later, the car engine started stopping without any warning while I am driving. I called the dealer and I was told there is a recall on this car. I took my 2003 Nissan Altima to the dealer for the crankshaft position recall. After a week now, the SES light started illuminating, which is an indicator that the crankshaft position sensor needs to be replaced. Again, the engine started to die while I am driving 60 in a highway or 25 in drive way. Nissan obviously knows that reprogram the ECM would not resolve the engine cooling problem. However, Nissan failed to respond to complaints and chose to endanger consumers for critical injuries and deaths.
Reviewed July 30, 2009
Last week, I started having problems starting my 2005 Nissan Altima. We bought the car new and have had no other issues. Up until having this problem, I was satisfied with Nissan. I then found that there was a recall regarding the EMC. I took it to the dealership and they charged me $41.00 to hook my car up to the computer. They told me that the crank sensor needed to be replaced and that this would cost $160.00, even though this seems to be a manufacturer's problem. I am not very happy with Nissan and on my next car purchase, I will not consider a Nissan!
Reviewed July 29, 2009
My 2003 Nissan Altima with the 2.5L engine began experiencing power loss associated with excessive, non-provoked revving of the engine. Check engine light came on and upon testing showed no codes or problems. Phenomenon occurs three more times, but always runs afterwards; then a major stall out, engine won't restart. I had to tow it to the garage and a quick inspection by the mechanic finds no oil in the crankcase. We have been changing the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles and it had been less than 1,000 miles since the most recent oil change. Engine was ruined and replaced with a new used engine. Cycle begins again. New engine has experienced power downs and non-provoked revving identical to the previous engine with the check engine light coming on. System checks have revealed oxygen sensing codes, transmission codes and catalytic converter codes. The Nissan service department does not think any of these codes are causing the problem. It's very similar to a lot of other experiences listed on this website.
Reviewed July 29, 2009
I purchased a Nissan Altima in April 2007 and a couple of months after, there were recalls on the vehicle. I went to the Nissan dealership and they said they reset the computer for the crankshaft and I believe the drop was not done properly because the problem is worse. When I’m driving on the highway, my car drive slow and it jerks and I’m scared my car may stop on the highway and cause an accident. All 2005 Nissan Altimas should have a recall on this again and be fixed at no charge. I believe it physically damaged my transmission because the job wasn't done properly; these cars should not be sold if they have these kinds of problems.
Reviewed July 24, 2009
Last night my 2007 Altima 2.5 S would not start in my own driveway and dash symbols, dome light and even the car lights were flashing randomly with some weird ticking sound coming from the dash. I couldn't even lock the door with the remote. First, I thought the smart key was faulty and I tried my wife's. I even tried to insert both devices into the backup slot on the left under the steering console. No go. I hooked up my intelligent charger (carefully following Nissan's instructions) and the battery indicated 80% charge. I still charged it up to 100% and the charger never complained. I called Nissan Canada for road side assistance and since the dealer's gates were locked they said to call back this morning. I got the car towed to the dealer.
This morning they called back indicating that the battery was toasted and that I had to pay 50% of its value since it was in its second year. Thirty thousand dollars for a car and with less than 24,000 Km and they wanted me to pay $75 for the same Nissan original part, telling me their batteries are better than others and that is why they cost more. I bought a Costco battery for $80 for my Silverado 8 years ago and it still runs great! What am I missing here? I called Nissan Canada and they were even worst, they said they didn't cover the battery at all on their warranty and they pushed the ball back to the dealer, wonderful service practices! That car is going for sale next week and I am buying a Toyota. I am without a car for a full day and had to pay $75 CDN to have the same crap put back into the car.
Reviewed July 10, 2009
I currently own a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5s. I purchased this car brand new. The car only has a little over 35,000 good miles, which is excellent for the age of the car. I don't have a long commute and I seldom drive the car more than 10 miles at a time. I have been having serious problems with the car shutting off while it’s in motion. The first time it occurred, I was making a right turn into a parking lot. The steering wheel locked and I was unable to move the car without putting it in neutral and I almost got hit in the rear by another car. The second time it occurred, I was at a stop light and the car shut off again. The third time I was on the highway at night, the car shut off again and I was driving about 40mph which almost resulted in an accident. The fourth, fifth and sixth time it shut off, I was trying to get it out of my parking garage.
This is a very serious situation that could have had very catastrophic consequences. This is very uncommon in a car that has only 35,000 miles. I called Nissan North America to inquire about any recalls to my vehicle and what they described was the exact same problem I was having with my car. The problem was due to a faulty ECM (engine control module). My next step was to have my car towed and diagnosed at a local Nissan dealership. I followed through and ended up leaving my car there overnight.
The following day, they called and said my problem was due to the cam position sensor and crank position sensor not working properly due to them being drenched with oil. They said in order for the ECM (engine control module) to be reprogrammed, the crank and cam position sensors had to be replaced and this was not part of the recall. I in turn have to pay out of pocket for towing fees, parts and labor which total $500.05 and on top of that, I was not offered shuttle service or a car to rent after leaving my car with them overnight.
After doing some research on the problem, I learned that the problem stems from the location of the sensor. Therefore, it's a problem with the design of the engine. I believe Nissan needs to take responsibility for their defective engine. This problem can kill someone. This needs to be taken care of because on two occasions, I almost had a car hit me from the rear. I should not have to pay their outrageous fees for something that has to do with their poorly designed engine. Consequences could be catastrophic because car sporadically shuts off while driving. I have almost had rear end collisions on two occasions.
Reviewed July 10, 2009
We bought our Nissan Altima in 2006. We were very excited when we bought it, but we have had trouble ever since. The push button start fails to start about 2 out of 5 times. We have to pump the brakes numerous times in hopes to start it. We have had it to the dealership twice. Both times they say they cannot find anything wrong. So we pick it up to find it will start all over again. Now, the driver’s seat, which they have fixed once, is broke again! We've had it and we will never buy another Nissan product. What a lemon.
Reviewed July 9, 2009
I have had this on-going issue with Nissan for about a years’ time. My car has progressively gotten worse due to a recall ref# NTB03-070C (a 58 pg. recall) never being completely resolved. I was told by Nissan and given a claim history print out and was told that it was fixed in 2006. When I asked why the recall paperwork doesn’t have the same information as my claim history on file at the lot, I was told that the catalytic converter is more than like the same thing as manifold exhaust and the words are just different. I have filed 3 corporate complaints and nothing has been done.
My car is a 2002 Altima in which has had many recalls. I was finally told I needed a refurbished motor in February of 2009 and given an estimate of $3,500 but once I saved my money and ready to put my car in the shop in June of this year, the estimate shot up to over $5,000. I have been battling this for a year and I really need guidance or help.
I have been using a friend’s ‘94 infinity Q45 with over 200,000 miles on it as I have been saving to get my own car I have had to spend money to keep her car running such as new tires, oil changes, brake padding for front and back. Also when this car doesn’t run, I have to depend on others to get me and my son back and forth. I am a single parent. The emotional stress has turned in to physical stress, caused the pulling of my back muscles, can't focus on my job, out of work being ill and losing more money!
Reviewed June 30, 2009
I bought a “benchmark” 2008 Nissan Altima. This was supposed to be the top of the line - from Bluetooth to the heated leather seats. The car was new and fairly expensive. The paint is chipping and Nissan has refused to fix it. Keep in mind that at only 20,000 miles, I have chips off clear up to the roof and they say it’s from rocks or bugs. I do not drive on dirt/gravel roads. I can't believe you pay over $25,000 and they would not stand behind the product. I pointed out that there are no indentations from the so-called "rocks" that allegedly hit my car.
Reviewed June 29, 2009
NHTSA has on file numerous complaints all similar in nature from owners of the 2002-2006 Nissan Altimas described as "engine losing oil within the engine without warning and catching fire". I have filed complaint number ** describing the same thing happening to my daughter. She was driving home and the car suddenly began operating poorly. The check engine light came on, she heard a "pop", smoke came from car and reportedly a "ball of fire" appear underneath the vehicle. We checked the oil level and all the oil was gone from the car. It did not come out from the oil filter or oil pan. Oil was lost within the vehicle somehow. Date of failure was 6-12-09. Oil changed on 5-21-09. On the week of June 7-12, the car was not driven because we were in San Antonio, Texas on vacation. Car was towed to the Peltier Nissan dealership and the service manager reported that there was no oil in the car, causing the rod to blow through engine block. Engine needs to be replaced.
This campaign was focused on a hangar pin, but it did mention the other problem of engine defect. Unfortunately, NHTSA closed this campaign on Nissan's word that Nissan is "developing a corrective action.” As a result, when consumers contact Nissan, Nissan will just tell them there was no recall involving this problem. Technically, they are correct because NHTSA did not officially create a recall involving defective engines and fires. The recall only addressed the hangar pin. Nissan is using this loophole to avoid replacing the engines and the consumers are driving around in vehicles that have the potential of catching fire. Is it going to take someone getting killed before NHTSA do a recall on these engines?
Owners of these vehicles have hundreds of complaints online and listed with NHTSA. We are so frustrated because we are driving hazardous vehicles. Nissan North America is not concern and NHTSA is not protecting us. Many of us wish to pursue class action lawsuits to get remedy but cannot find an attorney to take the case. Now, is NHTSA going to help the citizens or is there another more effective safety government agency available to force Nissan to recall these vehicles? Bottom line: these hazardous vehicles are on the road and NHTSA is supposed to make sure auto manufacturers are not producing hazardous vehicles.
Reviewed June 25, 2009
I have a Nissan Altima 2003 2.5. Recently (June 2009), my car start having a sporadic problem, it has trouble to start. Similar problem was noticed in August 2007 and was fixed by replacing the crank sensor. Less than two years later, the problem occurred again. On the net, I read that the problem is related to bad design of the cam sensor and the crank sensor. Also, I was very low on oil and the oil warning sensor had not come on and the oil gauge was registering fine. Be aware. Don't rely on the oil sensor of the 2003 Altima 2.5.
Reviewed June 25, 2009
I bought my 2005 Nissan Altima brand new. To date, with 53k miles, I have replaced the A/C compressor (at 45k), serpentine belt, and I am about to replace three engine mounts. It seems a little excessive to me. This dealership recently told me I had a cracked CV boot. (This was on one of my numerous visits to get the gravel guard pinned back up and was not part of their $99.00 "Bumper to Bumper Inspection".)
I went to another mechanic shop that is very highly rated in the area. They told me I had no problems with my CV boot(s). Kind of makes you wonder. I will be having the private mechanic replace the engine mounts and will not be trusting Nissan Dealerships anymore. Of course, this one lost my trust when I referred a friend there and they failed to pay out the "Refer a Friend" bonus of $100.00 You'd think their reputation would be worth more than that!
Reviewed June 23, 2009
My 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L stalled out on me several times while driving. I was very lucky since I did not have an accident during these incidents. When I took the car to the dealership, I was informed that the diagnosis was that the cam and crankshaft sensors needed to be replaced and the ECM reprogrammed. I went online and found a recall for exactly the same issue on 200 Nissan Altimas with 2.5L engines.
I notified the dealership and they informed me that my VIN was not part of the recall. I called Nissan and the individual took my information and told me there was nothing they could do. After prompting to speak with a manager, I was told that a regional representative would be in touch. 2 days later, I received a call from the regional rep. She took my information and said that she would investigate the situation and that Nissan will usually help owners in such a case. 3 days later, I get a call notifying me that I did not meet the criteria for being helped. In other words, since I have only been a Nissan customer for 3 years and had only 2 Nissans ('06 and '08), I did not take my vehicles for regular maintenance to the Nissan dealership (i.e. oil changes and tire rotations are provided by the shop 5 minutes from me). Plus, I was too far out of warranty (3 years/36k and I have 3 years/40k).
I restated her explanation and asked if she meant to tell me that Nissan North America's position is that I am not a good enough customer for them to correct a known safety issue on my car. She confirmed my understanding was correct and that Nissan's position was that they would not take responsibility for the bad sensors. To sum it all up, I was told that buying two brand new Nissans and taking them to the Nissan dealership for major maintenance was not enough for them to take care of a known safety issue once I went over the warranty period. This has caused a $250.00 deductible for insurance, some time lost at work and minimal damage because I chose to correct rather than wait for an accident.
Reviewed June 23, 2009
I had so many problems with my 2005 Nissan. Today is 6/22/09, and I got a computerized engine analysis and they told me I had to change my install crank position sensor. What’s up with these Nissans -- my car is only 4yrs old. I had battery problems, the car dents easy, the car dealership offers that extended warranty $45,000 for 6yrs. This is a rip off and all those who purchased this should get their money back. I would like to know how many customers use their warranty. They really know how to suck us! I am a woman and I don’t how many miles I can drive in a year but with the warranty, it is about 7,000 miles per year, come on now, who can drive 7,000 miles per year -- I would like to know how many have benefited from this warranty. My car had been recalled for some electric programming. If we, consumers, can get back the money for our warranty that we signed up, that would be great. They sold us the warranty and no one can use it.
Reviewed June 17, 2009
My wife's car, a 2005 Nissan Altima, broke down. We had the car towed into the shop that night. We received a call from the service advisor who stated the car was repaired. The bill shows that they replaced a relay and a fuse ($241.00). We paid. We took the car home.
The next day, it broke down again for same problem. I had to get it towed back to the shop. Once again, we received a call from the shop which stated that the car was ready to be picked up. We went to pick the car up. But the car did not start. It's a waste of time again. We received a call from them a few days later which stated that the fuse pump was bad. I paid $653.00 to get it repaired.
The day after, the car breaks down again. We clearly marked that we wanted the old parts. In reply, they told us they forgot to notate that. We have an actual photo which showed we requested the old parts. This is absolutely ridiculous. We are looking for a refund. There was no physical damage, but the car broke down in traffic with my child in the car. This is totally unacceptable.
Reviewed June 10, 2009
On Saturday, May 29, 2009, my 2006 Nissan Altima's motor blew out on the interstate. I had the car towed to the local dealership. Since it was the weekend, I could not get any information on the car until the following Monday. On Monday, June 1, 2009, the dealership called and informed me that the motor was bad, and that the warranty expired at 60,000 miles. I insisted that I would call Nissan North America, and see if they would repair the motor because the extent of the repair made me think that the motor was defective.
Greg did not call me back as he stated. I had to call him. When I called him, he stated that he was waiting on more information from the service department at the dealership. I stated that was fine. I did not trust Greg at this point, and decided to call the dealership myself. When I spoke with the service manager, he stated that the rep never called him, and in fact, he was waiting on a call from him. I then gave the service manager the direct extension of Greg **. Greg called on Monday, June 8, and stated that he was still investigating my situation.
In the meantime, the service manager called and told me that he spoke with another regional representative, and stated that Nissan would not repair the engine. Greg ** calls back hours later, to tell me the bad news, as if a decision had been reached at that time. However, based on the conversation with the service manager, Nissan North America knew their decision all along. My issue is the fact that I could have been killed on the interstate because of a defective motor, and Nissan North America does not want to take responsibility for it. I have all of my documentation stating that I serviced my car regularly. The least Nissan North America could do is replace my motor, as a manufacturer's defect.
I have read several of similar accounts of the motor blowing on the 2006 Altimas on Consumer Affairs.com. It seems as if there is indeed a problem with the motor of the 2006 model. I have also read in depth an article about Nissan's initiative on quality. This information is not true, because if Nissan believed in the quality of their product, then they would fix the problem. A motor is the heart of any car, and Nissan is supposed to have one of the best motors ever made. It is safe to say that Nissan does not care about the quality of their cars, and the customers who buys them.
I would think that in today's economic crisis, and the issues that the automotive companies are having, that Nissan would take responsibility, and do what is right for the consumers. I had many choices however; I decided to buy a Nissan because of the proven track of dependability. If I wanted all this drama, I would have bought a Kia. Oh, I forgot, Kias have a 100,000 mile warranty. Maybe I should have purchased a Kia. I have had to pay for a rental for a week, and pay a towing charge. This is just not right! Something must be done. I will never purchase another Nissan again. I will also discourage others from purchasing them as well! Because Nissan North America is not willing to fix a defective motor, I am left with two choices. I will either call my finance company and tell them to pick up the car (which will ruin my credit), or try to get a loan for about $5,000.00 and continue to pay a car note.
Reviewed June 8, 2009
I have the same complaint as other Nissan Altima owners. For a year now, my car has had the crank/cam sensor's replaced and supposedly all recalls are up to date but the car is still stalling, idling low up a hill, etc. I called Nissan and they say they haven't heard of this happening to anyone else (yeah right). I am very concerned as I have a four year old and a four month old and I have to drive with them on the highway every day.
I would like to see a class action lawsuit for this problem. I cannot afford to take this back to the mechanic again so I just get in my car every day hoping it's not going to break down while I'm driving down the highway with my precious babies in the back seat. Someone please help.
Reviewed June 6, 2009
I own a very small product distributorship near Dallas, Texas. I hired a guy to do sales for me. He was doing a great job selling. His car died on him. He talked to me about leasing a car for him, that I would not be out a single dime, that he would pay for it with his commissions, and since he was supposed to get a settlement from a law suit, he was in the middle of settling. I said no on several occasions, and since he didn't have a car 2-3 days a week (drove his girlfriend’s), sales were slacking. He found this 'killer deal' on a 2008 Nissan Altima; $99 a month for 12 months. By then he would have his settlement. Against my better judgment I gave in. We went to the Nissan dealership almost an hour away from the office. Of course they don't have anymore at that price. We started to leave, they came back with offer after offer, and the one I finally agreed to was that Nissan would make the first 6 months payments, not that they would make them for me and put them at the end, which is what they did. Anyway, my employee turned out to be a con, took me for a lot of money.
When I tried to get out of the lease, I read the entire lease agreement and things didn't add up. I called and talked to a female named Jordan and I, calmly and trying to be overly nice, wanted to find out what my options were in terminating the lease, and I explained that I agreed to the lease because the Nissan salesman, Paul, said Nissan will make the first 6 months payments, then I start paying on the 7th month, not that the payments would be deferred to the end of the lease and I would still have to pay them. She said I should have read the lease agreement before signing it. I said I would have gone through every single line with a magnifying glass had I thought for one moment that Nissan would blatantly lie to my face. She said and I quote, "What do you want us to do about it? You agreed to the lease terms and signed it," and there was nothing she could do for me and that I would be responsible for the balance of the lease payments and any excess mileage if I opted for early termination of the lease. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she put me on hold without saying a word. I was on hold for 14 minutes! Then I was disconnected. I have since contacted a lawyer and was told I do have a case and there is something I can do about it. I have never liked leases and have never even considered leasing until the con man. But this was the worst experience I have ever had acquiring a new vehicle. So I have a 2008 Altima that I pay $400 a month to collect dust in my garage.
Reviewed June 3, 2009
I leased an Altima between 2/06- 4/09. On 3/09, I needed to use my roadside assistance. After 20 minutes on the phone with them, they said I did not have road-side assistance. I took care of the problem myself. However, I want the $300 I paid upfront for the roadside assistance. I have called numerous times, and I was to get a call back last week. No one called!
Reviewed May 31, 2009
My car is a 2008 model Nissan Altima. Because of an electrical wire touch, it made a big fire and I lost my car. Consequences: a total of $8,500 with interest local currency and recovery of only $4,500 which is from my insurance and nothing from the agent.
Reviewed May 31, 2009
I had my engine lose complete power, but I was able to drive it to the dealership. It was as if the transmission had gone out because the engine was revving, but the car would not accelerate. The dealership said it was a loose radiator cap. They replaced it and that was all. The throttle response was never the same and the car was still not accelerating as it did when I first got the car new in June of 2002. I also had filed a complaint about hot air coming out of the air vents, but they thought it was cold air coming out of the vent so they said they fixed it. I never received a proper explanation.
More recently, my seat belt came off of its anchor on the side as I pulled it normally to put it on. I drove to the dealership and was told by Min **, a salesperson, that I should have bought the extended warranty. I was so angry, but kept my cool and spoke to the service manager. They fixed it for free, but I can't believe the response I got. Completely unacceptable. The car has shutdown on me once this summer going up a busy street. It is eating oil like no tomorrow. I don't know what to do. I complained of the no power issue at least 4 times, but I was told that it feels like any other 4 cylinder Altima.
This was supposed to be a good experience, but it's not and my car is still not up to par. I forgot to mention the door seals also came off and they just glued them on without explanation. The driver's side window also broke and would not go up one day, but of course it was out of warranty. Sherway Nissan does not know how to treat its customers. I'm outraged that I was sold a lemon and they refused to do any work on it during warranty. I also complained of bad shocks, but to no avail. Please help.
Reviewed May 28, 2009
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5SL. Last year I got a recall to reprogram the ECM fix on my car. My car was shutting down while driving and sometimes when I started the car, it would not accelerate. After the recall was supposedly fixed, this stopped happening until yesterday. I thought everything was fixed, then my car just randomly stopped in traffic and the service engine soon light came on. When I crank it back up and tried to give it gas, it would not accelerate. I thought the reason for the recall was to prevent this from happening. I took it to the Nissan who advised me it was something crankshaft position sensor. I was told that this had nothing to do with the ECM reprogramming recall even though Nissan had a recall on crankshaft sensors in 2007. And after reading here and other places, I find that this has been a problem from Nissan since 2002.
So my question is, what was the recall for if it did not fix the problem and why am I being charged to get a Nissan error repaired that apparently a lot of other people are having. This is insane! Do hundreds of people have to die because of this before they decide to do a recall to fix the real problem? Will it take a lawsuit? I think the crankshaft sensors are faulty and need to be recalled.
Reviewed May 27, 2009
I went to the dealer to have my 2002 Nissan Altima checked for oil light that’s lighting up at low speed. The service manager said the mechanics diagnose that the engine is burning oil and recommends replacing the engine at a cost of $5,990. I've spent over $2,000 already in the past year from replacing the oxygen sensor, crankshaft sensor, engine bracket on top of oil changes and engine tune-ups. The manufacturer should not even be releasing poorly manufactured engines and let the consumer suffer the cost of repairs. There must be something either Nissan or Consumer Affairs can do to help get out of this predicament. I bought this car from the dealer with a pretense that this car is built to last and did not expect that it’s a money trap. For working people like me, I depend on this car to travel to work and earn a living. This is just shocking to even think that now I'm supposed to be spending $6,000 on a used car I bought a few years ago.
Reviewed May 23, 2009
I had a problem with the door that leads to the gas tank. It somehow became broken. I took my car (2002 Nissan Altima) to the dealer who stated I would have to pay a little over $100 to have the door repaired, which I refused. I strongly felt that there was a defect with the gas door because in my daily travel, I’ve seen other Nissan Altimas with the same broken gas door. I began taking down license plate numbers of these vehicles. I emailed the information to Nissan and asked if they would just send all registered owners of Altimas to see if they are having an issue with the gas door, which they didn't do. To get results, I had to contact the BBB who in turn spoke with Nissan to get the issue resolved, but what about all the other owners of the Altimas who are having this problem? I strongly feel that a recall should be done on the Nissan Altimas because to me there is an obvious defect with the gas door.
Reviewed May 14, 2009
My 2002 Nissan Altima with the 2.5L engine has had numerous problems in the past year and a half. The first that happened was that my car stopped in the middle of traffic. I took it to a mechanic and was informed that I needed my oxygen sensor replaced. The mechanic checked and found that the oxygen sensors were being recalled but when I called Nissan, they told me they had already replaced my Oxygen sensors and I can't remember that ever happening. The next thing that happened was I had my oil changed which I normally did around 3000 miles.
I went on a week's vacation and my car started riding rough. My oil light came on and when I took it back to the place where I had the oil changed, there was no oil in the engine. They put oil in the car. I took the car to the mechanic who reported that I had some type of bad rings which were replaced but still I needed to add oil to my car once a week and I never take the car anywhere but around my neighborhood. My check engine light stayed on, so I took it back to the mechanic who told me that I need a catalytic converter. I had that replaced and the car rode, although roughly, for about two months and it stopped again on me in the middle of a parking lot.
I had it towed to the dealership who again replaced the sensors, which was two replacements in about a year. The mechanic then told me that my engine was slowly coming apart inside bit by bit and I will need to have my engine replaced which will cost me $4000. I don't have that kind of money. When I checked the website to see if I could get an engine for less than that, I found so many websites regarding the 2002 Nissan Altima with the 2.5L engine having the exact same problems as my car has. I was hoping that this car would last me until I retired from working. I am so outdone. I don't know what to do or where to go for a solution to my problem.
Reviewed May 8, 2009
I have been having issues with my SES light coming on and off. After several attempts to go to the dealership, they said they could not find anything wrong with my vehicle. Well I come to find out after describing my problem to a trusted, referred mechanic that he found the problem within one hour of testing. My fourth cylinder was filling up with coolant so every time I started my car, it would misfire and shake until the coolant burned off. Turns out my head gasket was blown on the 4th cylinder and I had to have it repaired. All the while Nissan did a multi-point inspection on what!
If they opened the hood of my car at all, they would have seen for one that I have no coolant in my reserve, plus the fact that Nissan mechanics are well aware of this problem. My mechanic said he has replaced 3-4 of these so far and it is a problem that exists in all 2002 Nissan Altimas because of the motor that was originally put in. Come to find out I was actually lucky in the fact that it can happen from 30K miles to 100K and mine just made it over the mark. This is a faulty engine and it should be heard. People should insist on asking dealers these questions before buying a 2002 Nissan Altima.
Reviewed May 8, 2009
I am complaining about the 2003 Altima I purchased used. It is experiencing the same problems that many, many other Altima owners of 2002, 2003 and 2004 have. The catalytic converters fail, usually just past the catalytic converter warranty runs out. It allows dust and debris to be sucked back into the engine, causing damage to the oil rings and cylinder walls. My Altima now uses a quart of oil every 120 miles. The only fix for the problem is to replace the engine at the expense of the owner. Nissan will not offer any assistance on this problem. They should recall and replace any engine in any Altima that this has happened to. To fix the problem requires engine replacement that costs ranging from $3-5K.
I will personally never buy another Nissan product unless Nissan takes ownership of this problem and makes it right with their customers who are responsible for their success in the first place. No customers, no business. Thank you for your time.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5s in 2008. This year I almost got killed when the car engine turned off. I was going to work approximately 55 mph in the interstate 87 north. Thank God I was on the right lane and with the problem, I controlled it and pulled over in the emergency lane. Lucky me that no one was driving too close from me. I opened the hook and checked it, thinking that were the battery cables. I had to retry start the car more than 3 times. I took it to my mechanic and he told me that the problems were crankshaft position, cam and the transmission speed sensors. I went crazy looking for places where I could get these parts.
It has been more than a week and a half trying to fix this car. I need the car to go to work. During this period of time, I had spent around $675.00 and the car is not fixed yet. I'm scared of taking the highway because I think I may crash. I have to wake up an hour and a half earlier in the morning to get to my job on time, in case that the car doesn't want to start. Please, please try to do something. I know a lot of families that have the same kind of cars and they have kids. The car was bought at a small car dealer.
Reviewed May 2, 2009
After spending 4 hours haggling with them, I finally walked out with the price I wanted and the car I've always wanted, the 2005 Nissan Altima. the next morning while driving back to the dealership to get some minor issues resolved on the due bill, I was sitting idle at a light and then all the sudden, all the lights popped up on my car and the car turned itself off. I panicked naturally but the car started right up. I immediately took the car in and they then told me that it had something to do with an assembly sensor. I'm no mechanic, so that sounded like they knew what the issue was. So they sent me home and told me the part is going to be ordered and in their office within a week and they'd call me when it arrives.
The next day on my way back from the hospital, the car shut off on me again. So I turned the car on. Again, no problem. Then as I proceeded to accelerate, the car started choking and jerking. I had my foot on the gas but it continued to choke, and would accelerate past 15 mph. I pulled over, turned the car off, and let it sit for a bit. Then as I turned the car back on and I attempted to take the car immediately back to the dealership as I was trying to merge on the freeway, the car turned off and just stopped in the middle of an oncoming traffic. One car had to swerve to not hit me! I couldn't get the car started but when it finally did, I pulled over and called my father to pick me up.
Now, I realized that when purchasing a used car, you're going to have issues, but this is a major mechanical flaw and it could cost someone their life! And reading through all the complaints, it doesn't settle easy with me that there are a lot of these cars on the road that have the same problem as mine. I do not want this car. I am in discussions with Nissan to cancel my contract but they refuse to help me. This should not happen to a car two days off the lot when they pretty much gave me the song and dance how these cars are certified and they went through all these tests. What a load of **! Right now, I'm in a rental car but I do not want this car and there should be a way for me to revoke this purchase given it's only been two days. Someone please help!
Reviewed April 30, 2009
I have a 2003 Altima that is very hard to crank. Sometimes it takes 2, 3 or even 4 cranks to get the car started; this only occurs in the warm weather, never in the winter. This year I decided to get it fixed. The free code analysis at AutoZone said it’s the crankshaft sensor, a $37 part. I did some research and it seems this is a very common problem, and in fact was a recall problem on many models. I checked with 2 different dealers and they both said the VIN for my car was not included in the recall and they would not fix it for free. They wanted $240. Luckily, I was able to locate instructions on the internet on how to replace the sensor myself and now the car cranks fine. I still think Nissan should be paying for this repair and intend to write them a letter about this.
Reviewed April 14, 2009
I bought a 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5SE on 7/7/07 (lucky right?) - wrong! Well, the car was in the showroom looking all pretty because they were having a hard time selling it (way overpriced). They added a spoiler, 19" rims/tires, a sunroof and marked down the car by about $8000. Well, since the car was considered new, I thought it would be good. About a couple of days after I bought it, I brought it into Nissan to have them look at the steering because it was shaking excessively. The billet grill was whistling horribly to the point I could not hear the radio. I kept taking the car in for the steering problem because it would jump out of alignment all the time.
One morning after it had rained, I was on my way to work and water started leaking on my leg from where the driver's side curtain airbag was located. They could not duplicate the problem, but I took pictures. I had an oil change on base and about 2 hours later, all the oil had leaked out of my car and it started smoking. They said I didn't need a new engine, and they only replaced some timing gears or something. I have been taking it in for the steering all while I have had these problems.
My front tire went flat - all 4 valve stems went bad and I must have had 6 alignments. Just today, I took it in because the engine light was on. It was some code for the timing. Well, two days ago we were on the freeway and the car had a hiccup and we lost power. Trying to get home, the car lost more and more power and by the time we got home, it was jerking us whenever we shifted from drive to reverse. I was told the car went into a fail safe mode. How exactly is that safe driving on a freeway? They called me and told me they needed to keep the car overnight because it had some more issues pop up on the test drive. What a surprise! Well, I am off to get my rental car and this only adds to my lemon law case pending with Nissan. Good luck to all. I hope you make it home safely!
Reviewed April 14, 2009
I purchased a brand new 2006 Nissan Altima in 2005. On March 28, 2009, my engine light came on. I took it to the dealership. I was told I have a bad engine. The piston rings are failing; oil is going everywhere. I have an extended warranty that I purchased. They will not fix the car because it has to have a specific problem such as cracked head. I called Nissan to get help. They told me they could not help me and that there were no recalls on the engine. I don't know what to do next. I cannot afford a new engine. I am going to have to borrow the money. Some from my 401K and I have to skip house payments and car payments. My credit will go bad. I owe too much money to get another car.
Reviewed April 13, 2009
I own a 2004 Nissan Altima and had a problem where the car became hesitant upon acceleration and the check engine light came on. I brought the car to the local Nissan dealer to have it checked. It turned out to be a power valve screw that had come loose and was inside my engine now. This is well known by Nissan as there is a voluntary service campaign P5202 that addresses this very issue. The VINs listed for the 2004 Altima has my car being right in the middle. However the dealership goes on and says your car isn't date code specific to be covered by the campaign and I have to pay the repair bill, which they told me could be anywhere from $700 to $3000 depending on the damage the loose screw did. Let me get this straight. A screw comes loose into the engine, and it is somehow my fault for it happening, what, by driving the car in a normal fashion? Sure sounds like a manufacturing defect that Nissan was well aware of, yet they take no responsibility for it now. I am in the process of trying to get Nissan to cover the cost, which, thank God, only ended up being $700. But I should not have to pay for their mistakes.
Reviewed April 2, 2009
My 2004 Nissan Altima is a piece of junk. It is only 5 years old with 52,000 miles on it. Four months ago, my car started surging. After a few days of this, the Service Engine Soon light came on. That same day, my car shut off as I was reversing out of a parking spot. This has gone on, off and on, for months. I can get, maybe, 3 good days out of it, but then it starts surging and feels like it's dragging. I have had the Crankshaft & Cam shaft sensors replaced, a new battery put in, and a new gas cap (I've explored every possibility as to what could be causing this problem). The Nissan dealer here in Myrtle Beach told me that there is nothing wrong with the car and charged me $40 to tell me that.
I then took the problem to Nissan Corp. and after several days, I was finally told that Nissan is not responsible and they cannot do anything for me. The woman I spoke with told me to try taking it to another dealer! The next closest dealer is an hour away, not the best idea to drive that far with a car that's a piece of crap! I'm with Kisha (a few posts below). We need to file a class action suit. I don't know how to go about it. If anyone has any info on how to do this or if you want to be a part of it, please email me. Something needs to be done!
Reviewed March 27, 2009
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There's a Crank Sensor fault in Nissan Altima 2003, and the engine would stop at low speed. The dealer is asking me to pay for the probable repairs. This has been recalled in models 2002, 2005 and 2006 with the exact same problem. They should also fix this issue with 2003 models.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2008
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Reviewed Oct. 21, 2008
When my 2006 Nissan Altima lease expired, I was asked by Nissan to set up a vehicle inspection at my home. An inspector came to my home and looked at the car. There was no excessive vehicle damage on the car at all. The inspector found one small scuff mark on the rear bumper (one inch long) and claimed that was excessive damage and charged $244 for that. He crawled under the vehicle and claimed that there was a crack under the front bumper. The crack was about one inch long next to the bolt that attached the bumper to the car. Clearly a tiny stress crack under the vehicle on a plastic bumper. Not from any damage at all. The charge for this crack was $477. These were ridiculous charges and clearly not from excessive wear or from neglected damage.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2008
2002 Nissan Altima - problems from the start. First, it was all small things that malfunctioned, window motor, radio. Then the O2 sensor went out. It was replaced (warranty). Then a year and couple months later, it went bad (no warranty). Had to replace it out of pocket. You would think it would last a little longer than a year! Since I have had the vehicle (bought new), it has always used a quart of oil before 3000 miles. I have reported this to no avail. Now I just deal with it and add as needed. Also when new, had radiator replaced, then replaced again, then had to have new radiator cap.
Now it is in the shop with a busted head gasket! Nissan used to be an exceptional vehicle that you could drive forever. Now you couldn't give me one. And I don't suggest anyone wanting safety and security to buy one. The service and satisfaction is so poor and the headache of worrying is not worth it. I also have several friends that have an Altima and they have just about the same problems.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2008
Bought pre-owned Nissan 2005 Altima with 15,000 miles on it. First long trip on highway, service engine light comes on and engine dies. Brought it to Nissan dealer repair and they tell me it's the gas lines and should be blown out and cleaned. $325.00. Next highway trip, when decelerating engine dies in traffic, stop signs and toll booths. Back to dealer, can't find anything. Two months later, get recall letter from NISSAN saying ECM/crank sensor defective and bring in for fix. Bring it in - they reset ECM. Car still dies on road. Spent hours on phone with NISSAN repairs. Tell me to bring it back in to dealer. They replace crank sensor as stated in recall letter and CHARGE ME $285.00. Can you believe they charged me to fix their mistake? Called for reimbursement and they actually said no. Now I want a car of equal value and doubtful they will do it. DON'T EVER BUY A NISSAN. THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2008
I changed the oil religiously. 3 weeks ago it started using oil excessively and the service engine now light came on and stayed on. Took it to our mechanic, he didn't know what was wrong with it. I then took it to the Nissan dealer (Gordie Boucher in Waukesha) where we purchased it. I was told that the cat converter spit back debris into the engine scratching the cylinder walls causing the rings to fail. Now needs new engine and catalytic converter. These cat converters were faulty. Nissan knew it and knows it now. Not just 2003, thousands of 2002-2006 Altimas are included according to what we are seeing on the internet. Please can someone help all of us get Nissan to correct this?
On your own website we have seen this documented. I printed off 39 pages alone from your website. We didn't really know the scope of this until we googled 'Nissan Altima excessive oil consumption' and hundreds of forums, etc. came up. I found out on one site that up in Canada they have been replacing engines and fixing this for Canadian customers. Why aren't U.S. customers included? Does Canada have better laws protecting them than we do here or what?? There were 30,000 cases alone in Canada that were taken care of so far. The dealer repair shop called Nissan and opened a file for us. They reported to them that this was a faulty cat converter that caused this. (And fyi, the guy told me that he's seen plenty of these come thru the repair shop.)
I called the number he gave me and was told our vin number was not covered as we were not under warranty. If they had notified us of the problem, I would've extended the warranty!!!! We didn't know anything about this. If there was a recall, they did not send us one. I responded to all recalls promptly in the past. If they had honestly taken a proactive role in correcting ALL cat converters on the affected vehicles, there wouldn't be thousands of us looking for new engines now. Our car is in mint condition. We took such good care of it. We are sick about this. The representative, his name was Alex, told us flat out that it's our problem. When I asked him about the Canada cases he said he 'couldn't discuss this any further.' And hung up. Shouldn't there be a class-action suit out there for us?? Another thing.... we noticed on the forums, etc. that some people replaced the cat converters or the cat converters & new engines.
Then later the EXACT same thing happened. Engine light comes on, uses huge amts. of oil, take it back to dealer, told cat converter and engine need replacing. Can you imagine that??? You think you're getting it fixed and no..... they just put another faulty cat converter in which then ruins your 2nd new engine. Something is very very wrong about that. Knowingly putting a defective new part in that they know will ruin your engine. Please, please do something. Should we hang onto this car in case they do settle somewhere down the road? They are not going to do anything unless they are forced to, obviously. This has been going on for years. WHY isn't anyone calling Nissan on the carpet for this?? A couple of people had their loved ones cars stopping in the middle of interstate traffic going 70mph, the engine blows and they have to hope not to get killed. Thanks to you. Please investigate this further. We are not alone. There are thousands of us affected and just sick about it.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2008
While driving my Nissan Altima the engine cuts out. Many recalls about crank sensor defect and cat converter defect; however Nissan says my VIN # was not included in the recall of over 200,000 cars. Want my car covered in recall. Has same defect as other Altimas. Had to replace crank sensor to get it to run right. Cat needs to be replaced but cannot afford it now - worried about possible engine damage. Almost killed on Garden State Parkway southbound on the way to work at FAA past Barnegat toll booths. Car engine failed coming out of toll booths and cars were severing around me and honking horns at me (like it's my fault). I'm sitting there trying to start the car. After many min. I was able to start car and took it to Nissan dealer and they replaced crank sensor ($215.00). Almost injured today due to Nissan knowing about this problem and doing nothing to recall ALL necessary VIN #'s INCLUDING MINE.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2008
I have just hit 105,000 miles (just past the warranty). Now my engine has a blow head gasket. Of course, with something like that, your car will never be the same. I decided not to get my car fixed and get a Mazda. Seems like they are truly built to last. I always kept my car up and had just gotten the suggested service that cost me over $1,500. I loved my Nissan and wanted it to last, but it seems like it is programed to go down right around this time. I drive 52 miles to work every day. I love the Altima but not sure if I will ever get another one again. But I will have to make a quick decision.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2008
My 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R battery exploded. The non-removable caps on the battery blasted off and hit the hood causing all the fluid to bubble out and over the engine. They had me drop off my car at a deal to have a technician look at my battery. They claim, since they do not have record of my car being serviced at their dealerships, that my battery lacks proper maintenance and it caused the battery to blow. They also claim my fluid levels were low. When the battery exploded the fluid bubbled/shot out hence will give an indication that the levels are low. My battery is less than 3 years old. If it had just die, I would just replace it but the fact that it blew up and splashed chemical over my engine is a concern.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2008
It's time for me to join the frustrated 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S owners!!! No heat (except occasionally while accelerating; non-existent when idling or at a red light), burning oil, coolant leaking into the #3 cylinder. I have seen all of these problems all over the internet posted by owners in different forums having the same problems, and, yes, I am also wondering why Nissan refused (or still refuses) to do anything about them. I have been told the same things other owners have been told - maybe a head gasket would work, but, in all probability, a new engine is needed. This runaround by Nissan is sickening! Whatever the costs of our vehicles were, Nissan made the money. It doesn't matter that we didn't purchase vehicles costing $40K or $50K, we have all had problems (and have gone through many recalls), but Nissan still has not come up with a way to either get us heat, stop oil from burning, or prevent us from having to add coolant weekly. Typical of a greedy auto manufacturer, I guess.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2008
I bought my 2005 Nissan Altima brand new, and it ran fine, up until a few weeks ago. It started stalling out at stop lights, stop signs, sitting in a drive thru, etc. It would start right back up with no problem, but would eventually stall out again. I took it to different mechanics because it worried me, because I was afraid it would stall out while making a left and leave me sitting in the middle of an intersection or stall out on the interstate, and leave me stranded in the middle of the interstate with other cars going 80 mph. My check engine light was not on, so it was hard for them to figure out what was wrong with it. I tried several different things but it kept getting worse. It was getting harder to restart, and keeping it started. Finally the check engine light came on. I took it to yet another mechanic who said the code was for the crank shaft position sensor. He said it was involved in a recall and I needed to take it to the dealer. At this point my car was apparently not drivable and I did not make it to the dealership. I ended up stranded and had to call a tow truck. I had it towed to the dealership only to find out that I had to pay for the crank shaft position sensor. The recall apparently only included reprogramming the ECM. Reading the recall notice that the mechanic had given me it seems like the problem is with the crank shaft position sensor overheating causing a problem with the ECM. I do not understand why I have to fork out over $200.00 for a defective part. I tried talking to the service guy, but he said that was what Nissan told them. I called Nissan. She said that I could put in a claim for review, which I intend on doing, however speaking to her it does not sound like my claim is going to get very far. So they make a defective part, put my son and I in a dangerous situation, and then make me pay for the defective part. This has got to be the most mishandled recall I have ever heard of. I will never buy Nissan again.
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2008
I bought a brand new 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S in July 2005. After 67,000 miles and three years later my car started to stall and the check engine light would come on. I took the car to the dealership were they informed me that I had a recall and that the ECM needed to be reprogrammed to prevent a signal interruption with the crankshaft sensor.
One day after leaving the dealership my check engine light came back on followed by my engine hesitating at acceleration and stalling at low RPM. After doing research online about this problem it seems that Nissan has known about this problem and will not recall the faulty sensor. Reprogramming the ECM did nothing to help my situation.
At the current moment I am having to rely on other forms of transportation while my car sit in my garage. My dealership wants nearly $200 to replace the sensor. The sensor itself only cost $30.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2008
I have a blue 2003 Nissan Altima with about 50K miles on it that I purchased new. About a year ago I started to notice swirly scratch marks all over the front, hood and roof portions of the car after going through the automatic car wash. At this time I was not overly concerned as the scratches were light and I was pretty sure they could be waxed out. Well, in February of this year I again went through this car wash and this time the scratches were even more apparent. Over the course of the summer nearly all of the paint on the roof and hood has begun to oxidate and it looks awful. I took it to the auto body store and they told me the clear coat had been rubbed off and that it would be nearly 3K to repaint the car. I immediately called State Farm and filed a claim under my comprehensive insurance. I might mention that there have been ongoing issues with the paint on this car from the beginning. It has had paint repair done on it twice along the bottom edge and door panels as it takes almost nothing to really scratch this car. So the Insurance Adjuster now tells me that even though it is very unusual for a car this new to have this much oxidative damage, they will probably not honor the claim unless I can prove that there is a known paint issue with this car that would cause the car wash to do this sort of damage when it doesn't do it to the thousands of other cars that go through it. He said the crash people will look for other Nissans with car wash issues. He also said the swirl marks are from some sort of roughing up that they do at the factory before they put the clear coat on. It really didn't make much sense to me and I could tell he was just trying to find a reason not to cover it. I looked all over the Internet and I can't find anything other than references to Nissan having soft paint on newer models of their cars. I was wondering if there is some way to prove this soft paint issue and if it could be applied to my particular cirumstances so that my insurance will pay for it. I am still paying on this car and can not afford that much for a paint job.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2008
I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 in February 2002. North America's Car of the Year WHAT A JOKE! Nissan obviously really screwed up when they built this car. I have had the same problems with my car as everyone else. Now I am facing new guts for my car. I am sick about this. My first brand new car and my '88 Toyota Celica is better than this piece of crap that Nissan is so proud of. Nissan should be ashamed of how they have effected their customers. I paid almost $24,000 dollars for this thing and now I am having to figure out how to afford all the repairs. Warranties are no good when their repair people don't have a supposed clue as to what is wrong with these vehicles. Nissan made a fortune off of its customers and now will be making even more for repairs that should have been corrected before they were ever sold to costomers. My repairs.... head gasket, radiator, catilitic converters, oxygen sensors.... or new engine. Nissan needs to be made responsible for their mistakes not us! From all that I have read and heard we will probably be waisting our money again by attempting to repair IT. WAY TO GO NISSAN! I will never purchase a Nissan again. Looks good, runs like CRAP!
I am out $24,000 plus interest not to mention all the repairs and maintenance. Physically I have nerve problems so when I see or think of IT I literally get sick to my stomach and get migraines. Thanks to Nissan I suffer mentally and physically not to mention it is hard to keep my religion when I think of how wrong Nissan has done myself and others.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
I purchased a brand new 2006 nissan altima on Fevruary 26th 2007. One day later I realized the Rotors on the Car were Warped and immediately took it into Brown's Sterling Nissan in Sterling VA. I was told the Rotors on the Brand new Car could not be replaced, instead they were turned.
Later on before my 36k WARRANTY was to expire, I took the vehicle back in and asked them to Replace the Rotors and was instructed they would be turned and I had another Year Warranty on the Vehicle's Rotors. Recently I purchased tires and noticed the car would shimmy on stopping.
That being said, my break pads are still factory ones and have over 25% life left on them. I am a defensive driver and take great care of my vehicle. Nissan North america advised me to take my Vehicle into the dealership so they could offer me financial assistance. The Nissan cost to replace the rotors is $272.
A new car should not have to have rotors turned one day after purchasing the vehicle. Being the day I bought the car it was snowing, I could not tell however, One day later I took the car in. I have been trying to rectify this issue with both the dealership and Nissan warranty and they decline any assistance. Why would I be held accountable for a Pre-existing problem with a New Vehicle and now have to pay out of pocket for rotors on a vehicle that have already been turned 2 times. New Car should have new working parts and Nissan is not taking responsibility for there actions. Please help.
So far no damages have been caused accept the depreciation of the rotors. Brake pads are wear and tear items that should be replaced far before Rotors. On both occasions when the car was taken in, I was instructed the Pad were FINE and there is no negligence on the driver. Why were the Defective parts not replaced and just repaired, causing me the consumer to later have to acquire a higher expense?
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2008
I purchased a preowned 2002 Nissan Altima in December of 2005. Mileage was at 63,659. In June of 2007, at 85,875 miles the engine needed to be replaced as well as the catalytic converter at a cost of $4425.00. In Feb. 2008 a faulty hose caused all the antifreeze to drain out and my car overheated and I need to get the radiator replaced for $800.
Then in June 2008 the check engine light came on again and I had to get my air flow meter replaced for $765. 2 weeks later the check engine light came on, it started overheating, so I took it into the dealer and they flushed the antifreeze and did not charge me.
Now, in Aug. 2008 the car is overheating again, check engine light is on, and it's at the dealer who tells me the head gasket needs to be replaced in the new engine because of the overheating, for $2000. I am not getting it fixed, and have done a little research and found message boards. Hundreds of unfortunate people with the exact same problems as I explained above with their 2002 Altimas. Many complaints on these message boards state that they have talked to attorneys and want to pursue a class action lawsuit, but I don't know if that has happened. Do you think together we all have a case?
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2008
I purchased my Nissan Altima 2002 2.5s in October of 2003. It had 26,623 miles on it when purchased. I now have 96,764. I have maintained my automobile with all of the necessary oil changes and major tune ups as required. The car still looks imaculate as the day I purchased it. The problem I have started when the service engine light came on so I took it into the Nissan dealership where I bought it and they verified light on scanned vehicle for faults, p0420 catalyst system bank 1 needs catalytic converter. Estimate of $736.00. I paid $109.00 for the diagnostic test.
I did some research on the web and found many consumer complaints with the catalytic converter. The recall campaign #ntb03-070c also 03v084000 went out in July 28th, 2003 three months prior to me purchasing the car. The work according to the dealership was never done on my car and I was not notified of the recall. I was told that all recalls pertaining to my vin # have been complete. I called Nissan North America Inc. to let them know the work had not been done and I was not notified of this recall. They said even though my vin# was within the range of the cars to be recalled it would still have to be vin specific.
I just feel that since my car is within the year, make, model and within the range of the recall that they should honor this for me. I have received no help from Nissan North America Inc. and the local dealership where I purchased the car can't seem to understand why they won't cover it? I have seen so many complaints with regards to the catalytic converter on the 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5s that there should be some kind of class action suit against this corporation.
I am not driving my car at this point even though I a told It is still driveable. I don't want to do anymore damage until I can at least get some answers on whether they should honor the recall.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2008
Nissan recall NTB07-081 VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN. I took the car for repair and just after a month of recall repair car stalls while driving. I took the car for diagnostics and they replaced the throttle body for $358.41. It is a safety concern and should be covered under warranty. Stalling during driving is a serious problem and could get into an accident.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2008
We purchased the 2002 Nissan Altima when it was first released - we were ecstatic and received compliment after compliment on the vehicle. We had little issues here and there, mainly with the interior of the vehicle; the stripping on the door was falling off, the tint on the rear view mirror faded, etc. When we were slightly under 30,000 miles, check engine light was on, turned out to be the catalytic converter. After fighting with the dealership, I went straight to Nissan; luckily replacement still fell under the Federal Emissions Warranty. I dodged a $700.00 bullet. As I'm sure all other owners know, we had the miscellaneous recall work done here and there. June 2008 my service engine light was coming on. At the same time I went for an oil top off at my local Valvoline and they told me I was down 2 1/2 quarts of oil in less than 3 weeks. Brought the car to a garage near me, was told the light was due to the CATALYTIC CONVERTER! The burning oil issue was a bigger problem the dealership would need to help me with. Took car back to what is now Balise Nissan in Warwick, RI - another diagnostic test shows...CATALYTIC CONVERTER!!! But in order to diagnose the burning oil issue, I would need to have an oil consumption test performed for a whopping $379.00 - then of course replacement of the converter at $750.00. Of course this does not include any oxygen censors if per chance they are shot or the cost of fixing the root of the burning oil. The response I get from the manager @ the dealership is I have high mileage, 126,000 so my car is not new. I may have high mileage, however the car has always been well maintained and regardless the converter should not be shot twice in 6 years nor should my engine be shot in 6 years. I am in the process of playing phone tag with Regional Specialist to see what, if anything, Nissan is willing to do for me. This has been ongoing for 2+ weeks...of course she is only in the office until 4:30 and the only person who can help me. I've spoken with other mechanics who have told me they would not be surprised if the cause of the converter replacement 3 years ago was due to burning oil and it just wasn't caught. If I replace the converter, this will be the 2nd CONVERTER IN 6 YEARS! I am sick to my stomach reading these other entries and seeing repeatedly converter and burning oil problems AND Nissan not doing anything about it! I for one purchased a new vehicle so I wouldn't have to worry about these issues. My car was paid off in March and now I run the risk of either soaking money that I do not have into a vehicle that who knows what will go next or bite the bullet and buy another vehicle. I have a young child and being without a car at this time is not an option. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND OWN UP TO AN OBVIOUS FAULTY VEHICLE!!!
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2008
The odometer and speedometer in my 2005 Nissan Altima registers vehicle speed and miles traveled too quickly. I have confirmed this using a GPS device.
My vehicle's limited warranty has expired too quickly, leaving me exposed to a potential loss. Also, this signifies that my fuel economy is significantly lower than advertised.
Reviewed July 31, 2008
Owner of a 2003 Altima 2.5S. Around 55,000 - 60,000 miles, my oil level was getting low enough to turn the stupid light on, 2,000 miles after an oil change. I have always been religious about oil changes every 3,000 miles so I was curious as to why this was happening. I now have 85,000 miles on the car and the problem is still occuring. I've even had my car cut off while drivig through a parking lot. Luckily I did not hit anything, but what if this occured on the highway? I had Nissan perform an engine diagnostic and they indicated that the ompression was low and oil was seeping through the rings. This was caused by a faulty catylitic convertor. Basically the cat spat back debris into the engine scratching the cylinder walls causeing the rings to fail. Remedy; NEW ENGINE! Of course I called Nissan consumer affairs to request this be fixed and they responded with Your warranty is over the mileage. Sorry. If you have this issue, call & comlain. There will not be a recall on the product until they have a certain number of files. I've seen a headlight get replaced quicker than this. Needless to say, this has been my second and LAST Nissan I will purchase! A good product gets return business. Better customer relations keeps the business. Nissan seems to have missed on both.
Reviewed July 28, 2008
My car has a faulty Crank Shaft Sensor which will cost $200 to fix. This defect is known was recalled for the 2002, 2005 and 2006 Altimas. I drive a 2003 Altima 4cy S. I took the car in to the dealership and paid $40.00 to find out that this is the reason that my car is shutting off in the middle of traffic as well as causing the check engine and brake lights to come on.This is very dangerous. I'm a basketball coach that drives children home and this is not safe! I should get my sensor (a known defect)replaced for free as well as there be a recall for the 2003 Altimas
Below is an article about the recall. "Nissan Recall Expanded to 654,000 Sentras and Altimas November 21, 2007
Nissan Motor Co. is expanding a U.S. recall of Sentra and Altima sedans to repair a defective crankshaft sensor in 2002 and 2005 to 2006 models. The faulty sensor could cause the engine to shut off. Nissan reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the recall covers about 653,910 vehicles with 2.5-liter engines. The sensor's location may expose it to temperature changes that would interrupt signals the sensor sends to the engine control module, according to Nissan. Without those signals, the control module may shut off the engine in low-speed driving, Nissan said."
My car shuts off in the middle of traffic which has caused me to almost get run off the road and hit from behind by a semi. This is Dangerous especially when this is a known defect and the company knows it.
Reviewed July 21, 2008
I own a 2002 Nissan Altima. I began experiencing problems with it beginning in February 2007, in which I immediately took it into Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. to have serviced. The car was idling heavy, sputtering, hesitating, and the check engine light was on. It also smelled heavily of gasoline when the heater or defrost was on. I explained the symptoms to Mike Little, and left my car there for the entire day. At the close of the business day, I recieved a phone call from a service technician trying to sell me services that were unrelated to the symptoms and was informed that they have no idea what is happening with my vehicle. Again in October 2007, I began experiencing the same exact problems. I decided to take my car to Team Nissan of Marietta this time. I again was told that they were unable to duplicate the problem. I paid for another diagnostics and went on my way again. In March of 2008, I took my car in for the same exact problems. They told me that I had faulty spark plugs and replaced them. I had purchased the extended warranty when I bought the car, and this covered the cost. I also payed out of pocket to have the 90,000 mile check-up service at this time. Less than 5,000 miles later my car began again with the same exact symptoms. I brought my car in for the fourth time on July 11, 2008. I was called later that evening with the news that my car had a blown head gasket and that my extended warranty had expired two months before, in May 2008. I explained to the service technician that this has been an ongoing problem that I have made multiple attempts to get fixed before my warranty expired. He agreed with me and said that he would call Nissan to see if they would help out with the situation. They denied the request based on the age and mileage of the vehicle. I then called 1-800-NISSAN1 and asked to speak with a representative. I first spoke with Melissa Watson in which she explained to me that it was Nissan's final decision and that she was the highest available representative. I refused to believe that as the truth and asked to speak with her manager. The following day her manager, Erica Hill called me and said the same exact thing. She insisted that she was the only person that I could speak with regarding my situation. I went online and found the number (615-725-1000) to the executive office located in Nashville, TN. Two days later, I recieved a call back from Kim, in which she was unable to share any additional information with me and I was again told that she was the highest possible person for me to speak with. In short, Nissan has sold defective automobiles to thousands of people and they are unwilling to rectify the situation. I absolutely refuse to spend another penny with their company aside from the remaining amount owed on my vehicle. I will pay for oil changes, repairs, and sevices elsewhere. I kept my car serviced appropriately and this situation did not occur as a result of any negligence on my part. This company knowingly sold vehicles with multiple internal problems. I will never buy another Nissan product!
Reviewed July 21, 2008
I bought a new Nissan Rogue 2008 last Nove mber. It was a great car. I loved it! I had never had a new car, so at 61 I wanted to buy a new one that would bet me through retirement. Boy, was that a mistake!! I should have saved my money or at least bought my ususal car--a Toyota!! I had driven Toyotas for years without a single problem. I only changed the oil, put in gas and new tires every four years. It was great. Had 165,000 miles on it so I traded for a new Nissan. First one ever! I drove it home from work Thursday, July 17, 2008 and parked it on a paved driveway. I used the air conditioner going home because of the extreme heat. About 15 or 20 minutes later, I came out of the house to find the window in a million pieces lying on the pavement and inside of my car. I called the police to check it out and they found no foul play. No rocks had been thrown or anything. I called Nissan and they said they would look at it. Then they told me that it could not have been a defect because they usually blow out instead of in. They were tested in every way for defects and they would not take responsibility for it!!! I feel that the cold inside and the hot outside caused the window in implode instead of explode. That was why the glass was mostly inside!! I was so disappointed in Nissan when I had heard so much good about their vehicles. That is why I decided to give them a try. My old Toyota would still be going strong! I have never seen a class nor have I ever broken a class in a car before. It is so weird that it broke on its on that quickly and so dangerously. I usually have a small baby in a car seat in that particular spot where the glass shattered. My car insurance is going to have to pay for this damage and my car is only 8 months old. I think that there is more than a reasonable probability that the window could have imploded. My car is rounded at the top so the glass had to fall in--not out. We do still have gravity-don't we?
Reviewed July 20, 2008
My 2003 Nissan Altima had a failed Catalytic converter at just over 90,000 miles. Searching the web and even checking with a few friends with the same car, everyone has the same problem. I have since sold this car since it was more trouble than its worth and asked Nissan to take action, with complete run around on the issue and not taking responsbility, letter to Nissan below;
This letter serves as a formal complaint regarding a defect in my 2003 Nissan Altima, VIN 1N4AL11D33C219787 in regards to a Service Engine Soon light, code PO0420; failed Catalytic Converter at 90,000 miles. In doing research on the issue and discussing the need of such an expensive repair in my vehicle with other Nissan owners I was made aware that this problem was very common on the 2002 and 2003 Altima and Sentra. When contacting Nissan over the telephone about this issue, I was given no support other then to take the car to Nissan for diagnosis and was reminded the warranty on this issue expires at 80,000 miles.
This following my independent mechanic who has been servicing this car for years already located the problem. For me to take the car to Nissan would have cost over $100 to reproduce an issue I was already informed about and the quote from Nissan to repair this was higher then my mechanic whom I trust. I am requesting Nissan to take this defect in this car/ engine seriously and consider reimbursing me the cost of the repair since a defect of this nature should be covered by the manufacturer. I purchased this vehicle brand new and have done all of the servicing per the manufacturer specifications, I would not expect such a major problem at this age and mileage.
Enclosed you will find a repair bill with the applicable Catalytic Converter repairs highlighted totaling $991.48 as well as the registration for this vehicle to prove I am the owner. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter no later than March 21, 2008 and at the very minimum have a contact from consumer affairs call me to discuss this in a manner to express my concern. To add, this is the second Nissan Altima that I have had to consider selling at the 90,000 mile mark. A lot of money, time, and aggrivation, and now a new Toyota Camry and complete loss of a customer purchasing any Nissan in my life.
Reviewed July 7, 2008
I am writing about a mechanical situation on our 2002 Nissan Altima, Vin # 1N4AL11E02C146711. The vehicle was running great for approximately 95,000 miles. We started noticing that we needed to add oil a bit more frequently but it wasnt so much to cause alarm. At one visit to Middletown Nissan in 2006 I mentioned the fact that it seemed to be burning more oil, though I never saw a drop on the ground. The response was that its an older car, and they tend to use more oil. So I stopped thinking about it as an issue. The car started to use more oil, and at around 110,000 miles the Check Engine light came on. The engine was running rough, sounding like it was missing. We had Dawson Motors check the vehicle and it turns out the engine was shot and needed to be replaced. At this point we werent sure why the engine failed, since regular oil changes were performed throughout its life. Since the rest of the car was in great shape, and/or had already been upgraded, we decided to bite the bullet on obtaining a new engine. It was a Nissan engine with a 12,000 or 1 year warranty. The replacement occurred on 08/08/2007 In April 2008 we started noticing that the Altima was once again using oil. This didnt make sense on a brand new engine with roughly 10,000 miles on it. The check engine light came back on and the use of oil got more evident. We took the vehicle back to Dawsons and they found that the Catalytic Converter needed to be replaced. We went ahead with that job, but the Check Engine light would not stay off. The car was still running rough, and it was still using oil. Dawsons did some significant diagnoses and found that the new catalytic converter was no good. So after much hassle with Middletown Nissan, he was able to get another and installed it. But the problem with the engine still persisted. The conclusion now is that the second Nissan engine is shot. Bill Dawson, the owner of Dawson Motors, having documented the situation very well, requested that a claim be open up with Nissan to address the issue with a second bad engine. That claim number is 6193543. I traded phone calls with the Regional Manager, Suzanne at 866-799-1690 x1589. She talked to Bill and ultimately to me. According to Suzanne, the engine was just out of warranty mileage wise and would not be covered. I pressed, and was told that she had escalated the problem but was denied. I asked her who I could talk to above her in a management or a decision making role and she said there was no one else. She also suggested that using an independent contractor to work on my car did not play a positive role in the decision. I took offense to that since there is no one more knowledgable nor respected in the county than Dawson Motors! Bill and I started doing some research on the internet and it turns out that the early 2000 Altimas have had a track record of bad catalytic converters. What is more interesting is that these bad catalytic converters seem to have directly impacted the life expectancy of the engine. That means that very likely, when I visited Middletown Nissan and was told that my older Altima uses oil, that my first engine was failing at that point because of a KNOWN problem with the catalytic converter. And chances are high that it was because the catalytic converter was failing as well back then. So we end up replacing the original engine (rather costly by the way at $4,000), with a new Nissan engine. Now the new engine is bad. And whats extremely frustrating is that this appears to be a significant issue with the Nissan Altima, and Nissan does not want to correctly solve the problem. Instead they point fingers at the customer, and the independent repair shops, or hang their hat on the fact that were a couple thousand miles outside of the engine warranty. But the issue is certainly not the engine itself. Its bad catalytic converters destroying the engines. Realistically what I should be doing is pursuing retribution for BOTH engines. If Nissan had dealt with the catalytic converter issue in the first place many of the issues that a LOT of customers are facing now would be moot. And Im just not talking about dealing with my situation specifically. If they had honestly taken a proactive role in correcting ALL catalytic converters on the appropriate vehicles, there wouldnt be so many customers looking for new engines now! I certainly dont want to be stuck with an unusable car after spending over $8000 to have it put in excellent shape (new brakes, clutch, tires, windshield, battery, and engine!) for my 17 year old son to drive because Nissan is hiding behind a warranty. Worse yet they are hiding a significant issue thats affecting many Altima owners! This isnt a warranty issue! What I would like Nissan to do, and I truly believe to be the proper thing to do, is to replace my new second engine. I already paid for the catalytic converter so the source of the problem is presumably fixed. Im a business owner, Im savvy to the process, and I would be described as someone thats fair, and very much a believer in common sense. Common sense tells me, and it should tell Nissan, that this motor is not failing after 15,000 miles because of neglect. Its failing because of a secondary bad component that has been a known issue with Nissan and the auto industry for 7 years! Just talking to Bill Dawson, I know that these 2001, 2, & 3 Nissan Altimas are passed up at the auctions just knowing the history. Common sense tells me that to ignore this situation, and not bend over backwards with the customer, is not the appropriate way of doing business. And it is certainly not the appropriate way to promote a positive customer experience. And it certainly isnt good customer service to tell me I can only speak to one person who is purely the bearer of bad news, and definitely not a decision maker! To have someone dictate a bad business decision, and then be allowed to hide behind a regional representative, is disgraceful. Attached are just a couple of the comments easily found on the internet to support this issue. And please know that this is just a very tiny sampling of the complaints that we found. Bottom line is the right thing for Nissan to do is replace my SECOND very new engine! Id appreciate feedback as soon as possible. We only have two cars now with the Altima out of commission, and with two working parents and a son working two jobs, the transportation manipulation is nearly impossible.
Reviewed July 2, 2008
in march 2003 i purchased a 2002 nissan altima i felt very confident when i bought the car. no problems wit hthe car till june of 2006 first problem i had to get the head gasket replaced this cost me $800 dollars never did find out what the problem was or what caused the head gasket to blow. august 06 car starts to burn oil a littlew at first then it got real bad had to put bout 5 to ten quarts in a car a week. it costs about 20 week for oil in the car. decemebr 06 converter stopped up cost $500 dollars next problem have to replace spark plugs all the time cost $10 dollars per plug. next problem june 07 converter stopped up again had to get repalced next problem january 08 car would not start cost $120 to get it fixed after that got recalls in thge mail bout car cutting off while driving it did it once so i took it to the nissan palce to get it reporammed had to also pay $100 fo them to repalce plugs again! jul;y 08 car wont currently start and was toed today to get running!!!
Reviewed July 1, 2008
I'm an owner of a Nissan Altima 2005 2.5 sl. Last week I got a letter last week 6/21/2008, informing me that my car has been recalled because the engine can cut off while it is running and could result in accident or death. Imagine this letter coming from the manufacurer of a defective product that is capable of causing death and yet they did not inform me as soon as they found that out. From what I have found out, this problem was found out at least SIX months ago by Nissan and they did not inform every Nissan Altima 2.5 (2005-2007 & also 2002 Altima) owner at once, instead they choose to send letters slowly to individuals. Not only is this irressiponsible, but it must be criminal to knowingly avoid informing those at risk while using their product. How about other motorists that get expossed to the risks of such vehicles that have engines that can cut off any time infront of them and get them involved into accidents? Don't they have a right to be safe from such an accident waiting to happen? Why on earth does my car have to pass a safety inspections such as head lights and tail lights, whereas the manufacture denies me the knowledge that their car's engine can cut off while I'm on the road and could result in causing deaths to me and or other motorists ? Who would be liable if such an accident happened ? What about those like Barbara that got riped off before Nissan Auto Maker admitted to their errors ? I need your support in persuing this issue so that a law is passed which will oblige any car manufacture to inform not only the owners of those cars recalled, but also to make a public notice to every motorist (through the public media and State Motor Devision Centers) of the dangers their product posses to them as they drive along the road meeting their defective vehicles that can cause deaths any time. Infact, once a car is recalled because of a multfunction that is severe enough to cause death to anyone, then, the state motor devision should not allow such a vehicle on the road at all. And any delay or failure of the manufacturer to inform the public should be met with a heavy penalt for endangering the public. And any costs to fix those problems must be paid by the manufacture.
Reviewed June 30, 2008
July 30, 2008 - As I was driving my car on July 27, 2008 around 5:30 pm, my car all of a sudden shut off on me WHILE driving. My power steering and brakes locked up on me and I could have been badly injured in a collison. I was told that my CAM SENSOR PO340 & CRANKSHAFT SENSOR PO335 are defected. A mechanic also told me there's a recall on those parts per NHTSA, but when I called the dealership & NISSAN, they claimed there was no such recall. I fear driving my car for my safety along with others on the road. I don't know what else to do. Nissan refuses to fix it. Why is there a recall per NHTSA but Nissan refuses to fix the matter. They said it's not on my VIN. I don't understand why it's not covered with my VIN number if the problem still exists!!!! I am OUTRAGED!!
MY SAFETY!!!
Reviewed June 30, 2008
I purchased a 2006 Nissan Altma (2.5S) from Jones Nissan on December 05, 2005. Within the first year of purchasing the car I had the car towed to Jones Nissan because it would not crank. According to Jones Nissan there was nothing wrong with the car and it was given back to me. The car has stalled on me several times afterwards, and has stopped while I was driving it on the highway with no warning several times. I made several complaints to Jones Nissan and I have also filed a complaint with BBB Auto Line. The engine burns a lot of oil and taps and the crank sensor needs to be replaced. I contacted the headquarter office for Nissan and once again I was given the run around even though the car had less than 55,000 miles and is still covered under warranty.
Reviewed June 27, 2008
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5L. Car is still under warranty. The car's computer needs to be reprogrammed because of a high idle condition. There is a technical service bulletin put out by Nissan. The other problem is I am stationed in Germany and the Nissan dealership here is telling me I need to get updated software for them so they can reprogram my computer. Dealership I bought car from in the states says they cannot get me this software. I thought Nissan is a Nissan.
Reviewed June 26, 2008
My car is involved in a Nissan recall/reimbursement campaign for defected sensors and defected EMC in the engine. I found this information out via a television informational after I had paid $1800.00 to have the car repaired. I filed a claim with Nissan North America in March 2008. Since then, I've gotten nothing except a run-around. Customer Service told me that my reimbursement went from the $1800 to $500.00. When I called today to get the status of my claim, which is supposedly being processed for authority to issue payment, I was told my payment is $88.00.
As a consequence, I have gone through quite a lot of pain and suffering as well as tension and aggrivation in dealing with Customer Service at Nissan about this issue. I'm seemingly out of $1800.00 and am being avoided by the person who is handling my claim, Jefferson Cruz. Please advise as to how I can remedy this dilemma. Respectfully, Barbara
Reviewed June 15, 2008
My Nissan Altima Hybrid went in for routine service along with needed repair for a few problems I experienced with the hybrid system. WELL, to make a long story short that was 29 days ago and the car is still in the dealership unfixed although they may be getting closer to a fix...hah. The dealership is Garden City Nissan and I cant put the blame on them because its beyond their ability to fix, I put the blame on Nissan Corporation for manufacturing this car with the defect it has. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get anywhere with the regional specialist that the Nissan Corporation has assigned to investigate my case. The latest info is that last week Nissan flew one of their top Engineers from Japan to repair the car and he is in the process of repairing the car...still. The dealership, Garden City Nissan, has rented me a car from Enterprise which is at Nissan's expense. Well the rental is the only positive thing.
Reviewed June 4, 2008
My car is consuming oil and having engine noise.The noise is associated with, what eventually became, and extreme engine consumption problem.
Reviewed June 3, 2008
I bought my car from Nissan in 2004. They sold me expended warranty and told me that it would be good for 72 months or 100K miles which ever came first from date of purchase. Both of the contracts state start date of 4/11/2004. I went to get my car fixed for the first time in March and they told me my warranty had expired. I provided them copies of the warranty but they still refused to cover the cost of the repair. I called Nissan consumer affairs and they created a file for me. Its been 2 months and they have not provided me any updates besides to say that they are looking at it. I have called them multiple times and have asked for supervisor to call me but no one responds. They have hung up on me and put me on hold for long times because they would not allow me to talk to the supervisor.
Reviewed May 20, 2008
I bought a 2008 Nissan Altima about a month and a half ago. Last week on May 12, 2008 my husband was gonna wash the car and as he put the car on our front lawn he noticed that the front tire on the driver side was bald and that the threads were showing. So on Tueday the 13 I had him take it to the Nissan dealership here in Oxnard, they had my husband take the car to Thousand Oaks, CA to where the person did the tires and Rims,
They put the car up and checked it out to see what caused it and they noticed that it had a bent strut and that the rims was bent also, so they went ahead and put a replacement tire on by the way it is much smaller then the rest of my tires. They said the we neede to take it back to Nissan so they can fix it before he can replace the tires he said it is a severe problem. So we made the appointment for Thursday the 15, I took the car in and the gentleman went ahead and did the paperwork where it said there would be no charge, than about 2 hrs later a gentleman calls me from the service department and he tells me that are not gonna fix my car because it was not something done by Nissan and it had to of been done by me and that there is no warranty, and why did we take it 3000. miles later.
Reviewed May 19, 2008
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 with 87,000 miles. Reecently the check engine light came on and I took it to the dealer. Service dept told me it had an error code of P0420 (cataylist under threshold, and needed a new pre-catalylist (L-Bank) at a cost of $900.00. I researched this error code online and found 100's of other people with this same problem. Since I have over 80,000 miles the warranty is expired on emmissions. Now that I see others have this same problem, I think Nissan is installing cheap parts which fail. I contacted Nissan and was told they would do nothing since it is out of warranty. However, the service guy told my they know this is an issue. The emissions should last well over 100,000 miles. I had a Honda Accord with over 250K miles and NEVER had any problems other than basic service. So, I know people want to get a class action law suit started for this issue based on what I have read on other web sites.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
I purchased my brand new 2003 Nissan Altima in May of '03 and should've known I was making a mistake when I found out it only had a 36k mile warranty on it. My vehicle had over 4 recalls on it and it was just a matter of time before something major happened. In Aug.'07 my check engine light came on and my vehicle started to sputter. I immediately called the dealer and took it in for service the next day. I was told I needed a new head gasket and radiator but was out of warranty. My car only had 62k miles on it. I was quoted $1600 for parts & repair. Nissan Corp. offered to cover the parts as goodwill but I was responsible for labor. I still ended up paying $1600 and had to get a new radiator as well! It is now May '08 and I have the exact same problem! I am told I need a new engine and radiator(again!)& it will cost over $4500! My car has a little over 75k and Nissan refuses to stand behind their parts or their work. I am a student, single parent, and work parttime and obviously can't afford to pay for Nissans mistake! I will never purchase another Nissan product again.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
I still ended up paying $1600 and had to get a new radiator as well! It is now May '08 and I have the exact same problem! I am told I need a new engine and radiator (again!) & it will cost over $4500! My car has a little over 75k and Nissan refuses to stand behind their parts or their work. I am a student, single parent, and work part time and obviously can't afford to pay for Nissans mistake! I will never purchase another Nissan product again. I am still paying off the $1600 I had to put on my credit card for the last repair. I need my vehicle for work purposes. I can not afford to lose my job. If I am forced to pay for this new set of repairs I will be bankrupt because I simply do not have it.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
Nissan has a recall on 2002 Nissan Altima's. The recall # is NTB03-070c So, Nissan fixes the issue with the Catalytic Converter and the Exhaust Manifold on January of 2007. This part went bad again after they replaced it and now they don't want to replace it. and this is the 3rd time the Catalytic Converter has gone bad in the past 2 years. They told me that once they replace the part, they no longer are responsible for it. The engine is causing the cat to go bad, (per their recall) and they don't want to replace either part. There is definitly increase oil consumption and the oil goes low really fast. I took it to Mossy Nissan and they gave me a $4800 estimate as it also needs a new engine. This recall even says that engine damage may occur. I am going to pursue this further as I believe that I am entitled to a new engine and a new Catalytic convertor. This is the recall - 2002-2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, 2002-2004 SENTRA; VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN ENGINE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN AND PRE-CATALYST Nissan has determined that some 2002-2003 model year Altima and 2002-2004 model year Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine have defects that relate to motor vehicle safety. For 2002-2003 model year Altimas, there is a possibility that the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the catalytic converter and cause a fire. In addition, 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.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
I have been battling with Nissan for 3 years now. I had been living with a vehicle with a leak causing it to reek very heavily of mildew. They replace the carpetin in the entire car twice,ozone treatments 3 times, and 2 leak repairs. The leak was never obvious nor was any moisture in the car found.
I
Reviewed April 30, 2008
The check engine light came on so I took my 2002 Nissan Altima to the dealership. The vechicle was extremely sluggish and shaked upon stopping. They advised that a sensor needed to be replaced and eventually I would need a new catalytic converter. My vechicle had approximately 104K miles. I had the recall repaired and the sensor replaced in which I was charged $565 and paid for at the time of service 2/22/08. The checked engine light came on approx. 1-2 weeks after and the car continued to run sluggish. I brought the vechicle back to the above mentioned dealership were the intial repairs were done and they stated that I needed a new catalytic converter and that was causing the car to run sluggish. I had them repair the vechicle again on 3/18/08 and paid $885 for the catalytic converter. After picking up my car and driving it for a week it was running worse then before. I brought the vechicle back to the dealership and they stated that I needed to pay for a new motor! Joe from OC nissan told me that they would cover the cost of the motor even if the motor no longer had a warranty as a courtesy and I was responsible for $1,776 for the labor. I contacted the manufactor and they have not been helpful with this matter. I was told that I can get a discount if I want to buy a new Nissan.
Nissan Altima Company Information
- Company Name:
- Nissan Altima
- Website:
- www.nissanusa.com
