CarComplaints.com Notes: Here's a disturbing trend for the 2002 Nissan Altima: the engine starts burning oil like crazy, the catalytic converter goes bad, the head gasket blows and eventually the entire engine needs replacement. Sound familiar? Like a script from a horror film, these Altimas seem doomed to fail around 95k miles.
7.5
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
82,800 miles
Total Complaints:
26 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (25 reports)
replaced the heater coil behind the dashboard. works fine (1 reports)
2002 Nissan Altima Heater - I bought my 2002 Nissan 3 years ago and I have had it, I am tired of freezing in the winter, no heat unless going at least 25 mph. Does not heat at all when idle.
Such a waste of money! WHY NO RECALL???????
In Winter of 2007, the heat only worked when I was above a certain speed. It worked on the freeway, but not driving through town. This year, It wont work at all. I haven't taken it in because of fear that it is going to cost a fortune but I just can't go all winter without heat! Any info anyone has would be much appreciated.
Last year the heater started acting up: only working when I was going over a certain speed. I never took the time to determine exactly when it would work but generally, it worked on the freeway, but not driving through town. This winter, it won't work at all. I have an infant and a toddler and can't go through winter without heat. I haven't taken the car in because I just can't afford a repair. We are close to losing our house and I'm 2 months behind in my car payments. I'm considering getting rid of this car right now and getting an old Subaru or something. If anyone has experience with this problem and knows what it would take to fix it, I'd love to know about it. My husband may be able to do a repair if he knows exactly what needs to be done. I'd also like to know what a repair shop would charge if you have that info. Thanks!
No heat (except occasionally while accelerating; non-existent when idling or at a red light).
Even when the heating/cooling know is turned fully to red the heater only blows warm when accelerating constantly. While idling or at a red light it immediately starts blowing cold air.
I'm just now addressing this problem that occurred a month or so ago. But before I get into to repair ordeal I wish to gain some knowledge from others who have already gone through this. I wish not to wreak havoc on my bank account by playing trial-and-error with the mechanic... Anytime my Nissan is not driving or not surpassing 3000 RPMs, the heater just blows out cold air. Not a good situation for a winter in Buffalo, NY.
Since I bought the car in 2003, I've had nothing but problems. I didn't care because
I trusted Nissan and I was under warranty. I've had radiator's repaired had it flushed. I even had one catalytic converter repaired. The heat has never worked properly, NEVER. Now the killer is that in June of 2007. They told me my engine sucked up my catalytic converter and it would 5,000.00 to fix. I think this is some kind of scam Nissan is running, because I am the 20th person i've heard this happening too, "Remember the Headlights scam" a couple of years ago, Nissan had to pay dearly for that one. In any case Nissan has been less than cooperative in resolving the issue. Next step class action suit and media attenion. If I get enough people to jump on board, I'll get this story out. I promise I will. So if you have the same problems with Nissan, the problem being Engine replacing, please get in contact wtih me and I will add your name to the list. It might not happen over night but I am going to pursue it and Never, NEVER, EVER buy another Nissan again. I don't know if one thing had anything to do with the other all I can say is this to you Nissan owners, if you are having any problem with your car, heat, gaskets or other... I believe all roads lead to a new engine when it comes to Nissan. Send me your E-mails
- liahe,
Brooklyn, NY, US
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In current sub-zero temperatures the car heater does not throw out the hot air!! Fortunately due to short commute to work I have managed thus far. Local auto mechanic thinks the thread that controls the lever governing hot/cold air are worn and the problem can be fixed only by the dealer. I have not gotten the quote from the dealer yet but am afraid may run in hundreds. Any help will be appreciated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
In Winter of 2007, the heat only worked when I was above a certain speed. It worked on the freeway, but not driving through town. This year, It wont work at all. I haven't taken it in because of fear that it is going to cost a fortune but I just can't go all winter without heat! Any info anyone has would be much appreciated.
- Jamie C., Ashland, OR, US