2002 Nissan Altima

Introduction:

The 2002 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan renowned for its reliability and performance. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (175 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque)
• 3.5L V6 engine (240 horsepower, 246 lb-ft of torque)
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• 5-speed manual transmission (available on 2.5L engine only)

Engine

2.5L 4-cylinder Engine

• Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption due to worn piston rings or valve seals. Symptoms include low oil levels and visible smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace piston rings or valve seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Timing Chain Noise: Rattling or ticking sounds from the engine due to a stretched or worn timing chain. Solution: Replace the timing chain and tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,200+

3.5L V6 Engine

• Valve Body Failure: Malfunctioning valve body in the transmission, leading to erratic shifting and gear slipping. Solution: Replace the valve body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder: Vibrations during acceleration due to a faulty torque converter. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Gear Grinding: Difficulty shifting gears or grinding noises due to worn synchronizers or shifting forks. Solution: Replace worn components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Suspension

• Strut Wear: Worn front struts leading to reduced handling and stability, causing a bouncy or uneven ride. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ per pair
• Control Arm Bushings: Worn bushings in the control arms, resulting in clunking noises and vibrations. Solution: Replace the bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Malfunctioning alternator, causing electrical system issues such as dimming lights or battery drain. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Power Window Failure: Inoperative power windows due to faulty switches or motors. Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the affected components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: Malfunctioning door lock actuators, causing difficulty locking or unlocking the doors. Solution: Replace the faulty actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction: Inconsistent or erratic climate control operation due to faulty sensors or actuators. Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the affected components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary:

Overall, the 2002 Nissan Altima is a generally reliable vehicle. However, some issues to be aware of include oil consumption, timing chain noise, transmission valve body failures, and suspension wear. The severity of these issues can vary, and repair costs can range from moderate to high.