Hi,

I was just wondering whether there is a list of COMMON PROBLEMS regarding our 3rd gen. cars? The things that I have experienced (and resolved) to date are:

Sept. 2000 @ 68k miles - replaced right ball joint
April 2001 @ 75k miles - replaced left ball joint
Sept. 2001 @ 77k miles - replaced front pipe and hanger
April 2002 @ 79k miles - replaced all front/rear manifold studs
Aug. 2002 @ 80k miles - replaced MAF sensor
Jan. 2003 @ 82k miles - failed brake master cylinder (NOT YET DONE)
Jan. 2003 @ 82k miles - gas smell during warm-up (NOT YET DONE)

What else is there to expect?

 

i'll add my probs to the list:

October 2001 @ 150k miles - tranny rebuild
January 2002 @ 155k miles - replaced starter
May 2002 @ 158k miles - replaced timing belt for first time.
June 2002 @ 160k miles - ball bearings and cv joint replaced
July 2002 @ 162k miles - stock front struts went,replaced with kyb
Jan 2003 @ 182k miles - finally got hood strut replacements, not installed yet.
thats it so far, besides suspension mods and all what not.

 

and my problems ive replaced too:
-Cleaned and replaced pins in tranny
-replaced 2 clutches
-replaced both axles
-replaced tie rod
-replaced wheel bearing
-replaced antenna
-replaced battery
-grounded VTC
-replaced headlights and need new wiring harness too!
-replaced struts too.
-replacing y-pipe
-replacing exhaust studs
-probably more but thats all i can think of!

 

>>May 2002 @ 158k miles - replaced timing belt for first time. <<

Man! I had the timing belt done back in April 1999 @ 57k miles. I am surprised that your belt lasted that long without engine problems.

Anyway, the reason I made my problem list is I am curious from expert owners on this board what else is 'common' so that I could anticipate & prepare for the problem (cost-wise and preventive measures). My list didn't go back all the way to 1991 since only in the past 3 years have the problems become more frequent. I realized that when I ran into a problem I browse this board and notice that a number of guys have already gone through or are experiencing the same (or similar) problem.

 

I dont have a timing belt, i have a timing chain !

 

yeah I didn't change the original belt until 120k(bought the car @109k) and that was only because at that time when I first got it I thought it had a timing chain, thus no changing. but does this mean the 60k changeover is just a typical manufacturer's myth?? *knocks on wood*

 

I bought my car with 198,000 on it from a junk yard. Luckly the old owners name and address was in the glove box. The timing belt was changed at 60 and 120. I changed it soon after I bought it. If it is myth I don't want to be the one to prove it, I don't need to be buyin a new engian.

list of problems.

both axles
altinator
power steering belt idler pully
window regulator (fixed not replaced)
sun roof pasenger door lock still not fixed
water pump & timing belt
speedometer stopped
power antina
rear driver side seat belt
rust hole in trunk cause of broken seatbelt
radio head unit stuck tape and not fuctioning properly
blown amps
seat back broke
dents in hood and fenders from falling tree

not Bad for a car from a junk yard. It now has 209,000 on it and the speedo was broken all summer. car looks great except for minor rust.

 

113000 miles
replaced time belt and water pump at around 70k
again water pump replaced
both lower ball joints
two axles
right strut due to accident
3 windows regulators
battery (replaced two times)

 

220,000 miles
2 timing belts
1 water pump
cv joints replaced and rebuilt transmission
window regulator
broken speedometer gauge and sensor
new paint job and hood and grill and lights (due to hitting a deer )
battery(twice)
starter(punk *** auto zone starters!)
tie rod
heater core

 

I have an 89 SE with 145,000 miles. I've only owned it for about six months but I'll list the problems within the last 2 years.



6/01: right front axle
8/01: ball joints
8/01: cat- back exhaust
11/01: clutch
2/02: tie-rod
4/02: alternator
8?02: rear brake pads
11/02: radiator hoses replaced

Since I've owned it
1/03: transmission fluid changed
1/03: timing belt
3/03: clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel machined
3/03: power steering pump and hydraulic hose
4/03: fuel filter, PCV valve and spark plugs
5/03: body work (filling in the damn rust holes)
6/03: charge AC
7/03: entire exhaust system and exhaust studs
7/03: front brakes and brembo rotors

Suspension is next if i can find some cheap replacements

 

-New hub bearing
-New Power steering pressure hose
-New Master Cylinder
-New struts (not yet)
-New control arm (not yet)

 

- Replaced water pump and timing belt.
- Replaced passenger's side, outer tie rod.
- Replaced falty thermostat
- Replaced distributor cap and rotor.
(twice, but not due to failure. It is something that I do every 2 years)
- Replaced spark plug wires.

 

cough cough


GENERAL MAINTENANCE!

 

With what and where did you charge your AC at? If R12 is still 'leagal' in your state, is California the only state that R12 is not used in AC systems or am I missing something?

 

You got me!

 

where did u find the hood struts? i need some too.

 

i know this isn't about the topic so it's OT but someone please give me some input
i have a 93 maxima GXE(auto), i want to change the trans to a 5 speed and swap the VG30E to the VG30DE(190hp!!)
what would the prices be for that major mod and would it be a biatch on time to put that...cuz that's all i really want a 5 speed(drools...)

 

it's called trading in.... of getting a different car.. search and see.
back on topic-2 starters (112k &151k)
-rebuilt tranny (including hard parts)142k
-now replacing alternator #2(1st @110-115k)
things to fix
-sticky window rear pass.
-replace manifold studs (wicked ugly sounds)
-rear brake time again
currently @155k mi

 

well back on topic
-replaced alternator-don't know how many miles because speedometer stopped working at 93,000 miles
-fixed air conditioner
-power steering pump, and power steering hose
-replaced radiator...right now i think i'm at 96 or 98 thousand miles but hey..need to fix the speedometer.