Why is it that some owners seem to have anything and everything go wrong with their 2k2's while others have no problems whatsoever.. aside from the TSB's?

Any ideas?

 

modding? my stock 2k2 is fine (knock on wood) except for the system i put in.

 

or maybe the problematic 2k2s were the ones that were produced early in august, september and oct and by the time the ones were produced in january and february many of the problems were resloved.

 

You made a good point! I had a 2K2 6 speed that I bought in Nov 01, one of the first ones to hit the lot, and had alot of problems with it. My check engine light came on 4 times in the first 6 months. Once leaving me stranded, and I had to get towed(Bad MAF). keep in mind I had no engine mods. I was so mad that I traded in my 2K2 for a 2K SE 5 speed with leather and Bose, and have had no problems at all. My experience is that the 3.0 seems to be more reliable, I had a 96 Max with the 3.0, and put over 100,000 miles on it and never has a SES light come on. Or maby I just had one of those 2K2's made on a Friday afternoon!

John

 

The 2002's were so extensively updated from the 00-01's that you technically have to consider them "first year" cars, which are more prone to having problems. I guess later 2002's were better, as are the 2003's.

This is why I don't like buying "first year" cars. It's not until the next year when they finally get all of the bugs worked out.

 

My 2K2 was made in 10/2001 and I have over 25,000 miles on it now. I have had no problems other than some TSB's.
Hood vibration
Brake judder
Replaced HU (left side cutting out; skipping when cold)not a TSB
clutch squeeling when taking off( going in for this next week)

and one recall:
Transverse link

These were, for the most part, known to Nissan and once they were corrected, they have been fine since. I have not had any MAF issues as of yet. The engine has been solid, in my opinion.
But then again, anything is better than the Dodge I was driving before my Max.

 

I agree with this. My 02 has a built date of 1/02 and the only problems i have are the TSBs. Knock on wood!

 

John you had a lemon. My 2K2 was purchased in Nov 01, the first 6 speed to hit the lot, no problems except the recalls. Granted i only have 6800 miles, but none the less no problems. As far as the 3.0 being more reliable? nah i dont think so

 

I got mine in 05/02 it was made in 02/02. 1 SES for a bad EGR sensor in the fuel filler, 1/2hr fix at dealer. No other problems with current TSB's and the 2 recalls did't apply to my vin.
The only thing that has ****ed me off is the damage to the paint from the sunroof wind deflector. I had that buffed mostly out this weekend it's fine in the center of the roof but can still be seen on the sides it's nowhere near as bad as it was.

 

I agree with you guys. My car has 30k and is mostly good. The issues that I have are the same as everyone elses, minor.

The only thing that concerns me is the 3rd gear crunch problem. I can drive for 3 or 4 hours with no problem and then it will do it for a while. Has anybody gotten this fixed? Gotta believe that I'm shortening the life of some metal parts when it happens.

 

I would say there are basically 2 major causes of this.

1) First year/early production = bugs. As you move through the production phase, 2002s built later in the year seem to be more reliable, and the 2003s are even more reliable.

2) Engine mods. This is not just for 2002 probs, but in general. This is one of the reasons that I'm hesitant about doing any serious mods. Even if you're careful and do the installation as required, the car has so many electronics, monitors, computers, etc in it, that it's a very fine balance to work with. Once you start doing upgrades, it's really hard to tell whether something was a result of poor production or because of the new mod.

 

Here is your answer: "The new Maxima will be built for the first time at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant."

Edit: My mistake this is not true.

 

Are you for real with this post? I hope not, but just in case, let me be the one to enlighten you--

This thread is about 2002 Maximas, which were not made in the U.S. 2004 models will be made in the Tennesse plant.

Now, as far as your ignorant assumption that US build means poor reliability. . . that's a bunch of B.S. The most reliable cars on the road are Camrys and Accords, and they are mass produced in, you guessed it, USA!

Research before you post so you don't embarass yourself.

 

You are right and that is my mistake. Did I embarrass myself? FU(K NO! By the way it is spelled "embarrass"

Funny you say that, the quality of both Toyota and Honda has declined since being built in the USA according to many.

ABSOLUTELY! American cars are generally poor in both quality and reliability when compared to others.

By the way, your attack on me was WAY out of line.

 

You know I don't think he was knocking the USA, just stating a fact that he thought was true. I'm sure we could get into a good debate on the board about the quality of American made cars but quite honestly I wouldnt buy a new american car. I've seen too many friends do this and watch the car slowly but surely absolutely break apart.. and not cheap cars at that either.