I have 68,000 miles on my 2000 Maxima and took my car in for servicing due to a check engine light turning on. After initially updating my ECU, the dealer finally concluded that the catalytic converter (California spec) was faulty and needed replacing. The total cost was $1,100. I said I'd return. I checked in my warranty manual and found a passage under page 9 that the cat and ECU was covered under a 8yr/80,000 emissions warranty. I told this to the dealer and he said that Nissan only warranties the cat for 5yrs/50,000 miles. I next called Nissan1 and after multiple talks with the representative (it seemed she looking for any exuse to disagree with me) she ultimately said that the warranty was for 5yrs/50,000 miles. I'm pretty sure I'm right and would like to know if anyone else had this prob and how they dealt with it. 1,100 thanks in advance.

 

Tell them you are contacting the two agencies listed in the Nissan warranty booklet for both the California and the Federal Emissions warranty. Also drop the hint that an atty could be contacted as well. If they persist in telling you this, tell them they are in violation of Federal warranty regulations.

 

Eh, it seems like they are trying to screw you but if you don't want to go through a ton of trouble just get an aftermarket catalytic converter for like <200$.. I honestly can't understand why the dealer marks them up so much.

 

159$ Random Technology

 

RT cats supposedly suck, they clog and fall apart very fast.

 

That only applies to California Residents, you live in NJ.

 

DOH

 

Emissions systems warranties are mandated by the Federal Government and are in addition to any Nissan warranty. Per Federal regulation, three-way catalytic converters are covered for 8 years/80k miles, regardless of California spec or not. What the Nissan rep told you was wrong. This is from section 207 of the Clean Air Act:
(2) Specified major emission control components.- In
the case of a specified major emission control component,
the warranty period for new light-duty trucks and new
light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured in the model
year 1995 and thereafter for purposes of subsection (a)(1)
and subsection (b) shall be 8 years or 80,000 miles of use
(whichever first occurs). As used in this paragraph, the
term `specified major emission control component' means
only a catalytic converter, an electronic emissions
control unit, and an onboard emissions diagnostic device,
except that the Administrator may designate any other
pollution control device or component as a specified major
emission control component...
See where it says 80,000.

 

Thanks Jack,

I intend on calling back the service rep at Nissan 1 and demand to talk to her supervisor and point out the Clean Air Act that you specified. Wish me luck. At the same time I'm writing to both Cali and Fed emissions agencies and see where I get.