Feedburner Receive our consumer tips & recalls newsletter by e-mail
[X]
Feedburner count

Nissan of America - 2009 Nissan Sentra Blows-Up at only 64K Miles - Claim DENIED

Complaint
Review by adam933 on 2012-10-02
Rating: StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty Star
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE -- I purchased a pre-owned 2009 Nissan Sentra from a dealership that only had 40K miles on it. At 64K miles, the 3rd cylinder blew from an undetermined cause. Dealership said it required a new engine ($5,500 + Labor). Warranty on engine is 60K (yes, I was only 4K over the warranty). Dealer referred me to Nissan USA consumer affairs, where I opened a claim. Claims basically ignored me. After calling twice a day and leaving messages for "RHonda," the Regional Manager, I was finally called back and said my claim was denied. Really? Only 4K over and they wouldn't help whatsoever?

I want the world to know how horrible Nissan's Consumer Affairs department is; how terrible their products are (blowing a cylinder at 64K miles), and that everyone should be aware that if you get into a tight spot, and bought a Nissan, too-bad, so-sad.
Comments:
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-10-02:
Are there maintenance records that show a complete service history of the car? It's hard to know how the engine was treated (eg was the oil ever run low, was it overheated?). Have you found where there is a history of this problem with other vehicles having the same engine?

I can see Nissan stepping up to the plate to cover a car with no warranty (4K over is expired) only as a rare exception, unless there is a known issue that has affected others.
Posted by FoDaddy19 on 2012-10-02:
I think it would've been nice of them to maybe meet you halfway or something, but since the warranty has expired, they are under no obligation to do anything for you. I'd be curious to find out what caused the problem. Having a piston fail is very rare.
Posted by BigAl on 2012-10-02:
Automobile manufacturers might have a little more empathy for the original owner.
Posted by Vinnie11 on 2012-10-03:
That's a lot of miles in a short period of time, you're a second owner, and it's out of warranty. I can see where they may be hesitant to extend themselves. You cannot vouch for how the original owner drove or maintained the vehicle. I do not think it is typical of Nissan's in general though. We just got rid of a '97 with over 270,000 miles and it was still going strong.
Posted by CrazyRedHead on 2012-10-03:
Are you sure it was bought with 40,000 miles on it and not 140 or 240 thousand miles? Are you sure that the odometer hasn't flipped over? I have a 01 van with 165,000 miles on it.
Posted by Slimjim on 2012-10-03:
Crazy, it's an 09 and considering the poster bought it with 24k less miles on it, meaning the purchase had to be likely a year ago or more, it's pretty safe to say the mileage stated isn't in error.
Posted by CowboyFan on 2012-10-03:
trmn8 is right. The OP has no knowledge whether the vehicle was hot-rodded by the original owner, properly cared for, ran low on oil, or any number of other things that could affect the engine - maybe that's why that person wanted to sell it, because they knew the car was abused.

I saw a 1969 Chevrolet Camara on sale at a dealer years ago, that only had 3,500 miles on it - but it been driven a quarter mile at a time--drag racing.

Your Name:
(displayed with your comment)

Your Experience/Advice:


Note: All comments are reviewed by a moderator before being published. Please be sure to read our guidelines before commenting.
Nissan:
Overall Rating:StarHalf starEmpty starEmpty star