Nissan Repair: Nissan Murano 03 Fuel Injection CATASTROPHE, nissan murano, nissan dealer

Question
Morning!

I have a long and sad story about my 2003 Murano. I bought it last year from the previous (and only) owner. The car ran perfect until about 2 months ago, when the car started misfiring. 2 weeks prior to that, the check engine light came on and stayed on; my mechanic said the error code indicated a leak in a HCV Valve/Oxygen sensor (I dont remember exactly what valve he said). He was able to get rid of the service engine soon light, and he told me to return if it came back on. Then, on the way to work one day, I got a jerking from the engine block, and the check engine valve went from steady to flashing. I havent driven the car since.

I took it back to my mechanic, and he gave me the first dose of what would eventually become a barrage of bad news about my vehicle. He said that my #5 fuel injector cylinder was stuck open, and that I would need to take it to a place that can clean my system out to remove any carbon deposits that could be obstructing the valve. he didnt have the equipment to do it on site.

I took it to Chapman Nissan (dealer) (I'm in Philadelphia) and after doing their own diagnostic, they concurred with my mechanic, but claimed that it was ELECTRONICALLY stuck open (computer error) instead of MECHANICALLY (caused by carbon deposits). They suggested that I replace the fuel injection on the same side as my #5 (i.e. #'s 1, 3 and 5) for about $900. I agreed.

Then they called me the next day stating that, because the car had been running raw for so long, it has damaged the catalytic converter (Cat) and that this needed to be replaced also, for about $1400. Fortunately for me, the Cat has a 8 yr 80,000 mile warranty (default) and the replacement was done for free.

Nissan called me a week later and said my car was ready for pickup. they claimed their techs test drove the vehicle after repair, for approximately 3 miles. It was running perfect they said.

I swear I didnt get 100 yards from the dealer lot before I had to return it. I started the car and it was still vibrating, but I thought that I just needed to let it warm up a bit. After 3 minutes, I attempted to pull of the lot and it was still jerking, still misfiring.

Anyways, they kept it for 2 more days, and called me to tell me that they need to do extra investigation, and that they need $1800 to start the work, because they were going to have to dismantle the engine. I called Nissan Corporate and asked for assistance. Corporate got back to me and to ld me that I should authorize the initial work ($1800 to start) and that DEPENDING ON WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE IS that they would give me financial assistance on the final repair.

I lost ALL confidence in Nissan at that point. I couldnt  chance paying over $1800 to Chapman and hope they would help me out. I towed my car back to my mechanic.

I just spoke with him this morning, and he is confident that my #5 valve is bad/burnt, and in order to access it, they would have to tear the engine down. Remove head gaskets, perhaps replace/repair head, e.t.c. Estimates    $3048 for total fix. Needless to say, I'm not even worth that much money in total assets, including my own body.

My questions to you are:
(1) how often does this happen? How can it be prevented?

(2)Do I have any recourse in this situation? Should Nissan be providing MANADATORY assistance to me? Do I need a lawyer (lol)?

I just need advice, or a reality check. You guys are the experts.

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hello Henry -

Wow, what a bummer. Unfortunately these things happen every once in a while. I do not know what your local laws are (i.e lemon law), but being that the vehicle is 5 years old, I doubt that anything can be done, however, just to make sure, I would check if you have it covered under some kind of extended warranty.

I am very sorry to hear what you have gone through, and although I know this does not comfort you, it happens from time to time.

As for an attorney, never helps to ask, you might just have a case here.

Please keep me posted on how this goes for you. I will check my side to see if I can give you any advice -

Good luck and hope this helps -
aloha
calvin