My 2000 Nissan Maxima had less 24,000 miles when my mechanic recently reported it needed a new catalytic converter. He said this doesn't occur until about 80,000 miles and it was probably caused by defective material or workmanship from the manufacturer. Without this expensive repair my car will not pass the smog test. Nissan corporation refuses repair assistance because of the end of the warranty period even though the mileage is far below that covered by warranty. The only explanation is a defect in Nissan's material or workmanship that they should be responsible for.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

I own a 2000 Maxima, which I bought new. The service engine light first appeared at around 15000. I brought it in to get my car service for the 15K service at the dealership. They said everything was fine. The light was off after that. However it reappeared three weeks later. At 30K, I brought it in for service again. I light I was told is due to the O2 sensor that was very sensitive, but they assured me nothing was wrong. Again after a day or so, the light came on again. I figure this was a way for Nissan service to make some money, so I didn't think much of it. At 55K, I brought it in to the dealership again for service, they said everything was fine. Again, a few days later, the light came on again. Foolish me, I didn't think anything of it. After all I took care of the car. Recently, I have problem with the milege. I was going getting 240 mi versus 320 mi that I was normally getting.I brought it to a mechanic, and he hooked it up to his computer, and found out one of the coil was damage so he replaced it. He also told me that my service engine soon light was on all the time because the of catalytic converter. My car has 83K miles on it now. It seems like a lot but it's only 3 years old. I don't think the cc should be giving me ploblems at this stage. I check the warranty for it, and since I'm in ca it's only good for 70K/ 7years. I have spoken to Nissan customer service and explain the situation, but because the car is no longer under warranty, they told me they have no obligation to fix the problem. I really believe there is something wrong with this part. I have search the internet and fould out that many people have experience this problem also. Nissan should really look into this problem. This is my 3rd Nissan car. It's been good but I don't think I'll buy another Nissan again. It's just not relaible as it use to be.

- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA

The "service engine soon" light has come on 3 times within the last year, starting at 25,290 miles. The first 2 times, my mechanic said the scan code po 420 showed a problem with the catalytic converter and he reset the computer. The third time it came on, I took the car to the Nissan dealer, and they replaced nothing, but "reprogrammed" the computer to clear it, and charged me $147. My Maxima has only 32,013 miles and has been serviced regularly. This is a rip off.

- Fremont, CA, USA

The "service engine soon light" comes on about once a month. My automobile mechanic has turned off the light each time. He says that the catalytic converter is either weakening or their is a defect in the light. I find it alarming especially when I'm driving and I worry about it each time it comes on.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Engine check light illuminates while driving. Dealer has replaced catalytic converter. However, engine check light still illuminates.

- Hamilton Square, NJ, USA

Engine check light has come on 3 times (within 13 months of purchase) catalytic converter is the problem all 3 times.

- West Babylon, NY, USA

While driving there is a strong odor which smell such as " an open bottle of bleach" which causes the driver to feel faint or have headaches.

- Norcross, GA, USA