Hello -
Thank you for that information. There are actually a couple of recalls on your vehicle dealing with the exhaust and as they put it; ". . .certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate."
Recalls as you know should be repaired for free.
My suggestion for you. One, if you wanted, you could use the loan/tool program that AZ offers and bring the scanner home, check codes yourself. It would be interesting to see if the car has thrown codes.
Next, I have attached the recalls. I would definite contact the dealer and set this up and hopefully they pay for all of it (programming).
Also, I found some other safety recalls you can ask them about. I just did a print screen so you will see the exhaust ones there and below.
I suggest you at least ask, since you were not aware of the recall and your cats were damaged would they be willing to reimburse you some or all of that cost. The worst that can happen is they say no.
Good on CATO for letting you know the information.
NHTSA03V084000 03/01/2003 Recall 03V084000: Exhaust System Fire Hazard
DEFECT: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter engines, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst.
REMEDY: Dealers will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of poor or improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube. Also on 2002 Altima and Sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they could score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur that could result in a fire. Nissan is developing a remedy for the pre-catalyst problem. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2003. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
A second one to have them look at.
03-070C 11/17/2006 Recall - Potential Engine Compartment Fire
Another Recall to check on
05-114B 03/24/2006 Campaign - Rear Suspension Member, Bushing Replacement
Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 7:07 PM