2001 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 245 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 21 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingDec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK'S BALL JOINT BRACKET MAY BREAK FROM STRESS CONCENTRATION AT A NOTCH CREATED BY SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND THE SHAPE OF THE MATERIAL CUT-LINE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 03V511000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 03V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, moduleNov 14, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.
IF ONE OF THE RESISTORS INSIDE THE ECM HAS A CRACK ON THE SURFACE COATING, THE GAS MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE RESISTOR. THIS COULD CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO COME ON, POOR DRIVABILITY (IDLE INSTABILITY, POOR ACCELERATOR), OR THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSIDE LINING MATERIAL FROM THE ECM BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 03V477000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsDec 12, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES WERE MISSING TAMPERPROOF CAPS THAT PREVENT HORIZONTAL HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT.
THESE CAPS ARE INSTALLED TO PREVENT MISADJUSTMENT OF THE HEADLAMPS.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TAMPERPROOF CAP OVER THE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT SCREW FOR BOTH HEADLAMPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 01V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasolineNov 16, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.8 LITER ENGINE. THE ENGINE COULD STOP RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. THIS COULD ALSO RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT COMING ON OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER.
IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 01V357000 on NHTSA.gov
WheelsAug 29, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COOLING HOLES IN THE STEEL WHEEL MAY HAVE BURRS ON THEIR EDGES AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURING. THESE BURRS CAN CAUSE CRACKS AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. CRACKS CAN PROPAGATE BETWEEN ADJACENT COOLING HOLES. IF ENOUGH CRACKS DEVELOP BETWEEN THE COOLING HOLES, THE WHEEL COULD FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING HUB WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL IF CRACKS ARE DISCOVERED. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN TWO PHASES. THE FIRST MAILING BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001, ASKING OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE WHEELS. ANY WHEELS WITH CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN IN EARLY DECEMBER, AT WHICH TIME NISSAN WILL HAVE AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF REPLACEMENT WHEELS, REQUESTING OWNERS TO RETURN TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE WHEELS REPLACED. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 01V277000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armMay 23, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR MORE OF THE THREE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH EACH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE BODY ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
THE BOLTS COULD FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 01V174000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
94 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2003
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF A RECALL RELATED TO A CRANK POSITION SENSOR BUT HTE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2003
DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, WHICH CAUSED ENGINE TO CEASE TWICE WHILE DRIVING. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WHO SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. MEANWHILE, WENT TO NISSAN WEBSITE AND FOUND THE EXACT CAUSE. I THEN CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS INFORMED MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I THEN CALLED DEALER'S SVC MGR, WHO SAID HE WASN'T SURE. I TOLD HIM I SPOKE WITH THEIR CONSUMER DEPT AND THEY CONFIRMED THE CAR HAD A RECALL PROBLEM. HE CALLED BACK 2 HRS LATER AND SAID MY CAR WAS FIXED. I ASKED ABOUT THE $65 TOWING REFUND. HE SAID TO CALL NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. ALL OWNERS OF 2001 NISSAN SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE NOTIFIED OF THIS DANGER. *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2003
THE VEHICLES VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT SENSORS WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING (RECALL NUMBER 01V-357000). *MR *SCC *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, May 29, 2003
CONSUMER REQUESTING REFUND FOR CRANK POSITION SENSOR REPAIR. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED, DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING.*JB DEALERSHIP REPLACED CRANK POSITION SENSOR. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2003
WHEN A TURN WAS MADE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL IMPACTED THE CURB. WHICH RESULTED IN THE PULLEY BOLT BREAKING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2003
THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND THERE WAS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2002
WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER WHILE TRAVELING THAT SPEED AND TO GET ACROOS THE TRAFFIC SO I COULD PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO PAT PECK NISSAN IN GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI. THEY FIXED THE CAR AND SAID THAT IT WAS THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THEY SAID NO. AFTER I GOT HOME I LOOKED ON YOUR WEBSITE AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS FOR THE 2001 NISSAN SENTRA MANUFACTURED ON JANUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001. THE MANUFACTURED DATE ON MY CAR IS APRIL OF 2001. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY SAID THAT MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IF MY CAR IS IN THE MANUFACTURED DATE WHY IT DOES NOT QUALIFY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, NOT ONLY ME BUT THE OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AND SEE IF THE RECALL WAS OVERLOOKED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUS INJURED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. KEVIN CARPENTER DT
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ENGINE CUT OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING .*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2002, crash
AFTER RECALL REPAIRS FOR CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS DONEVEHICLE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM STATED IN RECALL, RESULTING IN A BAD ACCIDENT.DEALER CONTACTED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY OR CITY TRAFFIC THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. *TT *SCC
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2002
OIL FILTER REMOVAL RESULTS IN OIL DRAINING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. LOTS OF AIR POLLUTION, SMOKE AND SMELL UPON START UP. DEALERS HAVE NO REMEDY EXCEPT TO SUGGEST USE OF LOTS OF RAGS. NISSAN UNRESPONSIVE. ACCORDING TO DEALERS, THIS IS THE ONLY MODEL SO AFFECTED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2002
ENGINE QUIT WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. CAR HAD NO POWER. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. TOLD THAT CRANK POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS REPLACED AND THEN TOLD THAT VEHICLE WAS STILL NOT WORKING AND THAT THE WIRE HARNESS WAS BROKEN. THE COMPUTER AND WIRING WERE MOVING AROUND. WAITED FOR THIS PART FROM APRIL 24TH TO MAY 31ST. THIS PART WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 3RD AND WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE WOULD STILL NOT RUN. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR SINCE APRIL 22ND; PLEASE GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Wheels, May 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH ENGINE POWER.*JB CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF CONCERN FOR POTENTIAL ACCIDENT OR CRASH. *JG
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH, THE ENGINE WILL STOP WORKING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND WILL LEAVE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT VEHICLE COULD NOT BE FIXED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2002
WHEN I REPORTED THAT THE CHIRPING/SQUEAKING SOUND HAD RETURNED (AROUND THE ENGINE BELTS) TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT SHEEHY NISSAN IN ANNAPOLIS, THE SERVICE PERSON (MARY) SAID THAT, IF WE CAN'T RECREATE THE SOUND THE MECHANIC CAN'T FIX IT. I PROCEEDED TO TELL HER TO LOOK AT HER DATA BASE FOR DEC 2001, AND SHE WOULD SEE THAT IT HAS BEEN ONLY A MONTH AND THE SOUND IS BACK, BUT INTERMITENT, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER-ZEEK KNEW WHAT IT WAS AFTER THEY HAD CHANGED OUT THE (2) DEFECTIVE SENOR RECALL. SHE GOT IMPATIENT AND REPEATED THE SAME AGAIN TO ME, ABOUT RECREATING THE SOUND. NOT BEING VERY EDUCATED OR PATIENT WITH CUSTOMERS, BUT RUDE, ONLY SERVED TO UPSET ME FURTHER ABOUT THIS VEHICLE AND THE COMPLACENT ATTITUDE I WAS UP AGAINST. I THOUGHT, I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME IF ONE OF THOSE BELTS GAVE OUT. ITS MY LIFE, NOT MARY' . I ALSO TOLD HER WHEN THE BELTS MAKE THAT SOUND, THE ENGINE HESTITATES. THIS MADE NO DIFFERENCE TO THIS "SERVICE EXPERT."*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2001
APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE QUIT. ENGINE CHECK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TUSTIN NISSAN AND THEY REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I SAW A RECALL FOR 2000 SENTRA'S BUT NOT 2001.*AK