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
245 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2008
ON A WAY HOME FROM A LONG TRIP (160 MILES EACH WAY), MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING ON A HIGHWAY. IT STARTED AGAIN AND RAN FOR ANOTHER 30 MILES OR SO AND COMPLETELY STOPPED RUNNING AND DID NOT RESTART. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NEARBY GARAGE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO REQUIRE A NEW CAM POSITION SENSOR. I WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. MY FAMILY HAD TO DRIVE 200 MILES TO GET ME HOME. RECENTLY, "SERVICE ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DURING TWO LONG TRIPS, BUT THE LIGHT WENT AWAY AFTER REPLACING OR TIGHTENING THE GAS CAP. AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT, NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE DEALERSHIP (HIGH POINT) CALLED LATER AND SAID THAT "THE GOOD NEWS" WAS THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THREE RECALLED PARTS, TWO OF WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I DROVE 200 MILES TO GET IT HOME. I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL UNTIL THIS INCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS STARTED BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AS A USED CAR ON FEB. 29, 2004. SHOULD THIS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED BEFORE THE PURCHASE, OR SHOULD WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THERE WERE MUCH EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH TOWING, EXTRA ENGINE CHECK AS WELL AS PERSONAL TIME SPENT ON DRIVING BACK AND FORTH. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS IN VIOLATION OF A LAW. I RECENTLY SPOKE WITH A FRIEND WHO OWNS A SAME MODEL CAR. THEIR DEALERSHIP (SERVICE DEPARTMENT, MIGHT BE UNDER THE SAME OWNERSHIP) TOLD THEM THAT THEIR CAR WOULD NEED SOME SENSORS WHICH MAY SOMETIMES CAUSE THEIR "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. YET NO INFORMATION OF RECALL OR POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THEM. THIS MAKES ME WONDER IF SOME DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT ONLY NEGLECTING RECALL CAMPAIGN BUT ALSO INTENTIONALLY AVOIDING THE RECALL REPAIR. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 17, 2008
LEFT REAR SEAT BELT TENSIONER DOES NOT WORK. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 21, 2008
THE LEFT-REAR SEAT BELT HAS MALFUNCTIONED IN THE "TIGHT" POSITION AND IS NOT USABLE. IT WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE TENSION CONTROL DEVICE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2008
2001 NISSAN SENTRA. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING. RECALL FOR THE CRANK AND CAM SENSORS. DEALER DENIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *KB NISSAN INFORMED THE LAWYER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RECALL# 01V357000 (LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF CLIENT).*JB
Equipment, Dec 22, 2007
MY 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER WAS PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO. A BOSE 6-CD PLAYER CAME INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE 6-CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING, AND DISPLAYS AN ERROR MESSAGE, "ERR 2". MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED WITH THE NISSAN DEALER (SERVICE DEPARTMENT) IN BUENA PARK CALIFORNIA ON DECEMBER 21, AT 6:40PM. I WAS INFORMED THAT I COULD PURCHASE A NEW CD PLAYER, HOWEVER THIS WOULD BE QUITE COSTLY. THE NISSAN DEALER FURTHER STATED, WHEN A CUSTOMER WHOSE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM, THEY DO NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE CD PLAYER IS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER. NO REPAIR SHOP WILL LOOK AT MY SYSTEM. APPARENTLY, THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH NISSANS. OTHER THAN PURCHASING A NEW CD PLAYER, THERE HAS TO BE SOME TYPE OF CONSUMER REPAIR SHOP. NISSAN SEEMS UNCONCERNED WITH THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Dec 19, 2007
OIL DIPSTICK IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND THE HANDLE BROKE OFF LEAVING THE STICK STUCK IN THE TUBE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 11, 2007
REGARDING THE BROKEN OIL DIP STICK: 1- DRAIN THE OIL AND LEAVE THE DRAIN PLUG OUT. 2 - USE A SHOP VACUUM TO SUCK THE LOST DIP STICK OUT OF THE ENGINE. 3 - REPLACE OIL DRAIN PLUG, REFILL WITH OIL, REPLACE NEW DIP STICK. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2007
SEVERAL TIMES THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING, NOT STARTING AT ALL AND RUNNING ROUGH. IT WAS A ECM RECALL PERFORMED BUT AFTER THAT SEVERAL PROBLEMS OCCURRED AND RELATED TO THE SAME ECM. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THE ECM WAS REPLACED BY THE TIME, THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE, I AM GETTING THE SAME DIAGNOSTIC P0300 AND THE VEHICLE IS DEAD. POOR QUALITY ON THIS NISSAN. I HAVE A 1996 SENTRA WHICH IS BY FAR MORE RELIABLE THAN THIS JUNK! *TR
Visibility, Oct 20, 2007
1) BETWEEN 8/07 & 10/07 THREE WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN 2) WINDOW REGULATORS BROKE & WINDOWS UNABLE TO MOVE UP OR DOWN 3) CAR WAS TAKEN TO AUTO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR, REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED & MONEY PAID TO AUTO BODY SHOPS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2007
THE OIL DIPSTICK HANDLE BREAKS OFF AND THE BALANCE OF THE DIPSTICK IS UNABLE TO BE RETRIEVED OUT OF THE DIPSTICK CYLINDER UNLESS THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY IS TAKEN APART. THIS A VERY COSTLY PROCEDURE RANGING FROM $200-400. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONE TIME AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT NISSAN SHOULD PROVIDE A BETTER QUALITY DIPSTICK THAT WILL NOT DETERIORATE AND BREAK FROM WHAT I PERCEIVE AS HEAT RELATED DAMAGE. WILL THEY PAY THE COSTS FOR THIS REPAIR? *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHILE STEERING THE VEHICLE. SIX MONTHS AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED, SHE HAD TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID TO THE VEHICLE. ON JUNE 18, 2007, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NO LEAK WAS FOUND. ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2007, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE FRONT WHEEL ALIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,312 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,613. UPDATED 12/12/07
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2007
TOP OF DIPSTICK BROKE OFF, LEAVING METAL SHAFT UNRETRIEVABLE IN TUBE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2007
THE DIPSTICK BROKE OFF IN THE TUBE ON MY 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. THE METAL STICK AND PLASTIC TOP TO THE STICK ARE ABOUT 3 INCHES IN THE TUBE AND ARE UNRETREIVABLE BY MYSELF. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $250 TO GET THE STICK OUT AND REPLACE IT. *TR
Equipment, Aug 30, 2007
MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE OIL DIP STICK BROKE WHEN I WAS PULLING IT OUT TO CHECK MY OIL LEVEL. I DID A SEARCH ONLINE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2007
THE OIL DIPSTICK HANDLE BROKE AND THE PASTIC ABOVE THE DIPSTICK IS WELDED TO THE METAL TUBE. THE DIPSTICK CANNOT BE REMOVED. I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT DIPSTICK ONLINE, BUT THE NISSAN TECHNICIANS SAY IT COSTS $200 IN SERVICE TO REMOVE THE TUBE AND GET THE OLD ONE OUT. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY SUMMER, SHE HAS TO REPLACE THE OIL DIP STICK. SHE STATED THAT THE PLASTIC TOP FAILS AND AS A RESULT, THE TECHNICIAN IS UNABLE TO CHANGE THE OIL. THE DIP STICK IS THE ONLY TYPE THAT IS MANUFACTURED FOR THIS PART. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO PURCHASE THE STICKS. AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $300. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 104,075 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE TIMES. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Tires, May 17, 2007
ON 5-4-07 I NOTICED DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. MY BOYFRIEND FILLED IT WITH AIR AND I THOUGHT NOTHING FURTHER OF IT. ON 5-15-07 I PICKED HIM UP FROM WORK AND HAD A FLAT ON THE WAY OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. WE FILLED IT WITH AIR, BUT COULD NOT MAKE IT HOME BEFORE IT WAS TOTALLY FLAT AGAIN. SINCE IT WAS AFTER 11 PM AND WE WERE CLOSE TO HOME I CONTINUED TO DRIVE. ONCE WE ARRIVED THE TIRE HAD A CHUNK OF TREAD MISSING, EXPOSING METAL BARBS, ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE BOY FRIEND CHANGED IT THE NEXT DAY SO WE COULD TAKE IT TO DISCOUNT TIRE. THEY INFORMED US THAT 3 OF THE 4 TIRES WERE BAD, THE OTHER 2 WOULD END UP HAVING TREAD TORN IN THE SAME WA, DUE TO MECHANICAL ERROR IN MANUFACTURING OF THE TIRE. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY PER MILEAGE, WE STILL HAD TO BUY 4 NEW TIRES.*AK
Equipment, Apr 12, 2007
OEM 6-DISC IN DASH CD CHANGER SHOWS ERR2, AND DOES NOT PLAY CDS. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER ON 4-9-07 THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $79 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE A LITTLE RESEARCH, AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS SEEMED TO BE A VERY WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE NISSAN IN DASH CD CHANGER. ALSO, THAT NISSAN SEEMED TO BE IGNORING OR DENYING THE PROBLEM. AK
Air bags, Feb 8, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WASTHE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. EACH TIME AFTER HAVING THE REPLACEMENT MADE A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER HE COULD SEE THE CORNERS OF THE AIR BAG LIFTING UP AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE AIR BAG WAS ACTUALLY REPLACED OR WHETHER THE ORIGINAL WAS REPAIRED POORLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG KEPT COMING UP IN THE SAME PLACE. AK UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2007
2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER 3.5L 4WD SE MODEL STARTED MISFIRING AT 89,000 MILES, WHICH THE JEFF WYLER NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN OHIO ADVISED ON REPLACING AN IGNITION COIL. CAR RAN OK FOR 2 WEEKS, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THIS TIME IT WAS A VALVE TIMING SENSOR. REPLACED THAT AND 2 WEEKS LATER MORE MISFIRING, AND THE SAME DEALER SAYS IT'S ANOTHER IGNITION COIL. A LITTLE RESEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE OVER 2500 PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ENGINE TYPE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES (MAXIMAS), AND OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT AND NEEDS SERIOUS SCRUTINY OR LEGAL ACTION.
Suspension, Dec 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH, THERE WAS A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND VIBRATION WAS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. A NHTSA RECALL # 01V174000 WAS FOUND ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE, FOR THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM. THE VIN # FELL WITHIN THE VIN NUMBERS FOR THE RECALL, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL REPAIR, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE RESTARTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THE STALLING PROBLEM DID NOT PERSIST, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE CRANK CAM SENSOR NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2006
I OWN A 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE HORN STOPPED WORKING. WE FINALLY TOOK IT IN TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE CALLED SAYING THE HORN WORKS, THE FUSE IS FINE AND THE RELAY WORKS, BUT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE FUSE AND THE RELAY, IT'S LOSING POWER; LIKELY A SHORT IN THE WIRE. BUT THEY SAID IT IS WIRED IN SUCH A CONVOLUTED WAY THAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE ANOTHER 2 HOURS TO FIND THE RIGHT WIRE AND FIX. I FOUND THIS IN AN INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD: "JUST CURIOUS IF ANY OTHERS HAVE ISSUES WITH THEIR 00-06 SENTRA HORNS...MEANING YOU HIT YOUR HORN OR KEY FOB AND NO SOUND FROM THE HORN? I HAD MY 2001 SE FIXED AROUND 60,XXX...FOUND OUT FROM NISSAN THAT THE WIRES ARE A BIT SHORT RUNNING TO THE HORN SPEAKER...I THINK THE WIRING GOES UNDER THE RADIATOR. IT GETS STRESSED AND RUBS SOMEWHERE AND DUE TO CORROSION OR TOTAL BREAKAGE THE HORN THEN NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE PART I'M PISSED ABOUT IS THAT NOW AT 68K THE PROBLEM IS ONCE AGAIN BACK. I KNOW ACCORDING TO MY FATHER WHO USE TO WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT PROVIDES TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO PRIVATE GARAGES AROUND THE U.S. THAT THIS IN FACT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE SENTRA'S, BUT ACCORDING TO NISSAN DOES NOT REQUIRE AN NTSB. SAFETY FEATURE IN MY OPINION. NISSAN SAYS I'LL HAVE TO BRING IT IN AND PAY FOR DIAGNOSIS. I THINK I CALL THE REGIONAL MANAGER. TWICE I'VE HAD SOMEONE ALMOST HIT ME AND I HAVE NO HORN. ''NISSAN SAID CHECK THE FUSE...THEIR TYPICAL RESPONSE. AFTER TALKING AT LENGTH TO THE NISSAN DEALER THAT LAST FIXED THIS ISSUE THEY FINALLY GAVE UP AND SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SAME ISSUE WAS BACK." AFTER THIS, I CALLED MY LOCAL NISSAN REPAIR SHOP (517 393-5700) AND SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER. AFTER TELLING HIM THE PROBLEM, HE PUT ME ON HOLD AND CHECKED THEIR RECORDS. HE INDICATED TO ME THAT YES, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL OF NISSAN, BUT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN NOR THEY COULD DO RE: FIXING THE HORN WHICH IS CAUSED BY AN ADMITTEDLY POORLY DESIGNED HORN WIRING SYSTEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Wheels, May 31, 2006, crash
NISSAN SENTRA 2001 SE. MOTOR STOPPED ON FREEWAY AT ONCE, FAILURE WAS CRANK SENSOR. COST ME 500 PARTS TOW AND LABOR, NO DEALER AROUND OR OPEN. NEW SENSOR FAILING NOW I THINK, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON AGAIN. ECM PROBLEMS , ALSO FRONT RIM BROKE AND CAUSED THE CAR TO GO IN DITCH, NEEDS BODY REPAIR NOW. BAD VIBRATION IN STEERING. HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS CAR FIXED AT DEALER NO LUCK ALSO TRIED NISSAN CONSUMER AFF. THEY ALSO HAD NO LUCK GETTING CAR IN FOR SAFETY FIXES. THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS AND NEVER RETURN MY CALLS. *NM
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2006
SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT: THE HORN WIRE INSIDE AN INTERNAL WIRING HARNESS ON MY 2001 SENTRA FAILED SPONTANEOUSLY ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 15, 2006, RENDERING THE HORN INOPERABLE AND INCAPABLE OF PASSING THE RHODE ISLAND STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THREE DIFFERENT EMPLOYEES OF THE DEALER (INSKIP NISSAN, WARWICK RI) MADE STATEMENTS TO ME INDICATING THAT THIS TYPE OF HORN FAILURE HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, IS WELL KNOWN TO THEM, AND IS NOT CAUSED BY ANY EXTERNAL FORCE, SUCH AS COLLISION OR ROAD DAMAGE. I HAVE INSPECTED THE AREA, WHICH IS NEAR THE UNDERSIDE OF THE RADIATOR, AND IT IS CLEAR THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS WELL PROTECTED BY VARIOUS FRONT-END COMPONENTS AND HARD TO GET AT. THE BROKEN WIRE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER ON 4/5/06 AT A COST OF $180.00 FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO HOURS WORK. THE DEALERS SERVICE CLERK TOLD ME EXACTLY WHAT THE COST WOULD BE AT THE TIME SHE WROTE UP THE REPAIR ORDER, PRIOR TO INSPECTING THE VEHICLE FOR THE CAUSE OF THE HORN FAILURE. I SUGGESTED AN INEXPENSIVE BYPASS WIRE, AND SHE STATED THAT OTHERS HAD EFFECTED A REPAIR IN THAT MANNER (FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE IS WELL KNOWN THE THEM) BUT ALSO UNDERSTANDABLY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT PERMITTED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR IN THAT MANNER. I SUBMITTED A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL TO NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS ON 4/8/06 ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE $180 AS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT, AND THEY WROTE BACK ON 4/12/06 DENYING THE CLAIM. THE NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS BY INSPECTING DEALER SERVICE RECORDS AND INITIATE A RECALL. *JB