2002 Nissan Sentra

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 333 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 333

Of the 2002 reports, 23 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling136 reports · 41% of complaints
Owner complaints333Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling136
  2. Electrical system57
  3. Air bags34
  4. Engine27
  5. Power train21
  6. Vehicle speed control21
  7. Other or unspecified14
  8. Tires13

Recalls and investigations

  1. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleAug 9, 2022

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

    Campaign 22E066000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedDec 1, 2020

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

    Campaign 20V747000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2020

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.

    Campaign 20V008000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bagsMay 15, 2015

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.

    Campaign 15V287000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Engine and engine coolingNov 14, 2007

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

    IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

    Campaign 07V527000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

    CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

    Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeMar 11, 2003

    ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.

    EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

    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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. 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. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. 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 WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.

    Campaign 03V084000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Other or unspecifiedFeb 15, 2002

    ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN-APPROVED ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT THAT WAS INSTALLED EITHER AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT OR BY THE DEALER, DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT, A SMALL AMOUNT OF MAT MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE MAT TO INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOT ALLOW THE PEDAL TO RELEASE AFTER IT IS DEPRESSED.

    IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT AND IF IT IS A NISSAN FLOOR MAT SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 18, 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 02V056000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. 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

Representative owner complaints: engine

162 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 4, 2020

    THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN I RECALL DATA REFRESHED ON NOV 04,2020 1UNREPAIRED RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN JAN 09,2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERPM684 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V-008 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY TAKATA HAS DETERMINED THAT A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY MAY ARISE IN SOME OF THE SUBJECT NON-DESICCATED AMMONIUM NITRATE INFLATORS DUE TO PROPELLANT DEGRADATION OCCURRING AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY, HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HIGH TEMPERATURE CYCLING THIS CAR.

  2. Engine, Sep 18, 2020

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, THE SPARK PLUGS, THE FUEL FILTER AND THE EXHAUST PIPES. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

  3. Engine, Mar 17, 2020

    I WAS MADE AWARE RECENTLY( MARCH 2020) THAT THE CAM SENSOR IN MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART IN 2004. AFTER CONTACTING THE NISSAN CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, THEY INFORM ME THAT THEIR RECORDS SHOW THE RECALL REMEDY WAS SATISFIED IN 2004. I DO NOT REMEMBER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NOR DOES THE DEALERSHIP HAVE ANY RECORD THE RECALL WAS SATISFIED.

  4. Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 9, 2017

    CAR HAS BEEN TURNING OFF A FEW TIMES WHEN BRAKE HAD BEEN PUSHING DOWN.(WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN STOPPING)

  5. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  6. Engine, Apr 26, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE CODE: P0335 (CRANK SENSOR) ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

  7. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 6, 2016

    MY NISSAN SENTRA DECIDED TO STALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE NISSAN AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS. LATER THAT DAY I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR. BATTERY WAS JUMPED AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING UNTIL I TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS ON. I HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. I BELIEVE MY CAN SENSOR AND CRANK SENSOR NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE.

  8. Engine, Dec 7, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

  9. Engine, Sep 30, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

  10. Power train, Engine, Jul 24, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND STALLED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. THE OIL WAS APPROXIMATELY TWO QUARTS LOW. AFTER TWENTY MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE PRE-CATALYST WAS DAMAGED AND CLOGGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) A FEW YEARS BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

  11. Service brakes, Engine, May 28, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM HOT TO COLD AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

  13. Electrical system, Engine, Dec 9, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE 02 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,955. UPDATED 3/18/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN

  14. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2014

    I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R SPEC V AND IT IS OLD BUT HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE OF AND IT ONLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT. VEHICLE PROBLEMS SMOKE BLACK REALLY BAD, USES UP TO 5 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, IDLES ROUGH, RUNS ROUGH. IT HAS HAD A COUPLE RECALLS I CHECKED UP ON LIKE THE PRE CAT HEADER IT HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 03. I REPLACED COIL PACKS, SPARK PLUGS, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, AND CRANK SENSOR. ALL THIS VIRTUALLY DID NOTHING AND WITH VEHICLE OIL CONSUMPTION AND FUEL USAGE THE ENGINE IS SHOT AND WILL BE IN NEED OF REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT. I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR AND HAVE HAD THE SAME AND WORSE PROBLEMS, AND IT JUST MAKES NO SENSE HOW NISSAN CAN SCREW UP THAT BAD AND SCREW THAT MANY PEOPLE OUT OF MONEY BECAUSE OF MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I ALSO CALLED NISSAN AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM AND THEY BASICALLY SAID TO BAD NOTHING WE CAN DO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. I STILL OWN THE CAR AND FEEL LIKE AS MANY OF THESE CAR OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING NISSAN DID WRONG AND SHOULD COMPENSATE ME AND OTHERS WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR

  15. Engine, Nov 13, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,686.

  16. Engine, Oct 8, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

  17. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2014

    WHILE DRIVING UP A STEADY GRADE THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON', BATTERY, AND OIL LIGHTS ALL CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. A FEW SECONDS LATER, OR POSSIBLY AT THE SAME TIME, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL FORWARD POWER WAS LOST WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING (EXCEPT FOR THE WARNING LIGHTS A COUPLE OF SECONDS EARLIER). I STEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD USING THE EXISTING MOMENTUM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD BEEN NORMAL UP UNTIL THE INCIDENT BUT SHOWED AN OVERHEATED ENGINE AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND TURNING ELECTRICITY BACK ON (THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AT THIS TIME). *TR

  18. Engine, Jul 18, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

  19. Engine, Apr 10, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

  20. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 12, 2014, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,500. *TR

  21. Engine, Mar 12, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY AND HE COULD HE HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD ALLOWED DEBRIS TO ENTER THE PISTONS AND AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR

  22. Engine, Feb 7, 2014

    NISSAN DENIES VEHICLE IS PART OF AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OIL ISSUES THAT EFFECT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AT 14,000 MILES, AND MULTIPLE RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. NHTSA HAS THIS CASE ALREADY ON RECORD FOR THE CONTINUE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. DEFECTIVE ENGINE BUILD, NISSAN ATTEMPTS TO DEFLECT THE ISSUE TO THE DEALERS AND THEN BACK AGAIN. NISSAN CASE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  23. Power train, Engine, Sep 25, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,112.

  24. Engine, Sep 9, 2013

    ENGINE STOPS RUNNING SUDDENLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON, AND WITH NO WARNING. THIS MAY HAPPEN WITHIN SECONDS OF STARTING THE ENGINE, AFTER A FEW MINUTES, AND SOMETIMES EVEN AS MUCH AS AN HOUR AFTER STARTUP. THE ENGINE RUNS SMOOTHLY WHEN IT RUNS, AND THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN IT STOPS RUNNING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATED (EXCEPT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING STARTUP), AND MY LOCAL SERVICE STATION CANNOT ISOLATE A PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS BEHAVIOR. *TR

  25. Engine, Jul 5, 2013

    CAR STALLED AFTER COMING UP TO STOP SIGN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I HEARD IT COULD BE A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR PART? JULY 1ST 2013, MY BLOWER KNOB DID NOT TURN ON UNTIL I REACHED POSITION #4--THE REST DO NOT WORK, SO I CANNOT CONTROL HEATING, COOLING OR DEFROSTING. ANY RECALLS ON A BLOWER HEAT RESISTOR FAILURE? SEPTEMBER 2010, INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN--ONGOING PROBLEM. JULY 3RD 2013, HEAT SHIELD BROKE IN TWO. ARE ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS ON A RECALL LIST? IF SO, WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE, SO I CAN GET THEM FIXED? ARE THERE ANY OTHER RECALLS, SUCH AS AIRBAGS, ETC.? *TR