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.
Of the 2002 reports, 23 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V242000, REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2006
JUNE 15 , 2006 - I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF SUDDEN , CAR STALLED . TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE EMC. IT RAN FINE FOR 2 MONTHS . TODAY AGAIN IT STALLED . LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR CHECKUP ON THURSDAY. TALKED TO THE DEALER, AS OF TODAY NO RECALL IS DUE ON MY CAR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2006
WHILE BOTH DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, CAR SHUTS OFF ENTIRELY. SOMETIMES NOT STARTING AGAIN. HAVE HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR REPLACED AND ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION THE CAM SENSOR RESET. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. NEVER RECEIVED A SINGLE RECALL NOTICE; WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 10, 2006
MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R EXPERIENCED A POWER VALVE SCREW LIBERATION CONSISTENT WITH NISSANS VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN # 5202. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE CAMPAIGN IS WRITTEN TO ONLY COVER 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. OBVIOUSLY THIS MANUFACTURING ISSUE PREDATES THE DATES COVERED IN THE VSC. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2006
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES ON IT. ONE DAY LAST MONTH, ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK, MY CAR STALLED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND DRIVE IT THE 15 MILES TO MY DEALERSHIP, BUT IT STALLED AT LEAST TWICE ON THE WAY. THE ENGINE ALSO WAS NOT RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS ON. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THAT A "POWER VALVE SCREW" HAD COME LOOSE AND WORKED ITS WAY INTO ONE OF MY CYLINDERS WHERE IT THEN PROCEEDED TO SMASH A SPARK PLUG. ALSO, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN RECALL ISSUE ON THE 2003 AND 2004 NISSAN SENTRA SE-RS AND ON THE ALTIMA'S, BUT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR 2002 SENTRA SE-RS. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY (75,000 MILES) HAD JUST RUN OUT AND MY DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT NISSAN CORPORATE TO SEE IF THEY WOULD INTERVENE AND HELP, SINCE ALL OF THE PARTS INVOLVED AND THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM EXACTLY MATCHED WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE '03 AND '04S. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THAT MY CAR WAS AN '02. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NISSAN CORPORATE BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR MY MODEL YEAR AND SINCE MY WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WERE OBLIGATED TO DO FOR ME. THEY ALSO SAID, "DON'T WORRY. WE ARE CONSTANTLY ASSESSING THE STATUS OF RECALLS AND IF A RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THE 2002 MODEL YEAR, WE WILL REIMBURSE YOU." I ENDED UP PAYING OVER $600 (AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE, HAD MY DEALERSHIP NOT TAKEN PITY ON ME AND GIVEN ME A DISCOUNT) TO GET SOMETHING FIXED ON MY CAR THAT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THE 2 MODEL YEARS FOLLOWING 2002, BUT THAT (FOR SOME REASON) DIDN'T INCLUDE MY CAR. AS I STATED ABOVE, MY DEALERSHIP VERIFIED THAT ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WERE AFFECTED WERE THE SAME AS THOSE INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, AND THAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WAS THE SAME AS THE RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2006
AT 6:30 AM, I WAS DRIVING, TRYING TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS WITH THE DEFROSTER AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR STARTED A JERKING MOTION AND OVERHEATED. I PARKED THE CAR AT FAMILY MEMBER'S RESIDENCE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. NISSAN NEEDED TO BE CONTACTED AND THEY WERE. MY CASE WAS IN THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT FOR 3.5 WEEKS, MEAN WHILE I WAS WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION I WASN'T APPROVED TO HAVE A VEHICLE SUPPLIED BY NISSAN. NISSAN MADE A DECISION NOT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IN MY 4 YEAR OLD CAR THAT RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE; BUT TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS (WHICH FROM WHAT I AM TOLD IS A TEMPORARY FIX). THIS IS BECAUSE I AM AT 58,000 MILES AND MY WARRANTY IS UP AT 60,000 MILES. BEWARE OF NISSAN AND THEIR WARRANTIES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 6, 2006
EARLY MARCH, I NOTICED ON CONSUMER REPORTS WEBSITE THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. ENGINE SENSORS. NISSAN DID NOT SEND ME A RECALL NOTICE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD MY NAME AND ADDRESS. I REGISTERED THE CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED. MARCH 16 2006 MY NISSAN HAD 115754 KMS ON IT WHEN I TOOK IT INTO NISSAN VICTORIA FOR THE RECALLS. THEY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS (3 IN TOTAL) RECALL R86. REMOVED ECM CASE HOLDER FOAM R87. JUNE 20, 2006 I WAS HEADING TO THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED RACING AND JERKING, I DROVE IT HOME. THE CAR DIED AND I HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOUSE. I WAS SO LUCKY I WASN'T GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC! THE MECHANIC CAME TO THE CONCLUSION FAIRLY QUICKLY THAT IT MIGHT BE THE COMPUTER AND HE CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTERS. I RENTED A CAR IN THE MEANTIME TO GET TO WORK. THE MECHANIC GOT A USED COMPUTER FROM THE AUTO WRECKER AND THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. APPARENTLY THE FOAM ON THE ECM DAMAGED THE COMPUTER (SOME KIND OF GAS-FUMES) WHILE IT WAS CURING. THIS IS WHY NISSAN REMOVED THE FOAM. MAYBE THEY ARE TRYING TO AVOID ANOTHER RECALL LIKE FOR THE SENSORS...TOO LATE... I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ECM. I DON'T TRUST THE USED ECM I HAVE IN THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. BUT I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD EITHER REBUILD OR GIVE ME A NEW COMPUTER. IF THIS HAPPENS AT 123,000 KMS WHAT CAN I EXPECT FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD? I HAVE THE OLD COMPUTER, NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THEIR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS UNDER A RECALL BUT THEIR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER STATES IT IS NOT. THERE ARE NO OTHER CONSEQUENCES THAT THIS HAS CAUSED, THE CONTACT JUST WANTS THE DEALER TO PAY THE BILL SO THEY CAN PASS THEIR STATE INSPECTION.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2006
WENT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TODAY AND THE MECHANIC PULLED THE DIPSTICK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HALF OF THE PLASTIC HANDLE THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS ATTACHED TO HAD BROKEN OFF. WE LUCKILY WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE DIPSTICK FROM HOME WITH A PENCIL AND TAPE, HOWEVER THIS SIGNIFIES A MORE COMMON PROBLEM THAT THIS VEHICLE IS MADE OF SHOTTY PARTS. I HAD TO GET A TUNE-UP AT 25,000 MILES, MY BATTERY HAS CORROSION PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATED MULTIPLE TIMES TO THE DEALER WITH NO FIX, AND MY COMPUTER DIED AT 40,000 MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WILL NOW HAVE TO PURCHASE A DIPSTICK SINCE THEY USED A SHOTTY PLASTIC PART THAT CORRODED AND BROKE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IT MAY NOT BE A SAFETY HAZARD, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE. HERE IS A LINK TO MANY OTHER NISSAN CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.BROOMEMAN.COM/MT/ARCHIVES/001156.HTML. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2006
WHEN MY 2002 SENTRA WAS BROUGHT INTO HABBERSTAD NISSAN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL DIP STICK WAS BROKEN AND THE BOTTOM WAS STUCK IN THE BOTTOM. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THAT THE OIL PAN HAD TO BE REMOVED TO GET IT OUT AND THAT IT WOULD COST $290.00. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE SERVICE PERSON ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL 2002 SENTRAS, HOWEVER NISSAN HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE SINCE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 MODEL. IF ANYTHING, THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NISSAN'S WARRANTY AND SHOULD PROBABLY BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER SINCE THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC DIPSTICK BREAKING APART.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2006
BUTTERFLY VALVE ON THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA THE CAR STARTED TO IDLE VERY ROUGH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE ENGINE VIBRATION BECAME WORSE. THE CAR STALLED & I WAS ALMOST KILLED TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR & DRIVE A FEW MORE MILES TO WORK. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND SPARK PLUG #1 SMASHED BECAUSE A SCREW WAS FOUND IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS WITHIN INTAKE MANIFOLD. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS AS I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO WORK WITH THEM IN A REASONABLE MANNER. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AS NOTED IN DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH ENGINES CATCHING ON FIRE OR CAR STALLING AND LOCKING UP IN TRAFFIC. INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *NM
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND JUMPED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION AND POWER ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB THE HEAD GAKET WAS LEAKING, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS I NOPERATIVE, THE OIL STICK WAS BROKEN. UPDATED 02/24/06. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 11, 2006
NISSAN SENTRA 2002 WITH LESS THEN 28000 ML HAS LEAKING ENGINE HEAD GASKET AND RADIATOR AND BROKEN STEERING RACK AND PINION AND STEERING POWER ASSIST. CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT. CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE - STEERING DOES NOT WORK. NISSAN SOLD ME A LEMON CAR AND REFUSES TO REPAIR IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND STILL EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *TS THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM OR FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED. THE COMPUTER SHOWED A CODE FOR THE THROTTLE SENSOR. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2005
IN APRIL OF 2005 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. BROUGHT CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND CODES CAME UP FOR MY OXYGEN SENSORS. WHEN SENSORS WERE REPLACED THE CODES WOULD NOT GO AWAY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT COME OFF. HE REPLACED THEM AGAIN AND NO CHANGE. IN OCTOBER 2005 MY CAR STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND AFTER STARTING IT UP DROVE SO BAD I CANNOT DRIVE CAR ANYMORE. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER AND WOULD NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BUT DID TAKE CARE OF ALL RECALLS (I NEVER RECEIVED RECALL INFO-FOUND IT ONLINE MYSELF). MY CAR STILL WAS RUNNING TERRIBLE SO I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC. A CODE CAME UP FOR THROTTLE SENSOR NOT TO MENTION 5 OTHER CODES. HE REPLACED THROTTLE SENSOR AND NO DIFFERENCE IN HOW CAR RUNS. CAR NOW WILL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. I WILL NOT DRIVE CAR FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT! NICK, A REGIONAL SPECIALIST SAID NISSAN WILL NOT LOOK AT CAR FREE OF CHARGE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SPENT OVER $1500 ON THESE PROBLEMS. MY OWN MECHANIC HAS DONE MORE FOR ME THAN A COMPANY WHO SAYS THEY ARE THEIR TOUGHEST CRITIC. I DECIDED TO LOOK UP INFO ONLINE AND FOUND 5 DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS VERY SIMILAR TO MINE WHERE THE ECM WAS INVOLVED ON THIS WEBSITE. THE COMPANY WHO MANUFACTURED ECM'S TO NISSAN STATES ON THEIR WEB PAGE THAT ECM'S INSTALLED IN CARS THEY PROVIDED ECM'S TO FROM 1989-2003 HAD A HIGHER RATE OF MALFUNCTION. THIS WEBSITE ALSO EXPLAINED WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOUR ECM FAILS- 1. WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON; 2. NONSENSE FAULT CODES SHOW UP WHEN READER IS CONNECTED; 3. VEHICLE BREAKDOWN W/O WARNING; 4. ERRATIC IDLE, STALL AT TRAFFIC/POOR RUNNING & STARTING PROBLEMS. THESE ARE JUST A FEW BUT HOW INTERESTING THESE ALL ARE HAPPENING TO MY CAR. I BELIEVE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA'S PROBABLY HAVE AN EVEN HIGHER RATE OF FAILURE BECAUSE OF THE RECALL TO THE ECM CASE HOLDER. I BELIEVE THIS MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS TO THE ECM. NISSAN SHOULD CARE ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMER AND A HUMAN LIFE TO REPLACE ECM'S. BEFORE A SERIOUS INJURY OCCURS OR WORSE, IF THAT HASN'T HAPPENED YET. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 19, 2005
DT: 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY STATE THE ECM MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT WAS TRYING TO GET NISSAN TO FIX THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V477000. IF THE ECM FAILED THE IGNITION MODULE WILL NOT BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Oct 4, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH SHUTTING DOWN AS WELL AS FAULTY BRAKES.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. REFER TO RECALL CAMPAIGN# 03V455000. THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY DUE TO LEAKING AND WOULDN'T CHARGE, THE FAN BELT HAD CRYSTALLIZED, NOISE HAD COME FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO THE RADIATOR, THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE COMPUTER WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FLOOD WITH GAS. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA COMPUTER (ECM) WENT BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE ECM IN 2004 BUT WAS UNABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE IT CORRECT DUE TO WORK OBLIGATIONS. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE ECM BY THE INNER LINING MATERIAL. WHILE DRIVING IN MAY 2005 THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ECM HAD FAILED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER ABOUT REPLACING THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR THE LINING NOT THE MODULE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE MODULE FOR FREE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ECM REPLACED AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2005
DT: 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF, TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC. WENT ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND FOUND TWO RECALLS, THEY WERE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CASE HOLDER AND HEAD LAMP ADJUSTER. THEN, TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP, THEY RAN VIN # AND THEY FOUND THREE RECALLS, ONE WAS ON THE FOAM ON THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND THE OTHER TWO WERE UNKNOWN. ONE OF THE RECALLS WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN OR CUT OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2005. THEY DID NOT REPAIR DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUES. SPOKE TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE OF NISSAN AND THEY SAID THIS CAR WOULD NOT BE FIXED BY NISSAN WITHOUT COST. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD.*MR *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2005
NISSAN SENTRA 2002 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. *BF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY OR CYLINDER NEXT TO IT. THE DRIVE BELT WAS ADJUSTED DUE TO LOOSENESS. THE VEHICLE STAYED QUIET FOR THREE DAYS THEN THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE WEATHER COULD CAUSE A GLAZE ON THE DRIVE BELT WHICH CAUSED NOISES. THE BELT WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2005
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS A TAKEN TO THE CLOSEST DEALER TO GET IT REPAIRED. AFTER BEING REPAIRED IT WAS FOUND THAT VEHICLE WAS STILL SHUTTING OFF. *AK CUSTOMER WAS CHARGED FOR REPAIR THAT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE. AFTER PAYING FOR THE SERVICE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. AFTER FOUR ADDITIONAL TRIPS LIGHT FINALLY WENT OFF. ELECTRIC TAPE WAS USE TO REPAIR HARNESS NOW CAR SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING WHILE DRIVING. *EH *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2005
WENT TO CHECK THE OIL AND THE PLASTIC DIPSTICK HAD BROKEN OFF AND THE DIPSTICK HAS FALLEN DOWN INTO THE ENGINE. CHECKING ONLINE FOR HELP ON REMOVAL SHOWS A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.THEY WANT $156 DOLLARS TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH A NEW DIPSTICK NOT MADE OF PLASTIC FOR $3.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE RESTARTED, AND THEY CONTINUED ON DRIVING. LATER, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR THAT WAS ON RECALL. CONSUMER DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK