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 and engine cooling
136 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2012
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET BLOWN. CAR 100 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND WILL NOT START. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE CONTACT LATER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, EXHAUST FUMES WOULD ENTER THE INTERIOR CABIN WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ECM NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HAVING THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST CONFIRMED THAT THE ECM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER THEN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NON-DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE SINCE IT HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE LINING FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LINING UNDER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 07V527000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE FAILURE CORRECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 159,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2011
HELLO- I WANT TO KNOW WHY NISSAN DONT RECALLS THE SENTRA 2002 WITH 2.5L WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND CATALYST WITH THE SAME RECALL FROM 2006 SENTRA, BECAUSE MY CAR HAPPEN THE SAME PROBLEM OF OIL CONSUMPTION, I KNOW THEY CHANGE THE CATALYST FOR ANOTHER ONE BUT IS THE SAME THAT THE OLD ONE,NOT A RE-DESIGN CATALYST? THIS IS THAT RECALL FROM THE SENTRA 2006 THAT HAPPEN IN MY CAR 2002 1. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V223000 RECALL DATE: 2006-06-21 SUMMARY: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS. CONSEQUENCES: IF THE OIL IS NOT MAINTAINED AT LEAST AT THE MINIMUM LEVEL, ENGINE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR AND IN EXTREME CASES RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM OR ENGINE COMPUTER). YOUR VEHICLE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS BEEN CONSUMING ENGINE OIL AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL RATE. IN A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF VEHICLES, ENGINE REPLACEMENT WILL BE NEEDED. ON JUNE 9, 2006, NISSAN NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE OIL AT A PROPER LEVEL. FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO OWNERS ADVISING THEM OF THE STATUS OF THE RECALL WAS SENT DURING AUGUST 2006. FOLLOWUP LETTER TO OWNERS WAS SENT ON NOVEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. COMPONENT AFFECTED: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING POTENTIAL CARS AFFECTED: 85,000 NOTES: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC *TT
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE WILL STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING OR MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND MY CAR WILL NOT START. THIS STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANK AND CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,034 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,060.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START AND WOULD OFTEN STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ABOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ECM WAS FAULTY AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,650.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT TO NO AVAIL AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSORS. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,191.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE DEALERS FOR FIVE MONTHS FOR EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 2/28/11 *CN UPDATED 05/04/11
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP REGARDING RECALL 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSULATION IN THE ECM. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE ECM TO MAKE SURE IT WAS FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND WAS BILLED FOR THE INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HER BACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 14, 2010
I TOOK MY VEHICLE A NISSAN SENTRA GXE 2002 FOR OIL CHANGE AT NISSAN AGINCOURT IN SCARBOROUGH IN SPRING 2010. THIS TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR A OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC FROM CARFAX TOLD ME THE THE DIP STICK WAS BROKEN WHEN HE OPEN THE HOOD AND TRIED TO DO THE OIL CHANGE. HE MENTIONED THAT THEIR IS A RECALL FOR THE DIP STICK IN THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED THE NISSAN AT AGINCOURT WHERE DID MY LAST OIL CHANGE THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE DIP STICK. I WAS GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR THIE NISSAN SENTRA 2002 GXE. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK TUBE WOULD FRACTURE EVERY ONE TO TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TUBE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEWER ONE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ON HOW TO REMOVE THE BROKEN DIPSTICK. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA IT SHUTS OFF NO MATTER THE SPEED NOW. STARTED ONLY WHEN I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SIGN,OR GOING AT A SLOW SPEED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 3 YEARS, HAVE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CHANGED, FUEL FILTER, AND STILL STOPPING. ALSO THE OIL DIP STICK KEEP BREAKING OFF. MOST RECENT SEPT 5, 2010 NOW CAR WON'T START. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2010
1. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. I COULDN'T START THE ENGINE UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS COOLED OFF. 2. IT OCCURRED ONCE, BUT IT IS STRONGLY BELIEVED TO BE RELATED TO A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000 AND 06V223) THE CONDITION, EVENTS AND THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THE SAME. 3. A MECHANIC FIXED THE CONDITION BY REPLACING THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, BUT I AM NOT SURE THE VEHICLE IS IN FAIR CONDITION. AIR FLOW METER WAS ALSO REPLACED ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT STRONGLY CORRELATED WITH THE I HAVE CONTACTED THE NISSAN USA AND A DEALER (DARCARS NISSAN), BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO CAMPAIGN FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2010
BOUGHT NISSAN BRAND NEW IN 2002. THIS CAR IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD WITH 75,000 MILES. FIRST THE CAR STARTED JERKING WHEN IT SITS STILL AT STOP SIGNS AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS. TOOK THE CAR TO MAINTENANCE SHOP AND PAID TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REMOVED AND REPLACED. HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW MONTHS, IN APRIL THE CAR STARTS JERKING AGAIN. PAID TO HAVE THE IGNITION COILS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. CAR ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON AND CAR STILL JERKING. CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATION AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. NOW THE DEALERSHIP REPLACES THE EGR VALVE AND 02 SENSOR. CAR ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON AND CAR STILL JERKING AS IF POSSESSED AS OF AUGUST 20, 2010. MONEY, MONEY AND MORE MONEY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2010
I BOUGHT A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WITH APPROXIMATELY 70K MILES ON IT. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FINE, HOWEVER, AT APPROXIMATELY 72K MILES IT STARTED BURNING OIL AND I HAD TO PUT OIL IN THE ENGINE ONCE A WEEK. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WERE THEY REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTED DUE TO A RECALL, BUT DID NOT STATE THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED TO THAT DEFECTIVE PART. I ASKED ABOUT AN ENGINE RECALL BUT NEVER RECEIVED AN ANSWER FROM THEM AS THEY SAID THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND HAD NO WARRANTS UNDER RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2010
THE CAR JUST STARTED CUTTING OFF. FIRST MECHANIC SAID BAD GAS, DID COMPUTER CHECK NOTHING. WOULD CUT OFF TURNING, FULL IDLE TO SILENT CUT OFF. NOW DOES IT ON START UP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED RECURRING FAILURES WHEN IT BEGAN TO STALL OR FAIL TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE CONTACT BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING APPROXIMATELY ONE QUART OF OIL A WEEK. APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURES BEGAN TO RECUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE MELTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN ENGINE RECALL AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2010
VEHICLE MOTOR STOPPED ABRUPTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHILE CONTINUING TO COAST. VEHICLE ALSO STOPPED WHILE IDLING AT INTERSECTIONS. BATTERY MAINTAINED FULL CRANKING POWER, BUT RESTARTING THE ENGINE SUCCESSFULLY TOOK ANYWHERE FROM 5- 30 MINUTES. ABRUPT ENGINE STOP OCCURRED AT A RATE OCCURRING BETWEEN TWO MINUTES AND AN HOUR OF DRIVING. MOTOR CONTINUED TO STOP ON ROAD, LEAVING CAR TO COAST SLOWLY OR BE BRAKED WITHOUT POWER BRAKES FOR SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. WHEN CAR STOPPED WHILE IDLED AT INTERSECTIONS, IT HAD TO BE PUSHED FROM BEHIND OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHILE IN NEUTRAL GEAR. TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THIS WAS THE SAME SENSOR THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V455000 DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. SINCE THE REPAIR, THE CAR NO LONGER STALLS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THAT THE RECALLED PART REPLACEMENT IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THE BILL FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED. AS SUCH, THE REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR APPEARS TO HAVE THE SAME GROUNDS FOR RECALL AS THE ORIGINAL PART THAT WAS RECALLED. THE DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS DISCARDED BY THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER SERVICE CENTER AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED IN 2004. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO HER HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAM AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WERE DEFECTIVE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 176,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2010
MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA WILL STOP RUNNING, SHUT OFF WHEN IN LOW SPEED. THIS STARTED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOT RECALL ON MY CAR. BUT I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, WHEN TRYING TO FIND A FIX FOR MY PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE HAD THREE DIP STICK COME OFF INTO THE DIP STICK HOLDER. 12/4/08. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT MY ENGINE HAS CUT OFF DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE BUTTERFLY SCREWS ON THE INTAKE VALVE OF MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R SPEC V. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CORPORATE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2003 AND UP MODELS BUT REFUSE TO ISSUE THE RECALL ON THE 2002 MODEL. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A HIGHWAY CRASH ON TWO OCCASIONS AS WELL AS CONTINUOUS DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE. *TR