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

333 reports, newest first.

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. Air bags, Aug 30, 2013

    I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF A RECALL FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG OF MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA IN THE MAIL, WHICH INSTRUCTED ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS MADE FREE OF CHARGE. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND APPEARED AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT THEY CANNOT COMPLETE THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE RECALL IS NOT YET ARCHIVED IN THEIR SYSTEM, AND THAT THE SYSTEM WILL TAKE ONE BUSINESS DAY TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS DIFFICULTY CONTRADICTS THE VERY NATURE OF A RECALL: TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BECAUSE OF AN INADEQUACY OF THEIR "SYSTEM"--THEY ARE FULLY EQUIPPED MECHANICALLY TO DO THE REPAIR--I'M EXPECTED TO DRIVE HOME AND RETURN A DIFFERENT DAY WITH AN UNSAFE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG.

  4. 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

  5. Engine, Jun 27, 2013

    THE CAR ENGINE STOPS WHEN AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND EVERY TIME THAT I STOP . I HAVE TO RESTART IT TO PROCEED AND THIS HAPPENS VERY OFTEN AND VERY FRUSTRATING.. THANKS GOD THAT I HAVEN'T HAD ANYONE REAR-ENDED ME SO FAR. *TR

  6. Electrical system, May 8, 2013

    I WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SEVERAL LIGHTS IN THE CAR CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE ROAD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR A FEW DAYS LATER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT SENSOR FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY IT TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD ECM. *TR

  7. Electrical system, Feb 24, 2013

    SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON. FAULT OF MISFIRE AND INTERIOR ENGINE GAUGE WAS INOP. VEHICLE STOPPED FOR NO REASON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER SERVICE CENTER FOR ECM RECALL THEY COULD NOT PERFORM DUE TO INTERNAL FAILURE. *TR

  8. Engine, Oct 19, 2012

    I BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY CAR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. I HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH A QUART OF OIL A DAY AND A TANK OF GAS IN A FEW DAYS. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL. I WAS IN THE MARINES AND WAS STATIONED AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT BASES. MY MOTHER?S ADDRESS WAS ALSO USED BY NISSAN BUT SHE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ON THE RECALL. I CONTACTED THE NISSAN DEALER IN NORFOLK NE. HE TOLD ME I HAD TO WAIT TWO WEEKS FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THE PEOPLE I DEALT WITH WERE RUDE AND UNPROFESSIONAL AND ACTED LIKE I WAS AN INCONVENIENCE. I DID NOT HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I AM IN SCHOOL AND HAVE WORK SO I CONTACTED NISSAN USA. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS I WAS ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT IN SIOUX CITY IA. I HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO SIOUX CITY. THEY LOOKED AT MY CAR AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE SHREDS OF METAL IN THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY STATED THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THEY STATED I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE REPLACED. IN THE RECALL THEY SAID IT WOULD BE REPLACED AT NISSANS EXPENSE, A TOW IF NECESSARY WOULD BE PAID AND A RENTAL VEHICLE WOULD BE PROVIDED. NONE OF THIS HAS HAPPENED. I WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHOULD BE REPLACED BY NISSAN. I TOLD THEM WHAT WAS WRONG AND MY MECHANIC CALLED AND TOLD THEM AS WELL. THEY HAVE STILL ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR THE ENGINE. *TR

  9. Air bags, Jul 9, 2012, crash

    I WAS TRAVELING TO MY NEW HOME WHEN I REALIZED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, BUT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE CRASH CAUSED 4 FRACTURES IN MY RIGHT ANKLE AND FOOT.HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, WOULD THEY HAVE HELD ME BACK IN MY SEAT AND LESSONED THE CRASH IMPACT ON MY FOOT/ANKLE? *TR

  10. Engine, Jul 5, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC THAT DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING TWO SENSORS LOCATED AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC THEN ADVISED THAT THE REMEDY WAS TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 8/6/12 *CN UPDATED 08/14/2012 *JS

  11. Electrical system, Jun 27, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A TROUBLE CODE WITHIN THE ECM. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2012

    CYLINDER HEAD GASKET BLOWN. CAR 100 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND WILL NOT START. *JB

  13. Electrical system, Jun 8, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM NORMAL TO HIGH AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

  14. 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.

  15. Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011

    I WAS AT A RED LIGHT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL BUT IT GOT STUCK AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE. THERE WAS A CAR BEHIND ME, SO I MANAGED TO MERGE TO THE LEFT USING MY STEERING WHEEL. I CONTINUED TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY STUCK, AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE THE SPEED OF THE CAR TO DRIVE AWAY FROM INCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO CRUISE THE CAR AND MERGE LEFT. I PARKED MY CAR IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I THEN MANUALLY PULLED THE GAS PEDAL UP AWAY FROM THE FLOOR AND MANAGED TO UNSTUCK THE GAS PEDAL. *TR

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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.

  21. Electrical system, Jun 21, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE ECM. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 179,000.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Power train, Apr 12, 2011

    LOSS OF POWER IN REVERSE AND ALL UPSHIFTING. *TR

  25. Suspension, Feb 16, 2011

    2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT RIGHT TIRE. CHECKED IT OUT AND IT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE STRUT BUT HAVE NOT REPLACED OR FULLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. *TR