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
333 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2007
2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WE OWN HAS BEEN GIVING US A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE UNIFIED METER THAT CONTROLS THE SPEEDOMETER AND AFFECTS THE ECM TO THROW UP THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON..CAUSES A MASSIVE SLOW DOWN IN SPEED WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING..BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, MIKE SHAD OF ORANGE PARK AND WAS INFORMED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND JUST HAVE THE ECM "REFLASHED". WE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SERVICE CENTER OF MIKE SHAD NISSAN AND HAD THE SYSTEM REFLASHED..SPEEDOMETER WORKED BRIEFLY AND WENT OUT AGAIN..TO THIS DAY IT CONTINUES TO STAY ON "ENGINE LIGHT", AND THE SPEEDOMETER STILL WORKS OFF AND ON AND CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC ON MAINTAINING A SAFE SPEED. ALSO A MAJOR ISSUE REGARDING THE "LONG ENGINE CRANK TIME BEFORE ENGINE STARTS". I HAVE FOUND INFORMATION THRU THE INTERNET INFORMING THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE ('02 SENTRA) AND HAVE SUBMITTED AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPT OF MIKE SHAD NISSAN TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK TIME ENDANGERS NOT ONLY ME BUT MY FAMILY AS WELL. I CANNOT TRUST THE CAR TO CRANK PROPERLY WHICH THEREFORE PUTS THE RELIABILITY FACTOR IN JEOPARDY WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER FOR SCHOOL AND USE THE VEHICLE TO AND FROM WORK. I FOUND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THRU THE NISSANHELP WEBSITE REGARDING THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN "LONG ENGINE CRANK TIME BEFORE ENGINE STARTS" INDICATING A PRIMARY PART FAILURE ON A FAULTY FUEL PUMP THAT NEEDS TO REPAIRED/REPLACED... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2007
THE HANDLE ON THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK HAS BROKEN OFF. THE STICK ITSELF IS NOW IN THE DIPSTICK TUBE. I WAS LOOKING ON THE INTERNET YESTERDAY, AUGUST 12, 2007 AND UNCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN VEHICLES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE AND THEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED TWO REPAIRS UNDER RECALL # 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) AND RECALL # 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE STILL DOES NOT START. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,003.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PRE-CATALYTIC FAILURE. ONE OF THE CONVERTERS SEPARATED AND WENT INTO THE MOTOR, CAUSING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION AND ENGINE VIRUSES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PRE-CATALYTIC FAILURE. ONE OF THE CONVERTERS SEPARATED AND WENT INTO THE MOTOR, CAUSING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION AND ENGINE VIRUSES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 11, 2007
EXCESS OIL USE, CAR USING WATER, NOT STARTING THEN WHEN IT STARTS IT BLOWS BLACK SMOKE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2007
MECHANIC REPORTED DIPSTICK MISSING IN 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. PURCHASED A NEW DIPSTICK; WHEN I TRIED TO INSERT IT, I MET RESISTANCE. CALLED DEALER --STILL WAITING FOR CALL BACK. LOOKED ON INTERNET --HUNDREDS (AT LEAST) OF CONSUMERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEFECTIVE DIPSTICKS BREAK AND LEAD TO REPAIRS OF $150 - $400 EACH INCIDENT TO REMOVE METAL STICK FROM ENGINE. COULD PERMANENTLY DAMAGE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEM, THOUGH HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS ON ONE WEBSITE HAVE REPORTED THEIR OCCURRENCES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE KEPT MISFIRING, CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON. AT THE DEALER THEY DETERMINED THAT TWO SCREWS WERE MISSING, CAUSING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO FALL INTO THE INTAKE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 77,000. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2007
VEHICLE(2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE) BECOMES ROUGH AND THE ENGINE STOP INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS DETECTED TO BE BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $95.00. THE VEHICLE ODOMETER WAS SHOWING ABOUT 47,000 MILES. TALKED TO THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER AND I WAS TOLD THAT ALL RECALLS WERE ALREADY DONE ON THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 24TH, 2004 AT STEVENS CREEK NISSAN. THIS INCLUDED RECTIFYING THE DEFECTS RELATED TO ECM. HOWEVER THE ECM BECAME BAD AGAIN. THERE MAY BE DEFECTS WHICH HAVE NOT COME TO THE REVIEW. PLEASE HELP TO IDENTIFY THE DEFECTS AND MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE ON THE ROAD.*JB
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN OCT 2006. IN DEC 2006 I WAS LEAVING MY BROTHERS AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD CAME ON EARLIER IN THE DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NISSAN AT THE AVENUES, AFTER DOING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT THEY TOLD ME THE ECM WAS NO GOOD AND WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME BACK AND SAID NISSAN WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE ECM BUT IT WOULD PAY FOR THE 3 SENSORS THAT WERE ON RECALL. THE REASON IT WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE ECM IS BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND IT HAD OVER 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE ECM SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAID FOR ALSO IT IS A $508.00 PART AND IT WAS A RECALL LIKE THE SENSORS.... I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS ECM. TH. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2007
2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAD A RECALL DONE AND THE SAME PARTS FAILED AGAIN . **NAR**CC THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR CONTAMINATED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE BY THE INNER LINING MATERIAL. THIS PROBLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DEING DRIVEN. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ON 4/2004. NOV 28, 2006 THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER ONLY PAID FOR PART OF THE REPAIR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE COVERED ALL COST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN RENO, NV. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS MENTINED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V455000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Dec 6, 2006
AFTER PURCHASING A NISSAN SENTRA GXE 2002 -- ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO PAY ALMOST 300 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR THERMOSTAT--OF COURSE THIS REPAIR AND THE NEXT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED--AFTER 5 MONTHS BOTH ENGINE BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED--ANOTHER 175 BUCKS. NOW I HEAR A SUSPICIOUS CREAKING FROM THE REAR END--I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS. OH--I ALMOST FORGOT--ONE DAY AFTER TAKING THE CAR HOME I HAD TO REPAIR A REAR TIRE AND THE PAINT IS PEELING AND FADING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2006
HELLO, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS E MAIL, IT STARTED WITH A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE FOR MY SISTER NISSAN SENTRA, I HAD JUST FINISHED TAKING THE USED OIL OUT AND REPLACING A NEW OIL FILTER, I WENT FOR THE DIP STICK, AND IT BROKE, MY DAY WAS ALREADY BAD AND IT WENT TO WORST. THE FAILURE OF THE POORLY DESIGN DIPSTICK, ITS PLASTIC HANDLE, BROKE AND THE DIPSTICK METAL WENT IN, I HAVE TRIED PLAYERS, METAL STICK WITH NO LUCK, I WENT TO THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHERS IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME, TALKING ABOUT HOW AT AN OIL CHANGE PLACE OR HOUSE WHEN THE DIPSTICK BROKE, I HAVE SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR HINTS AND ADVICE TO HOW TO GET THE PIECE OUT, MANY PEOPLE PUT THAT IT TAKES $210 DOLLARS TO FIX, I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO BE USING IT ON DETAILED AREAS OF MY CAR I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DO MUCH, IT TO LATE, I HAVE WAITED FOR MY BROTHER IN LAW TO HELP ME OUT BUT THE SUN HAS SET AND ITS REAL COLD I WRITE THIS E MAIL SO THAT NISSAN CARS DON'T GET SUCH A BAD REPUTATION, HTTP://WWW.BROOMEMAN.COM/MT/ARCHIVES/001156.HTML, IS A INTERNET SOURCE YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW, SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THEY WELL CHANGE TO HONDA, HONDA IS ONE OF THE MOST ROOMIEST CARS I HAVE EVERY BEEN IN, MY SISTER CAR IS A 02 NISSAN SENTRA, I THANK YOU ONCE MORE FOR YOUR TIME IN HOPES THAT SOMETHING MIGHT BE DONE TO HELP NISSAN OWNERS FEEL THAT THEY DID GET THEIR MONEYS WORTH BUYING A NISSAN, THANK YOU. *NM
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.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER MODULE (ECM) AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THERE WAS RECALL # 03V477000. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS PRIOR TO THE DATE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALERSHIP BILLED THE CONTACT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND THE ECM REPROGRAMMING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS TOO OLD, NOV 3, 2003.
Air bags, Sep 7, 2006, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON THE MENTIONED DATE. A LADY RAN A RED, YELLOW, OR A GREEN YIELD LIGHT. I SMASHED THE FRONT END OF MY CAR GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH INTO HER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FENDER TOTALING MY CAR VALUED AT $10500. THE CAR WAS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SER. MY MAIN COMPLAINT IS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ANY HEAD ON COLLISION GOING 10 MPH OR ABOVE, THE AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOY. PLEASE INFORM ME IF THIS IS TRUE AND WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. *JB
Steering, Sep 4, 2006
STEERING IS STIFF WHEN TURNING ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. TOOK TO WINDSOR, CANADA DEALERSHIP AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS RACK AND PINION. DID STEERING FLUID FLUSH TO SEE IF IT WOULD CLEAR UP. IT IMPROVED SLIGHTLY (WEATHER IS WARM NOW) BUT IS STILL A PROBLEM. I AM 60, DO NOT DRIVE ON BAD ROADS, DO NOT ABUSE CAR. REGULAR CHECK UPS AND OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN DONE. WAS ASSURED CAR WOULD STILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE, JUST BE CAREFUL WHEN TURNING. HAVE NEGOTIATED WITH COMPANY FOR A DISCOUNT AS THIS IS EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND CANNOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME. WILL GET 10% DISCOUNT WHEN I CAN AFFORD TO DO IT. CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT AND I WONDER WHY A MAJOR PART HAS GONE WRONG AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. THIS BRAND WAS RECOMMENDED AS A LOW REPAIR CAR AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. I BOUGHT CAR IN DEARBORN, MI.....LATER MOVED TO CANADA. DEALERSHIP IN WINDSOR, ON, CANADA IS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. *NM
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
Tires, Jul 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS A NOISE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE TIRE. THE TIRE PRESENTED TREAD SEPARATION. THE WARRANTY OF THE TIRE DID NOT IDENTIFY THE MILEAGE COVERED.
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