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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2006
DIP STICK OF A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE HAS SNAPPED OFF AT THE PLASTIC HANDLE AND IS NOW LODGED IN MY OIL TANK. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED, THIS IS A PRETTY COMMON OCCURRENCE, RESULTING IN HIGH DEALERSHIP CHARGES AND SEVERE ENGINE PROBLEMS, INCLUDING ENGINE FAILURE. GREAT WORK NISSAN! *JB
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006
02/2003 CAR STALLED AND DID NOT RESTART,CALLED NISSAN THEY ADMITTED THERE WAS RECALL ON CRANK SENSOR. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND ALSO RECALL ON ECM COVER,FOAM RIPPED OUT AS "QUICK" FIX. NOW THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE IS THUMPING THE COMPUTER IS BUMPING WHEN ACCELERATING AND STOPPING; NOISE IS AUDIBLE INSIDE CAR. WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE PART FIXED DEALER WILL NOT FIX. CALLED NISSAN (NMAC) THEY CONSIDER THE RECALLED PART FIXED. THIS IS CAUSING DAMAGE TO COMPUTER UNIT AND IS DANGEROUS BEING THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE IS LOCATED THERE. CAR HAS SURGING IDLE. NISSAN WILL NOT FIX WHAT THEY DAMAGED, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE IS NOW COMPROMISED. *NM
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
Visibility, Apr 3, 2006
BOTH FRONT POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AT THE EXACT SAME TIME ON THE EXACT SAME DAY. THE CAR IS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA WITH ONLY 55000 MILES. I AM THE THIRD PERSON IN MY FAMILY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WITH THEIR 2002 NISSAN. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDNT HELP MY SITUATION BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PART. *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BELIEVES IT TO BE THE FUEL PUMP. UPDATED 03/03/06. *JB
Structure, Feb 9, 2006
THE DRIVER DOOR ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE WILL NOT OPEN UNLESS I LET DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT MUST BE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *NM
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
Fuel system, Other, Jan 30, 2006
MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE CONTROL UNIT. THEY REPLACED THE UNIT TWICE BECAUSE THE FIRST ONE WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO NISSAN 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS NOT BEING FIXED PROPERLY. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND CHARGED ME $1200 FOR WHAT WAS BASICALLY AN OIL CHANGE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT JUST CAME ON AGAIN TODAY AND I WILL TAKE IT BACK TO NISSAN TOMORROW. THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT STALLS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING. I AM NOT GOING TO RISH MINE OR MY CHILDRENS LIFE BECAUSE NISSAN CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM! THEY KEEP BLAMING IT ON OTHER THINGS LIKE THE BRAND OF GAS I USE! IT'S DISGRACEFUL HOW DEALERSHIPS DO THIS.
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
Air bags, Dec 21, 2005, crash
AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING REAR-END HIGH SPEED IMPACT ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR WINDSHIELD GLASS EXPLODED SPRAYING THE INTERIOR WITH SMALL PIECES OF GLASS. *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
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2005, crash, fire
DT: CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. WHILE PUSHING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V477000 BUT THE CONTACT WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS RECALL. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
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
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2005
I DRIVE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING NISSAN SENTRA WITHOUT KNOWING RECALL ON SENTRA EQUIPPED WITH QR25DE ENGINES. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY. SINCE THEN, THE ENGINE FREQUENTLY STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF RECALL OF NISSAN SENTRA. I TOWED MY CAR TO NISSAN DEALER, AND ECM CASE HOLDER AND CRANK SENSOR WERE REPLACED ACCORDING TO RECALL INSTRUCTIONS BY NISSAN. UNFORTUNATELY, THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE ECM WAS ALREADY DAMAGED. RECALL 03V477000: ECM BOX LINING REMOVAL DEFECT: ON CERTAIN MY 2000-2002 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE AND MY 2002-2003 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH QR25DE, 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 VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. I ALREADY FILED THE COMPLAINT ABOUT ECM DAMAGE RELATED TO THE RECALL TO NORTH AMERICA NISSAN HQ WITH FILE# 5082579. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HQ TOLD ME TO PROVIDE A SOLID PROOF THAT THE MALFUNCTION OF ECM IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO RECALL CASE #03V477000. HOWEVER, MY CAR PROBLEM EXACTLY FALLS INTO THE RECALL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF ECM FOAM WAS NOT REPLACED. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE, RATHER IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE WHO DRIVES 2002-2003 NISSAN SENTRA WITHOUT KNOWING THE RECALL. BUT IT APPEARS THAT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA HQ DOES NOT TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY OR PRETEND NOT TO. NISSAN MUST BE HONEST WITH THIS PROBLEM AND TAKE ANY ACTION TO PREVENT ITS CUSTOMERS FROM ANY CRASH BY REPLACING ECM AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS. *JB
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
Tires, Oct 3, 2005
DT: CALLER SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. WHEN HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND LOOKED AT THE TIRE IT WAS IN THREADS AND COMPLETELY PULLED AWAY FROM THE RIM. HE HAD THE TIRE FOR ABOUT A YEAR. DEALER GAVE HIM A NEW TIRE. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. BRIDGESTONE TIRE, P185/65R14. *AK
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
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THIS VEHICLE WILL STOP RUNNING IN NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR STALLED IN HEAVY COMMUTE TRAFFIC. MY CAR IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD, AND I HAD A HARD TIME STARTING IT. ONCE IT STARTED, IT STALLED AGAIN ONLY A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FOAM SURROUNDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL STATES THAT THE FOAM CAN CONTAMINATE THE ECM. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE FOAM, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE ECM. THE CONTAMINATED ECM IS WHAT IS MAKING THE CAR STALL. THE DEALER ONLY DID THE RECALL WORK, AND DID NOT FIX THE DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE TO THE ECM. I WOULD LIKE TO WARN ALL SENTRA OWNERS THAT THEY ARE DRIVING A DANGEROUS CAR. THIS CAR COULD POTENTIALLY STALL ON THE FREEWAY OR FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO START THE CAR MANY MILES FROM HOME. I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE AND I DROVE THE CAR NOT KNOWING THIS FOAM IS DAMAGING MY ECM. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT A NISSAN WAS A VERY RELIABLE CAR. I ALSO THOUGHT THAT THE NISSAN PEOPLE TOOK CARE OF THE CUSTOMER. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR A NEW ECM. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 14, 2005
I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM 12/03. I FOLLOWED UP AND HAD IT REPAIRED OR REPLACED , AT THIS POINT I'M UNCERTAIN WHAT HAPPENED. TODAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS INOPERABLE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 800.00 TO REPLACE IT. THIS IS A DEVICE THAT IS APART OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST RECALL THAT WAS DONE IN '03. BECAUSE 2 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE RECALL WAS DONE, I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM FORCED TO MAKE ANOTHER COSTLY REPAIR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE NUMEROUS RECALLS AND REPAIRS ON THE "NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR!" *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Sep 9, 2005
I HIT A CURB AND MY WHEEL BROKE OFF LEAVING JUST THE CENTER BOLTED TO THE CAR. THE TIRE WAS NOT DAMAGED. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE TIRE AND REMAINDER OF THE WHEEL CONTINUED INTO TRAFFIC. THE TIRE SHOP INDICATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE SUSTAINED ONLY POSSIBLY SOME ALIGNMENT ISSUES. THIS AND THE LACK OF DAMAGE TO THE TIRE SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THE IMPACT WAS NOT THAT SEVERE, YET THERE WAS THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE NOW TWO PIECES OF THE WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT JUST AN SER MODEL SENTRA BUT A SER SPEC V WHICH INCLUDES 17" WHEELS INSTEAD OF THE 16S ON THE SER. I HAVE NOT SUBMITTED ANYTHING TO NISSAN AS I PREVIOUSLY HAD NOTIFIED THEM OF SOME FREQUENTLY-WARPING BRAKE ROTORS AND THEY DISCOUNTED MY CLAIMS INDICATING I WAS DRIVING TO AGGRESSIVELY. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED IN SUBSEQUENT MODELS SINCE THE 2002 INTRODUCTION OF MY CAR. *JB
Air bags, Sep 8, 2005
WITHOUT NOTICE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER & THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $80+ TAX TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I JUST HAPPENED TO CHECK FOR RECALLS AND THE RECALL HAS STATED THAT MY ISSUE IS DUE TO A DEFECT AND IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. I CONTACTED NISSAN WHO, OF COURSE, IS NO HELP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN # WAS NOT A PART OF THAT RECALL. THEY COULDN'T EVEN TELL ME WHERE MY RECALLS WERE EVEN REPAIRED. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD LET THE NHTSA KNOW ABOUT THIS & ADVISE ANYONE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH NOT TO BUY A NISSAN. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!! *NM