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.
Tires, Aug 26, 2005
I AM WRITING TO YOUR DEPARTMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL. FROM WHAT I GATHER THE RECALL HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS OF FIRESTONE TIRES NOT ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN THE INITIAL RECALL. THEREFORE, I WANTED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON MY SITUATION TO DETERMINE IF I WOULD QUALIFY FOR RECALL RELIEF. VIN # [XXX], 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SER, FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA02 TIRES, P195/55R16 86H AND LABELED MADE IN MEXICO. THERE WAS NO PLANT NUMBER LISTED ON THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE ANY CLAIMS UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THANKS! *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2005
DT: 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF, TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC. WENT ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND FOUND TWO RECALLS, THEY WERE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CASE HOLDER AND HEAD LAMP ADJUSTER. THEN, TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP, THEY RAN VIN # AND THEY FOUND THREE RECALLS, ONE WAS ON THE FOAM ON THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND THE OTHER TWO WERE UNKNOWN. ONE OF THE RECALLS WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN OR CUT OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2005. THEY DID NOT REPAIR DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUES. SPOKE TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE OF NISSAN AND THEY SAID THIS CAR WOULD NOT BE FIXED BY NISSAN WITHOUT COST. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
I DRIVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. I REGULARLY MAINTENANCE THIS VEHICLE. MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIKE A LIGHT GOING ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND REFUSED TO RESTART! A POLICE OFFICER HAD TO PUT FLARES OUT IN THE INTERSECTION SO THAT NO ONE WOULD HIT US. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER VEHICLE IN THE INTERSECTION COLLIDED WITH OUR VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY WE COULD GET THE CAR TO THE SHOP WAS BY A TOW TRUCK. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE CAR'S COMPUTER HAD GONE COMPLETELY DEAD. I AM GRATEFUL THAT WE WERE NOT INJURED, BUT I CONSIDER THAT A CAR SYSTEM THAT FAILS TO WARN THE DRIVER IN ADVANCE THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE CAR IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS! I WOULD NOT WANT ANY DRIVER TO HAVE THIS FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE!
Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2005
DT:AFTER STARTING THE CAR ON MAY 15 2005 IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND THE ACCELERATOR WENT UP, RAISING THE RPMS TO 4000. THIS LASTED 3-5 SECONDS. THE CONSUMER PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THEN, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND T BACK ON. HE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A ONE TIME EVENT, AND MAYBE SOMETHING THAT MADE THE RPMS TO RISE. . THEN IN JULY 2005 THE CONSUMER WAS SITTING IN THE CAR, AND THEN THE RPMS INCREASED TO 6000 WHILE IT WAS IN PARK. THE CONSUMER SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK ON, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE AGAIN. THE THIRD TIME, FIVE DAYS LATER, WHILE MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER STOPPED TO LET THE OTHER CAR GO, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TOOK OFF. THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD, THE RPMS ROSE TO ABOUT 6000, AND THE CAR SPED UP TO 3-4 MPH. THE CONSUMER PUSHED THE BRAKES IN AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD. THEN T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND WAITED, AND ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE STOPPED RACING. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ROAD TESTED AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK UPDATED 11/16/05. *JB
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2005
I GOT MY OIL CHANGED BY FIRESTONE ON 8/6/05 AND THEY TOLD ME AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS DONE THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS BROKEN UPON ARRIVAL OF THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST 150 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS. I TOLD THEM THAT I GOT MY OIL CHANGED IN PHILADELPHIA PRIOR TO ME MOVING DOWN TO TEXAS AT A JIFFY LUBE. THEY ADVISED ME TO CALL THEM AND TALK TO THEM. WHEN I CALLED JIFFY LUBE THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NISSAN CARS AND THAT THEY OFTEN HAVE TO REPLACE THIS ON MANY VEHICLES. HE SUGGESTED THAT I CALL A JIFFY LUBE DOWN IN TEXAS TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLACE THIS AT 4 DOLLARS COST AS THAT IS HOW MUCH THE PART IS. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WOULDN'T SPEND 150 DOLLARS TO DO THIS. I CALLED A JIFFY LUBE IN TEXAS AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T ORDER THOSE PARTS AND THAT I NEED TO CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER AND TOLD ME THAT THIS ISN'T AN ISSUE WITH NISSAN CARS AND HE WOULD NEED TO LOOK AT IT BEFORE TELLING ME HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SEE THAT I AM NOT ALONE AND THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE. I AM GOING TO GET SEVERAL OPINIONS ON HOW MUCH THIS WILL COST AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE GIVING ANYONE MY MONEY. I THINK THAT NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE PEOPLE FOR THE AMOUNT IT COST TO FIX THIS IF THEY WON'T DO A RECALL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2005
THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) OF 2002 NISSAN SENTRA IS VERY EASY TO BREAK. MY DIPSTICK'S A RUBBER/PLASTIC HANDLE WAS BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE, AND THE BLADE WAS STUCK IN THE TUBE AND VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT OUT. A DEALERSHIP ASKED $100 TO JUST PULL THE BROKEN BLADE OUT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF POOR DESIGN, AND I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS SIMILAR FAILURES ON NISSAN SENTRA. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART IMMEDIATELY. *JB
Power train, Jul 28, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION FELL APART AT 38,456 MILES, AND THE SECOND ONE FELL APART A T39,007 MILES. CONTACT TALKED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION . BUT HE SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PUT REBUILT PARTS INTO IT. CONTACT WOULD LIKE A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST ONE WAS PUT IN ON 7-1-05. SHE ASSUMED THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS NOT PUT TOGETHER CORRECTLY, AND THE SECOND ONE WAS REPLACED WITH REBUILT PARTS ON 7-26-05. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2005
DT: A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE ECM COVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION SINCE THEN THE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE ECM. THE DEALER ONLY DID THE RECALL WORK AND DID NOT THE FIX THE DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE BECAUSE OF RECALL DEFECT. DEALER SAID THEY WILL FIX IT IF THE CONSUMER PAID FOR IT. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WILL CONTACT HER WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER AND HE SAID HER CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER TOLD HER TODAY IF SHE PAYS $50.00 THEY WILL REPLACE THE ECM. RECALL ID#P3163. CALLER IS PAYING FOR RENTAL CAR. CALLER IS NOT ALRIGHT WITH PAYING THE $50.00.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 27, 2005
DT: WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. CALLER HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES TO GET IT TO STOP. HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD, TURNED IT OFF, AND RESTARTED IT. CALLER SAYS IT WAS A GRADUAL ACCELERATION. MANUFACTURER TOLD CALLER ABOUT RECALLS. DEALER WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WILL TALK ABOUT IT TOMORROW.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE RADIO WOULD NOT WORK AND THE ENTIRE DASH SYSTEM WENT OUT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH, EVERYTHING STARTED WORKING. CONTACT HAS NOT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER. *AK *NM
Tires, Jun 10, 2005
IN MAR '02, I BOUGHT A NEW NISSAN SENTRA SE-R THAT CAME W/ FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 195/55/R16 TIRES. I ALWAYS ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 2 OIL CHANGES (~7000 MILES) AND CHECK/INFLATE TIRE PSI EVERY FEW MONTHS. IN JAN 05 I WENT TO ALLIED TIRES FOR AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR, THEY SHOWED ME LARGE SPLITS/CRACKS ALL AROUND THE INNER SIDEWALL OF ALL 4 TIRES. (AT THIS POINT MY CAR HAD ~28000 MILES) THEY SAID IF I DIDN'T GET THE TIRES REPLACED ASAP, I WOULD HAVE A BLOWOUT. NONE OF THEM HAD EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. I HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED AT SEARS SOON AFTER. (IT WAS EST. 10000 MILES OF TREAD LEFT ON THE "FAULTY" TIRES) THE MECHANIC SAID HE ALSO NOTICED THE SPLITTING ON THE "FAULTY" TIRES AND HADN'T SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT EITHER. ON MAY 31, 05, I TOOK THE "FAULTY" TIRES (WHICH I STILL HAVE) TO NISSAN. THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SPLITTING, AND SAID TO DEAL W/ FIRESTONE. AT FIRESTONE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT LOOKED LIKE I GOT A BAD BATCH OF TIRES WITH THE CAR, BUT THAT HIS COMMENT WAS "OFF THE RECORD" SINCE HE DIDN'T WANT TO BAD MOUTH FIRESTONE. WHEN THE MANAGER CAME OUT, HE BLATANTLY BEAT AROUND THE BUSH, SAYING THAT SINCE THE TIRES WEREN'T ON THE CAR, THEY DIDN'T KNOW IF I WAS TELLING THE TRUTH (IE: SINCE THE TIRES WERE OFF, HE THOUGHT I COULD HAVE PURPOSELY DAMAGED THE TIRES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIM, EVEN THOUGH I HAD 3 OTHER COMPANIES AS EYE WITNESSES). HE THEN SAID IF I HAD THE TIRES STILL ON THE CAR, HE WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME A PRO-RATED REIMBURSEMENT. I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ON THE CAR FOR THE MANAGER TO NOTICE THE FAULT IN THEM... IN THE END, I WAS OFFERED NO COMPENSATION FOR THESE FAULTY TIRES, BUT THE MORE IMPORTANT PROBLEM IN MY EYES IS THAT OF SAFETY. I DON'T BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE SAFE, ESP. CONSIDERING MY EXPERIENCE W/ THEM. FOR TIRES TO "SPLIT" AS MINE DID MAKES EVERYDAY DRIVING FOR ME AND OTHERS AROUND ME VERY DANGEROUS. I CAN SEND PICTURES VIA EMAIL IF DESIRED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2005
I'M THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN 6 MONTHS I'VE NOW SPENT $600 ($300 EACH INCLUDING LABOR) TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON MY AUTO ALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE A $6 BULB. THERE IS A SEVERE DESIGN FLAW AND SHOWS LACK OF QUALITY PRODUCED BY NISSAN. APPARENTLY NISSAN IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ONCE THE PAPERWORK IS SIGNED AND THE DEAL IS DONE ON THE SALE OF THEIR AUTOS. I PLAN TO RETURN TO TOYOTA FOR MY NEXT AUTO PURCHASE.
Tires, Apr 25, 2005
TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE HAS SUFFERED BELT FAILURES.*MR ALL FOUR TREADS ON THE VEHICLE'S TIRES FAILED IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS. *NM
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; 10 MILES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE ECM FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO PERFORM THE ECM MATERIAL RECALL 03V477000 BECAUSE THE ECM FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE CONTAMINATION OF THE INNER LINING MATERIAL , IT JUST SHORTED OUT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 5, 2005
2002 GXE NISSAN SENTRA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION.*MR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ONCE THE CONSUMER APPLIED MORE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2005
2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD.*MR *NM
Steering, Mar 18, 2005
THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY ON OUR 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WAS REPLACED BY HALL NISSAN OF CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE INTO THE THIS DEALER FOR AN ANNUAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. WE INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK THE STEERING SYSTEM. WE HAD EXPERIENCED PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL . THE MOVEMENT WAS UP AND DOWN IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED OUR CAR WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS THE VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION UNLESS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE MANUFACTURER (NISSAN) TO "GOOD WILL" HALF THE COST ($971.52) OF THE REPLACEMENT. OUR VEHICLE HAD 37,130 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ON THE DATE WE BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION (11/18/2004). OUR VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH AND IS NOT MISUSED IN ANY WAY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2005
NISSAN SENTRA 2002 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. *BF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY OR CYLINDER NEXT TO IT. THE DRIVE BELT WAS ADJUSTED DUE TO LOOSENESS. THE VEHICLE STAYED QUIET FOR THREE DAYS THEN THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE WEATHER COULD CAUSE A GLAZE ON THE DRIVE BELT WHICH CAUSED NOISES. THE BELT WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2005
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS A TAKEN TO THE CLOSEST DEALER TO GET IT REPAIRED. AFTER BEING REPAIRED IT WAS FOUND THAT VEHICLE WAS STILL SHUTTING OFF. *AK CUSTOMER WAS CHARGED FOR REPAIR THAT WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE. AFTER PAYING FOR THE SERVICE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. AFTER FOUR ADDITIONAL TRIPS LIGHT FINALLY WENT OFF. ELECTRIC TAPE WAS USE TO REPAIR HARNESS NOW CAR SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING WHILE DRIVING. *EH *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2005
WENT TO CHECK THE OIL AND THE PLASTIC DIPSTICK HAD BROKEN OFF AND THE DIPSTICK HAS FALLEN DOWN INTO THE ENGINE. CHECKING ONLINE FOR HELP ON REMOVAL SHOWS A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.THEY WANT $156 DOLLARS TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH A NEW DIPSTICK NOT MADE OF PLASTIC FOR $3.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE RESTARTED, AND THEY CONTINUED ON DRIVING. LATER, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR THAT WAS ON RECALL. CONSUMER DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Suspension, Jan 18, 2005
THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES SINCE APRIL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY DEFECTS. *JB
Structure, Jan 5, 2005
THE TRUNK DOOR DID NOT STAY OPEN WHEN IT WAS FULLY OPENED. THE NEW TORSION BAR DID NOT WORK AND WHILE LOADING THE TRUNK, THE LID FELL ON THE PASSENGER'S HEAD. *SC NO WARNINGS IN MANUAL AND NO INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPEN POSITION. *TC
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Dec 23, 2004
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PARTS ON THIS ALTIMA ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THE ACTUAL DEFECT CAUSED BY THE LIGHTS BEING TOO HOT AND THEN MELTING THE PLASTIC WAS NOT BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION UNTIL EXPENSES HAD BEEN INCURRED ON REPLACEMENT OF THE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES. WHENTHE LEFT SIDE WAS PROPERLY DIAGNOSED FINALLY, THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER DENIED REPLACEMENT AND REFUSED TO ATTEMPT ANY SOLUTION. DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THE LIGHTS AND THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART, I HAD TO WAIT TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE. THE PARTS COMPONENTS FOLKS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. MORE IMPORTANTLY NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERAL MECHANICS INCLUDING ONE SERVICE PERSON AT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL ALTIMAS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.*AK