2003 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 180 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 13 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 8 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
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
Engine and engine coolingJul 7, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.
IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE 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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V242000 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
Representative owner complaints
180 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jun 25, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A TRUCK FAILED TO OBEY A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE TRUCK. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,325.
Engine, May 20, 2015
PURCHASED 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WITH 52,000 MILES AROUND AUGUST 2013. VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING, MECHANIC NEEDED TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (FRONT & REAR), ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER THE CAR STARTED GOING THROUGH ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1-2 DAYS. OUR MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A RECALL BULLETIN EXPLAINING THAT DEBRIS FROM THIS VEHICLE'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER GETS INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSES THE PISTON RINGS TO WEAR OUT AND ALSO CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE OIL IS NOT CHECKED AND FILLED CONSTANTLY, IT MAY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO OUR NISSAN DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HAS REPLACED ENGINES IN THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HEADQUARTERS REFUSED TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BULLETIN STATING WE ARE 14 MONTHS PAST THE POINT THAT NISSAN WOULD'VE FIXED IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHILE IN USE.
Engine, May 20, 2015
PURCHASED 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WITH 52,000 MILES AROUND AUGUST 2013. VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING, MECHANIC NEEDED TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (FRONT & REAR), ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER THE CAR STARTED GOING THROUGH ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1-2 DAYS. OUR MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A RECALL BULLETIN EXPLAINING THAT DEBRIS FROM THIS VEHICLE'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER GETS INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSES THE PISTON RINGS TO WEAR OUT AND ALSO CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE OIL IS NOT CHECKED AND FILLED CONSTANTLY, IT MAY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO OUR NISSAN DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HAS REPLACED ENGINES IN THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HEADQUARTERS REFUSED TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BULLETIN STATING WE ARE 14 MONTHS PAST THE POINT THAT NISSAN WOULD'VE FIXED IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHILE IN USE.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Engine, Mar 9, 2015
CAR WHILE IN DRIVE WILL STALL AND IDLE. CAR ALSO HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND HAS CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. MULTIPLE ENGINE CODES HAVE CAME ON AND REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BUT THE ISSUE CONTINUES. AT THIS TIME CRANKSHAFT, AND CAM SENSOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED AND IS CURRENTLY IN PROCESS. READING UP ON THIS ISSUE APPEARS THERE IS A RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE FOR SIMILAR VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000) BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY AS CAR COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT AND OCCURS AT ANY TIME INCLUDING HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO NOT DRIVE AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC FOR FURTHER FOLLOWUP IN HOPES OF RESOLUTION. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS AS APPEARS TO BE A REPEAT ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Jan 29, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR AND THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,846.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2014
CAN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION ON IF THIS VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS!!! NOT EVEN THE WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV SITE GIVES ME ANY INFORMATION!!!!! *TR
Engine, Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2014
I BOUGHT MY CAR AND THE DASHBOARD DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME. IT SUDDENLY STOPS AND GIVE 0 INFORMATION ABOUT SPEED, GAS, AND HEAT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 1000$ WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD. I THINK THIS IS A CAR PROBLEM NOT MY PROBLEM AND I WANT THEM TO FIX IT. CAN YOU HELP FOR MY SAFETY? *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2014
WE BOUGHT THIS LOW MILEAGE CAR FROM A FAMILY MEMBER BUT AFTER BUYING THIS CAR IT STARTED GETTING PLAGUED WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY AND MYSTERIOUSLY SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. ENGINE DIED UNANNOUNCED CAR CUTS OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES STOP WORKING. IT WOULD HAPPEN UP TO 5 TO 7 TIMES A WEEK INTERMITTENTLY. WE HAD TAKEN IT NISSAN TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN APRIL TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SITUATION THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR SOLVE THE PROBLEM FOR US OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM DURING TEST DRIVES. IN AUGUST TOOK THIS CAR BACK IN AFTER IT WOULDN'T RUN AT ALL AND THEY FINALLY TOLD ME IT WAS A CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. AFTER REPLACING THIS PART IT RUNS FINE NOW. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE IT SEEMS THIS PART IS PART OF A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR HOWEVER I WAS TOLD IT DIDN'T APPLY TO MY VIN. I SPOKE TO NISSAN HEADQUARTERS AND THEY AGAIN TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T COVER THIS AS IT IS NOT PART OF A RECALL. THIS PART LOOKS LIKE IT IS PROBLEMATIC IN THIS MODEL YEAR AND MAKE AND ALSO FOR OTHER CARS ACROSS THE NISSAN LINEUP. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND IT RESULTED IN SOME SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT IF IT STALLED AND I WASN'T ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, OR IT STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION OR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC SAY THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS ALSO LUCKY THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T LOCK UP TURNING THE WHEEL WITH THE CAR OFF. OUR SYMPTOMS WITH THIS CAR WERE CLASSIC. I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM IN APRIL AS THE SYMPTOMS MATCH THEY HAVE FOR KNOWN RECALLS ON THIS AND OTHER CARS. I WOULD LIKE IT COVERED BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I THINK THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER VEHICLES AND VINS TO SAVE LIVES. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2014
WHILE DRIVING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL SHUTS OFF THEN COMES BACK ON REPEATEDLY, SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAUGE, RPMS, WATER TEMP., ETC. CAR STAYS RUNNING BUT YOU CAN'T TELL WHAT YOUR SPEED OR RPMS ARE. BROUGHT TO NUMEROUS SHOPS AND DEALERS KNOW ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Aug 27, 2014
RECENTLY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR DIED FOR ABOUT 3 - 5 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THEN RESUMED. MY CAR HAS STALLED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST BUT USUALLY WHILE ACCELERATING IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR SO IT WASN'T MUCH OF A CONCERN. BUT IF MY CAR JUST DIES WHILE DRIVING 60 -70 MPH I THINK THERE ARE SOME SAFETY ISSUES AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. RESEARCH INDICATES IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANK SENSOR AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT. FOR SOME REASON MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
Engine, Aug 16, 2014
MY PRE CAT WENT OUT SO TOOK IT TO SHOP TO HAVE IT REPLACED. COST ME 1000$. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN BURNING OIL VERY BAD UP TO A QUART A TANK. AND WHITE SMOKE IF ACCELERATE EVEN REMOTELY MORE THAN GENTLE. NISSAN SAID MY CAR ISN'T ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRE CAT RECALL. BUT IT FITS DESCRIPTION AS FAR AS 2003 SENTRA WITH THE 2.5L QR25DE ENGINE. IF THE DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE I WOULD LIKE THEM TO BUY THE CAR FOR BLUE BOOK. I AM ONLY SECOND OWNER. IT HAS ROUGHLY 87500 ON IT NOW. *TR
Engine, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 08/27/14*LJ UPDATED 09/17/2014 *JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2014
I WAS PULLING THROUGH A SHOPPING CENTER, WHEN MY SENTRA STARTED STALLING. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NO LONGER START. I BOUGHT A CODE READER AND IT STATED A FEW CODES SUCH AS ECM, CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. I HAD IT TOWED TO HUDSON NISSAN AND THEY STATED THAT THE ECU/ECM HAS SHORTED AND SHORTED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR. WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF I WERE TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED, OR IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2014
MY CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR. ONE MINUTE I AM DRIVING, THE NEXT I AM COASTING. THANKFULLY, I WAS ALWAYS DRIVING SLOWLY WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME. IT STARTS RIGHT UP. NO "CODE" SHOWING UP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I CALLED NISSAN RE: MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE STALLING, BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T PART OF THE RECALLS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD REPEATEDLY STALL ONCE RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BACK LIGHT WOULD FAIL ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED WITH ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE CENTRAL COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *TR
Air bags, Nov 15, 2013
I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT TONY NISSAN IN WAIPIO, HAWAII, OAHU TO FIX THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR RECALL PER THE NOTICE I WAS MAILED. (NHTSA RECALL 13V-136). I WAS INFORMED WHEN I MADE THE APPOINTMENT AND PER THE RECALL NOTICE I WAS MAILED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE LESS THAN ONE DAY. TONY NISSAN INFORMED ME THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE IN THE MORNINGS ONLY M-F, AND MY CAR WOULD BE READY FOR PICK-UP IN THE AFTERNOON. WHEN I ARRIVED AT TONY NISSAN, AFTER HAVING TAKEN OFF WORK TO DO SO, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL TAKES TWO (2) DAYS TO REPAIR AND I WOULD HAVE TO BRING MY CAR BACK DURING ANOTHER WEEKDAY, HENCE TAKE OFF ANOTHER DAY OF WORK. I WAS ALSO TOLD I NEEDED 4 NEW TIRES ($810) AND A NEW BATTERY ($172). I NEVER REQUESTED THOSE REPAIRS AND WAS PRESSURED BY THE TONY NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION AS THEY DID NOT HAVE MY TIRES ON-SITE AND WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THEM. A RED FLAG IMMEDIATELY WENT OFF, I TOLD THEM I WANTED TO RETURN AND PICK MY CAR UP AND ASKED THEM WHEN THEY WOULD BE DONE "LOOKING AT MY AIRBAG" TO SEE IF I NEEDED THE RECALL REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD NO IDEA AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEY CALLED ME. THIS WAS AFTER I WAS TOLD BY A REP WHEN THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE ONLY DONE IN THE MORNINGS AND MY CAR WOULD BE READY NO LATER THAN EARLY AFTERNOON. I CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENT. MY RECALL REPAIR HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. I LOST A DAY OF WORK FOR NOTHING, AND APPARENTLY WILL NEED TO LOSE 2 MORE WORK DAYS IN ORDER TO HAVE THE REPAIR COMPLETED. I AM GOING TO TRY TO ARRANGE THE APPOINTMENT AT THE ONLY OTHER NISSAN DEALERSHIP ON THE ISLAND AND HOPE THEY WILL BE PROFESSIONAL. *TR
Engine, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE POWERED OFF NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SOME OF THE SPARK PLUGS WERE NOT FIRING. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN CLEANED THE FUEL SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT AND ECU WERE REPROGRAM AND RESET TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE REMEDY FAILED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000. UPDATED 10/17/13*LJ UPDATED 10/24/2013 *JS
Air bags, Sep 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V136000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
Engine, Sep 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER STARTING CAR AFTER OIL CHANGE AT LOCAL SHOP. MECHANIC CHECKED CODE, PROBLEM WITH CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. PART REPLACED. PROBLEM SOLVED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY OFF. AFTER 1 WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AGAIN, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDS REPLACED. CAR TIMING CLEARLY OFF - WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE CAR JOLTS AND SHUDDERS HARD ENOUGH TO SLAM DRIVER INTO SEATBELT. WHEN VEHICLE WARMED ALL THE WAY UP PROBLEM NONEXISTENT. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CHANGED AGAIN, PROBLEM REOOCURS WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO. DURING FALL/WINTER WHEN COLD WEATHER OCCURS ENGINE MUST BE COMPLETELY WARM TO AVOID BEING SHAKEN AND JOLTED AROUND WHILE ACCELERATING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. DEALER STATES "TIMING CHAIN IS OUT OF TIME" AND MUST BE REPLACED. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA STATES CAR NOT ON RECALL LIST, ALTHOUGH RECALLS LISTED HERE SEEM TO APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) HOWEVER AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND BOTH ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.