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.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2007
A LARGE NUMBER OF 2003 NISSAN SENTRA'S ARE UNDER RECALL FOR BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I OWN A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WHO'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS BAD, BUT AM NOW TOLD MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS EMISSIONS ISSUE, AND MY CAR WILL NOW NOT PASS THE EMISSIONS TEST FOR STATE INSPECTION. MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 69000 MILES, PROOF OF WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN SERVICE RECORDS FROM SOUTHERN STATES NISSAN IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA. MY VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR SERVICE CENTER IN JAN. OF 2006 TO REPLACE BAD COMPUTER COMPONENTS. WHEN MY VEHICLE LEFT THE SERVICE CENTER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED THE CAUSE TO BE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2007
I HAVE TRIED A NUMBER OF TIMES TO HAVE NISSAN FIND THE REASON WHY MY CAR HAD A DELAY IN START FOR 2 YEARS. I HAVE NO SUCCESS, ONLY EXCUSES , AND RUN AROUND. NOW MY CAR IS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY AND THEY ARE STILL GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT IT APPEARS TO BE WHAT THE RECALLS ARE STATING.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2007, crash
TL*- THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER TWO MONTHS AGO FOR THE 2003 NISSAN SENTRA, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED LAST YEAR. WHILE DRIVING THE WEATHER WAS POOR, THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO 17 DEGREES AND ITSTARTED SNOWING ,HE WAS DRIVING UNDER BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. HE WAS TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. DUE TO THE ICY CONDITIONS A TRUCK HAD STOPPED, BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLID INTO THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. HIS INSURANCE COMPANY STATED HE WAS AT FAULT. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. NISSAN CONFIRMED THE INSURANCE FINDINGS, AND SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IN AUGUST 2006 THE VEHICLE REPEATED THE SAME FAILURE. WHIE GOING 3 MPH AND THE CAR STALLED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ALMOST ROLLED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN JANUARY HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP, IT STARTED TO RAIN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE IT STALLED AGAIN AND HE COULD NOT START IT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT 45-50 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF,AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ICY. THE VEHICLE HIT A CEMENT WALL. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A POLICE REPORT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR WAS GOING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON 2/27/07. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2007
CAR WILL NOT START IN THE MORNING UNLESS ENGINE IS WARMED UP FOR A FEW MINUTES, IF NOT ALLOWED TO WARM UP IT WILL MOVE VERY SLOWLY AND IF YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE IT STALLS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID IT WAS A BAD CAM SENSOR, SO HE REPLACED AND THIS TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. HE PUT BACK THE OLD SENSOR AND IT STARTED UP BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, THE COMPUTER STATED IT'S THE CAM SENSOR. HE COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT SO HE FINALLY CONTACTED NISSAN TECHS AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT COULD BE. AFTER 5 DAYS THEY FINALLY CAME UP WITH THE PROBLEM---VALVE-TIMING CONTROL ??? THEY WANT $ 1600 TO REPAIR THE CAR, I CAN'T AFFORD IT, SO I CONTACTED NISSAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SHOULD PAY FOR IT BECAUSE IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE THE RECALL NHTSA ID 03V455000, THEY REFUSED EVEN THOUGH I AM A LONG TIME NISSAN CUSTOMER. I AM GOING TO APPEAL THE DECISION BECAUSE I AM READING A LOT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS EXIST AND THEY WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IT'S A REAL SHAME. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2007
A FEW MONTHS AGO THE CARS RPM'S WOULD FLUCTUATE AND THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TO DIE. IF IT WAS STOPPED OR AT A SLOW SPEED IT WOULD DIE OUT. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN MANY ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAD THE PART REPLACED AND IT STILL DOES IT. NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE DAY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL,# 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 23, 2006
THE VEHICLE HAS VERY HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY CONSUMES 1QT PER WEEK. I DID NOT NOTICE THE PROBLEM AS IT HAS PROGRESSED SINCE 40,000 MILES WHERE IT WAS ONLY 2-3 QUARTS BETWEEN CHANGES. I HAVE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE (I WAS TRAINED BY A MASTER VOLVO TECHNICIAN). HE HAS OVER SEEN THE MAINTAINING OF MY VEHICLE SINCE MILE 1. I NOTICED THAT OIL CONSUMPTION WAS BECOMING AN ISSUE AROUND 65,000 MILES. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. I HAD THIS RECALL PERFORMED SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 35,000 AND 50,000 MILES (CANNOT REMEMBER WHEN EXACTLY, NISSAN USA SHOULD HAVE RECORD). THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OF THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REMOVED - IT HAS NEVER BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENGINE - THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY TO SEE INTERNAL DAMAGE WITHOUT REMOVAL! THE INTERNAL DAMAGE WILL NOT AFFECT THE EMISSIONS OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS IN VERY EXTREME CASES! THE BOLTS HAVE NO SCARING WHAT SO EVER TO SUGGEST THAT IT WAS EVER REMOVED AND INSPECTED. HOWEVER, THE SHIELD WAS REMOVED AND THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT LEFT THE BOLTS ON TOP OF THE SHIELD LOOSE. MANY SENTRAS (WITH 2.5L ENGINES) OWNERS ARE NOTICING VERY HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THEIR VEHICLES (I COULD EASILY FIND OVER 100 BETWEEN 2 DIFFERENT MESSAGE BOARDS THAT DO NOT COVER THE ALTIMA 2.5) EVEN WITH THE RECALL DONE. MANY HAVE CALLED NISSAN USA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THE EARLIER MODELS - NISSAN HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH EVEN FOR THOSE WHO STILL HAVE FACTORY WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE, OFTEN BLAMING THE DEFECT ON "NEGLECTING THE VEHICLE". THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEING TOLD THIS ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR THEIR VEHICLES, AND MAINTAIN THEM WITH THE BEST PRODUCTS THEY KNOW OF; AND CONSISTENTLY LOOK FOR BETTER PRODUCTS TO REPLACE "GOOD PRODUCTS". PLEASE LOOK HEAVILY INTO EXPANDING THE CURRENT OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL - NISSAN SEEMS TO BE DISREGARDING THE SAFETY OF ITS BUYERS. IF THEY CONTINUE TO "SLIP BY" WITH IT, THEY WILL ONLY CONTINUE.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE BURNED 3/ 4 OF OIL IN THE TANK EVERY 2000 MILES. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED TWO ENGINES AND CHANGED AN OIL BLOCK TO TRY TO FIX THE ISSUE, BUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION HAS CONTINUED.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 2, 2006
CAR BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH, HAD TROUBLE STARTING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. DIDN'T DRIVE MUCH AFTER PROBLEM. TOOK TO DEALER (LEITZINGER IMPORTS) WHERE I ATTEND COLLEGE, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS P0462 - FUEL/SENSOR CIRCUIT, AS PER TSB. ENGINE CONTROL UNIT NEEDS REPROGRAMMED WHICH WAS DONE. MY FATHER PICKED UP AFTER FIXED & SERVICE PERSONNEL MENTIONED IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA WAS CONTACTED & MY FATHER SPOKE WITH A HELPFUL REP SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK. FILE NUMBER WITH NISSAN IS 5463960. NO KNOWN RECALLS, REIMBURSEMENT DENIED BUT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT IF WE OWNED MORE NISSANS. WAS MENTIONED TO REP THAT NO PARTS WERE REPLACED WHICH INDICATES IT WAS A COMPUTER/PROGRAM MALFUNCTION & NOT FAULT OF OWNER. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2006
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS WARNING AND CAR WAS GOING TO STOP SUDDENLY BUT THE DRIVER WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO REACT IN TIME AND DEPRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND CRUISE TO A SAFE SPOT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN AT AN INTERSECTION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE DRIVER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL TRIES UPON WHICH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TACHOMETER WAS NOT READING THE RPM. THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWLY (5 MPH) DRIVEN TO A SAFE LOCATION WHERE FURTHER DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A TROUBLE CODE 0335 ( CRANK POSITION/CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION). EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL (03V455000) FOR THIS ISSUE THE DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AND DO ANY REPAIRS AT NO CHARGE STATING THAT ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLES VIN# THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON IT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 24, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA SER THAT CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. IT STALLS, DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND SOMETIMES WONT START. THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN ITS GOING TO DIE. IT FEELS LIKE IT LOSES POWER WHILE YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THE MATTER WITH IT THEY HAVE REPLACE THE CHAMBER ASSEMBLY THROTTLE AND THEN REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR ASSEMBLY. SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT EVEN COME ON BUT WHEN THEY SCAN IT FOR A CODE A CODE COMES UP OR SOMETIMES NO CODES COME UP. THIS CAR HAD BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 10 TIMES AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 25, 2006
THIS IS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA GXE, LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY AND UNDER 300 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FIRST SERVICE DATE AFTER THE END OF WARRANTY, THE DEALER RECOMMENDED A NEW FUEL PUMP FOR THE NON-STARTING PROBLEM. THE DATES BELOW SHOW THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL LINE WAS WELL-DOCUMENTED LONG BEFORE THE WARRANTY WENT OUT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. 06/11/04-- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS 08/09/04-- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DEALER REPLACED COIL ASSY-- IGNITION 06/25/05-- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO ACTION BY DEALER-- BUT DEALER SAID NEXT TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON, A NEW FUEL PUMP WOULD BE REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF TOWN, SO I ONLY WENT TO THIS DEALER ONCE. 07/26/05-- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO ACTION BY DEALER BECAUSE PREVIOUS DEALER DID NOT RECORD HIS DIAGNOSIS IN FILE. 08/19/05-- CAR TURNING OVER BUT NOT STARTING. AAA CHECKED BATTERY AND SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE. TOWED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAID CAR WAS FLOODED, CLEANED OUT SPARK PLUG TUBES, BUT DID NOT FIX CAUSE OF THE NON-STARTING. 10/21/05-- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, NO ACTION BY DEALER 12/23/05-- WARRANTY RUNS OUT ONCE IN JAN. AND ONCE IN FEB. 2006, THE CAR DID NOT TURN OVER. WHEN I TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON FEBRUARY 16, 2006, ADVISOR RECOMMENDED A NEW FUEL PUMP AT COST OF $695. THE DEALER CALLED AND ASKED NISSAN USA FOR A GOODWILL CLAIM WHICH WAS DENIED. ON MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2006, I CALLED NISSAN USA TO FILE A REQUEST FOR THIS TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, CONSIDERING THE LONG RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS TO HEAR BACK IN 24 HOURS. I MADE MULTIPLE CALLS THROUGH THE WEEK AND RECEIVED NO ANSWERS AND ONLY ONE PHONE CALL BACK-- ON THURSDAY-- TO TELL ME THAT THE FILE HAD BEEN MISDIRECTED AND THAT I SHOULD HEAR LATER. ON FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2006, I CALLED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. THE SERVICE REP. COULD NOT TELL ME WHY AND THE ADVISOR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 5, 2005
PURCHASED A NEW NISSAN SENTRA IN JAN. 03'. STARTED NOTICING LONG ENGINE CRANK BEFORE START BY MAR. 04'. DEALER VISIT IN MAR. 04' FOUND NO PROBLEM. PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL SEP. 04'. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME UNDER WARRANTY. A NISSAN TECHNICAL BULLETIN/SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED IN JUN. 05' DETAILING THE SPECIFIC ISSUE. IN SEP. 05' LONG CRANK PROBLEM RETURNED. MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER GENERAL WARRANTY AND THE FUEL PUMP IS NO LONGER UNDER PARTS WARRANTY AND NISSAN IS REFUSING TO HELP. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE ORIGINAL AND NOW NISSAN EXPECTS ME TO PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE VIA THEIR OWN TECHNICAL BULLETIN/SERVICE BULLETIN. THIS MAKES NO LOGICAL SENSE. *NM
Structure, Sep 7, 2005
I HAVE PURCHASED A NISSAN SENTRA 2003 . I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDOWS DO NO FIT NICELY INTO THE RUBBER RUNS. IN FACT YOU CAN SEE AND FEEL THE GAPS. I FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND PROCEED TO CLOSE MY WINDOWS, THEY WON'T CLOSE PROPERLY AND THE WIND WHISTLES THROUGH THE CAR AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO CLOSE THEM. I CALLED STADIUM NISSAN IN CALGARY, ALBERTA CANADA. I SPOKE TO DARREN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE AND WAS ADVISED THAT BECAUSE MY 60,000 KM WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT THAT IT WOULD COST ME APPROX $ 230.00. HE ALSO TOLD ME TO SIT THE CAR IN THE SUN AND THE RUBBER WOULD SOFTEN AND REFORM WITH THE WINDOWS. HE DID ADVISE ME THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN A LOT BUT HE HAS SEEN IT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HE TOLD ME THAT EVEN FIXING IT WOULDN'T GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I TOLD HIM THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT IT. I DID NOTICE THAT ON THIS WEBSITE THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SUBMITTED. THE ITEM NUMBER IS 10008714 AND THE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION SAID " FRONT WINDOW GLASS RUN RUBBER DEFORMED. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR PROMPT HELP IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, CAROLINE COCKER. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN GXE SENTRA THAT CONTINUES HAVE PROBLEMS CRANKING. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND NISSAN REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. NISSAN SAID IT WAS NOT A RECALL, IT WAS A BULLETIN. NOW I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN JACKSON, MS WHERE I RECIEVED IT FROM. GRAY DANIELS NISSAN SOUTH JACKSON, MS. EVERY OIL CHANGE I TELLED THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY CAR FOR SERVICE WAS ON A FRIDAY MORNING, I ADVISE THEM THAT I WAS PLLANNING TO GO OUT OF TIME THAT DAY, BEFORE I LEFT MY CAR WITH THEM. I ASK THEM SPECIFICALLY IF THEY WERE GONNA BE ABLE TO SERVICE MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD. I CALL BACK AROUND LUNCH AND NISSAN SAID THEY STILL HAVEN'T GOT TO MY CAR YET, DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF RECALLS FOR THE NISSAN MURANO. I ADVISE NISSAN AGAIN THAT I WAS PLANNING ON GOING OUT OF TOWN TODAY. I RECEIVE NO CALL. I CALLED THEM AGAIN AT 4:00 PM. AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T SERVICE OR LOOK AT MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO LEAVE IT WITH THIM. I TOLD THEM EARLY THAT MORNING THAT I WAS PLANNING A ROAD TRIP FOR THAT DAY. I'M CONTINUING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO RECEIVE A CALL FROM THERE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF I WAS SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE I RECEIVED. I REPLIED NO, BECAUSE THEY HAD MY CAR FROM 0730 TO 4:00 PM WITHOUT SERVICING MY CAR OR CALLING ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT IT WOULD NOT BE SERVICE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jul 8, 2005
DT: AT 32,000 MILES THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 15 TIMES FOR REPAIRS. THE MAIN ISSUE WAS AT 15,000 MILES. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTER THAT, THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING, WHEN HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS THE VEHICLE SPUTERED. THE SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND SAID IT WAS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THE FULE PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS 2 NEW FAN BELTS, TRUNK FLOODED ONCE. THE HEATER CONTROL WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2005
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A NUMBER OF RECALLS FROM ITS PRELIMINARY 02 MODEL YEAR TO ITS LATEST 05 MODELS. THE FOUR CYLINDER MOTOR THAT POWERS THIS CAR WITH THE ENGINE CODE QR25DE HAS A HABIT OF INGESTING BUTTERFLY VALVE SCREWS. THESE SCREWS SECURE PLATES THAT OPEN AT A CERTAIN RPM WITHIN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO ALLOW MORE AIR TO ENTER THE ENGINE. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME THESE SCREWS CAN WORK THEMSELVES LOOSE BECOME SUCKED THROUGH THE INTAKE SYSTEM AND ENTER THE CYLINDERS OF THE MOTOR. DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE THE RESULTS COULD LEAVE THE OWNER NOTICING ABNORMAL THROTTLE RESPONSE BECAUSE OF LOOSE PLATES, THEY MAY NOTICE THEIR MOTORS ARE BURNING AN INCREASINGLY LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL OR AT WORSE IMMEDIATE ENGINE STALL/FAILURE THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY SPEED. AT TIMES THEY MAY BE TOTALLY UNAWARE ANY DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED UNTIL MORE SCREWS BECOME DISPLACED. SCREWS HAVE BEEN NONE TO SCORE CYLINDER WALLS AND CLOSE SPARK PLUG GAPS AS WELL. I AM UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS FAILURE BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF OWNERS STRICKEN BY THIS PROBLEM HAVE HAD THEIR ENTIRE MOTOR REPLACED AND AT TIMES JUST THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HOWEVER THERE HAVE BEEN A GOOD AMOUNT OF CASES WHERE DEALERS HAVE REFUSED TO DO WARRANTY WORK ON THESE VEHICLES. SOME OF THE MORE MECHANICALLY INCLINED OWNERS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM BY USING AN ADHESIVE DESIGNED TO SECURE SCREWS BY THE NAME OF LOCTITE. OWNERS WHO HAVE DONE THIS HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER, BUT FOR THOSE OF US NOT SKILLED ENOUGH TO TAKE THIS TASK ON OURSELVES WE ARE PRETTY MUCH WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN AND HOPING IT DOESN''T HAPPEN AT A VERY INCONVENIENT TIME. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN SEEN IN ALL B15 SENTRAS WITH THIS PARTICULAR MOTOR FROM 2002 TO 2004 WHICH INCLUDES THE SE-R, SE-R SPEC V AND 2.5 SPECIAL EDITION. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 9, 2005
REAR BRAKE FAILURE
Structure, Feb 19, 2005, crash
MY 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WAS REAR-ENDED BY A DRIVER TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE REAR SEAT VIRTUALLY COLLAPSED AND IF THERE WERE ANYONE SITTING THERE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. MY WIFE AND I WERE SITTING IN THE FRONT SEATS. SHE SPENT A WEEK IN THE HOSPITAL WITH HEAD INJURIES AND I SPENT TWO DAYS. WHY AREN'T CARS TESTED FOR REAR IMPACT, SIMILAR TO OUR ACCIDENT, INSTEAD OF ONLY FRONT AND SIDE IMPACT?*AK
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2005
I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA GXE, 1.8L 4CYL. CAR. (PURCHASED IN OR AROUND APRIL 2003 FROM UNIVERSAL NISSAN) ALMOST A YEAR AFTER BUY THE SENTRA I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T START OR IF IT DID START IT WOULD TAKE A WHILE TO START...MEANING I WOULD HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE KEY WHILE IT TRIES TO CRANK ITSELF ON. I DO THIS ALL THE TIME & AT TIMES WHEN I FINALLY GET THE CAR TO START 3 TO 5 SECONDS WILL GO BY AND THE CAR WILL TURN OFF & I HAVE TO RESTART IT. SO I TOOK THE CAR INTO NISSAN OR ORANGE, CA AND THEY TOTALLY BLEW ME OFF, TELLING ME THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I DIDN'T NOTICED IF THE ENGIN LIGHT COME ON. WHICH LEADS ME HERE TODAY. MY CAR IS GETTING WORST...I NOTICED A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #03V455000, NISSAN RECALL #R3022 AND A NUMBER FOR NISSAN I CALL NISSAN (JAN. 26, 2005) AND I'M TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR BECAUSE I DRIVE A 1.8L 4 CYL CAR AND NOT THE CAR THEY HAVE ON THEIR RECALL LIST WHICH IS 2.5L 4CYL. THE GUY ONLY MAKES A FILE FOR ME AND UPDATES MY ADDRESS. THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME EXCEPT UPDATE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION. I TELL THE REP. THAT I NOTICED ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THAT MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL WAS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN RESEACH IT. THE INFORMATION WAS FOUND ON WWW.ALLDATA.COM TSB NUMBER 03-124 ISSUED DECEMBER 2003 - SAFETY RECALL - TSB TITLE RECALL- ENGIN SENSOR REPLACEMENT FOR 2003 NISSAN SENTRA 1.8L 4 CYL CARS. I MEAN IT'S THE SAME TYPE OF RECALL THAT'S ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Dec 3, 2004, crash
CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.*AK *TC
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2004
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY OF 2004. SINCE THEN, THE INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND VARIOUS FUSES HAVE BLOWN AT LEAST 3 TIMES EACH. LIGHTS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THAT THEY COULD FIND, AND THEY HAD REPLACED THE FUSES. THE VERY NEXT DAY, THE SAME FUSES BLEW AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WERE NO "OPEN RECALLS" ON MY CAR. IT IS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 29000 MILES. THIS ACTUALLY BLEW MY ENGINE, WHICH DEALERSHIP RELACED. THE FUSE PROBLEM IS STILL PERSISTENT.
Seats, Jul 9, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON JUNE 25, 2004. A LADY REAR-ENDED ME AND AS A RESULT MY ENTIRE BACK SEAT CAME LOOSE. MY CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE TRUNK FROM THE INTERIOR SO THE BACKSEAT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO COME LOOSE. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN OF MINE SEEING AS THOUGH I HAVE A SMALL CHILD THAT HAS BEEN RIDING IN THE BACKSEAT AND FORTUNATELY WAS NOT IN THE CAR THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. I PURCHASED MY CAR IN MAY 2003 WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES ON IT. SO FAR I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE SEAT WILL BE "FIXED", BUT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR ANY LONGER.*AK
Power train, Jun 10, 2004
ON MAY 15, TRAVELING TOGETHER ON A SIDE STREET AT 30-35 MPH, MY WIFE INADVERTENTLY TAPPED THE SHIFTER. THE TRANSMISSION IMMEDIATELY WENT FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER AT THAT TIME AS THERE WAS NO CAR BEHIND ME, AND I WAS TRAVELING FAIRLY SLOWLY. I MOVED THE SHIFTER BACK INTO DRIVE AND CONTINUED HOME. THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS EVENT, THE MORE WORRIED I BECAME. SUPPOSING I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT 70 MPH, IN THE PASSING LANE, WITH A TRUCK BEARING DOWN ON MY REAR? IF THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL, IT WOULD IMMEDIATELY BEGIN A DRASTIC SLOWDOWN, AND NO BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON! BY THE TIME I GOT IT BACK INTO GEAR AND THE TRUCK DRIVER FIGURED OUT I WAS STOPPING DEAD IN FRONT OF HIM, HIS TRUCK COULD LITERALLY BE ON TOP OF MY CAR. ON MAY 19, I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP. PRIOR TO THAT I HELD A TEST AND FOUND THAT I COULD ALSO MOVE THE CAR FROM NEUTRAL INTO DRIVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BUTTON! THE DANGER IN THIS IS OBVIOUS, ESPECIALLY FOR ANY OWNER WITH SMALL CHILDREN. I TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THE ENTIRE STORY, AND MY CONCERNS WERE ADDED TO THE WORK ORDER. WHEN MY CAR WAS RETURNED, I WAS TOLD THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR IS DESIGNED. I HAVE THIS IN WRITING ON THE WORK ORDER. I WENT TO THE NISSAN WEB-SITE AND TOLD CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT MY PROBLEM. THEIR ANSWER WAS THEY DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND I SHOULD CALL OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP. I ALSO HAVE THIS E-MAIL SAVED. A MANUFACTURER DESIGNS A TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD ALLOW A LIGHT TAP ON THE SHIFTER TO RESULT IN MOVING FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND VICE VERSA? AND THEN, WHEN CONFRONTED WITH A DANGEROUS SITUATION, SAYS, WELL, THATS THE WAY IT IS! THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE A TRAGEDY OCCURS.*AK