2005 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 170 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 13 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 13 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
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
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJun 7, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A VAPOR HOSE LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FORMED CORRECTLY DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH A FULL FUEL TANK, FUEL MAY FLOW INTO THE VAPOR HOSE, WHICH IS CONNECTED TO A VAPOR CANISTER.
THE VAPOR CANISTER COULD BECOME FULL, AND EXCESS FUEL COULD SPILL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VAPOR HOSE CONNECTIONS IN THE FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF A POOR SEAL EXISTS. IF A POOR SEAL IS IDENTIFIED, A NEW FUEL TANK WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 05V269000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
170 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2009
THE HORN STOPPED WORKING ON THIS PAST SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2009 - AGAIN. THIS MUST BE THE SIXTH TIME I HAD THE HORN NOT WORKING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER ENDLESS TIMES BECAUSE THE HORNS ARE COMPLETELY DEFECTIVE. I HAVE OWNED CARS MY ENTIRE LIFE AND NEVER HAD THIS TROUBLE WITH A CAR IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2009
2005 NISSAN SENTRA 1.8 HEAD GASKET FAILURE - CAR OVERHEATED ON HIGHWAY, ANTIFREEZE LEAKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD CAR TOWED TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND CONFIRMED HEAD GASKET FAILURE. BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW, LESS THAN 36 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, BUT 76K MILES. ATTEMPTED TO WORK THROUGH CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT NISSAN TO RECOVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIR EXPENSE AS GOOD WILL, BUT WAS DENIED. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2009
NISSAN REFUSES TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON THEIR RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V527000. ON 12/10/08 I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 NISSAN SENTRA ON THE HIGHWAY, JUST CRUISING, NOT ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING, WHEN SUDDENLY MY ENGINE HAD A STRONG PULL BACK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 2 DAYS LATER I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO AUTOZONE FOR A FREE DIAGNOSTICS, AND THEY PRINTED ME A REPORT THAT LISTED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I LOOKED HERE ON NHTSA FOR RECALLS, AND FOUND THERE WAS ONE DIRECTLY DEALING WITH MY PROBLEM. THE RECALL CLEARLY STATES "DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE." WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY CANNOT REPROGRAM THE ECM BECAUSE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. FIRST, IT DOES NOT MENTION THAT IN THE RECALL. SECOND, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, WHICH IT ALSO STATES IN THE RECALL SUMMARY "THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR." SO SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE NUMEROUS TIMES WITH THE REGIONAL MANAGER, WHO FINALLY TODAY, 1/9/09, TOLD ME I NEED TO PAY $95 FOR A DIAGNOSTICS AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP, FOR THEM TO CONSIDER REPLACING THE ACKNOWLEDGED FAULTY SENSOR, AND DO THE REPROGRAMMING. WHICH, SHE ADMITTED, THEY WILL MOST LIKELY NOT DO UNDER "GOOD WILL". SO I SIMPLY ASKED THE MANAGER, DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW "INSANE" THAT IS THAT YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY $95 FOR A DIAGNOSTICS THAT I ALREADY HAVE, TO GET NISSAN TO CONSIDER FIXING THE FAULTY PART WHICH THEY MOST LIKELY WILL NOT DO. THE MANAGER SAID, "YES, THAT IS 'INSANE', BUT THAT IS POLICY AND PROCEDURE." IF I AM NOT WILLING TO GET THE DIAGNOSTICS DONE AT NISSAN, THERE IS NOTHING SHE CAN DO FOR ME, AND MY FILE IS CLOSED. SO, IN THE END, NISSAN WILL NOT PERFORM THEIR RECALL NOR FIX THE PART THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IS FAULTY IN THE RECALL. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2009
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULD ONLY DO 10 MILES PER HOUR ON A SUPERHIGHWAY - VERY VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 2 MILES THIS WAY ON VERY SIDE OF ROAD TO SIDE ROAD WHERE I PARKED. WHEN I STARTED IT UP AGAIN IT DROVE NORMALLY. THIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH NISSAN SENTRAS. ALOT OF TROUBLE. IT IS TIME FOR THIS GOVT AGENCY TO START WORKING FOR CONSUMERS AND STOP BEING FRONT MEN FOR CAR COMPANIES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 57000 MILES ON IT. I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY MIND AND VERY FRIGHTENED. I AM 73 YEARS OLD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD SUCK THE FUEL BACK INTO THE TANK INSTEAD OF MAINTAINING PRESSURE IN THE FUEL INJECTORS. HE WOULD ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL BECAUSE GASOLINE WAS IN THE TANK. THE ISSUE OCCURRED MANY TIMES IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE TWO SET OF SPARK PLUGS. THE DEALER CHARGED $100 FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THEN INFORMED HIM OF THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE FAILURE AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A COMPLETELY NEW FUEL PUMP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,582. UPDATED 12/22/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/23/08. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 4, 2008
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND WITHIN A WEEK I WAS UNABLE TO PUMP GAS INTO MY TANK AT A NORMAL PACE. ONLY ABLE TO PUT IN A LITTLE AT A TIME WITHOUT GAS SHOOTING BACK OUT OF THE TANK. WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VENT CONTROL VALVE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND THAT IT WOULD NOT EFFECT THE RUNNING OF MY CAR, BUT NOW I AM $500 LOOKING A NEW FUEL PUMP. I HAVE NOTICED ONLINE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER NISSAN OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. IS SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THE ON GOING PROBLEM? I BOUT THIS CAR FOR THE FUEL EFFICIENCY AND THE WELL KNOWN REPUTATION OF A LONG LASTING CAR. NOT VERY SATISFIED WHEN IT IS ONLY 3 YRS OLD!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2008
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA IN APRIL 2006. SINCE FEBRUARY 2008, I HAVE HAD THE SAME CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. I GET IN MY CAR AND IT SIMPLY WILL NOT START. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM TOYOTA AND TOOK IT TO THEM TO FIX IT. THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX IT AND THEY SENT IT TO NISSAN. WHEN TOYOTA TRIED TO FIX IT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS BAD GAS, THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, THEY THEN SAID IT WAS A STARTER, THEY PUT A STARTER ON IT, THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN NISSAN GOT IT, THEY FIXED SOMETHING, I REALLY DON'T REMEMBER AT THIS POINT. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CART WOULDN'T START AGAIN, TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN, THEY SAID IT WAS A HEAD GASKET, THEY FIXED IT. SATURDAY WHEN TO GET IN MY CAR, IT WOULDN'T START. IT EVENTUALLY STARTED LATER ON THAT DAY. BEEN DRIVING THE CAR. THIS MORNING (4 DAYS LATER) CAR WILL NOT START. I AM AT MY WITS END. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR BECAUSE MY OLD CAR WAS UNRELIABLE. NOW MY NEW CAR IS JUST AS UNRELIABLE. BOUGHT A NISSAN BECAUSE SUPPOSEDLY IT IS A REALLY GOOD CAR. SO FAR, NOT CONVINCED. I NOW HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED BECAUSE IT NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY LONGER. I AM REALLY GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE A HEART TO HEART TALK WITH NISSAN REGARDING THIS CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2008
THERMOSTAT FROZE SHUT CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT AND BLOW THE HEAD GASKET. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT WAS TO LATE. IM ALSO A MECHANIC. I HAD A LOSE OF HEAT IN THE CAR SO I KNEW WHAT IT WAS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A CAR WITH 67K MILES. I HAD TO PAY 900.00 FOR NISSAN TO FIX IT AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE AND DIDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO MY TOOLS. ALL OF THESE LISTINGS WITH SEVER ENGINE TROUBLE IS CAUSED BY THIS OVERHEAT ISSUE. THE THERMOSTAT IS DEFECTIVE IN MANY SENTRAS, THEN OTHER DAMAGE OCCURS. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NISSAN I BUY. IN THE BEGINNING NISSAN TOLD ME THEY WOULD COVER THIS, THEN AFTER THE FACT THEY WOULD NOT. ALSO THE FUEL PUMP HAS ALWAYS BEEN WEAK AND NOW NEEDS REPLACEMENT (SAME MILEAGE) AND THE CD PLAYER QUITE WORKING. THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING WITH LIMITING THE WARRANTY TO 60K. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2008
SES ERROR P1446 - DEFECTIVE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE (HTTP://NISSAN.JUSTANSWER.COM/UPLOADS/RMILLERPHD/2008-06-15_175622_AFINAL.PDF) FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TREADING ONLINE MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH NISSAN AND THEIR EVAP VALVE AND IT GETTING STUCK OPEN OR CLOSED WHICH CAUSES A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BUT NISSAN IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS. I RECENTLY GOT THIS SES CODE AND LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND FOUND A SLEW OF PEOPLE POINTING DIRECTLY TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE VALVE AND IT GETTING GUNKED UP OR STUCK. MINE IS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA 1.8L BUT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM REPORTED ON A WIDE RANGE OR NISSAN MODELS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT BUT NISSAN'S NEGLECT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CONTACT WAITED BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AUTOZONE. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF HER CONTROL VALVES HAD CLOSED. SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM AN INSPECTION. THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, THE CONTACT WENT TO FILL UP THE VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE, BUT THE PUMP KEPT CLICKING AND INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. THE CLICKING WOULD OCCUR EVERY FEW SECONDS. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE OR THE ACTUAL GASOLINE PUMP. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND WENT ONLINE TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE DEFECTS. SHE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V269000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE) FOR THE SAME FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 13, 2008
I HAD A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND WIRE PROBLEM BUT I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 19 MONTH IN BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN I HAVE HAD THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Jun 30, 2008
SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Jun 22, 2008
THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON 3 YEARS AND 2 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE 2005 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. I NOTICED A DECREASE OF 10 MPG IN FUEL ECONOMY WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALER IN SARASOTA FLORIDA AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR THAT WAS BAD. I ASKED IF THEY HAD THE PART IN STOCK AND THEY SAID YES. THAT MEANS THAT THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM IF NISSAN IS GOING TO HAVE THROTTLE BODY'S IN STOCK. THEY WENT TO THE COMPUTER AND NISSAN WOULD PAY FOR EVERYTHING WITH THE CUSTOMER PAYING A $100 DEDUCTIBLE. THE PART ALONE IS $180.00 AND IT IS VERY EASY TO REPLACE YOURSELF BUT THE AVERAGE PERSON WOULD END UP PAYING OVER $300 FOR A DEFECTIVE PART THAT WILL GO BAD EVERY THREE YEARS OR SO. THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF REPAIR WAS 34K MILES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 17, 2008
THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005 NISSAN SENTRA'S WITH THE VAPOR RETURN HOSE AND I TOOK MY CAR TO HOVE NISSAN DEALER IN BOURBONNAIS IL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY CAR BUT WHEN I LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET IT IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005 NISSAN SENTRA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH MINE I ALSO TOOK MY CAR TO BE DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT MY VAPOR HOSE IS IN NEED OF REPAIR. MY CAR IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR AND I AM LOOSING GAS AND RUNNING OUT OF GAS, I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE ENGINE CAN ALSO IGNITE IN A FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2008
VEHICLE 62,861 MILES. ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED. JANUARY 26, 2008 I DROVE VEHICLE 25 MILES FROM MY HOME. THE CAR SAT FOR 4 HOURS. ON RESTART GOT NO HEAT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE IN THE NORMAL RANGE. DROVE 10 MILES WHEN THE HEAT GAUGE SPIKED HIGH, STOPPED. ENGINE TEMP BACK TO NORMAL, AND I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. OPENED HOOD NO STEAM VISIBLE. EASED RADIATOR CAP OFF, COULD SEE COOLANT IN RADIATOR STARTED ENGINE BACK UP TO SEE WHERE THE WATER LEVEL WOULD DROP TOO. ADDED 4 OZ. NO STEAM COMING FROM ENGINE OR RADIATOR. SERVICE SOON LIGHT NOW LIT. ENGINE RAN SMOOTHLY. TRIED TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG. SUSPECTED NO WATER FLOW THROUGH HEATER. DETERMINED WATER FLOW OUT OF THE RADIATOR, NO STEAM, HAD A SERVICE SOON LIGHT, AND ENGINE HAD A SLIGHT MISS AT STARTUP THAT CLEARED AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF RUNNING. I TOOK THE NISSAN TO BREEDEN'S AUTO REPAIR. BREEDEN'S DETERMINED ENGINE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, AND A MISS IN NO. 2 CYLINDER. THE NISSAN'S ENGINE WAS REPAIRED. BREEDEN'S MECHANICS TOLD ME THE FOLLOWING: NISSAN HAD 4 OR 5 (SERVICE) NOTICES ON FAILED HEAD GASKET WITH CYLINDER NUMBER 2 MISS FOR THE 2005 1.8 SENTRA, HOWEVER NO RECALL EXISTS; ENGINE COOLANT AND RADIATOR WERE CLEAN; NEW TYPE HEAD BOLTS WERE REQUIRED WITH THE GASKET REPLACEMENT AND REQUIRED 60 FOOT-POUNDS OF TORQUE; THAT WHEN REMOVING THE HEAD THEY FOUND THE REAR BOLTS TO BE MUCH LOOSER THAN THE FRONT BOLTS (NOT THE REQUIRED TORQUE); AND THEY FOUND NO OTHER REASON TO EXPLAIN HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE 1.8 NISSAN ENGINE HEAD GASKET SHOULD NOT FAIL ON A WELL MAINTAINED, NON-ABUSED ENGINE WITH 62K MILES. I BELIEVE NISSAN HAD INDICATIONS THAT SOME OF THEIR 1.8 ENGINES HAD A PROBLEM BLOWING HEAD GASKETS BECAUSE OF THE NOTICES. I SUSPECT NISSAN ATTRIBUTED THESE RECORDED FAILURES TO HEAD BOLT TORQUE, AND I WONDER WHY NO RECALL NOTICE WAS FORTHCOMING. NISSAN GAVE A NEGATIVE RESPONSE ON FEBRUARY 28, 2008. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Feb 13, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2005 NISSAN SENTRA IN DECEMBER 2005. IN SEPTEMBER 2007, I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY CAR WAS OVERHEATING. IN ADDITION TO MY CAR OVERHEATING, THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING. I DO NOT HAVE VERY MUCH MONEY AND MY WARRANTY HAS ALREADY EXPIRED SO I HAD A FAMILY MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR. I HAD THE WATER-PUMP REPLACED, THE RADIATOR FLUSHED, THE HEATING AND COOLING SENSOR REPLACED, BELTS AND HOSES REPLACED. AFTER HAVING SO MANY THINGS DONE TO MY CAR, THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT SOLVED. I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP FLUSHED OUT MY RADIATOR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE HEAT WAS WORKING AND IT WAS FINE. THE REPAIR SHOP IS LITERALLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE I LIVE. BEFORE I GOT HOME, THE CAR OVERHEATED AND THE HEAT WENT OUT. I TOOK THE CAR RIGHT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I MUST HAVE A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. OK, SO I WENT BACK TO THE FAMILY MECHANIC BECAUSE THE REPAIR SHOP WANTED TO CHARGE OVER $1000 TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET (WHICH I DIDN'T HAVE). THE FAMILY MECHANIC REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET FOR ME THOUGH HE DIDN'T SEE HOLES OR CRACKS IN THE ORIGINAL HEAD GASKET. THIS STILL DID NOT SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I FINALLY DECIDED TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A RADIATOR, I PAID $560 JUST TO HAVE THEM REPLACE THE RADIATOR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME BEFORE THE CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AGAIN AND THE HEAT WENT OUT. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO NISSAN SERVICE DEPT. THIS WAS FIVE WEEKS AGO. I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY CAR. THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I PROBABLY NEED A HEAD GASKET. I GAVE THE OK TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET WHICH WILL COST OVER $1500. I AM STILL AWAITING MY CAR BUT AM NOT SURE THAT THIS WILL SOLVE MY PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2008
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 2 PREVIOUS HORNS PUT INTO MY 2005 SENTRA FOUR DOOR CAR. THIS LATEST ONE HAS NOT BEEN IN THAT LONG AND IT DOES NOT WORK. IT GIVES A BEEP AND THEN IT IS GONE. I NEED A HORN THAT WORKS IN CONGESTED NEW JERSEY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I WASTE MY TIME GOING THERE AND I DON'T THINK THE DEALERSHIP IS DOING ANYTHING AT ALL TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2007
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR SINCE I GOT IT. I BOUGHT IT USED AT SMITHTOWN NISSAN IN AUGUST 2006. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS A PART, I BELIEVE A SENSOR, THAT NEEDS REPLACING AND I HAVE GOTTEN A CONTINUPIS RUN AROUND BOTH F ROM SMITHTOWN NISSAN AND FROM THE NISSAN DEALER IN PLATTSUBRGH, NY WHERE I GO TO SCHOOL. A LIGHT KEPT GOING ON NAS SUMMER AND WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN BECAUSE I HAD TO DRIVE B ACK TO SCHOOL WITH IT. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT. BUT ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL THE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN PLATTSBURGH WHO SAID IT NEEDED A PART AND THEY WOULD ORDER IT AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS. AFTER I DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM I CALLED AND THEY SAID THEY HAD CALLED ME BUT I DIDN'T RETURN THEIR CALL AND SO THEY RETURNED THE PART. THIS NEVER HAPPENED! THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART AGAIN AND THAT IT WOULD BE IN THE END OF DEC. WELL NOW I'M BACK IN RONKONKOMA AND OBVIOUSLY CAN'T GO BACK TO THE PLATTSBURGH NISSAN. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS I DRIVE BACK AND FORTH FROM RONKONKOMA TO PLATTSBURGH AND I AM AFRAID THAT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Nov 25, 2007
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. I'VE HAD IT FOR A YEAR WHEN IT STARTED SQUEALING UNDER THE HOOD, IT ALSO WOULD SHAKE FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES EVERYTIME I STARTED IT IN THE MORNING. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE GAUGES DIDN'T WARN ME OF ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE HAND. I TOOK THE CAR FOR REGULAR SERVICES, ALWAYS ON TIME FOR OIL CHANGES. THE CD PLAYER WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE AND STILL DOESN'T WORK. THE CAR NO LONGER HAS WARRANTY AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR A NEW ENGINE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2007
I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 SENTRA SINCE I GOT IT. I LOOKED UP SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE NHTSA ODI COMPLAINT SITE AND SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
Tires, Nov 21, 2007
ON 10/04/07 I BOUGHT A LEMANS CHAMPION HR BL 195/690R15 88H TIRE FROM FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE BUENA PARK. ON 11/1107 I NOTICE THE TIRE WAS FLAT I CHECK THE TIRE FOR ANY HOLE OR TEAR'S I COULD NOT FIND ANY. THE PRESSURE OF THE TIRE BEFORE I REFILLED IT WAS 19 PSI AFTER WARDS IT WAS AT 31.8 PSI. I CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE 10 DAY LATER ON 11/21/07 IT WAS AT 25 PSI. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE STORE TO BE REPLACED. I TOLD THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON THEY RAN SOME TEST AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG SO THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE TIRE. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS TIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 20, 2007
SQUEALING NOISE UNDER HOOD REPORTED, TOLD COULD NOT DUPLICATE NOISE. 4 MONTHS LATER RETURNED VEHICLE TO SHOP. WAS TOLD NOISE IS COMING FROM BELTS WHOSE COATINGS ARE CRACKED BUT BELTS ARE GOOD. COST $170 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE GOOD BELTS. APPARENTLY THE BELTS USED ON MY 2005 SENTRA WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 29, 2007
I WENT TO NISSAN DENVILLE TODAY AND WS TOLD MY BRAKES ARE IN BAD SHAPE. THERE IS ONLY ABOUT 37,500 MILES ON CAR. I AM NOT HARD ON BRAKES, I AM A 72 YEAR OLD LADY WHO LETS THE CAR ROLL TO A STOP WHEN I CAN. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON MY BRAKES SHOULD BE IN SUCH BAD SHAPE. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH NISSAN BRAKES? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2007, crash
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA, BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I MAINTAIN THE CAR LIKE A BABY. TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD THEIR 100 POINT CHECK UP, BRAKES CHECKED, WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND ALL. ON MY WAY HOME FROM THIS SERVICE CHECKUP, THE BACK BREAKS STARTED MAKING A THUMPING NOISE, I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY, WAITED THERE FOR TWO HOURS FOR THEM TO "FIX" THE NOISE. ON MY WAY HOME ON THIS RAINY DAY, MY CAR SKIDDED OUT OF CONTROL, WHEN I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AS I WAS GOING ONTO AN EXIT. THE BRAKES ABSOLUTELY DID NOT WORK AND THE CAR BUMPED THE CURB AT LEAST 4 TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY STOPPED. I TRIED APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE THE CAR WAS GOING INSANE, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE BRAKES FAILED ON A RAINY DAY. THE OTHER TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ACTUALLY INCHING IN TRAFFIC, THE CAR STOPPED SHORT AN INCH FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AND ONLY BECAUSE THAT CAR MOVED FORWARD. APPARENTLY THESE BRAKES AREN'T MADE TO WORK IN THE RAIN. *TR
Tires, Sep 3, 2007
REGARDING THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES ORIGINALLY INSTALLED ON MY CAR - THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ESSENTIALLY NEW OFF OF THE LOT IN 2005 (300 MILES). IT HAS THE ORIGINAL TIRES - BRIDGESTONE P195/60/R15. IT NOW HAS ABOUT 2000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TREAD AREA HAD APPARENTLY SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL - A SPLIT ABOUT AN INCH LONG. THERE IS ALMOST 1/2" OF TREAD ON THE TIRE, AND THEY APPEARED FINE UNTIL THIS APPARENT SEPARATION OF TREAD AND SIDEWALL, BUT THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND I HAD TO BUY A NEW ONE. *JB