2002 Nissan Sentra

Do not drive

Owners filed 318 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 14 times.

Avoid One of the Nissan Sentra years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Sentra year. Which Nissan Sentra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
71,000 milesMedian miles at failure

209 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Nissan Sentra problems

137 of the 318 complaints (43%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine57
020
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine34
200
Air Bags · airbags26
604
Engine23
010
Electrical System20
010
Electrical System › Ignition › Module17
112
Unknown or Other11
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration9
200
Tires › Tread/Belt8
102
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission8
000

2002 Nissan Sentra engine problems

43% of all complaints

137 of the 318 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls31% · 42
  • turns on the check engine light22% · 30
  • sets off warning lights on the dash14% · 19
  • burns oil or loses oil pressure9% · 13
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 8
  • overheats5% · 7

Share of the 137 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
83,998 mi
median of 104 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
18 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 4 · 0
in these complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and independently accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 140,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 9, 2017 at 140,000 miles
“My nissan sentra decided to stall out in the middle of a very busy intersection. Was able to restart the nissan after about 15 seconds. Later that day I was unable to start my car. Battery was jumped and the car was running until I turned my headlights on. I had to be towed home. I believe my can sensor and crank sensor need to be replaced and there was a recall for this complaint before.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 6, 2016 at 185,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'012002: 14 complaints, 4 about the engine2003: 48 complaints, 11 about the engine2004: 40 complaints, 16 about the engine2005: 34 complaints, 11 about the engine'052006: 25 complaints, 12 about the engine2007: 22 complaints, 8 about the engine2008: 27 complaints, 18 about the engine2009: 12 complaints, 10 about the engine'092010: 19 complaints, 14 about the engine2011: 12 complaints, 7 about the engine2012: 7 complaints, 4 about the engine2013: 9 complaints, 3 about the engine'132014: 15 complaints, 10 about the engine2015: 8 complaints, 3 about the engine2016: 6 complaints, 2 about the engine2017: 10 complaints, 1 about the engine'172018: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2019: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2020: 4 complaints, 3 about the engine2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2024: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2025: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 01V376000 (headlights)Recall 02V056000 (unknown or other)Recall 03V084000 (engine)Recall 03V477000 (electrical system)Recall 06E023000 (headlights)Recall 06E064000 (headlights)Recall 07V527000 (engine)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 15V287000 (airbags)Recall 20V008000 (airbags)Recall 20V747000 (airbags)Recall 22E066000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA21002
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Sentra peaked in 2003, with 48 filed that year. Owners had filed 4 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 03V084000 in March 2003; 133 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module22E066000
Filed Aug 9, 2022375 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V747000Do not drive
Filed Dec 1, 20203,930 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V008000
Filed Jan 9, 2020307,962 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags15V287000
Filed May 15, 20151,090,569 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling07V527000
Filed Nov 14, 2007653,910 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. 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.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling03V511000
Filed Dec 10, 200370 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Engine and Engine Cooling03V455000
Filed Nov 17, 2003630,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Module03V477000
Filed Nov 14, 2003276,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe03V084000
Filed Mar 11, 2003338,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

Unknown or Other02V056000
Filed Feb 15, 20029,640 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights01V376000
Filed Dec 12, 200181,393 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THESE CAPS ARE INSTALLED TO PREVENT MISADJUSTMENT OF THE HEADLAMPS.

Remedy. 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.

All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2002 Sentra.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Technical service bulletins

73 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Sentra. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 17electrical system 9body and frame 6equipment 5suspension 4airbags 4headlights 4wipers 3
PC650_PC655 - FrService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 9, 2018engine

Free Oil Change Specific Vehicles Subject to the Takata Recall *****Detailed Information***** To help accelerate repair completions on specific populations of vehicles recalled for the Takata airbag, Nissan is offering a special incentive for certain populations of affected vehicles for a limited time. The expiration date for this offer is December 31, …

NTB-05-052CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2010engine

NISSAN: THE ENGINE CRANKS LONGER THAN 3 SECONDS WHEN STARTING. 2002-2006 SENTRA. *RM

05052Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 8, 2006engine

LONG ENGINE CRANK TIME BEFORE START. *SC

06009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 31, 2006engine

MIL ON WITH DTC U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *TT

06009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 8, 2006engine

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK

05087Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 22, 2005engine

ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT NOISE. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 17 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2026CO

The contact called regarding the ownership of the 2002 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V008000 (Air Bags); and would like the address to be removed from the vehicle recall distribution list because the vehicle owner does not live at the contact’s address. The manufacturer was contacted.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2025ID

Unknown

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2020102,000 milesWA

THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN I RECALL DATA REFRESHED ON NOV 04,2020 1UNREPAIRED RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN JAN 09,2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERPM684 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V-008 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY TAKATA HAS DETERMINED THAT A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY MAY ARISE IN SOME OF THE SUBJECT NON-DESICCATED AMMONIUM NITRATE INFLATORS DUE TO PROPELLANT DEGRADATION OCCURRING AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY, HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HIGH TEMPERATURE CYCLING THIS CAR.

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2020120,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, THE SPARK PLUGS, THE FUEL FILTER AND THE EXHAUST PIPES. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2020100,000 milesTX

NO LONGER OWN THIS CAR

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 202010,900 milesNY

I WAS MADE AWARE RECENTLY( MARCH 2020) THAT THE CAM SENSOR IN MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART IN 2004. AFTER CONTACTING THE NISSAN CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, THEY INFORM ME THAT THEIR RECORDS SHOW THE RECALL REMEDY WAS SATISFIED IN 2004. I DO NOT REMEMBER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NOR DOES THE DEALERSHIP HAVE ANY RECORD THE RECALL WAS SATISFIED.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 2019NJ

TAKATA RECALL. WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE RECALLED AIRBAG. THEY INSPECTED THE AIRBAG INFLATOR, SAID IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY DID NOT DO ANY REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT WORK ON THE TAKATA AIRBAG DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE RECALL NOTIFICATION STATING THAT THE NISSAN DEALER WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG INFLATOR WITH A NEW ONE. *DT VIN AVAILABLE *JB

Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2018VA

I WAS NOTIFIED OF AIR BAG RECALL BY NISSAN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY AGREED TO FIX BUT WANTED ME TO RELEASE THEM OF RESPONSIBILITY IF THEY CRACKED MY DASH BOARD DURING THE REPAIR. I REFUSED TO GIVE PERMISSION TO DAMAGE MY VEHICLE. AS INSTRUCTED BY THE DEALERSHIP I CALLED 1800 NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND REPORTED AND THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THEY COULD REPAIR BUT SAID I WOULD HAVE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY/DURING THE REPAIR. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY IS NOT DAMAGED AND I REFUSE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THEY MAY CAUSE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 2018AK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS) AND 07V527000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE REMEDY PERFORMED DUE TO THE NEAREST DEALER BEING 600 MILES AWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE IN NOVEMBER OF 2017 AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT A TECHNICIAN TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS; HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TT *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2017VA

TAKATA RECALL......IVE BEEN ADVISED BY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT NOTICE THAT MY VEHICLE MAY HAVE INFLATORS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL BUT I HAVENT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS TO WHETHER MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS AFFECTED OR NOT. I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OR REPAIRED.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2017FL

ON OCTOBER 25, 2017 I RECEIVED 2 LETTERS REGARDING A VEHICLE RECALL FOR MY NISSAN SENTRA 2002 CONCERNING ISSUES WITH MY AIRBAG THAT IS DEFECTIVE AM REPORTING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I WILL LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WILL BE MY NEXT STEP AND HOW CAN I FIX THIS ISSUE THAT CONCERNS ME.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2017FL

ON OCTOBER 25, 2017 I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLE REGARDING AN URGENT REQUEST FROM NISSAN MANUFACTURER CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUES AFFECTING MY VEHICLE. THERE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM MY NISSAN 2002 SENTRA THAT IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED UNDER MY NAME. I AM FILING THE COMPLAINT TO VERIFY WHAT WILL BE MY NEXT STEP TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION AND HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED FOR FREE. I AM CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY !

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 201760,000 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL CENTRAL HOUSTON NISSAN DEALERSHIP NUMBER (713) 661-9955 X 5355 IS BUSY, DOES NOT CALL ME BACK TO SCHEDULE BAG REPLACEMENT. NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE (KAYLA (615) 725-7543, CASE # 28688503) HAS NOT HELPED AND DOES NOT CALL ME BACK. I CALLED 1-888-327-4236 AND MADE A COMPLAINT, BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 17, 2017TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. CENTRAL HOUSTON NISSAN (2901 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77054, (713) 277-7566) WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF CONSUMER STATED LEFT VEHICLE FOR UNSCHEDULED REPAIR 11/17/17 AT CENTRAL HOUSTON NISSAN. UPDATED 7/31/18*JB

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 2017123,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF. IT DID THIS TWICE. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AS OF 7-29-2017

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2017CA

THE CAR SHUT DOWN SOMETIMES WHEN I STOP IN A RED LIGHT. EVEN SOMETIMES INSIDE THE FREEWAY. WHEN ALMOST STOP. I BELIVE IS A MALFUNTION OF THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ( ECM )

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 9, 20173 milesGA

CAR HAS BEEN TURNING OFF A FEW TIMES WHEN BRAKE HAD BEEN PUSHING DOWN.(WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN STOPPING)

Unknown or Other
Filed May 23, 201727,885 milesIL

I'M NOT SURE IF THE ECM REPROGRAM THAT IS OUT FOR MY VEHICLE WILL REMEDY THIS BY THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE I REFUSED TO PAY FOR A RECALL! I WAS TRAVELING LOW SPEED AND DECELERATING TO PULL INTO MY WORK AND THE CAR WENT INTO FAILSAFE MODE AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH AND GET HURT IT WAS ALSO ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS DOWNSHIFTING PROBABLY ABOUT 5-10 MPH THEN I TRIED TO TURN AND THERE WAS NO POWER AND A TRUCK FROM BEHIND WAS FLYING UP ON ME AND BARELY SWERVED OUT OF THE WAY TO NOT HIT ME AND IT WAS A SUPER HUMID HOT DAY WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED! I HAVE NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM ON MY CAR! IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF LIKE IT WAS ROYALTY! THE OBD11 READS P0605 CODE AND THE DESCRIPTION IS A ROM ERROR IT SAYS, LET ME STATE EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS A 2002 IT ONLY HAS 28,750 MILES ON IT AND NEAR PERFECT CONDITION! I CAN ERASE THE CODE AND DRIVE IT THEN IT WILL GO INTO FAILSAFE MODE AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES! THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO TELL ME THE ECU WAS FRIED AND TO BRING IT IN AND EXPECT A MINIMUM CHARGE OF A HOUR FOR THEM TO JUST GET MY CAR IN THERE BUILDING! THAT IS NOT RIGHT! I HAVE 2 RECALLS AND THAT IS ALL I WANT DONE! IF THE ECU WAS TRULY FRIED THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO START AT ALL! THE CAR ALSO SAT FOR MANY YEARS BUT WAS WELL PROPERLY STORED AND TAKEN CARE OF WHEN IT SAT!

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2017140,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 14, 201616,000 milesFL

CAR TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 2, 2016183,400 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL; AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE AND DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON PRIOR TO PICKING UP SPEED TO ENTER HIGHWAY; VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOSES POWER AT A SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC CAUSING A NEAR FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT; AFTER RUNNING THE VIN NUMBER IN NHTSA DATABASE VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED FOR GROSSLY NEGLIGENT ISSUE WITH CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS. THIS LEADS ME TO THE FACT THAT VEHICLE MANUFACTURER NEVER CONTACTED ORIGINAL OWNER CONCERNING THIS TERRIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER FINDING OUT ABOUT TWO OUTSTANDING RECALLS THAT WERE NEVER ADDRESSED IN WHICH THE VEHICLE HAS EXHIBITED POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES BASED UPON THE MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT DEFECT IT WAS UNCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A POTENTIAL FATAL ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I AM EXTREMELY TERRIFIED TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE AND MY EXPERIENCE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016 OF OPERATING THIS VEHICLE AND IT LOSING POWER ABRUPTLY RISKING MY LIFE AND LIMB HAS CAUSED ME EXTREME DEPRESSION, STRESS, AND MENTAL ANGUISH. IF THESE ISSUES ARE NOT CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY AS A REMEDY AT LAW WITH THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER INCLUDING TOWING AT MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE, I AND THE TEXAS OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL PURSUE A GROSS PRODUCT LIABILITY NEGLIGENCE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NISSAN BASED UPON MY LEGAL ADVICE AND TEXAS LAW; WHICH CLEARLY STATES THAT IN A PRODUCT LIABILITY DISPUTE THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IS 15 YEARS FROM SALE UNLESS MANUFACTURER SAYS USEF

Air Bags
Filed Aug 18, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SUPPLY THE PART TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed May 25, 2016TN

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2016156,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE CODE: P0335 (CRANK SENSOR) ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2016185,000 milesMI

MY NISSAN SENTRA DECIDED TO STALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE NISSAN AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS. LATER THAT DAY I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR. BATTERY WAS JUMPED AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING UNTIL I TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS ON. I HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. I BELIEVE MY CAN SENSOR AND CRANK SENSOR NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 201579,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED, WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS) WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 28, 2014 HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 201560,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 30, 2015149,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 7, 2015186,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V136000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 24, 2015124,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND STALLED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. THE OIL WAS APPROXIMATELY TWO QUARTS LOW. AFTER TWENTY MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE PRE-CATALYST WAS DAMAGED AND CLOGGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) A FEW YEARS BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2015NJ

2002 NISSAN SENTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAG RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL, BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT ORIGINAL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND SHE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

Service Brakes
Filed May 28, 2015NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 19, 201590,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM HOT TO COLD AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 9, 201462,955 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE 02 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,955. UPDATED 3/18/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 2014110,000 milesIN

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R SPEC V AND IT IS OLD BUT HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE OF AND IT ONLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT. VEHICLE PROBLEMS SMOKE BLACK REALLY BAD, USES UP TO 5 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, IDLES ROUGH, RUNS ROUGH. IT HAS HAD A COUPLE RECALLS I CHECKED UP ON LIKE THE PRE CAT HEADER IT HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 03. I REPLACED COIL PACKS, SPARK PLUGS, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, AND CRANK SENSOR. ALL THIS VIRTUALLY DID NOTHING AND WITH VEHICLE OIL CONSUMPTION AND FUEL USAGE THE ENGINE IS SHOT AND WILL BE IN NEED OF REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT. I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR AND HAVE HAD THE SAME AND WORSE PROBLEMS, AND IT JUST MAKES NO SENSE HOW NISSAN CAN SCREW UP THAT BAD AND SCREW THAT MANY PEOPLE OUT OF MONEY BECAUSE OF MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I ALSO CALLED NISSAN AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM AND THEY BASICALLY SAID TO BAD NOTHING WE CAN DO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. I STILL OWN THE CAR AND FEEL LIKE AS MANY OF THESE CAR OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING NISSAN DID WRONG AND SHOULD COMPENSATE ME AND OTHERS WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 13, 2014184,686 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,686.

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2014121,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 201435,000 milesNM

ON SEPT 16, 2014, MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA WOULD NOT START. THINKING IT WAS A BATTERY PROBLEM I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S SHOP. A DAY OR SO LATER, THE MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. I HAD THE ALARM WORKED ON RECENTLY AND THE ALARM INSTALLERS WERE NICE ENOUGH TO SWING BY THE SHOP AND TAKE A LOOK AT IT. TURNS OUT THE ALARM WAS NOT THE ISSUE. WHILE TALKING ABOUT THE CAR'S PROBLEM, THE HEAD MECHANIC AND HEAD ALARM INSTALLER KEPT MENTIONING THE WORD "RECALL". NEXT I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, MELLOY NISSAN. A MELLOY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE COMPUTER WAS BAD AND A REPLACEMENT WOULD COST $900. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I RESEARCHED THE EMC PROBLEM ONLINE. I CALLED NISSAN USA ABOUT THE EMC SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SENTRAS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD TAKE MY COMPLAINT UNDER CONSIDERATION. ON THE SEPT. 26TH, NISSAN USA SAID THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF OF THE EMC'S COST. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED SHORTLY LATER, SAYING THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD BE $667. I DON'T KNOW IF THE EMC FAILED BECAUSE OF THE EMC BOX'S FOAM CURING (A COMMON PROBLEM COVERED BY WARRANTY) OR IT WAS JUST A BUGGY UNIT (A COMMON PROBLEM NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY). FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE, IT SEEMS EVEN IF THE EMC'S FAILURE IS DUE TO THE FOAM, NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE FOAM, BUT THE OWNER MUST PAY FOR A NEW EMC. BOTH SHOULD BE COVERED. MY CAR'S MILEAGE IS SLIGHTLY OVER 35,000 MILES. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2014146,500 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING UP A STEADY GRADE THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON', BATTERY, AND OIL LIGHTS ALL CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. A FEW SECONDS LATER, OR POSSIBLY AT THE SAME TIME, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL FORWARD POWER WAS LOST WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING (EXCEPT FOR THE WARNING LIGHTS A COUPLE OF SECONDS EARLIER). I STEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD USING THE EXISTING MOMENTUM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD BEEN NORMAL UP UNTIL THE INCIDENT BUT SHOWED AN OVERHEATED ENGINE AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND TURNING ELECTRICITY BACK ON (THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AT THIS TIME). *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2014150,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND THE RPMS WOULD NOT INCREASE OVER 1,000. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW RPM WAS NEEDED INSTEAD OF REPROGRAMMING THE CURRENT ONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2014KS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 2014165,234 milesAZ

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR SHUTOFF. THE RPM'S SHUT TO 0 IN 5TH GEAR. THE BATTERY WAS FINE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT MAKE CONNECTION WITH THE ECM. I NEEDED AN ECM. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WHICH WAS PERFORMED IN 2004, THAT RECALL WAS ESTABLISHED BECAUSE OF VEHICLES STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS STILL A SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY STATED BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD FOR ME. SEARCHING ONLINE IN NISSAN FORUMS I REALIZED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THAT YEAR. SO I AM NOT ALONE. THE RECALL SHOULD EXTEND UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED PERIOD. THANK YOU. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 10, 2014120,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V527000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 201489,599 milesCA

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR NHTSA RECALL 13V-136 TO PREMIER NISSAN OF SAN JOSE, AND THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE REP TOLD ME THEY INSPECTED BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE AIR BAG. THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY COULD TELL WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAG NEEDED REPLACEMENT BY INSPECTION AND THAT MINE DIDN'T NEED REPLACEMENT. I AM WRITING TO SEE IF IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THEY DID NOT REPLACE MY AIR BAG, SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS "DEALER WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR WITH A NEW ONE." MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, AND THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED A FAULT WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME AROUND $800 TO CHANGE THE AIR BAG, AND I REFUSED AS I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY FOR A DEFECT THAT IS DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 12, 2014118,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING OIL EXCESSIVELY AND HE COULD HE HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD ALLOWED DEBRIS TO ENTER THE PISTONS AND AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Mar 12, 2014119,500 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE PRE-CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,500. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 4, 2014FL

N/A

Engine
Filed Feb 7, 2014128,000 milesNC

NISSAN DENIES VEHICLE IS PART OF AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OIL ISSUES THAT EFFECT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AT 14,000 MILES, AND MULTIPLE RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. NHTSA HAS THIS CASE ALREADY ON RECORD FOR THE CONTINUE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. DEFECTIVE ENGINE BUILD, NISSAN ATTEMPTS TO DEFLECT THE ISSUE TO THE DEALERS AND THEN BACK AGAIN. NISSAN CASE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power TrainCrash
Filed Nov 14, 2013186,385 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. AN OCCUPANT WAS PRESENT IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED BUT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,385.

Power Train
Filed Nov 14, 2013161,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHEN IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER REPAIRED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LATER WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 318, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202619110Routine
202531400Routine
202441300Routine
202320100Routine
202281200Routine
2021133310Routine
2020207400Above average
2019223210Above average
2018185231Fatalities reported
2017231360Above average
2016270620Above average
2015352330Above average
2014380560Above average
2013638641Fatalities reported
2012180040Routine
2011142260Routine
2010144340Routine
200955101Fatalities reported
2008167330Routine
20071541102Fatalities reported
2006116610Do not drive
2005170640Do not drive
2004197501Do not drive
20031801010Do not drive
2002 — this page3181480Do not drive
2001236820Above average
2000171740Routine
199959300Routine
199858521Fatalities reported
1997108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

2002 Nissan Sentra: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Sentra years to avoid: owners filed 318 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Sentra year. The most common complaint is about the engine (43%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Nissan Sentra?

The engine: 137 of the 318 complaints (43%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (31%), turns on the check engine light (22%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (14%). The typical report comes at 83,998 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Nissan Sentra have?

14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 9, 2022. 1 of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 15V287000, covered 1,090,569 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Sentra problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 71,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 83,998 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Nissan Sentra?

Yes, once. EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture") was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Nissan Sentra?

The manufacturer filed 73 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (17), the electrical system (9) and the body and frame (6). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 9, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.