2003 Nissan Sentra

Do not drive

Owners filed 180 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 10 times.

Not among the Nissan Sentra years to avoid. Which Nissan Sentra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
69,023 milesMedian miles at failure

136 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Nissan Sentra problems

94 of the 180 complaints (52%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine47
110
Engine21
000
Electrical System21
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine13
200
Air Bags · airbags12
301
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine5
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000
Electrical System › Ignition4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000

10 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.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling06V242000
Filed Jul 7, 2006294,166 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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.

All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 4, 2026PA

My rear windshield make a loud bang, and shattered and fell into pieces during a short and otherwise non-eventful commute to work. I had no knowledge of prior cracks or damage, or being hit with anything. There was a light frost that morning and I had used the rear defrost for a short time. It was not exceptionally cold that day. My husband met me in a nearby parking lot, cleaned up the glass, drove it home, and scheduled a replacement for the next day. I took his vehicle and made it to work on time.

Engine
Filed Jun 11, 2024TN

Both my catalytic converters stopped up st same time.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2022AR

The car quits as I’m driving it , The headlights and the dome lights go dim and radio light flickers then it goes completely out and when I’m driving the car it has a rough idle and in order to keep the car running when I get to a stop light or stop sign is to put the car in park .

Air Bags
Filed May 27, 2021PR

2003 NIssan Sentra. Consumer writes in regards to Airbag Safety Recall. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE FOR THE LENGTHY REPAIR.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 14, 2020270,000 milesGA

FLOOR MAT HOLDER BROKE, FLOOR MAT SLIDES UP UNDER GAS PEDAL, CAUSING U.N. CONTROLLED ACCELERATION MULTIPLE TIMES

Power Train
Filed Nov 25, 201976,500 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SHIFTED ITSELF FROM A LOW GEAR TO A VERY HIGH GEAR, LEAVING ME WITH NO TORQUE. THE NEXT GEAR WOULDNT LOCK-IN UNTIL RPMS HIT REDLINE, AND EVEN THEN IT WOULD FEEL LIKE ITS SLIPPING, OR MAYBE ITS IN OVERDRIVE GEAR(4TH) WHEN IT SHOULD BE IN 3RD.. AND ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT DOWN UNTIL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP... THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOURE ON THE FREEWAY, BECAUSE THE CAR WILL ONLY MOVE 40 MPH. AND ALSO DANGEROUS WHEN CLIMBING HILLS/FREEWAY OVERPASS, BECAUSE THERES NO TORQUE TO GET UP THE HILL, AND THE TRANSMISSION WONT PUT ITSELF IN LOW GEAR UNTIL YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP... I THINK ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY... IF IT WAS MECHANICAL, I WOULDVE FELT IT SLIPPING GRADUALLY, AND IT NEVER SLIPS. I JUST DROVE IT A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE TO THE BAY AREA AND IT CLIMBED THE HILLS SMOOTHLY, NO PROBLEM.. I HAVE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SO IDK WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE...

Power Train
Filed Sep 17, 2019185,878 milesNJ

THE COMPUTER ON THE CAR IS MESSED UP AND KEEPS TURNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR P0444 AND HAD A SHOP CHECK IT AND REPLACE THE PART AND IT'S STILL COMING ON. IT WIL TRIP THE CODE SITTING IN NEUTRAL AND OR DRIVING LESS THEN 5 MILES.

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2019AK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEALER NEARBY TO HAVE THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED. THE CONTACT MADE THE MANUFACTURER AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE WOULD CALL BACK. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNABLE TO BE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 17, 2019TN

CAR WAS PARKED REFUELING . WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT GAS IN THE CAR AND IT KEPT SHUTTING PUMP OFF AND WAS LEAKING OUT UNDER THE CAR . ENGINE LIGHT IS CURRENTLY STAYING ON

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 16, 2019TN

VENT CONTROL VALVE/EVAP CANISTER I CAN NOT PUT GAS IN MY 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WHEN I TRY IT POURS OUT ON THE GROUND AND TAKES 15-20 MINUTES TO PUT MABE 50 CENTS OF GAS IN CAR . MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO ON

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 30, 2018NJ

CAR WON'T START DRIVE IT ALL DAY FRIDAY AND IT WAS FINE WENT TO START IT ON SATURDAY WOULDN'T START

Air Bags
Filed Apr 2, 2018CA

TAKATA RECALL , I GOT A RECALL LETTER FOR MY NISSAN SENTRA CAR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 26, 2018TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE REPAIRING THE HEADLIGHTS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES WERE CUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER TO CONFIRM THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER MANUFACTURER RECALL: NTB13-062 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V136000 OR 14V361000 (AIR BAGS) IN DECEMBER OF 2014. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 2018CA

TAKATA RECALL-- REPLACE AIRBAG HOWEVER, DEFECT WITH DEFROST CONTROL PRODUCES RECURRING CLICKING WHEN IT'S ON. GLENDALE (CALIFORNIA) NISSAN DEALER IS CHARGING $1000+ TO FIX THE ISSUE AND STATES THAT THEY THE NEW PROBLEM WAS NOT A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG CHANGE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 10, 2017140,000 milesMI

PCM ECM ECU ENGINEERING FLAW. ENGINE KICKS INTO SAFE MODE WHILE IN OPERATION OR COMPLETELY STALLS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN RESTARTS WILL MISFIRE. DIAGNOSED WITH FAULTY CONTROL MODULE (THE SECOND ONE IN THIS VEHICLE SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT)

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 6, 2017165,000 milesWI

TAKATA RECALL I WAS DRIVING MY NISSAN SENTRA AND I HIT A DEER, MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2017MS

TAKATA RECALL. DEFECTIVE AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2017150,000 milesVA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, CAR SUDDENLY CUTS OFF, AND DOES NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. RECALLED OTHER VIN'S BUT NOT ALL 2003 NISSAN SENTRAS. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL SENTRAS OF THOSE YEARS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE/ENGINE STALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WITH AS MANY OF THESE CARS THAT ARE OUT ON THE ROAD FOR IT TO JUST KEEP SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OPEN TO ALL SENTRAS WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Engine
Filed Feb 1, 201770,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT CAMSHAFT SENSOR ONE AND TWO FAILED. THE CAMSHAFT SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2016407,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, LOST POWER, AND STALLED. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 407,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2016ID

PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALER IN BOISE, ID. THE VEHICLE HAD AN UN-ADDRESSED CLOSED RECALL ON THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE MOTOR TO BLOW UP TWO MONTHS LATER. NOW THE USED CAR DEALER WILL NOT FIX THE CAR, OR REFUND ANY OF MY MONEY. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 201526,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V4770000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jul 10, 201524,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/2 UPDATED 11/03/2017*CN

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jul 2, 201525,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH, A LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 10/05/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEM CODES THAT APPEARED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC SCANNERS. UPDATED 02/09/16*JB

Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 201562,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STRUT TOWER FAILED AND THE TIRE NEARLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. MA 08/13/15 UPDATED 12/1/2015 *JS

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 25, 2015125,325 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A TRUCK FAILED TO OBEY A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE TRUCK. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,325.

Engine
Filed May 20, 201555,000 milesNY

PURCHASED 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WITH 52,000 MILES AROUND AUGUST 2013. VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING, MECHANIC NEEDED TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (FRONT & REAR), ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER THE CAR STARTED GOING THROUGH ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1-2 DAYS. OUR MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A RECALL BULLETIN EXPLAINING THAT DEBRIS FROM THIS VEHICLE'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER GETS INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSES THE PISTON RINGS TO WEAR OUT AND ALSO CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE OIL IS NOT CHECKED AND FILLED CONSTANTLY, IT MAY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO OUR NISSAN DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HAS REPLACED ENGINES IN THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HEADQUARTERS REFUSED TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BULLETIN STATING WE ARE 14 MONTHS PAST THE POINT THAT NISSAN WOULD'VE FIXED IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHILE IN USE.

Engine
Filed May 20, 201555,000 milesNY

PURCHASED 2003 NISSAN SENTRA WITH 52,000 MILES AROUND AUGUST 2013. VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING, MECHANIC NEEDED TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (FRONT & REAR), ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER THE CAR STARTED GOING THROUGH ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1-2 DAYS. OUR MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A RECALL BULLETIN EXPLAINING THAT DEBRIS FROM THIS VEHICLE'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER GETS INGESTED INTO THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSES THE PISTON RINGS TO WEAR OUT AND ALSO CAUSES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE OIL IS NOT CHECKED AND FILLED CONSTANTLY, IT MAY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO OUR NISSAN DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HAS REPLACED ENGINES IN THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP, NISSAN HEADQUARTERS REFUSED TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BULLETIN STATING WE ARE 14 MONTHS PAST THE POINT THAT NISSAN WOULD'VE FIXED IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHILE IN USE.

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2015131,892 milesCA

CAR WHILE IN DRIVE WILL STALL AND IDLE. CAR ALSO HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND HAS CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. MULTIPLE ENGINE CODES HAVE CAME ON AND REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BUT THE ISSUE CONTINUES. AT THIS TIME CRANKSHAFT, AND CAM SENSOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED AND IS CURRENTLY IN PROCESS. READING UP ON THIS ISSUE APPEARS THERE IS A RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE FOR SIMILAR VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000) BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY AS CAR COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT AND OCCURS AT ANY TIME INCLUDING HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO NOT DRIVE AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC FOR FURTHER FOLLOWUP IN HOPES OF RESOLUTION. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS AS APPEARS TO BE A REPEAT ISSUE. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2015107,846 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR AND THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,846.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2014115,684 milesMI

CAN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION ON IF THIS VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS!!! NOT EVEN THE WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV SITE GIVES ME ANY INFORMATION!!!!! *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 2, 201473,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 20, 2014130,000 milesCO

I BOUGHT MY CAR AND THE DASHBOARD DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME. IT SUDDENLY STOPS AND GIVE 0 INFORMATION ABOUT SPEED, GAS, AND HEAT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 1000$ WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD. I THINK THIS IS A CAR PROBLEM NOT MY PROBLEM AND I WANT THEM TO FIX IT. CAN YOU HELP FOR MY SAFETY? *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 201462,435 milesNC

WE BOUGHT THIS LOW MILEAGE CAR FROM A FAMILY MEMBER BUT AFTER BUYING THIS CAR IT STARTED GETTING PLAGUED WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY AND MYSTERIOUSLY SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. ENGINE DIED UNANNOUNCED CAR CUTS OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES STOP WORKING. IT WOULD HAPPEN UP TO 5 TO 7 TIMES A WEEK INTERMITTENTLY. WE HAD TAKEN IT NISSAN TWO DIFFERENT TIMES IN APRIL TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SITUATION THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR SOLVE THE PROBLEM FOR US OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM DURING TEST DRIVES. IN AUGUST TOOK THIS CAR BACK IN AFTER IT WOULDN'T RUN AT ALL AND THEY FINALLY TOLD ME IT WAS A CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. AFTER REPLACING THIS PART IT RUNS FINE NOW. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE IT SEEMS THIS PART IS PART OF A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR HOWEVER I WAS TOLD IT DIDN'T APPLY TO MY VIN. I SPOKE TO NISSAN HEADQUARTERS AND THEY AGAIN TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T COVER THIS AS IT IS NOT PART OF A RECALL. THIS PART LOOKS LIKE IT IS PROBLEMATIC IN THIS MODEL YEAR AND MAKE AND ALSO FOR OTHER CARS ACROSS THE NISSAN LINEUP. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND IT RESULTED IN SOME SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT IF IT STALLED AND I WASN'T ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, OR IT STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION OR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC SAY THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS ALSO LUCKY THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T LOCK UP TURNING THE WHEEL WITH THE CAR OFF. OUR SYMPTOMS WITH THI

Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2014110,643 milesNH

WHILE DRIVING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL SHUTS OFF THEN COMES BACK ON REPEATEDLY, SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAUGE, RPMS, WATER TEMP., ETC. CAR STAYS RUNNING BUT YOU CAN'T TELL WHAT YOUR SPEED OR RPMS ARE. BROUGHT TO NUMEROUS SHOPS AND DEALERS KNOW ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2014110,000 milesCO

RECENTLY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR DIED FOR ABOUT 3 - 5 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THEN RESUMED. MY CAR HAS STALLED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST BUT USUALLY WHILE ACCELERATING IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR SO IT WASN'T MUCH OF A CONCERN. BUT IF MY CAR JUST DIES WHILE DRIVING 60 -70 MPH I THINK THERE ARE SOME SAFETY ISSUES AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. RESEARCH INDICATES IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANK SENSOR AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT. FOR SOME REASON MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 16, 201478,000 milesRI

MY PRE CAT WENT OUT SO TOOK IT TO SHOP TO HAVE IT REPLACED. COST ME 1000$. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN BURNING OIL VERY BAD UP TO A QUART A TANK. AND WHITE SMOKE IF ACCELERATE EVEN REMOTELY MORE THAN GENTLE. NISSAN SAID MY CAR ISN'T ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRE CAT RECALL. BUT IT FITS DESCRIPTION AS FAR AS 2003 SENTRA WITH THE 2.5L QR25DE ENGINE. IF THE DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE I WOULD LIKE THEM TO BUY THE CAR FOR BLUE BOOK. I AM ONLY SECOND OWNER. IT HAS ROUGHLY 87500 ON IT NOW. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2014103,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 08/27/14*LJ UPDATED 09/17/2014 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2014111,000 milesSC

I WAS PULLING THROUGH A SHOPPING CENTER, WHEN MY SENTRA STARTED STALLING. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NO LONGER START. I BOUGHT A CODE READER AND IT STATED A FEW CODES SUCH AS ECM, CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. I HAD IT TOWED TO HUDSON NISSAN AND THEY STATED THAT THE ECU/ECM HAS SHORTED AND SHORTED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR. WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF I WERE TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED, OR IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Engine
Filed May 15, 2014168,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 201495,000 milesOH

MY CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR. ONE MINUTE I AM DRIVING, THE NEXT I AM COASTING. THANKFULLY, I WAS ALWAYS DRIVING SLOWLY WITH NO ONE BEHIND ME. IT STARTS RIGHT UP. NO "CODE" SHOWING UP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I CALLED NISSAN RE: MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE STALLING, BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T PART OF THE RECALLS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 13, 2014130,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD REPEATEDLY STALL ONCE RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BACK LIGHT WOULD FAIL ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED WITH ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE CENTRAL COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2013HI

I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT TONY NISSAN IN WAIPIO, HAWAII, OAHU TO FIX THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR RECALL PER THE NOTICE I WAS MAILED. (NHTSA RECALL 13V-136). I WAS INFORMED WHEN I MADE THE APPOINTMENT AND PER THE RECALL NOTICE I WAS MAILED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE LESS THAN ONE DAY. TONY NISSAN INFORMED ME THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE IN THE MORNINGS ONLY M-F, AND MY CAR WOULD BE READY FOR PICK-UP IN THE AFTERNOON. WHEN I ARRIVED AT TONY NISSAN, AFTER HAVING TAKEN OFF WORK TO DO SO, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL TAKES TWO (2) DAYS TO REPAIR AND I WOULD HAVE TO BRING MY CAR BACK DURING ANOTHER WEEKDAY, HENCE TAKE OFF ANOTHER DAY OF WORK. I WAS ALSO TOLD I NEEDED 4 NEW TIRES ($810) AND A NEW BATTERY ($172). I NEVER REQUESTED THOSE REPAIRS AND WAS PRESSURED BY THE TONY NISSAN REPRESENTATIVE TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION AS THEY DID NOT HAVE MY TIRES ON-SITE AND WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THEM. A RED FLAG IMMEDIATELY WENT OFF, I TOLD THEM I WANTED TO RETURN AND PICK MY CAR UP AND ASKED THEM WHEN THEY WOULD BE DONE "LOOKING AT MY AIRBAG" TO SEE IF I NEEDED THE RECALL REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD NO IDEA AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEY CALLED ME. THIS WAS AFTER I WAS TOLD BY A REP WHEN THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE ONLY DONE IN THE MORNINGS AND MY CAR WOULD BE READY NO LATER THAN EARLY AFTERNOON. I CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENT. MY RECALL REPAIR HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. I LOST A DAY OF WORK FOR NOTHING, AND APPARENTLY WILL NEED TO LOSE 2 MORE WORK

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 201360,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE POWERED OFF NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SOME OF THE SPARK PLUGS WERE NOT FIRING. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN CLEANED THE FUEL SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT AND ECU WERE REPROGRAM AND RESET TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE REMEDY FAILED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000. UPDATED 10/17/13*LJ UPDATED 10/24/2013 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Sep 10, 2013TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V136000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.

Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2013105,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Engine
Filed May 11, 201375,000 milesMO

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER STARTING CAR AFTER OIL CHANGE AT LOCAL SHOP. MECHANIC CHECKED CODE, PROBLEM WITH CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. PART REPLACED. PROBLEM SOLVED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY OFF. AFTER 1 WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AGAIN, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDS REPLACED. CAR TIMING CLEARLY OFF - WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE CAR JOLTS AND SHUDDERS HARD ENOUGH TO SLAM DRIVER INTO SEATBELT. WHEN VEHICLE WARMED ALL THE WAY UP PROBLEM NONEXISTENT. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CHANGED AGAIN, PROBLEM REOOCURS WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO. DURING FALL/WINTER WHEN COLD WEATHER OCCURS ENGINE MUST BE COMPLETELY WARM TO AVOID BEING SHAKEN AND JOLTED AROUND WHILE ACCELERATING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. DEALER STATES "TIMING CHAIN IS OUT OF TIME" AND MUST BE REPLACED. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA STATES CAR NOT ON RECALL LIST, ALTHOUGH RECALLS LISTED HERE SEEM TO APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 8, 201275,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 201297,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) HOWEVER AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2012130,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND BOTH ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 180, 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
2003 — this page1801010Do not drive
20023181480Do not drive
2001236820Above average
2000171740Routine
199959300Routine
199858521Fatalities reported
1997108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

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.