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Engine & cooling

2002 Nissan Sentra Engine problems

Owners have filed 162 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Sentra's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 49% of all its complaints, most recently on November 4, 2020. They describe 2 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
162
Recalls
4
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2002 Nissan Sentra

Engine and engine cooling

07V527000653,910 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling

03V51100070 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The fix
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 cooling

03V455000630,000 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe

03V084000338,000 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Either of these two conditions could result in a fire.
The fix
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.

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11373048
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11359850
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11318374
Driver assistanceEngine & cooling

Car has been turning off a few times when brake had been pushing down.(When the car had been stopping)

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10994171
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10959864
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10861601
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10824649
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10808852
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10778645
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10743386
BrakesEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10721870
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10684288
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10663165
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

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...

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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

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10662473
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10654868
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10643278
Engine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10633412
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10614557
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10578972
Engine & coolingFire

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 10568862
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10568846
Engine & cooling

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 # [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10563458
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 165,112.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10545286
Engine & cooling

Engine stops running suddenly for no apparent reason, and with no warning. This may happen within seconds of starting the engine, after a few minutes, and sometimes even as much as an hour after startup. The engine runs smoothly when it runs, and there is no warning when it stops running. The check engine light is not illuminated (except immediately following startup), and my local service station cannot isolate a problem that would cause this behavior. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10542621
Engine & cooling

Car stalled after coming up to stop sign. This has happened a few times. I heard it could be a crankshaft position sensor failure. Are there any recalls on this particular part? July 1st 2013, my blower knob did not turn on until I reached position #4--the rest do not work, so I cannot control heating, cooling or defrosting. Any recalls on a blower heat resistor failure? September 2010, intermittent speed control accelerating on its own--ongoing problem. July 3rd 2013, heat shield broke in two. Are any of these conditions on a recall list? If so, where do I go from here, so I can get them fixed? Are there any other recalls, such as airbags, etc.? *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10523270

Nissan Sentra engine complaints by year

Sentra engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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