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2002 Nissan Sentra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sentra years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Sentra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 116.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

209 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports6 fire reports13 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

127 reports
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107,000 miles · Mar 21, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. NISSAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST BETWEEN $400 AND $500 TO DISSECT THE ENGINE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE PURCH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. NISSAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST BETWEEN $400 AND $500 TO DISSECT THE ENGINE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #10221929

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLS AND I HAVE REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THE CAR TENDS TO STALL MORE AFTER IT RAINS AND IT COULD STALL FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS AND THAN IT WILL STOP BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS FOR SIMILAR…

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MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLS AND I HAVE REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THE CAR TENDS TO STALL MORE AFTER IT RAINS AND IT COULD STALL FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS AND THAN IT WILL STOP BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE 2001 & 2003 NISSAN SENTRA DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CRANK SENSOR. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE THIS PROBLEM STARTED BUT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ENGINE FAILING PROBLEM ON AND OFF FOR SOMETIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221028

112,000 miles · Jan 23, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ECM WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CRANKSHAFT ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLAC…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ECM WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CRANKSHAFT ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT COULD ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #10215799

64,439 miles · Jan 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE EXHAUST BEGAN SMOKING. THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE DEALER S…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE EXHAUST BEGAN SMOKING. THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V084000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM: MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE). THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE MUFFLER WAS REPAIRED BY ANOTHER SHOP, THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION, EXCESSIVE SMOKING, AND MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,439.

NHTSA ODI #10214340

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

MY VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALLS R3022 (CRANK POSITION SENSOR) AND THE INSIDE LINING OF THE ECM BOX REMOVED. BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ECM BOX FROM THE LINING BY ECM BOX HAS TO BE UNJUSTLY FIXED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10207361

61,450 miles · Oct 13, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL DIP STICK BROKE ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WITH ONLY ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON THE NISSAN SENTRA, THE PLASTIC OIL DIP STICK BROKE OFF INSIDE THE TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR REPAIRS AT A AN OUT OUTRAGEOUS COST OF $380.63. CHECKING THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SURELY APP…

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OIL DIP STICK BROKE ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WITH ONLY ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON THE NISSAN SENTRA, THE PLASTIC OIL DIP STICK BROKE OFF INSIDE THE TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR REPAIRS AT A AN OUT OUTRAGEOUS COST OF $380.63. CHECKING THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SURELY APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE DIP STICK AND NISSAN SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL TO REPLACE EXISTING OIL STICKS MADE OF PLASTIC. ADDITIONAL, NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE THE OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205584

82,416 miles · Oct 12, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE DIPSTICK CAP ON MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE IS PLASTIC. DUE TO THIS AND THE NORMAL HEATING AND COOLING OF THE ENGINE, IT HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE DIPSTICK AND THE DIPSTICK IS STUCK DOWN IN THE DIPSTICK TUBE. TO GET THIS OUT AND REPLACE IT, THE DEALERSHIPS AND REPAIR GARAGES WANT $100-200+ DOLLARS. THIS I HAVE LEARNED IS A COMM…

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THE DIPSTICK CAP ON MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE IS PLASTIC. DUE TO THIS AND THE NORMAL HEATING AND COOLING OF THE ENGINE, IT HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE DIPSTICK AND THE DIPSTICK IS STUCK DOWN IN THE DIPSTICK TUBE. TO GET THIS OUT AND REPLACE IT, THE DEALERSHIPS AND REPAIR GARAGES WANT $100-200+ DOLLARS. THIS I HAVE LEARNED IS A COMMON DEFECT AMONG MOST CARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205506

63,000 miles · Oct 1, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

SEVERE ENGINE FAILURE. I BOUGHT MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SPEC-V WITH ONLY 7,000 MILES ON IT AND THOUGHT I HAD A GREAT CAR. THANK GOODNESS I OPTED FOR THE EXTRA 100,000 EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY CAR'S ENGINE EXPERIENCED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AROUND 60,000 AND I NOTICED THE WHOLE TIME I OWNED THE CAR THAT THE OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW EACH…

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SEVERE ENGINE FAILURE. I BOUGHT MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SPEC-V WITH ONLY 7,000 MILES ON IT AND THOUGHT I HAD A GREAT CAR. THANK GOODNESS I OPTED FOR THE EXTRA 100,000 EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY CAR'S ENGINE EXPERIENCED MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AROUND 60,000 AND I NOTICED THE WHOLE TIME I OWNED THE CAR THAT THE OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW EACH TIME I CHANGED IT. I USED ONLY MOBIL 1 FULL SYN EVERY 5,000 MILES. THE ENGINE FAILED 3,000 OVER THE STANDARD 60K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. I FOUGHT WITH NISSAN FOR 1 MONTH WHILE THEY KEPT MY CAR UNTIL I PROVIDED OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS. ONCE I PROVIDED THEM THEY CHANGED THE COMPLETE ENGINE WHICH TOTALED $8,500 AND MORE THAN THE CAR WAS WORTH ANYMORE. FURTHER FOR ABOUT 70,000 THE CAR HAD EXTENDED CRANK PROBLEMS AND WERE SEVERE IN HOT OR EXTREME COLD WEATHER. THE CAR WOULD TAKE 20 SECONDS OR LONGER TO CRANK OVER WHILE PUMPING THE GAS. AFTER MY 3RD COMPLAINT AT MY 3RD NISSAN DEALER THEY FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND PUT IN A NEW FUEL PUMP AND SENSOR. THE CAR HAS 98,000 AND 36,000 MILES AFTER THE NEW ENGINE. I AM THINKING OF GETTING RID OF IT BEFORE MORE TROUBLE HAPPENS BEYOND MY 100K WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10204558

79,000 miles · Aug 22, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WE OWN HAS BEEN GIVING US A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE UNIFIED METER THAT CONTROLS THE SPEEDOMETER AND AFFECTS THE ECM TO THROW UP THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON..CAUSES A MASSIVE SLOW DOWN IN SPEED WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING..BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, M…

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2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WE OWN HAS BEEN GIVING US A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE UNIFIED METER THAT CONTROLS THE SPEEDOMETER AND AFFECTS THE ECM TO THROW UP THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON..CAUSES A MASSIVE SLOW DOWN IN SPEED WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING..BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION TO A LOCAL NISSAN DEALER, MIKE SHAD OF ORANGE PARK AND WAS INFORMED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND JUST HAVE THE ECM "REFLASHED". WE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SERVICE CENTER OF MIKE SHAD NISSAN AND HAD THE SYSTEM REFLASHED..SPEEDOMETER WORKED BRIEFLY AND WENT OUT AGAIN..TO THIS DAY IT CONTINUES TO STAY ON "ENGINE LIGHT", AND THE SPEEDOMETER STILL WORKS OFF AND ON AND CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC ON MAINTAINING A SAFE SPEED. ALSO A MAJOR ISSUE REGARDING THE "LONG ENGINE CRANK TIME BEFORE ENGINE STARTS". I HAVE FOUND INFORMATION THRU THE INTERNET INFORMING THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE ('02 SENTRA) AND HAVE SUBMITTED AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPT OF MIKE SHAD NISSAN TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CRANK TIME ENDANGERS NOT ONLY ME BUT MY FAMILY AS WELL. I CANNOT TRUST THE CAR TO CRANK PROPERLY WHICH THEREFORE PUTS THE RELIABILITY FACTOR IN JEOPARDY WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER FOR SCHOOL AND USE THE VEHICLE TO AND FROM WORK. I FOUND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THRU THE NISSANHELP WEBSITE REGARDING THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN "LONG ENGINE CRANK TIME BEFORE ENGINE STARTS" INDICATING A PRIMARY PART FAILURE ON A FAULTY FUEL PUMP THAT NEEDS TO REPAIRED/REPLACED... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200418

86,590 miles · Aug 13, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE HANDLE ON THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK HAS BROKEN OFF. THE STICK ITSELF IS NOW IN THE DIPSTICK TUBE. I WAS LOOKING ON THE INTERNET YESTERDAY, AUGUST 12, 2007 AND UNCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199364

Official recalls

10

20V747000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Dec 1, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

Consequence: 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

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.

Consequence: 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.

20V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

15V287000 · Air Bags

May 15, 2015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 14, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

03V511000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK'S BALL JOINT BRACKET MAY BREAK FROM STRESS CONCENTRATION AT A NOTCH CREATED BY SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND THE SHAPE OF THE MATERIAL CUT-LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

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

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

03V477000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Nov 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

03V084000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Mar 11, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V056000 · Unknown Or Other

Feb 15, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

01V376000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Dec 12, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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 www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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 www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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 www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.