FaultScore

2003 Nissan Sentra engine problems

111 of the 240 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Sentra are about the engine — 46% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 70,200 miles.

F

111

Complaints

5

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine AND Engine Cooling 53 47.7%
Engine 24 21.6%
Engine 17 15.3%
Exhaust System 5 4.5%
Cooling System 5 4.5%
Catalytic Convertor 4 3.6%
GAS Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) 1 0.9%
Belts AND Associated Pulleys 1 0.9%
FAN 1 0.9%

Engine & Cooling across every Nissan Sentra year

1988 10 0.8%
1992 12 1.0%
1994 11 0.9%
1995 12 1.0%
1996 10 0.8%
2000 85 6.7%
2001 114 9.0%
2002 161 12.8%
2003 111 8.8%
2004 87 6.9%
2005 87 6.9%
2006 33 2.6%
2007 23 1.8%
2008 25 2.0%
2010 43 3.4%
2011 34 2.7%
2012 40 3.2%
2013 91 7.2%
2014 65 5.2%
2015 69 5.5%
2016 47 3.7%
2017 49 3.9%
2018 22 1.7%
2019 20 1.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kingsport, TN

ENGINE

Both my catalytic converters stopped up st same time.

NHTSA complaint #11593594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bentonville, AR

ENGINE

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 .

NHTSA complaint #11474518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Hillsdale, MI

ENGINE

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)

NHTSA complaint #11053772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Roanoke, VA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11006689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles DES Plaines, IL

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10948835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles DES Plaines, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10948835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 407,000 miles Alamo Gordo, NM

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10896573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boise, ID

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10881929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles Holly Springs, NC

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10748160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,000 miles Hollysprings, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

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

NHTSA complaint #10733243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,000 miles Holly Springs, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

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

NHTSA complaint #10731705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles North Massapequa, NY

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10717520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles North Massapequa, NY

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10717521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,892 miles Playa DEL REY, CA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10693115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,892 miles Playa DEL REY, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10693115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,846 miles Bayville, NJ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10679772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Pawtucket, RI

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10640776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,435 miles Concord, NC

ENGINE

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 THIS CAR WERE CLASSIC. I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM IN APRIL AS THE SYMPTOMS MATCH THEY HAVE FOR KNOWN RECALLS ON THIS AND OTHER CARS. I WOULD LIKE IT COVERED BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I THINK THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER VEHICLES AND VINS TO SAVE LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10630028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Northglenn, CO

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10628838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Pawtucket, RI

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10625757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Cumberland, RI

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10614482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Seymour, TN

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10588489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Seymour, TN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10588489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Bradenton, FL

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10544187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Woodbridge, NJ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10542241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles ST Louis, MO

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10511468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Peoria, AZ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10461330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles Desplaines, IL

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION ONCE RESTARTED. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

NHTSA complaint #10460168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,500 miles ANN Harbor, MI

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10459888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Clayton, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS WAS FRACTURED WHILE PERFORMING THE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) OR 06V242000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #10453993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2003 Nissan Sentra problems

← Full 2003 Nissan Sentra report