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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

What owners actually said

304 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2007
Unknown Or Other

MECHANIC REPORTED DIPSTICK MISSING IN 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. PURCHASED A NEW DIPSTICK; WHEN I TRIED TO INSERT IT, I MET RESISTANCE. CALLED DEALER --STILL WAITING FOR CALL BACK. LOOKED ON INTERNET --HUNDREDS (AT LEAST) OF CONSUMERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEFECTIVE DIPSTICKS BREAK AND LEAD TO REPAIRS OF $150 - $400 EACH INCIDEN…

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MECHANIC REPORTED DIPSTICK MISSING IN 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. PURCHASED A NEW DIPSTICK; WHEN I TRIED TO INSERT IT, I MET RESISTANCE. CALLED DEALER --STILL WAITING FOR CALL BACK. LOOKED ON INTERNET --HUNDREDS (AT LEAST) OF CONSUMERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEFECTIVE DIPSTICKS BREAK AND LEAD TO REPAIRS OF $150 - $400 EACH INCIDENT TO REMOVE METAL STICK FROM ENGINE. COULD PERMANENTLY DAMAGE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEM, THOUGH HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS ON ONE WEBSITE HAVE REPORTED THEIR OCCURRENCES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10187707

77,000 miles · Mar 16, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE KEPT MISFIRING, CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON. AT THE DEALER THEY DETERMINED THAT TWO SCREWS WERE MISSING, CAUSING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO FALL INTO THE INTAKE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 77,000. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10185296

46,800 miles · Mar 9, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE(2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE) BECOMES ROUGH AND THE ENGINE STOP INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS DETECTED TO BE BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $95.00. THE VEHICLE ODOMETER WAS SHOWING ABOUT 47,000 MILES. TALKED TO THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER AND …

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VEHICLE(2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE) BECOMES ROUGH AND THE ENGINE STOP INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS DETECTED TO BE BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $95.00. THE VEHICLE ODOMETER WAS SHOWING ABOUT 47,000 MILES. TALKED TO THE NISSAN MANUFACTURER AND I WAS TOLD THAT ALL RECALLS WERE ALREADY DONE ON THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 24TH, 2004 AT STEVENS CREEK NISSAN. THIS INCLUDED RECTIFYING THE DEFECTS RELATED TO ECM. HOWEVER THE ECM BECAME BAD AGAIN. THERE MAY BE DEFECTS WHICH HAVE NOT COME TO THE REVIEW. PLEASE HELP TO IDENTIFY THE DEFECTS AND MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE ON THE ROAD.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10184622

90,061 miles · Feb 7, 2007
Electrical System

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN OCT 2006. IN DEC 2006 I WAS LEAVING MY BROTHERS AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD CAME ON EARLIER IN THE DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NISSAN AT THE AVENUES, AFTER DOING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT THEY TOLD ME THE ECM WAS NO GOOD AND WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP CALL…

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I PURCHASED MY CAR IN OCT 2006. IN DEC 2006 I WAS LEAVING MY BROTHERS AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD CAME ON EARLIER IN THE DAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NISSAN AT THE AVENUES, AFTER DOING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT THEY TOLD ME THE ECM WAS NO GOOD AND WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME BACK AND SAID NISSAN WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE ECM BUT IT WOULD PAY FOR THE 3 SENSORS THAT WERE ON RECALL. THE REASON IT WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE ECM IS BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND IT HAD OVER 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE ECM SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAID FOR ALSO IT IS A $508.00 PART AND IT WAS A RECALL LIKE THE SENSORS.... I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS ECM. TH. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10181899

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAD A RECALL DONE AND THE SAME PARTS FAILED AGAIN . **NAR**CC THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR CONTAMINATED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE BY THE INNER LINING MATERIAL. THIS PROBLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DEING DRIVEN. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ON 4/2004. NOV 28, 2006 THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE …

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2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAD A RECALL DONE AND THE SAME PARTS FAILED AGAIN . **NAR**CC THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR CONTAMINATED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE BY THE INNER LINING MATERIAL. THIS PROBLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DEING DRIVEN. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ON 4/2004. NOV 28, 2006 THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER ONLY PAID FOR PART OF THE REPAIR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE COVERED ALL COST. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10181600

56,758 miles · Jan 24, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*- THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN RENO, NV. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE A…

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TL*- THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN RENO, NV. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS MENTINED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V455000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10180597

45,000 miles · Dec 6, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingTires

AFTER PURCHASING A NISSAN SENTRA GXE 2002 -- ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO PAY ALMOST 300 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR THERMOSTAT--OF COURSE THIS REPAIR AND THE NEXT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED--AFTER 5 MONTHS BOTH ENGINE BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED--ANOTHER 175 BUCKS. NO…

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AFTER PURCHASING A NISSAN SENTRA GXE 2002 -- ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO PAY ALMOST 300 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR THERMOSTAT--OF COURSE THIS REPAIR AND THE NEXT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED--AFTER 5 MONTHS BOTH ENGINE BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED--ANOTHER 175 BUCKS. NOW I HEAR A SUSPICIOUS CREAKING FROM THE REAR END--I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS. OH--I ALMOST FORGOT--ONE DAY AFTER TAKING THE CAR HOME I HAD TO REPAIR A REAR TIRE AND THE PAINT IS PEELING AND FADING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10175286

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

HELLO, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS E MAIL, IT STARTED WITH A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE FOR MY SISTER NISSAN SENTRA, I HAD JUST FINISHED TAKING THE USED OIL OUT AND REPLACING A NEW OIL FILTER, I WENT FOR THE DIP STICK, AND IT BROKE, MY DAY WAS ALREADY BAD AND IT WENT TO WORST. THE FAILURE OF THE POORLY DESIGN DIPSTICK…

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HELLO, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS E MAIL, IT STARTED WITH A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE FOR MY SISTER NISSAN SENTRA, I HAD JUST FINISHED TAKING THE USED OIL OUT AND REPLACING A NEW OIL FILTER, I WENT FOR THE DIP STICK, AND IT BROKE, MY DAY WAS ALREADY BAD AND IT WENT TO WORST. THE FAILURE OF THE POORLY DESIGN DIPSTICK, ITS PLASTIC HANDLE, BROKE AND THE DIPSTICK METAL WENT IN, I HAVE TRIED PLAYERS, METAL STICK WITH NO LUCK, I WENT TO THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHERS IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME, TALKING ABOUT HOW AT AN OIL CHANGE PLACE OR HOUSE WHEN THE DIPSTICK BROKE, I HAVE SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR HINTS AND ADVICE TO HOW TO GET THE PIECE OUT, MANY PEOPLE PUT THAT IT TAKES $210 DOLLARS TO FIX, I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO BE USING IT ON DETAILED AREAS OF MY CAR I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DO MUCH, IT TO LATE, I HAVE WAITED FOR MY BROTHER IN LAW TO HELP ME OUT BUT THE SUN HAS SET AND ITS REAL COLD I WRITE THIS E MAIL SO THAT NISSAN CARS DON'T GET SUCH A BAD REPUTATION, HTTP://WWW.BROOMEMAN.COM/MT/ARCHIVES/001156.HTML, IS A INTERNET SOURCE YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW, SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THEY WELL CHANGE TO HONDA, HONDA IS ONE OF THE MOST ROOMIEST CARS I HAVE EVERY BEEN IN, MY SISTER CAR IS A 02 NISSAN SENTRA, I THANK YOU ONCE MORE FOR YOUR TIME IN HOPES THAT SOMETHING MIGHT BE DONE TO HELP NISSAN OWNERS FEEL THAT THEY DID GET THEIR MONEYS WORTH BUYING A NISSAN, THANK YOU. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171516

58,000 miles · Oct 6, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V242000, REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO T…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V242000, REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10170106

80,000 miles · Sep 13, 2006
Electrical System

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER MODULE (ECM) AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THERE WAS RECALL # 03V477000. THE…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER MODULE (ECM) AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THERE WAS RECALL # 03V477000. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS PRIOR TO THE DATE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALERSHIP BILLED THE CONTACT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND THE ECM REPROGRAMMING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS TOO OLD, NOV 3, 2003.

NHTSA ODI #10168171

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.