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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
86,000 miles · Sep 16, 2005
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THIS VEHICLE WILL STOP RUNNING IN NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR STALLED IN HEAVY COMMUTE TRAFFIC. MY CAR IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD, AND I HAD A HARD TIME STARTING IT. ONCE IT STARTED, IT STALLED AGAIN ONLY A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A REC…

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I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THIS VEHICLE WILL STOP RUNNING IN NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR STALLED IN HEAVY COMMUTE TRAFFIC. MY CAR IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD, AND I HAD A HARD TIME STARTING IT. ONCE IT STARTED, IT STALLED AGAIN ONLY A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FOAM SURROUNDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL STATES THAT THE FOAM CAN CONTAMINATE THE ECM. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE FOAM, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE ECM. THE CONTAMINATED ECM IS WHAT IS MAKING THE CAR STALL. THE DEALER ONLY DID THE RECALL WORK, AND DID NOT FIX THE DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE TO THE ECM. I WOULD LIKE TO WARN ALL SENTRA OWNERS THAT THEY ARE DRIVING A DANGEROUS CAR. THIS CAR COULD POTENTIALLY STALL ON THE FREEWAY OR FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO START THE CAR MANY MILES FROM HOME. I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE AND I DROVE THE CAR NOT KNOWING THIS FOAM IS DAMAGING MY ECM. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT A NISSAN WAS A VERY RELIABLE CAR. I ALSO THOUGHT THAT THE NISSAN PEOPLE TOOK CARE OF THE CUSTOMER. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR A NEW ECM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136760

120,990 miles · Sep 9, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicWheels

I HIT A CURB AND MY WHEEL BROKE OFF LEAVING JUST THE CENTER BOLTED TO THE CAR. THE TIRE WAS NOT DAMAGED. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE TIRE AND REMAINDER OF THE WHEEL CONTINUED INTO TRAFFIC. THE TIRE SHOP INDICATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE SUSTAINED ON…

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I HIT A CURB AND MY WHEEL BROKE OFF LEAVING JUST THE CENTER BOLTED TO THE CAR. THE TIRE WAS NOT DAMAGED. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE TIRE AND REMAINDER OF THE WHEEL CONTINUED INTO TRAFFIC. THE TIRE SHOP INDICATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE SUSTAINED ONLY POSSIBLY SOME ALIGNMENT ISSUES. THIS AND THE LACK OF DAMAGE TO THE TIRE SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THE IMPACT WAS NOT THAT SEVERE, YET THERE WAS THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE NOW TWO PIECES OF THE WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT JUST AN SER MODEL SENTRA BUT A SER SPEC V WHICH INCLUDES 17" WHEELS INSTEAD OF THE 16S ON THE SER. I HAVE NOT SUBMITTED ANYTHING TO NISSAN AS I PREVIOUSLY HAD NOTIFIED THEM OF SOME FREQUENTLY-WARPING BRAKE ROTORS AND THEY DISCOUNTED MY CLAIMS INDICATING I WAS DRIVING TO AGGRESSIVELY. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED IN SUBSEQUENT MODELS SINCE THE 2002 INTRODUCTION OF MY CAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136002

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2005
Tires

I AM WRITING TO YOUR DEPARTMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL. FROM WHAT I GATHER THE RECALL HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS OF FIRESTONE TIRES NOT ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN THE INITIAL RECALL. THEREFORE, I WANTED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON MY SITUATION TO DETERMINE IF I WOULD QUALIFY F…

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I AM WRITING TO YOUR DEPARTMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL. FROM WHAT I GATHER THE RECALL HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS OF FIRESTONE TIRES NOT ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN THE INITIAL RECALL. THEREFORE, I WANTED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON MY SITUATION TO DETERMINE IF I WOULD QUALIFY FOR RECALL RELIEF. VIN # [XXX], 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SER, FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA02 TIRES, P195/55R16 86H AND LABELED MADE IN MEXICO. THERE WAS NO PLANT NUMBER LISTED ON THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE ANY CLAIMS UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THANKS! *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10134370

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

DT: 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF, TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC. WENT ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND FOUND TWO RECALLS, THEY WERE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CASE HOLDER AND HEAD LAMP ADJUSTER. THEN, TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP, THEY RAN VIN # AND THEY FOUND THREE RECALLS, ONE WAS ON THE FOAM ON THE ENGI…

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DT: 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF, TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC. WENT ON THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND FOUND TWO RECALLS, THEY WERE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CASE HOLDER AND HEAD LAMP ADJUSTER. THEN, TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP, THEY RAN VIN # AND THEY FOUND THREE RECALLS, ONE WAS ON THE FOAM ON THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND THE OTHER TWO WERE UNKNOWN. ONE OF THE RECALLS WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN OR CUT OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2005. THEY DID NOT REPAIR DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUES. SPOKE TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE OF NISSAN AND THEY SAID THIS CAR WOULD NOT BE FIXED BY NISSAN WITHOUT COST. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10134246

84,317 miles · Aug 19, 2005
Electrical System

I DRIVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. I REGULARLY MAINTENANCE THIS VEHICLE. MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIKE A LIGHT GOING ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND REFUSED TO RESTART! A POLICE OFFICER HAD TO PUT FLARES OUT IN THE INTERSECTION SO THAT NO ONE WOULD HIT US. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE FORTUNATE THAT …

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I DRIVE A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. I REGULARLY MAINTENANCE THIS VEHICLE. MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIKE A LIGHT GOING ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND REFUSED TO RESTART! A POLICE OFFICER HAD TO PUT FLARES OUT IN THE INTERSECTION SO THAT NO ONE WOULD HIT US. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER VEHICLE IN THE INTERSECTION COLLIDED WITH OUR VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY WE COULD GET THE CAR TO THE SHOP WAS BY A TOW TRUCK. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE CAR'S COMPUTER HAD GONE COMPLETELY DEAD. I AM GRATEFUL THAT WE WERE NOT INJURED, BUT I CONSIDER THAT A CAR SYSTEM THAT FAILS TO WARN THE DRIVER IN ADVANCE THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE CAR IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS! I WOULD NOT WANT ANY DRIVER TO HAVE THIS FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE!

NHTSA ODI #10133560

1,500 miles · Aug 17, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

DT:AFTER STARTING THE CAR ON MAY 15 2005 IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND THE ACCELERATOR WENT UP, RAISING THE RPMS TO 4000. THIS LASTED 3-5 SECONDS. THE CONSUMER PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THEN, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND T BACK ON. HE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A ONE TIME EVENT, AND MAYBE SOMETHING THAT MADE THE RPM…

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DT:AFTER STARTING THE CAR ON MAY 15 2005 IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND THE ACCELERATOR WENT UP, RAISING THE RPMS TO 4000. THIS LASTED 3-5 SECONDS. THE CONSUMER PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THEN, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND T BACK ON. HE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A ONE TIME EVENT, AND MAYBE SOMETHING THAT MADE THE RPMS TO RISE. . THEN IN JULY 2005 THE CONSUMER WAS SITTING IN THE CAR, AND THEN THE RPMS INCREASED TO 6000 WHILE IT WAS IN PARK. THE CONSUMER SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK ON, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE AGAIN. THE THIRD TIME, FIVE DAYS LATER, WHILE MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER STOPPED TO LET THE OTHER CAR GO, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TOOK OFF. THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD, THE RPMS ROSE TO ABOUT 6000, AND THE CAR SPED UP TO 3-4 MPH. THE CONSUMER PUSHED THE BRAKES IN AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD. THEN T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND WAITED, AND ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE STOPPED RACING. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ROAD TESTED AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK UPDATED 11/16/05. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10133165

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2005
Unknown Or Other

I GOT MY OIL CHANGED BY FIRESTONE ON 8/6/05 AND THEY TOLD ME AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS DONE THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS BROKEN UPON ARRIVAL OF THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST 150 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS. I TOLD THEM THAT I GOT MY OIL CHANGED IN PHILADELPHIA PRIOR TO ME MOVING DOWN TO TEXAS AT A JIFFY LUBE. THEY ADVISED ME TO CAL…

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I GOT MY OIL CHANGED BY FIRESTONE ON 8/6/05 AND THEY TOLD ME AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS DONE THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS BROKEN UPON ARRIVAL OF THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST 150 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS. I TOLD THEM THAT I GOT MY OIL CHANGED IN PHILADELPHIA PRIOR TO ME MOVING DOWN TO TEXAS AT A JIFFY LUBE. THEY ADVISED ME TO CALL THEM AND TALK TO THEM. WHEN I CALLED JIFFY LUBE THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NISSAN CARS AND THAT THEY OFTEN HAVE TO REPLACE THIS ON MANY VEHICLES. HE SUGGESTED THAT I CALL A JIFFY LUBE DOWN IN TEXAS TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLACE THIS AT 4 DOLLARS COST AS THAT IS HOW MUCH THE PART IS. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WOULDN'T SPEND 150 DOLLARS TO DO THIS. I CALLED A JIFFY LUBE IN TEXAS AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T ORDER THOSE PARTS AND THAT I NEED TO CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER AND TOLD ME THAT THIS ISN'T AN ISSUE WITH NISSAN CARS AND HE WOULD NEED TO LOOK AT IT BEFORE TELLING ME HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SEE THAT I AM NOT ALONE AND THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE. I AM GOING TO GET SEVERAL OPINIONS ON HOW MUCH THIS WILL COST AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE GIVING ANYONE MY MONEY. I THINK THAT NISSAN SHOULD REIMBURSE PEOPLE FOR THE AMOUNT IT COST TO FIX THIS IF THEY WON'T DO A RECALL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10131888

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN SENTRA SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10132349

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2005
Unknown Or Other

THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) OF 2002 NISSAN SENTRA IS VERY EASY TO BREAK. MY DIPSTICK'S A RUBBER/PLASTIC HANDLE WAS BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE, AND THE BLADE WAS STUCK IN THE TUBE AND VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT OUT. A DEALERSHIP ASKED $100 TO JUST PULL THE BROKEN BLADE OUT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF POOR DESIGN, AND …

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THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) OF 2002 NISSAN SENTRA IS VERY EASY TO BREAK. MY DIPSTICK'S A RUBBER/PLASTIC HANDLE WAS BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE, AND THE BLADE WAS STUCK IN THE TUBE AND VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT OUT. A DEALERSHIP ASKED $100 TO JUST PULL THE BROKEN BLADE OUT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF POOR DESIGN, AND I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS SIMILAR FAILURES ON NISSAN SENTRA. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART IMMEDIATELY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10130684

30,456 miles · Jul 28, 2005
Power Train

DT: CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION FELL APART AT 38,456 MILES, AND THE SECOND ONE FELL APART A T39,007 MILES. CONTACT TALKED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION . BUT HE SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PUT REBUILT PARTS INTO IT. CONTACT WOULD LIKE A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST ONE WAS PUT IN ON 7-1-05. SHE ASSUMED THE FIRST TR…

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DT: CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION FELL APART AT 38,456 MILES, AND THE SECOND ONE FELL APART A T39,007 MILES. CONTACT TALKED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION . BUT HE SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PUT REBUILT PARTS INTO IT. CONTACT WOULD LIKE A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST ONE WAS PUT IN ON 7-1-05. SHE ASSUMED THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS NOT PUT TOGETHER CORRECTLY, AND THE SECOND ONE WAS REPLACED WITH REBUILT PARTS ON 7-26-05. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10130422

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.