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2002 Nissan Sentra engine problems

153 complaints (50% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
153
of this car's complaints
50%
typical mileage
79,000
crashes
2
recalls
4

Which part fails

  • Engine
    40
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    5
  • Exhaust system
    5
  • Cooling system
    4
  • Engine: gasoline
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    2
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Sentra engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Nissan Sentra engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 74Check engine light 46Oil consumption 18Engine failure 15Won't start 12Loss of power 7Overheating 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported November 14, 2007 · 653,910 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported December 10, 2003 · 70 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the bracket on these vehicles. Owner notification began december 15, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 03V511000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2003 · 630,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
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.

Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported March 11, 2003 · 338,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 03V084000 · Recall details

What 2002 Nissan Sentra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Engine · 102,000 miles · WA

There's something wrong with the cooling system when I recall data refreshed on nov 04,2020 1unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN jan 09,2020 manufacturer recall numberpm684 the federal safety agency recall number20v-008 recall statusrecall incomplete summary takata has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety may arise in some of the subject non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling this car.

Filed Sep 18, 2020 · Engine · 120,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH or stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The contact had an independent mechanic replace the fuel pump, the spark plugs, the fuel filter and the exhaust pipes. A dealer was not contacted. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2020 · Engine · 10,900 miles · NY

I was made aware recently( march 2020) that the cam sensor in my car is defective. There was a recall on this part in 2004. After contacting the nissan corporate headquarters, they inform me that their records show the recall remedy was satisfied in 2004. I do not remember bringing the car to the dealership nor does the dealership have any record the recall was satisfied.

Filed Jun 9, 2017 · Driver assistance, Engine · 3 miles · GA

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

Filed Mar 9, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 140,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and independently accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Engine · 156,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. While driving 45 MPH, the check engine code: p0335 (crank sensor) illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the crank sensor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 185,000 miles · MI

My nissan sentra decided to stall out in the middle of a very busy intersection. Was able to restart the nissan after about 15 seconds. Later that day I was unable to start my car. Battery was jumped and the car was running until I turned my headlights on. I had to be towed home. I believe my can sensor and crank sensor need to be replaced and there was a recall for this complaint before.

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. While driving various low speeds, the engine stalled without warning. After restarting, the vehicle resumed normally. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was identical to the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v527000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Engine · 149,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly loose power and would not accelerate. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle would not start and was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft position sensor failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v527000 (engine). The failure mileage was 149,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 124,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan sentra. While driving highway speeds, the vehicle lost acceleration and stalled. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway and checked the oil level. The oil was approximately two quarts low. After twenty minutes, the vehicle started again and the failure recurred the contact had to call a tow truck to bring the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The diagnosis was that the pre-catalyst was damaged and clogged and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v084000 (engine and engine cooling) a few years back. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

Questions about the 2002 Nissan Sentra engine

Does the 2002 Nissan Sentra have engine problems?

Owners have filed 153 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Nissan Sentra, 50% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Sentra engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Nissan Sentra engine?

Yes, 4 recalls: 07V527000, 03V511000, 03V455000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Sentra have bad engine?

The Nissan Sentra model years with the most engine complaints are 2002 (153 complaints), 2001 (108 complaints) and 2003 (107 complaints).

Other 2002 Nissan Sentra problems

Electrical 54Airbags 30Acceleration 20Transmission 20Tires 13Fuel system 11Body 10Brakes 9Steering 7Lights 6Visibility 5Driver assistance 3Suspension 3Locks 1Wheels 1

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