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.
2003 Nissan Sentra engine complaints
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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.
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 ( the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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 federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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
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 the federal safety agency recall number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 168,000. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but it would not respond. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who replaced the crank shaft position sensor. The contact was able to start the vehicle after the repair but the vehicle stalled shortly thereafter. The vehicle was towed to a second independent mechanic where the crank shaft and cam shaft position sensors were replaced. The contact also replaced the battery but the failure continued after the repairs. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for oil consumptino issues when he was informed that the material from the catalytic converter had entered the engine, damaging it. The dealer informed the contact to have the engine replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
Vehicle failed the mil/check engine light due to obd communications failure. Nissan dealership code reader also unable to communicate with ECM. Possible faulty ECM.
I have a 2003 nissan sentra ser. From day 1, I have had issue after issue..I am the only owner of the vehicle. Upon many repairs under warranty, one of them was for the ECM, years later the same issue has come back. I contacted nissan and the dealer about this and they will not help me because they state that they already fixed it with the recall. But they did not. A certified mechanic has determined the issue with the vehicle. It is not even safe at this point to drive. The dealer will not assist me and I do not feel that I should have to pay for this. It was a recall that is still an issue..
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall while driving and the check engine light would illuminate. A local mechanic diagnosed that the crank shaft sensor and the camshaft position sensor needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted, but the manufacturer made the contact aware of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) recall; yet, the VIN was not a part of the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 55,500.
The nissan 2003 sentra was bought from a private dealer in 2009 and was driven almost a year until it started consuming excessive amounts of oil. It also had a loud knocking noise when running. It was serviced twice until it was discovered there was a recall on this car by nissan for the exact symptoms it was having. The recall states that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. This is a concern since this is my son's car and I do not want him in a car that could cause him harm. I have been in contact with nissan and they say there are no open recalls on this car and there is nothing they will do. The recall campaign was dated 7/29/2003. I have looked into this matter and many owners of sentra's and altima's were effected by this recall and apparently the fix for the recall was a band- aid for a major defect. The recall was to reprogram the emc card the problem is the damage was already done to the engine and a new motor and pre-catalytic converter was the fix for this defect.
2003 nissan sentra 1.8l head gasket failure at around 75,000 mi. Vehicle has been experiencing difficulty starting and rough idle since soon after purchase. This was relayed to dealers on numerous occasions, were told nothing is wrong. Problem has worsened over the years and vehicle ran rough. Brought to dealer and replaced ignition coil #3. Week later problem is still active. Return to dealer where head gasket had failed and engine is consuming coolant. This vehicle had faulty gasket or head design that was pushed off by the dealer to avoid warranty repair.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact stated that when making both left and right turns, the vehicle would shut off without warning also, once the vehicle was already started and warmed up, she was unable to restart it again, without constantly depressing the accelerator pedal for about 10 seconds which was similar to the federal safety agency campaign number 03v477000 (electrical system:ignition:module). The dealer was notified who informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with her vehicle and that the ecu needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed and advised the contact that her vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 90,000. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. Updated 02/09/11*lj updated 05/09/11
1. Head gasket and crank position sensor problem caused engine stopped working without warning. This happened twice in the past 3 month, once on a highway, once on a local expressway. 2. After fixing the problem above, brakes suddenly stopped working at about 25 MPH within 2 miles driving, leading to an accident.
Car stalled out and was restarted and staled out again vehicle was driven to dealership and they found that one power valve screw had come out and that some others were loose. I paid the dealership to repair the vehicle but there is a recall for the same problems on the 2004 sentras and up and nissan is aware there is a problem with the 2002 and 2003 sentras and altimas with the qr25 engine but will not cover the 02 or 03's with this recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle would drive sluggish and the contact would have to change the oil every 2,000 miles or when the engine would become excessively loud. The dealer advised the catalytic converter would need replacing. There was a technical service bulletin for the failure (item number pe02078) but no recalls. The failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra spec-v. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred four times before the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the crankshaft position sensor and catalytic converter would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated there was a recall pertaining to the failure for his year, make and model (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000-engine and engine cooling) yet his VIN was not included. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact would have to add approximately one-half quarter of engine oil every 2,000 miles or the engine would exhibit an extremely loud noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,600 and the current mileage was 93,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact was driving approximately between 55-60 MPH the engine stalled with an engine warning light illumination. The vehicle restarted and continued normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician replaced the camshaft sensor. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN number was excluded from the recall defect. The failure mileage was 76,100.
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