One day in january I was driving to work on the freeway when my engine just shut off. Needless to say I was very scared but was able to coast over to the side of the freeway without incident. I waited about 20 minutes and started the car back up but is was running very badly. I took it in and was told by my mechanic that it was the engine control module that had went out. He said he had heard there was a recall on this part and urged me to contact nissan directly. I did and was told that is was the larger engine size model that the recall was issued on not my model. The dealership quoted me $3,000.00 to fix which I could not afford. I took it back to my mechanic who charged me about $1,000.00 to fix the problem. Months later I received a recall notice from nissan for the ECM. I submitted for reimbursement but was denied because they say they will only cover reprogramming not replacement of the ECM. So now even though it was a manufacture defect I had to pay for repair myself.
2003 Nissan Sentra engine complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 107, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Car started idling rough, skipping. Check engine light came on and was flashing. Found a damaged spark plug, the gap had been smashed shut and could see where something was pounding on the plug repeatedly. I did some research and found out about the butterfly (power valve) issue of the assembly falling into the 2.5l engines. Using an extendable magnet I was able to collect all of the pieces of the butterfly assembly and extract them from the engine. One of the screws was unrecognizable, looked like a brass bb from a bb gun because it had been smashed up so bad. The butterfly itself was also damaged around the edges. I went to the nissan dealership to see about ordering a new butterfly assembly and they informed me of the recall for these engines in the 04-05 sentra spec v's. They recommended I talk to the service dept about having it repaired by nissan under recall. Nissan service looked up my VIN # and discovered that 03 models did not have a recall for the butterfly screws but a new engine was recently replaced for the precat recall issue only 20,000 miles ago.. They recommended that I call corporate and file a claim regarding the butterfly screw problem since they had just recently worked on the engine and should have tightened those screws. So I did. I paid $150.00 to have the car towed to the nearest dealership, they waived the $96 diagnostic and confirmed that the butterfly screws did damage to the engine. It took about 3 months of getting escalated up the corporate nissan pyramid. Finally I made it to the top just to be denied. They said that my vehicle was 5,000 miles out of warranty and that the recall was not for 03 models only 04-05. However it is the same exact engine, so I don't know why 03 is not covered. The fact that I had only put 20,000 on the new engine that they installed didn't seem to matter to them. I am no rocket scientist but I am pretty sure a 4 cyl engine should be able to run for more that 20,000 miles.
I bought a used 2003 nissan sentra for just a little more than a year ago from a used car dealer. Less than a month later I found some listed recalls on the web for the on board control unit which was causing the computer to miss read the crank case positioning sensor, and oxygen sensors, & causing cars to stop running for anywhere from split second to several seconds. This could cause an accident for this on board computer was making error codes show up when doing smog test and there was nothing wrong with these sensors. I went into my local nissan dealer to have these recall repairs done, I was told that only one of the four repairs would be done to my vehicle because my 2003 sentra was made in dec. And the recall for the other were for up to nov of 2003. My sentra has been having the same exact problems that the recall repairs were suppose to fix, only they wouldn't fix mine. Since about a month after that my check engine light has been on and about a half a dozen times a week my car will just stop running for about a second and start up again. Also since then I have had both the crank case sensor and the oxygen sensor replaced and not only will the check engine light not go out, but now even after I have replaced both of these sensors because they were showing up as defective when I had the smog checked, this defective on board computer still shows the exact same defect codes even after putting new parts in. This has now cost me over $150 for parts I didn't need and even worse, the car won't pass smog even though there's nothing wrong with the parts I had to replace. So now because nissan wouldn't replace what they knew was a defective part, the on board computer or what the service manual calls it then (ECM) controller, I have 3 days (nevada only gives you 10 days extension if your car doesn't pass smog to fix it). Ecm controller will have to be replace ii don't have $700 to $1000 dollars to pay for one.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact was involved in two crashes. The engine and catalytic converter were replaced twice. The engine stalls and loses power intermittently. When driving uphill at various speeds, the vehicle jerks. When traveling downhill, the vehicle shuts off. When the vehicle is on level ground, it will automatically restart. The first crash occurred in july of 2007, but the failures occurred prior to the crash. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. It took a while for the contact to restart the vehicle. When it started, the vehicle lurched and jumped, which caused him to rear end another vehicle at 7 MPH. Both vehicles sustained minimal damage. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times before they made the first repair, which was the replacement of the cylinder heads. The failure continued, so he took it back to the dealer six more times. Four of those times the vehicle had to stay at the dealer, but they were unable to identify the cause of the failure. Over the next 18 months, the failure continued to persist, so he decided to check the internet for recalls and located several related to the 2.5l engine. The dealer replaced the cylinder heads under recall the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 03v477000 (electrical system:ignition:module) and 06v242000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact was not informed of these recalls the many times he visited the dealer. He had to call nissan ten times before anyone returned his call. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. When stopping at stop signs or traffic lights, the vehicle hesitates and stalls. The mechanic stated that the engine control module failed. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 93,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. While driving at any rate of speed, the vehicle shuts off without warning. The vehicle restarts occasionally, but most times the battery needs to be replaced in order for it to start. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer three times and the battery was replaced approximately five times. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling), but the failure continues. The current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 4,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. While driving 10 MPH, the engine shut off. The check engine light illuminated prior to the failure. The engine's computer was replaced. There was a bearing that failed and a couple of push rods bad. The vehicle's warranty expired and the contact had to pay for the repair. The nissan manufacturer informed him to take the vehicle back to the dealer and start a file. The mechanic stated that because of the oil burning in the engine, the contact was not maintaining the vehicle properly. He felt that his engine was the same as those in the 2006 sentras and should be included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v223000 (engine and engine cooling). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 69,321. Updated 02-12-08 *bf the dealer stated replace front brake pads and resurfaced rotors. Updated 02/12/08
(1) events leading up to the failure, normal driving. Pulled up to stop sign and engine died. Will crank, but not start. (2) failure and its consequences, and car is inoperable. No damage or injuries. Error code is 0340. Crankshaft position sensor (3) what was done to correct the failure; I.e, parts repaired or replaced (and if old part is available) called power nissan dealership at 1 888 295 7489, advised service personnel of, was told the federal safety agency campaign 03v455000 does not apply to vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). He called nissan and they denied that any recalls applied to his vehicle. The contact feels that his vehicle should be included in the recall because he is experiencing the same failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 63,500 and failure mileage was 61,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. While driving 15 MPH and while idling, the vehicle stalled and restarted an hour later. The engine warning indicator light illuminated. The dealer stated that the cam and crank sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 61,000. Updated 01/02/08. *lj updated 01/02/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the cam positioning sensor failed. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 70,200.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall and the check engine light illuminated each time he drove the vehicle. The vehicle is under safety recall number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle is currently at the dealer and they are charging $280 to replace the sensors. The contact stated that the repair should be free since the vehicle is included in the recall. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 40,000 and failure mileage was 39,850.
Nissan sentra ser spec v 2003 has power failure problems, experiencing a mild loss of acceleration. Driving at 70 MPH, vehicle lost full power and reduced speed to 40 MPH, shut down by itself. Took it to dealership and they discovered that the screws and the "power valve" were sucked into the engine bay. Internal engine damage, same problem as 2004-2005 qr25de engine recalls, but manufacturer has not issues a recall for the qr25de in 2002 or 2003. Please request nissan north america to issue a "power valve recall" for the years 2002 and 2003 as well. There are several consumers that have experienced the same problem.
A large number of 2003 nissan sentra's are under recall for bad catalytic converter. I own a 2003 nissan sentra who's catalytic converter is bad, but am now told my specific VIN number is not covered by the recall. This is a serious emissions issue, and my car will now not pass the emissions test for state inspection. My vehicle should be added to the recall list. My check engine light has been on since 69000 miles, proof of which can be found in service records from southern states nissan in raleigh, north carolina. My vehicle was in their service center in jan. Of 2006 to replace bad computer components. When my vehicle left the service center, the check engine light was still on. A diagnostic test showed the cause to be catalytic converter failure.
I have tried a number of times to have nissan find the reason why my car had a delay in start for 2 years. I have no success, only excuses , and run around. Now my car is no longer in warranty and they are still giving me the run around when I told them that it appears to be what the recalls are stating.
Tl*- the contact received a recall letter two months ago for the 2003 nissan sentra, but the vehicle failed last year. While driving the weather was poor, the temperature dropped to 17 degrees and itstarted snowing ,he was driving under blizzard conditions. He was tried to slow down and the vehicle stalled on the highway. Due to the icy conditions a truck had stopped, but the contact's vehicle slid into the rear of the truck. His insurance company stated he was at fault. He called the manufacturer, who informed him that there was no recall, but that they would send someone to look at the vehicle. Nissan confirmed the insurance findings, and said it was not their fault and that nothing was wrong with the car. In august 2006 the vehicle repeated the same failure. Whie going 3 MPH and the car stalled while making a right hand turn. The vehicle lost power and almost rolled into another vehicle. In january he took the vehicle to a repair shop, it started to rain and the vehicle stalled again. The check engine light turned on. He took the vehicle to the dealer, and they repaired the vehicle. After picking up the vehicle it stalled again and he could not start it. The current mileage was 77,000 and the failure mileage was 62,000.
Tl* - the contact called regarding the 2003 nissan sentra. The driver was traveling at 45-50 MPH when the engine suddenly shut off,and the vehicle continued to move. The driver applied the brakes and the vehicle would not stop, and the steering wheel locked. The road conditions were icy. The vehicle hit a cement wall. The driver and passenger air bags deployed. There were no injuries. The contact was given a police report. The failure mileage was 50,000. The vehicle was towed. The insurance investigator was going to inspect the vehicle on 2/27/07.
Car will not start in the morning unless engine is warmed up for a few minutes, if not allowed to warm up it will move very slowly and if you try to accelerate it stalls. The check engine light came on, so I took it to the dealer and he said it was a bad cam sensor, so he replaced and this time the car would not start at all. He put back the old sensor and it started up but the check engine light came on again, the computer stated it's the cam sensor. He could not figure it out so he finally contacted nissan techs and they didn't know what it could be. After 5 days they finally came up with the problem---valve-timing control ??? They want $ 1600 to repair the car, I can't afford it, so I contacted nissan explained that the should pay for it because it sounds just like the recall the federal safety agency id 03v455000, they refused even though I am a long time nissan customer. I am going to appeal the decision because I am reading a lot of similar complaints exist and they won't take responsibility for it. It's a real shame.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. There was a the federal safety agency recall,# 03v455000, regarding the engine and engine cooling. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
The vehicle has very heavy oil consumption. The vehicle currently consumes 1qt per week. I did not notice the problem as it has progressed since 40,000 miles where it was only 2-3 quarts between changes. I have meticulously maintained the vehicle (I was trained by a master volvo technician). He has over seen the maintaining of my vehicle since mile 1. I noticed that oil consumption was becoming an issue around 65,000 miles. Nissan recall nos. R3007, r3014, r3015, r3016, r3017. I had this recall performed somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000 miles (cannot remember when exactly, nissan USA should have record). The catalytic converter of the vehicle was never removed - it has never been removed from the engine - there is no possible way to see internal damage without removal! The internal damage will not affect the emissions of the vehicle unless in very extreme cases! The bolts have no scaring what so ever to suggest that it was ever removed and inspected. However, the shield was removed and the dealership service department left the bolts on top of the shield loose. Many sentras (with 2.5l engines) owners are noticing very high oil consumption with their vehicles (I could easily find over 100 between 2 different message boards that do not cover the altima 2.5) even with the recall done. Many have called nissan USA and have been told they are not aware of the issue with the earlier models - nissan has proven to be very difficult to deal with even for those who still have factory warranty on the vehicle, often blaming the defect on "neglecting the vehicle". The people who are being told this are people who have a passion for their vehicles, and maintain them with the best products they know of; and consistently look for better products to replace "good products". Please look heavily into expanding the current oil consumption recall - nissan seems to be disregarding the safety of its buyers. If they continue to "slip by" with it, they will only continue.
Dt*: the contact stated the engine burned 3/ 4 of oil in the tank every 2000 miles. The service dealer replaced two engines and changed an oil block to try to fix the issue, but the oil consumption has continued.
Car began running rough, had trouble starting, check engine light stayed on. Didn't drive much after problem. Took to dealer (leitzinger imports) where I attend college, penn state university. Problem diagnosed as p0462 - fuel/sensor circuit, as per tsb. Engine control unit needs reprogrammed which was done. My father picked up after fixed & service personnel mentioned it was a known problem with this car. Nissan north america was contacted & my father spoke with a helpful rep seeking reimbursement for work. File number with nissan is 5463960. No known recalls, reimbursement denied but might have been different if we owned more nissans. Was mentioned to rep that no parts were replaced which indicates it was a computer/program malfunction & not fault of owner.
While driving at about 30 MPH the engine stalled without any previous warning and car was going to stop suddenly but the driver was luckily able to react in time and depress the clutch pedal and cruise to a safe spot on the side of the road. Had the vehicle been at an intersection it could have resulted in a crash. Once on the side of the road the driver restarted the vehicle after several tries upon which the service engine light came on and the tachometer was not reading the RPM. The vehicle was slowly (5 MPH) driven to a safe location where further diagnosis revealed a trouble code 0335 ( crank position/circuit malfunction). Even though there was a previous recall (03v455000) for this issue the dealer refused to acknowledge it and do any repairs at no charge stating that according to the vehicles VIN# there were no open recalls on it.
I have a 2003 nissan sentra ser that continues to have problems. It stalls, dies in the middle of the road and sometimes wont start. There is no warning as to when its going to die. It feels like it loses power while your driving down the road. Check engine light comes on and when I take it to the dealer they tell me there is nothing the matter with it they have replace the chamber assembly throttle and then replaced the crank sensor assembly. Sometimes the check engine light does not even come on but when they scan it for a code a code comes up or sometimes no codes come up. This car had been back to the dealer 10 times and they still have not corrected the problem.
Dt: at 32,000 miles the consumer had to take the vehicle back to the dealership 15 times for repairs. The main issue was at 15,000 miles. The fuel pump was replaced. After that, the consumer had problems when turning, when he took his foot off the gas the vehicle sputered. The service manager test drove the vehicle and said it was normal. The consumer never experienced any problems until the fule pump was replaced. The vehicle had other problems such as 2 new fan belts, trunk flooded once. The heater control was replaced 4 times. There was a problem with the ignition switch.
This vehicle has had a number of recalls from its preliminary 02 model year to its latest 05 models. The four cylinder motor that powers this car with the engine code qr25de has a habit of ingesting butterfly valve screws. These screws secure plates that open at a certain RPM within the intake manifold to allow more air to enter the engine. Over a period of time these screws can work themselves loose become sucked through the intake system and enter the cylinders of the motor. Depending on the severity of the damage the results could leave the owner noticing abnormal throttle response because of loose plates, they may notice their motors are burning an increasingly large amount of oil or at worse immediate engine stall/failure that could occur at any speed. At times they may be totally unaware any damage has occurred until more screws become displaced. Screws have been none to score cylinder walls and close spark plug gaps as well. I am under the impression that nissan is aware of this failure because the majority of owners stricken by this problem have had their entire motor replaced and at times just the intake manifold. However there have been a good amount of cases where dealers have refused to do warranty work on these vehicles. Some of the more mechanically inclined owners have attempted to remedy this problem by using an adhesive designed to secure screws by the name of loctite. Owners who have done this have had no problems what so ever, but for those of us not skilled enough to take this task on ourselves we are pretty much waiting for something to happen and hoping it doesn''t happen at a very inconvenient time. Interestingly enough this problem has been seen in all b15 sentras with this particular motor from 2002 to 2004 which includes the se-r, se-r spec v and 2.5 special edition. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I bought my car in may of 2004. Since then, the interior dash lights, tail lights and various fuses have blown at least 3 times each. Lights were replaced. The dealership said there was nothing wrong that they could find, and they had replaced the fuses. The very next day, the same fuses blew again. The dealership said there were no "open recalls" on my car. It is a 2003 nissan sentra se-r. The catalytic converter failed at approximately 29000 miles. This actually blew my engine, which dealership relaced. The fuse problem is still persistent.
Vehicle loses power when going up an incline at 65 to 70 MPH.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced due to a blown head gasket.
1) I was stopped at a red light--the frist car at the light--on a two lane divived hightway in both directions. I was in the left lane. When the light turned geren I acclelrated and the car took off like it was in overdrive. When I applied the brakes, the car did a 360 degree counter-clockwise rotation. The passenger side hit the median and deflated both the front and rear tirers. The car never stalled. I was able to wobble over to the right lane and exit the highway on to a dirt road which was the entrance to a cook county forest preserve. I ran into a steel gate which was across tthe road as the forest preserve was closed. I suspect because two of my tires were deflated, my brakes were not working. 2) actually, I was taking my car to woodfield nissan for service when the accident occurred. When I tried to turn on the air-conditioning, the knob (which goes from blue--cool-- to red--heat--was not working. Usually the knob such turns smoothly, but this time, there was a grating sensation and the cooling system did not turn on. The heat could not be turned off and the cooling system could not be turned on. Whether this problem caused the other event is hard to say, but I favor a "cause and event" explanation. 3) there was considerable damage to my car. My insurance company authorized about $7,000 worth of damage. My car is still at woodfield nissan body shop awaiting parts which have been on back order since about march 22. I have asked john at the body shop to make sure that he has the service department look at my original air-conditioning problem, but I don't think that will happen until the body shop is finished with the car. Incidentally, I received a a notice of a recall from fegus nissan in early jan. Of this year (recall code: r3022). I took my car to woodfield and was told there was "no outstanding campaigns." I would like to know the reason for this recall.
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