I was driving on the highway at about 75 mph with the cruise control set and suddenly heard a small pop noise. The check engine light then began to flashing so I pulled over immediately I put the car in park and the car started smoking smoke was filling the cab through the air vents I didn’t even have time to pop the hood and check once I got out the car exploded and I do not exaggerate when I say it exploded the entire front end went boom and was engulfed in flames the car was brand new I just got it 3 months ago with 9 miles on the dash it only had 4k st the time of the incident. My safety was put at risk because I could have died and been burned alive other people would see smoke panic and still sit in the car i however deal with cars and know signs to check for and what type of smoke means what plus it explo Who’s to say one won’t explode while someone is driving! Had the roadway been filled with heavy traffic I wouldn’t have been able to pull over in time the car was engulfed within 30 seconds of the check engine light coming on and me getting out the car after parking. The car had yet to be inspected by insurance but it’s literally burned to the frame I don’t know what much they will be able to find. There was no warning of this happening whatsoever the car was driving perfectly fine with no issues up until it exploded. Not a single light ever came on in the car it never drove irregular or anything the car hasn’t even had its first oil change. Something definitely malfunctioned and is not safe in these cars
Nissan Sentra check engine light comes on
467 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe check engine light, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 467
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 75,150
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 105Jerking 57Loss of power 41CVT failure 34Transmission failure 30Hesitation 30Won't start 20Misfire 19
Trouble codes mentioned
P0101 12P0335 6P0744 4P2859 3P1778 3P0303 3P1722 2P1446 2P0462 2P0300 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start one day after several attempts and was accompanied by the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) sensor and check engine warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and brake light switch due to a suspected battery drain caused by a faulty switch. Despite the repair, the failure reoccurred shortly after the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) and linked the recall to the failure. The manufacturer had not yet been notified of the specific failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the transmission/transaxle was replaced. After the replacement, the vehicle later developed a transmission fluid leak. I returned the vehicle to the authorized dealership regarding the leak, and the concern was addressed at no charge. However, the transmission fluid leak has since recurred. An independent repair facility recently inspected the vehicle and observed an active fluid leak around the transmission assembly, as well as an apparent abnormal condition in the transmission area. The exact cause of the current leak has not yet been fully diagnosed and is currently unknown. The condition is available for further inspection. The Check Engine Light is currently illuminated, and the vehicle is unable to pass an emissions inspection. My primary concern is vehicle safety. This vehicle previously experienced an actual loss of propulsion associated with a transmission-related failure and had to be towed. Because the replacement transmission/transaxle is now experiencing a recurring fluid leak and an unresolved condition, I am concerned about the possibility of another transmission-related mechanical failure or loss of propulsion while driving. I am also concerned about potential safety risks associated with continued fluid leakage in the vehicle. The current problem has been observed by an independent repair facility but has not yet received a complete formal diagnosis. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the current recurring condition.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the messages "Engine Stall - Stop Safely", "Service Due in 0 Miles", and "System Malfunction Not Available" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact stated that the brake warning light, check engine light, oil warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. After approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. On the third visit to the dealer, the dealer diagnosed a burned fuse box and wiring harness. The fuse box and wiring harness were replaced. Approximately one month after the repair, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer suggested that the issue might be associated with outside or thermal interference that affected the wiring harness. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,900.
On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect caused an immediate and total loss of vehicle propulsion in active traffic, forcing following vehicles to brake aggressively to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. With zero throttle response or engine acceleration, my safety was severely compromised as I was forced to blindly coast across active lanes of traffic to reach a gas station with barely enough power to get into the station lot to escape the hazard. This is a highly busy area and gas station, making it even harder. The vehicle is currently sitting at an authorized Nissan dealership service department, where technicians formally inspected the vehicle, confirmed a total internal failure of the CVT unit, and issued a $5,800 replacement quote. The vehicle and the failed transmission component remain fully available for inspection upon request.
I purchased this car around January 2025 & around August 2025 I started having battery issues. It’s currently March 2026. I have to keep having the battery jumped at. When he battery wasn’t jumping I had to get it sent to a nissan where they said nothing was wrong with the car so the next day the battery failed again.. and again each day . I have to keep calling AAA to come have the car jumped which I ended up just getting a portable battery jumper which works sometimes but other times I would have to call AAA of course, or if it doesn’t start at all, I will have to get it told to nissan. Certain times the car would start up and then when you pull out the parking space it’ll start shaking and then you’re driving in the car will slowly turn off. You’ll just be sitting there and that’s the main time you’ll have to get it towed to the dealership. Recently it happened on the side of the road from me, leaving the dealership and the police ended up, towing the car because triple AAA didn’t come fast enough which I had to pay 300 something dollars to get it out of the tow yard. System malfunction pops up, the engine light blinking , battery light pops up.
The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, etc. Very dangerous situation with no warning signs.
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle was driven to the parking lot and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. Upon arrival at the residence, the vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence, and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized. The local dealer was contacted, and an estimate for the repair was provided. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The mechanic stated that the engine was cracked and was a rebuilt engine, not a new engine. The contact purchased a used engine from a salvage yard for replacement. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
In December 2025, the vehicle was towed to the dealer after it shut off and would not restart. No warning lights displayed, no low fuel light displayed either. Dealer attributed stall to low fuel (fuel range showed 30 miles remaining), found no diagnostic codes, attributed it to low fuel, added gas, and released the vehicle and charged a DX fee. In February 2026 (approximately two months later), the vehicle lost power again while being driven and was rear-ended while disabled. Post-collision dash photos show approximately half a tank of fuel and malfunction indicators illuminated. The dealership had notice of a shutdown event and failed to properly diagnose or investigate before returning the vehicle as safe in December. My daughter was injured as a result of the rear end accident. The vehicle was a total loss.
My car would cut off on me and all the lights would turn on and the engine light. It would shake then slow down and cut off. It happened to me while driving on the freeway. I was able to cut it back on before accident happened. I’d randomly try to start my car and right when I do the engine light would turn on the car would rumble nd shake really bad and cut off so I’ll have to wait like three min and the car would start up. I forgot what day it happened but my car still acts weird
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- 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 cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crank angle sensor is affected by temperature variations. Under certain driving conditions, these variations in temperature can be large enough to cause a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the 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. The recall began on august 21, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V242000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines may experience excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings.
- Risk
- If the oil is not maintained at least at the minimum level, engine damage can occur and in extreme cases result in an engine fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module (ECM or engine computer). Your vehicle will also be inspected to determine if it has been consuming engine oil at a higher than normal rate. In a small percentage of vehicles, engine replacement will be needed. On june 9, 2006, nissan notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level. Follow-up letter to owners advising them of the status of the recall was sent during august 2006. Followup letter to owners was sent on november 15, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V223000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- 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 cooling
- 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 pipe
- 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
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 1.8 liter engine. The engine could stop running while being driven due to a defective crank position sensor. This could also result in the "service engine soon" warning light coming on or reduced engine power.
- Risk
- If the engine stops running while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Owner notification began december 10, 2001. 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.
Recall number 01V357000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Sentra check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, jerking or lurching and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0101, P0335 and P0744.
Which Nissan Sentra years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (48 complaints), 2002 (46 complaints) and 2013 (45 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 56 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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