2003 Nissan Sentra problems
Owners have filed 240 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 36.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 15.4%.
Complaints240
Crashes17
Fires1
Injuries9
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 36.3% · 87
Electrical system 15.4% · 37
Engine 10.0% · 24
Air bags 6.7% · 16
Power train 3.8% · 9
Unknown or other 3.8% · 9
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.8% · 9
Fuel system, gasoline 3.3% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 9 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 26 model years of the Nissan Sentra in this data, 2003 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 66,956 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Sentra. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 50,700. Updated 10/20/08.*Lj the consumer stated a recall had been issued, but the consumer's vin did not apply to the recall. Updated 10/20/08. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 50,700 miles
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 nhtsa campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 70,200. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 70,200 miles
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 nhtsa campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 93,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 93,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Nissan Sentra years
2000 236 complaints · 33.9% engine and engine cooling 2001 309 complaints · 31.7% engine and engine cooling 2002 388 complaints · 35.6% engine and engine cooling 2004 235 complaints · 26.0% engine and engine cooling 2005 224 complaints · 24.1% engine and engine cooling 2006 155 complaints · 21.3% air bags