Recalls
10campaigns
4 engine · 3 air bag · 1 electrical
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
304filed
Owner reports, 1998–2007 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
27mpg combined
$2,419/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
1.8 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
5 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (10)
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2002 Nissan Sentra. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NHTSA: Do not drive. NHTSA says owners should not drive these vehicles until the recall repair is done. What a Do Not Drive recall means
Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode
Air bags
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.
27.3% repairedof 3,930 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V747000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode
Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
47.8% repairedof 307,962 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V008000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
Air bags
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
39.7% repairedof 1,090,569 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V287000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE/ENGINE STALL
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported653,910 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V527000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/ELECTRIC VEHICLES/BALL JOINT BRACKET
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported70 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V511000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/CRANK/CAM POSITION SENSOR WELD
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported630,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V455000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/ECM MATERIAL
Electrical system · ignition · module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.
- Consequence
- IF ONE OF THE RESISTORS INSIDE THE ECM HAS A CRACK ON THE SURFACE COATING, THE GAS MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE RESISTOR. THIS COULD CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO COME ON, POOR DRIVABILITY (IDLE INSTABILITY, POOR ACCELERATOR), OR THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSIDE LINING MATERIAL FROM THE ECM BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Repair progress not yet reported276,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V477000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/DEBRIS AND CATALYST SUBSTRATE/FIRE
Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported338,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V084000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/FLOOR MAT
Unknown or other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN-APPROVED ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT THAT WAS INSTALLED EITHER AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT OR BY THE DEALER, DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT, A SMALL AMOUNT OF MAT MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE MAT TO INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOT ALLOW THE PEDAL TO RELEASE AFTER IT IS DEPRESSED.
- Consequence
- IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT AND IF IT IS A NISSAN FLOOR MAT SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 18, 2002. 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.
Repair progress not yet reported9,640 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V056000
Listed for 2002 Nissan Sentra. Not checked against your VIN.
NISSAN/FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP CAP
Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES WERE MISSING TAMPERPROOF CAPS THAT PREVENT HORIZONTAL HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT.
- Consequence
- THESE CAPS ARE INSTALLED TO PREVENT MISADJUSTMENT OF THE HEADLAMPS.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TAMPERPROOF CAP OVER THE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT SCREW FOR BOTH HEADLAMPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 14, 2002. 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.
Repair progress not yet reported81,393 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V376000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (304)
304 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.
19involved a crash
6involved a fire
22injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 127 | 41.8% |
| Electrical system | 54 | 17.8% |
| Air bags | 30 | 9.9% |
| Engine | 27 | 8.9% |
| Power train | 20 | 6.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 20 | 6.6% |
| Tires | 13 | 4.3% |
| Unknown or other | 12 | 3.9% |
| Structure | 10 | 3.3% |
| Fuel system | 9 | 3% |
How 2002 compares with other Sentra years
Best and worst Sentra years →199858
199959
2000171
2001236
2002304
2003180
2004197
2005170
2006116
2007154
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 58 | 1 |
| 1999 | 59 | 0 |
| 2000 | 171 | 6 |
| 2001 | 236 | 7 |
| 2002 | 304 | 10 |
| 2003 | 180 | 7 |
| 2004 | 197 | 4 |
| 2005 | 170 | 5 |
| 2006 | 116 | 5 |
| 2007 | 154 | 1 |
This year (2002)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined
27
mpg combined
24
city
32
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,500
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 329 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,419per year
$202per month
556gallons a year
Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | $2,500 | 329 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 | 342 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 | 386 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2002 Sentra for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2002 Nissan Sentra FAQ
How many recalls does the 2002 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 20V747000 (air bag), 20V008000 (air bag), 15V287000 (air bag), 07V527000 (engine), 03V511000 (engine), 03V455000 (engine), 03V477000 (electrical), 03V084000 (engine), 02V056000 (unknown or other), 01V376000 (lighting). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2002 Nissan Sentra problems?
Owners filed 304 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (127), Electrical system (54), Air bags (30) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2002 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA rates the 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 24 city, 32 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2002 Sentra compare with other years?
Among the 1998–2007 Nissan Sentra model years at least five years old, the 1998 drew the fewest complaints (58) and the 2002 the most (304). The 2002 drew 304. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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