1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
95,028 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Nissan Sentra engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jun 102024

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Both my catalytic converters stopped up st same time.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

problem #23

Jun 112022

Sentra

  • miles
The car quits as I-??m driving it, The headlights and the dome lights go dim and radio light flickers then it goes completely out and when I-??m driving the car it has a rough idle and in order to keep the car running when I get to a stop light or stop sign is to put the car in park.

- Bentonville, AR, USA

problem #22

Jun 102017

Sentra

  • 140,000 miles
PCM ECM ECU engineering flaw. Engine kicks into safe mode while in operation or completely stalls, check engine light on, when restarts will misfire. Diagnosed with faulty control module (the second one in this vehicle since I have owned it)

- Hillsdale, MI, USA

problem #21

Feb 102017

Sentra

  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light is always on, car suddenly cuts off, and does not restart immediately. Recalled other VIN's but not all 2003 Nissan Sentra. This is a problem with all Sentra of those years. The problem seems to be the crankshaft position sensor failure/engine stall. It is very dangerous with as many of these cars that are out on the road for it to just keep shutting off while in traffic while driving. There needs to be a recall open to all Sentra with this problem.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

problem #20

Sep 012014

Sentra

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Sentra. While driving approximately 30 mph, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that camshaft sensor one and two failed. The camshaft sensors were replaced, but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

problem #19

Jul 122016

Sentra

  • 407,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Sentra. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle hesitated, lost power, and stalled. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle jerked and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 407,000.

- Alamo Gordo, NM, USA

problem #18

Jun 302016

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased a vehicle from a used car dealer in boise, id. The vehicle had an un-addressed closed recall on the vehicle which caused the motor to blow up two months later. Now the used car dealer will not fix the car, or refund any of my money. Please contact me for any additional information.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #17

Jun 172015

Sentra

  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also stated that the check engine light illuminated after the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V4770000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

- Holly Springs , NC, USA

problem #16

Sep 012014

Sentra

  • 55,000 miles
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.

- North Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #15

Sep 012014

Sentra

  • 55,000 miles
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.

- North Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #14

Aug 072014

Sentra

  • 131,892 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 ( NHTSA 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.

- Playa Del Rey , CA, USA

problem #13

Jan 232015

Sentra

  • 107,846 miles
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.

- Bayville , NJ, USA

problem #12

Mar 032014

Sentra

  • 73,000 miles
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.

- Pawtucket , RI, USA

problem #11

Apr 032014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 62,435 miles
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 NHTSA 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.

- Concord, NC, USA

problem #10

Aug 012013

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
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.

- Northglenn , CO, USA

problem #9

Jun 032014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
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.

- Pawtucket, RI, USA

problem #8

Jun 092014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 103,000 miles
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 NHTSA 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 updated 09/17/2014

- Cumberland, RI, USA

problem #7

Jan 012014

Sentra

  • 168,000 miles
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 NHTSA recall number 06V242000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 168,000. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.

- Seymour , TN, USA

problem #6

Aug 082007

Sentra 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 60,000 miles
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 NHTSA 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 updated 10/24/2013

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #5

Sep 022013

Sentra

  • 105,000 miles
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.

- Woodbridge, NJ, USA

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