2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2002 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Nissan Sentra has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Front Strut Tower Rust and Corrosion Leading to Suspension Separation Risk ($1,000-$4,000 repair) and ECM Power Transistor Failure Causing Engine Stall and Potential Overheating of the ECM ($0-$1,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Nissan Sentra has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Strut Tower Rust and Corrosion Leading to Suspension Separation Risk, ECM Power Transistor Failure Causing Engine Stall and Potential Overheating of the ECM, Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion and Rust-Through Triggering EVAP Leaks and Fuel Smell. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2002 Nissan Sentra has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Front Strut Tower Rust and Corrosion Leading to Suspension Separation Risk and ECM Power Transistor Failure Causing Engine Stall and Potential Overheating of the ECM. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Sentra issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Strut Tower Rust and Corrosion Leading to Suspension Separation Risk, typically costs $1,000-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
A serious rust issue on 2002-2006 Sentras involves corrosion of the front strut housing/tower area, especially in states using heavy road salt. As corrosion progresses, the strut can break through the surrounding structure, causing sudden changes in steering and suspension geomet… Repairs typically run $1,000-$4,000. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
AIR BAGS
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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Certain 2002-2003 Sentras were recalled because the power transistor inside the engine control module could short internally. When this happens, the engine may stall unexpectedly and the ECM itself can overheat, creating both drivability and safety concerns. Owners describe sudde… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
In rust-belt climates, the Sentra's steel fuel filler neck commonly corrodes where road salt and debris collect behind the left rear wheel area. Owners report a strong gasoline odor after fill-ups, visible rust holes, EVAP leak codes, and in some cases fuel dripping during refuel… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
A common failure on B15 Sentras is deterioration of the crankshaft position sensor and, less often, the camshaft position sensor. Owners report sudden stalling while driving, extended cranking, or a hot no-start condition that becomes more frequent over time. Nissan issued servic… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
Many owners of this generation Sentra report recurring front brake pulsation caused by rotor thickness variation or heat-related warping. The issue often appears after relatively short service intervals, especially with low-quality replacement rotors or sticking caliper slide har… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: low.
