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2000-2006 Nissan Sentra Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Sentra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Sentra.
2000-2006 Nissan Sentra Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner: If the air conditioner does not cool, the thermocouple in the evaporator may be at fault. A new probe must be installed in a different location. (2000-01)
Audio system: Popping and crackling noises in the audio system are often due to cell phones plugged into the cigarette lighter. Using a different power source or moving the phone often helps. (2000)
Steering noise: Squeaks or rattles from the front end when turning are often due to misaligned, and damaged, strut bearing not fully seated in its recess. It was being replaced under warranty. (2000)
Water leak: The driver's-side floor gets wet because the air-conditioner evaporator drain hose has a tendency to fall off the pipe at the evaporator case. A hose clamp may help. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $610
Alternator $320
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $740
Brakes $200
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $430
Constant Velocity Joints $1,230
Exhaust System $345
Radiator $325
Shocks and/or Struts $520
Timing Chain or Belt $770
NHTSA Recall History
2000-01 Senta: Steel wheels could fail and separate from the mounting hub without prior warning.
2000-02 Senta: May be missing tamperproof caps meant to prevent horizontal headlamp adjustment.
2001 Senta: Bolts used to attach each front-suspension lower control arm to the body on the left and right sides may not have been properly manufactured and could fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
2002 Senta w/ 2.5 liter: Exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Dealers will remove the protruding pin and install heat shield(s).
2003 Senta: Corrosion on resistor in ECM could cause check-engine light to come on or cause the engine to stop.
2005 Senta: Vapor hose in fuel tank may not have been formed correctly; if tank is full, fuel may flow into the hose, causing vapor canister to fill and excess fuel to spill onto the ground.
2006 Senta w/ 2.5L engine: Excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings may occur. If the oil is not maintained at least at the minimum level, engine damage can occur, and in extreme cases, an engine fire. Nissan notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level.
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