2002 Nissan Sentra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,602miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Nissan Sentra, 2% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,602 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2002 Sentra spec v and this is my second one in 10 months that has failed to perform as it should. The current vehicle has had 1 new engine, 1 exhaust manifold, 2 window regulators, 2 new windows, three new door speakers, two shift knobs, 1 timing belt tensioner, 1 third brake light, and is in the process of getting it's third engine. Car consumes oil at a rapid rate of 2 quarts per 1200 miles. Tried an informal resolution and Nissan rejected. Dealer agrees the car should be bought back. Symptoms that I have, lead to possible engine fire and is being addressed with a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10021051, filed 2003-06, 7,204 miles“The 2002 Nissan Sentra ran fine for the first year. There were no major issues concerning the electrical system. In 2003 I noticed the turn signal would occasionally not work. For the last 4 years it still does not work correctly. The problem is very intermittent. It may work properly one day and not the next. Normally you will flip the turn indicator and nothing will happen. Then if you turn the steering wheel it would start to work. Sometimes it will not work no matter if you turn the wheel. Even when it does work the signal does not blink at a normal repetition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200823, filed 2007-08, 20,000 miles“The consumer complained about other motorist exterior headlights. They were blinding when driving at night. The consumer stated that they are a safety hazard when coming in contact with the vehicle at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10097213, filed 2004-10“Dt: 2002 Nissan Sentra. While driving on the highway the car shut off, took the car to a mechanic. Went on the Nissan website and found two recalls, they were engine control module case holder and head lamp adjuster. Then, took car into dealership, they ran VIN # and they found three recalls, one was on the foam on the engine control module and the other two were unknown. One of the recalls would cause the vehicle to shut down or cut off. Took the car into the dealership on friday august 19, 2005. They did not repair due to warranty issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134246, filed 2005-08Related recalls
- 01V376000Dec 12, 2001Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices…Covers: Nissan Sentra 2001–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10032306Nov 27, 2013Nissan: exterior lamp fogging. Occasionally water is noticed in the exterior lamps. This is generally not due to a defect. All current exterior lamp assemblies are vented to the…
- 10021508Apr 18, 2007Exterior lamp fogging.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 28 | 13% |
| 2018 | 15 | 8% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 4% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Sentra
127 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology