2002 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,130miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Nissan Sentra, 2% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,130 miles.
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.
“While driving the will stop running without warning or my service engine light will come on and my car will not start. This started about 5 years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10424392, filed 2011-09, 72,108 miles“The rack and pinion steering gear assembly on our 2002 Nissan Sentra se-r was replaced by hall Nissan of chesapeake, virginia. We took our vehicle into the this dealer for an annual state safety inspection. We informed the service department to check the steering system. We had experienced play in the steering wheel . The movement was up and down in the steering column. After the service department inspected our car we were told that the vehicle would not pass the virginia safety inspection unless the rack and pinion steering gear assembly was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114276, filed 2005-03, 37,130 miles“Steering is stiff when turning especially in cold weather. Took to windsor, canada dealership and was diagnosed as rack and pinion. Did steering fluid flush to see if it would clear up. It improved slightly (weather is warm now) but is still a problem. I am 60, do not drive on bad roads, do not abuse car. Regular check ups and oil changes have been done. Was assured car would still be safe to drive, just be careful when turning. Have negotiated with company for a discount as this is expensive repair and cannot afford at this time. Will get 10% discount when I can afford to do it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167298, filed 2006-09, 38,754 miles“The consumer stated while driving, the vehicle vibrated and jumped from side to side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined the rack and pinion and power assist system needed to be replaced. The head gaket was leaking, the driver side window was I noperative, the oil stick was broken. Updated 02/24/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10147684, filed 2006-01, 26,000 miles“The steering wheel move back and forth while driving. Consumer noticed that the steering wheel would wander from lane to lane. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rack pinion needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10101310, filed 2004-11Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 24% |
| 2023 | 4 | 20% |
| 2022 | 31 | 38% |
| 2021 | 40 | 30% |
| 2020 | 55 | 27% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 14 | 6% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 16 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% |
| 2007 | 30 | 19% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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