2002 Nissan Sentra Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,076miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Nissan Sentra, 3% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,076 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 Nissan Sentra and at a routine oil change I was informed that the plastic handle on my oil dipstick broke off and the dipstick is stuck down in the tube. The dealer wants $350 to remove it. I understand that this is a very common problem and that it could cause more serious problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10241170, filed 2008-09, 70,000 miles“Trunk failed to open. Assembly loose and kept falling into valet mode. The first time I took it in they acted like I was stupid even though I tried to explain the problem to them. All they did was push it up out of valet mode and send me home. Problem persisted so I returned and told them that it must be loose or faulty. It was fixed that time and has been ok ever since.”
NHTSA complaint #10016734, filed 2003-04, 291 miles“Oem side skirts do not fit right with car. Seem warped. Bow out in various spots along the body. Compared my car to others of similar model and they are flush while mine looks awful. Dealer replaced skirts only to have it look worse with the new ones. Supposed to have me meet with a rep but I was supposed to work around her schedule and never got the chance to meet her. No solution ever found nor did it seem they cared to find one. This time it took a month to get the parts in. Took in may 1, 2002 , parts replaced june 4, 2002”
NHTSA complaint #10016733, filed 2003-04, 5,153 miles“While driving at 30 MPH consumer's vehicle collided head on with another vehicle. The seat belts were worn and the air bags deployed, but the overhead compartment flew open and severely injured the consumer, who sustained head lacerations, and was hospitalized. The police arrived but no one was cited.”
NHTSA complaint #10053488, filed 2004-01, 13,000 miles“Trunk fills with water everytime it rains, though there is no visible leak. In the winter when I realized this problem, I needed to retrieve my spare tire and it was frozen n inches of water, making for a very difficult removal (crow bar).”
NHTSA complaint #10021024, filed 2003-06Related service bulletins
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 9 | 4% |
| 2016 | 10 | 4% |
| 2015 | 14 | 4% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 17 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 11% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 4 | 3% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 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 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSteering
7 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 27, 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