2003 Nissan Sentra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 19%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,478miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Nissan Sentra, 19% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,478 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car has stalled 3 times over the past year. One minute I am driving, the next I am coasting. Thankfully, I was always driving slowly with no one behind me. It starts right up. No code showing up for diagnostics. I called Nissan re: multiple recalls for electrical problems that can cause stalling, but they said my car wasn't part of the recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10567586, filed 2014-03, 95,000 miles“I bought my car and the dashboard doesn't work all the time. It suddenly stops and give 0 information about speed, gas, and heat. I went to the dealership they want to charge me 1000$ which I can't afford. I think this is a car problem not my problem and I want them to fix it. Can you help for my safety?”
NHTSA complaint #10637725, filed 2014-09, 130,000 miles“2003 Nissan Sentra had a recall on a sensor, took to the dealership they said it was fine they didn't replace it. Three weeks later the car stop running while my son was driving it, we had it taken to the shop and the sensor was the problem it cost me 340.00. Two yrs later the sensor is acting up again so I'm going to have to fix it again it will cost another 340.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10405817, filed 2011-06, 20,000 miles“I was pulling through a shopping center, when my Sentra started stalling. I parked the vehicle and it would no longer start. I bought a code reader and it stated a few codes such as ECM, cam shaft position sensor, and accelerator position sensor. I had it towed to hudson Nissan and they stated that the ecu/ECM has shorted and shorted the throttle body sensor. Which could have been extremely dangerous if I were traveling at a higher speed, or in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10609613, filed 2014-07, 111,000 miles“A few months ago the cars RPM's would fluctuate and the car would begin to die. If it was stopped or at a slow speed it would die out. I have almost been in many accidents because of this. I had the part replaced and it still does it. Nissan refuses to take any responsibility. It happens multiple times during the day.”
NHTSA complaint #10177915, filed 2007-01, 48,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V477000Nov 14, 2003On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the qg18de engine or qr25de engines, the foam material used for the interior lining of the electronic control…Covers: Nissan Sentra 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235729Apr 3, 2023RADIO INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTS DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK VIA BLUETOOTH CONNECTED IPHONE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous…
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 10 | 24% |
| 2023 | 8 | 40% |
| 2022 | 24 | 30% |
| 2021 | 38 | 29% |
| 2020 | 45 | 22% |
| 2019 | 65 | 29% |
| 2018 | 32 | 17% |
| 2017 | 33 | 14% |
| 2016 | 45 | 17% |
| 2015 | 25 | 7% |
| 2014 | 32 | 8% |
| 2013 | 43 | 7% |
| 2012 | 13 | 7% |
| 2011 | 34 | 24% |
| 2010 | 50 | 35% |
| 2009 | 6 | 11% |
| 2008 | 11 | 7% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 17 | 10% |
| 2004 | 28 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 19% |
| 2002 | 54 | 18% |
| 2001 | 44 | 19% |
| 2000 | 29 | 17% |
| 1999 | 12 | 20% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 10 | 9% |
| 1996 | 11 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 8% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 14 | 23% |
| 1991 | 7 | 11% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Sentra
86 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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