Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the engine failed to turn over however, the vehicle was able to be started closer to the afternoon. The check engine warning light illuminated along with the "Service Engine Soon" message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crank position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V357000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. …
We had a 2000 Nissan Sentra gxe, with 83245 miles on the odometer. There were no issues with car and it had always been regularly serviced. On July 29, 2010 after a normal day's activities which involved driving to and from work and a short trip within town to and from the local swimming pool, it was as usual parked in the driveway of our home at 8 pm. We locked the car and went into the house and were sitting down to dinner when at 8:20 pm we noticed a large plume of smoke drift by the dining room window. When we went out to investigate we saw thick billowing smoke blowing out of the hood of the car. We could also see flames under the hood. The engine was on fire. We dialed 911 and the fire trucks rolled in. The firemen had difficulty opening the hood because the heat had fused the hood to the body and they had to punch holes in the side and use crowbars to pry the hood open. …
The car shut of while driving at 65 MPH. The car restarted after 10 minutes drove about 2 miles and it shut of again. This time I called a mechanic and had the car towed to his shop. The mechanic indicated that it was a crankshaft and camshaft sensor issue. I have changed all other sensors on car. I was told that there was a recall on this car. I contacted Nissan at [phone] and was told that there was nothing that they could do. Please advise!!!!
I am original owner of 2000 Nissan Sentra. Manifold catalytic failed smog check. I tried to purchase parts with dealer and they tell me that the part is no longer available with them or aftermarket. I want to hold them responsable for not having the parts for my vehicle.
Ref: Nissan Sentra gxe year 2000, VIN# [redacted]. Since purchase of this used car in August 2003, over a period of 8 months I have had many problems with "check engine light" coming on often and rattling of axle/suspension on left side. After bringing to dealer for repair under warranty and each time the problem comes up next day or 2 weeks later. I have had the special-order from Japan ECM module replaced 3 times after 3 month wait each time. I also have had front wheel axle and/or suspension replaced 3 times in the past year. I have had 2 or more recalls performed on the car in 2004. As of 12/14/04, there is a problem of poor or slow engine performance and raggedness when driving. Refer to NHTSA campaign id # 01V174000 and 03V477000 and 03V455000 for references. I have copies of service records for this car if you would like to receive them. Please advise. …
Nissan dealership service diagnosed air flow meter failure - engine light on p0171 b1 fuel lean. Event happened at same time as when the crank sensor and ECM case recall work done except dealership claims separate - not part of covered recall work. Auto only has 64,889 miles and dealership claims engine trouble and repair over $600. Nissan dealership stated Toyota slaes dealership should have noticed this during claimed 160 point inspection, as could not have happended in short time of my ownership. Toyota dealership who sold it also did not repair or disclose wheel recall and owner, in just one year of ownership, had to replace three flat/damaged and irrepairable tires as a result, out-of-pocket. Now for Nissan to diagnose engine air flow meter failure at same time as other engine recalls is just too ironic timing. Believe should be part of these same related or another recall.
While driving, engine check light came on. After taking it to the dealer I was told the mass flow/ air flow sensor was bad and was due to me using an non-OEM airfilter. I sent the airfilter back to purolator, who responded that their product met all OEM requirements. I looked up the recall information and found out there was a recall for the "service engine light" coming on due to other issues. I took it back to the dealer, who never told me abou the recall, and they completed the work. I have yet to have the mass flow/ air flow sensor replaced due to cost $700 as well as my feeling is that this is a defective product. I have looked through the NHTSA web site and found several other mass flow sensor problems that have yet to be address for this model year car. I have contacted Nissan and they told me the dealer knows what is best for my vehicle and they would not do anything!
At about 65,000-70,000 miles the service engine light came on. At the same time my right front wheel began making noise. I took my car in and found out that I needed to replace the hub assembly. Not knowing that it had been recalled for the hub assembly, I ended up paying over $500 for the parts and labor. About 15,000 miles later my car lost all power while driving on the freeway. After paying to have the crank position sensor replaced I received a recall notice warning of the problem.I took my car to the dealer and they performed the recall work. The service light is still on and my car often performs poorly and loses power when trying to accelerate. I am unable to pass smog in ca because the light is on. All of these problems are not coincedental. Nissan has manufactured a faulty system and they need to own up and repair it.
I have looked and found no recall on this poorly designed engine component. Plastic dipstick handle breaks. My car is a Nissan 2000 Sentra gxe 1.8: the plastic engine oil dipstick handle broke off, leaving the stainless steel stick inside the tube. I called my local Nissan dealership service department for a method of extracting the defective part. I was told it would be 'very expensive' for the service shop to do, that I should try to 'figure it out' myself and 'let me know how you did it' if I was successful. The only OEM replacement part for this item is an exact duplicate of the plastic handle type that broke, so I am not using that again! This plastic component is poorly designed and can permit the stainless steel 'stick' to be forced into the oil pan.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Nissan Sentra. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). He stated that the check engine light illuminates on the instrument panel. The vehicle stalls and fails to restart. The vehicle was previously repaired according to Nissan recall number r3022, in which the dealer replaced the crank position sensors. There is a second recall that states that the replacement sensors used in the first recall campaign were also defective and should be changed. The Nissan manufacturer stated that his VIN was not affected and not included in the second recall. He was advised to bring his vehicle in for diagnostic testing at his expense. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain electric vehicles, the front suspension transverse link's ball joint bracket May break from stress concentration at a notch created by surface roughness and the shape of the material cut-line.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bracket on these vehicles. Owner notification began December 15, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor May have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s).
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 1.8 liter engine. The engine could stop running while being driven due to a defective crank position sensor. This could also result in the "service engine soon" warning light coming on or reduced engine power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Owner notification began December 10, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Engine complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Nissan Sentra, 45% of the model year's 171 complaints. The component named most often is engine (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Nissan Sentra engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-511 (engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2003); NHTSA recall 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003); NHTSA recall 01V-357 (gasoline, Nov 16, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Sentra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.