Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 35 MPH vehicle stalled and shut down in the middle of the highway. Before total shut down steering wheel and brakes locked up, almost resulting in an accident. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who in turn informed the consumer that the crank positioning sensor was defective. There was a recall on this vehicle, but not for consumer's VIN number. The dealer wanted to charge consumer for recall repairs. Manufacturer was notified of the problem.
While driving about 30 MPH and when turning brake caliper locked up, and consumer hit curve and drove over it. Consumer was comparing the situation with the recall 01 v 174 000. Had taken vehicle to dealer, but problem still there. Please provide more information. Ak
While driving 35 MPH consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Then, vehicle stalled while in motion and hit the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. Driver and passenger sustained minor injuries.
I have had multiple ongoing problems with this vehicle. . I have had to bring it in four times for an inoperative horn. I would discover that horn was not working, I'd bring it in and it would function, then a couple of months would pass and again it would be inoperative. They finally replaced the harness, and it has been working for 2 straight months. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is a safety issue. I have brought it in twice for a broken ignition wire. The first time they were unable to locate the problem. The car was released to me and two days later I had it towed in because it was dead. I have had break issues, my breaks were apparently warped and not functioning properly.the latest thing to go was the fuel pump. I was driving on the highway, in the middle lane, during rush hour when the car just stopped. I had no where to go and was stuck in the middle. …
My engine failed again while driving 70 mphs on the freeway, the very day after the car had been repaired for yet another defect sensor. It was a miracle I did not crash and kill anyone including myself. Each and every time I have taken the car in, I have requested it be checked for a short in the wiring. Each time I was told no. I later learned thar meant if it didn't show up on the computer, then they wouldn't look for it specifically. Following the latest hazard, I got in Nissan's face. Nissan found a defect oxygen sensor this time. Upon retesting the vehicle, the emc (the brain of the vehicle) was found to be defective. I was also told had I driven the car any longer, the air conditioning unit would have blown too. Well, that explains all the lousy gas mileage this past year. …
Car continues to accelerate after foot is removed from the pedal. Occurred several times, but was easily managed by tapping the brake. Brought in for repair and carbon build-up was found on the throttle and cleaned up. Most recent occurrence was more dramatic. I was accelerating quickly (4000+ RPM) from a stop at a red light. Car continued to accelerate at 4000+ RPM. Braking hard did not stop the car, nor did it stop the continued acceleration. Had to put car in neutral and pull over. Engine continued to race at 4000+ RPM, until ignition was turned off. Brought to Nissan service. They checked throttle plate and cable but found no problem, and condition could not be duplicated. Problem has not occurred in the week since, but it has always been intermittent and unpredictable. Should the original problem have been fixed with out charge? What can I do if it happens again? …
I have had a problem when appling the brakes, with the car going into a slide /skid and almost hitting another car, going at a slow rate. This happened more than once. I was told on a couple of occ. That it would cost me to have them look at the brakes, even though the car was under warrenty. They said they drove it and could not find anything wrong with it. The last time I took it in, they found the car to be unsafe to drive and said it related to the calibers on the brakes. What can I do for a complaint to Nissan for their lack of responsibility on the situation? Can I take legal action against them? Dt
Multiple issues with 2001 Sentra. Steering has become progressively tighter. Dealer claims no problem. Crunching noise from shocks/struts when driving over speed bumps or when exiting driveway onto road (uneven pavement). Worse when cold. Dealer claims no problem. Brakes make scraping noise when applied. Worse when cold. Car has become very uncomfortable to drive - tight/difficult steering and noisy suspension. Drives like a 10 year old Chevy instead of a 2 year old japanese car. I should have kept my Honda!!!
I reported to service manager-zeek, sheehy Nissan annapolis, that the car has progressively gotten worse upon braking, to the point of jerking to a stop, and even sliding at low speeds below 40mph. No problem, they replaced front brake shoes, and turned rotors. I noticed lately that when I brake, I hear this dry sound coming from the right front wheel. I intend to report it along with the engine belt squeaking sounds this weekend.
When applying the brakes the pedal does not go to floor. However, the system appears to lock up, causing extended stopping distance. Cause unknown. Consumer states this is a very poor engineering design of the braking system that causes the brakes to lock up when they are applied beyond a very slow driving condition.
Brake complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Nissan Sentra, 10% of the model year's 236 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Nissan Sentra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Nissan Sentra, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Sentra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.