NISSAN SENTRA · model year

2004 NISSAN SENTRA

235 NHTSA complaints, 27 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004NISSANSENTRA carries 235 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 27 crashes, 0 fires, 22 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 SENTRA is engine and engine cooling with 35 filings, followed by air bags (29) and engine (26). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2004 SENTRA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

235
Complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
22
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

235 filings

Crashes Reported

27 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING35
AIR BAGS29
ENGINE26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
STEERING5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
SERVICE BRAKES4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP3
STRUCTURE:BODY3

Recalls (5)

15V28700015/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may caus

22E06600009/08/2022

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2

20V00800009/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are

06V24200007/07/2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE CAN BE LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

20V74700001/12/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to prop

Recent Complaints

20251217POWER TRAIN

Hard shifting and occasional uncertainty in gear selected.

20251028ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic, the vehicle was diagnosed computer system failure, causing the vehicle to fail to start. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V287000 (Air Bags), which was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The dealer notified the manufacturer that the contact had refused to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20251028AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic, the vehicle was diagnosed computer system failure, causing the vehicle to fail to start. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V287000 (Air Bags), which was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The dealer notified the manufacturer that the contact had refused to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20250315AIR BAGS

I have been getting recall notices for over 2 years on my 2004 Sentra concerning airbag replacement. I called the number on the recall mailing and was told on multiple occasions that the car was dangerous to operate. I am a [XXX] and was assured that the Nissan recall team offered a mobile repair service and that my repair was in the range of mobile repair service technicians and that a repair tech could be sent to my location. I agreed to the time line that they suggested. I just requested the exact time and date of the repair work. Nissan agree to the repair service arrangements and I thought that I would have the service work done at my location. As time passed the Nissan agent called multiple times assuring me that when a repair unit was available that it would be dispatched to my location to preform the required service. After 2 full years of delays and failed attempts, I am suddenly told that no mobile service repairs are possible in my location. When I asked why I was told

20230725AIR BAGS

1.) Both driver and passenger airbag replacement replacements. 2.) If I get into a reck then me and my passenger have a chance of death due to the recall on the airbags. 3.) Yes. 4.) No. 5.) Unknown. Every time I schedule to get the recall fixed either the shops don’t have the parts or they don’t have the time to do it.

20230315AIR BAGS

Went into the dealership to talk about the air bag issue, turns out they fixed the check engine light. Next on the paper it says they found there was no airbag and tried to perform recall, and that they could not perform the recall

20220902SEATS

THE BACK METAL FRAME THAT CONNECTS TO THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT IS BROKEN. THE SEAT IS NOT STABLE BECAUSE WHEN YOU DRIVE IT IT GOES TO THE BACK BY ITSELF. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IT LIKE THAT. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST JANUARY.

20220629AIR BAGS

No Nissan dealership wants to honor the safety recall on my vehicle due to it being a rebuilt title. I have filed a complaint before in 2020 with NHTSA & the issue has still not been resolved. Unfortunately, this is the only vehicle I own & drive day to day & my life as well as the life of my special needs grandchild is in danger with this recall that no one wants to honor & repair.

20220331ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the engine began to run roughly and the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road safely where the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but eventually had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V242000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200302CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A METAL GUARD RAIL. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PHOTO. *TR

Mileage: 146,000

20180430AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF QUEENS (93-25 ROCKAWAY BLVD, OZONE PARK, NY 11417, 718-835-8300), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,419.

Mileage: 47,419

20180111CrashFatalAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT NOT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UPPER TORSO INJURIES, HEAD TRAUMA, AND PELVIC FRACTURES AND DIED DUE TO THE INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. **BF..*BF..*BF *TR

20171211CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20171113UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING

20171113AIR BAGS

AIRBAG RECALLED

Mileage: 180,000

20171106AIR BAGS

EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR THE AIRBAG HAS BEEN ON. NOW I COME TO FIND OUT THAT THEY WEREN'T MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. HERE I AM THINKING JJJ M SAVE WITH MY AIRBAG THAT NOTHING WOULD REALLY BAD HAPPENED BECAUSE IM DEPENDING ON IT CONE TO FIND OUT IN BETTER OF NOT HAVING ONE.

20171013AIR BAGS

IT'S BEEN FALLING APART EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO PROTECT IT

Mileage: 98,000

20171013STRUCTURE:BODY

IT'S BEEN FALLING APART EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO PROTECT IT

Mileage: 98,000

20170729AIR BAGS

I READ NEWS THAT MY CAR MODEL MAY HAVE RECALL OF TAKATA AIRBAG. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN CANADA AND NOW I DRIVE IT IN CALIFORNIA. SO FAR MY CAR VIN NUMBER HAD NOT SHOWN UP IN YOUR VIN CHECKING TOOL. IS IT BECAUSE YOUR TOOL ONLY HAS VUN FOR CARS SOLD IN USA?

20170717CrashAIR BAGS

WHEN MY CAR HIT A TRUCK GOING 25- 30 MPH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT FULLY. PASSENGER FRONT HIT WINDSHILD. BROOK WINDSHIELD. AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATION FULLY ON DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE. MY CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET. IN MOTION GOING 25-30 MPH

Compare 2004NISSANSENTRA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA have?
The 2004 NISSAN SENTRA has 235 NHTSA complaints, 27 crashes, 0 fires, 22 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA?
Yes, the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA?
The most-complained component for the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING with 35 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ENGINE.
Is the 2004 NISSAN SENTRA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.