19th Jan 2010, 11:52

I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE, and have 93,000 miles on it. I have had some issues, but they have been recent.

I had my catalytic converter changed out, but under warranty 1-1/2 years ago.

My A/C compressor was changed, but was not the real cause as the dealer said it was. It was a thermostat and they ruined my belt tensioner pulley when they reinstalled everything. I filed a complaint with the dealership through the BBB and will not ever recommend anyone to take it there.

I had also had the air flow meter replaced, which I could have easily replaced myself for a fraction of the cost! Never get the repair place to change it.

Also, replaced both power steering hoses from the reservoir. Please note if you buy one of the hoses, you have to buy the whole assembly! Another Nissan ripoff scheme to make $.

Now, I'm getting a ring noise randomly when I come to stop light with the engine idling in drive. When I put in in Neutral, it goes away. Has anyone encountered this noise? Sounds like transmission thing? Please advise before I have to schedule a trip to the mechanic and how much it will cost. Thanks!

4th Feb 2010, 19:56

I just sold my 2001 Nissan Sentra (116,000 miles) after several months of expensive and time-consuming repairs, including:

A bad catalytic converter. The part itself was $600 and the labor was $200. The dealer wanted $1,100, plus $100 to diagnose the problem, so I took the car to a reputable mechanic who charged me the $800. You have to use the Nissan convertor, so you can't just go to an auto parts store and get something off the shelf.

A leaking rear main seal, which cost $750 to repair. Most of this was labor, though, and they also had to replace the dipstick, which had broken and gotten stuck for the third time.

A flex fuel pipe, which had come loose after rusting. This, along with the bolts and bracket, cost about $450. Labor was minimal.

A lot of the other minor things people mentioned here also happened with the car, including the CD player/light going out and the horn breaking (three times). Some of this stuff was cosmetic, so I ignored it, but the horn must be working to pass inspection. Also, the engine light went on AGAIN and my mechanic said it was either the catalytic convertor again (I'd replaced it 13 months before) or the oxygen sensors. He said it probably wouldn't be worth the time or expense and told me to go get a Honda or a Toyota.

All in all it was a good car until maybe 80,000 or 90,000 miles. I drove it a lot in some pretty harsh conditions, but at some point things break down and this isn't an expensive or sophisticated car. You can really only expect so much, I guess.

2nd May 2010, 16:19

I am sorry to hear all the bad comments, and how much money you have had to pay, but I have had my 2001 Nissan Sentra for a year with 78000 miles on it, and all I have had to replace was a crank sensor and brake pads.

11th May 2010, 06:18

Our 2001 Nissan Sentra also has a horn that does not work. I replaced the fuses and checked the horn itself - it works, but I still don't have a working horn.

For years I have been heard saying that pound for pound, this little car is among the best that I've driven. Ride is comfortable, loads of power, many options, but now I'm noticing a few bugs with 140,000 km on her. Horn not working, headlights fogged, constant noise from fan belts - have to replace with expensive ones yearly! C.D. player works when it wants to and idling is too fast. Still a good little car, but the horn think should have been a recall! It is a danger to not have one working on any car!

Our Government's Consumer affairs department should have enough teeth and muscle to force large companies to fix such repairs through recalls.

12th May 2010, 16:54

I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra and the horn is no longer working. Can anyone help me in finding a solution to this problem. The dealer is ridiculous in fixing this problem? Help...

17th May 2010, 21:35

I have Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8 bought brand new in May 2001. It has 186K now.

- Service Engine Soon light went on, replaced O2 sensors; Since then the light goes on and off all the time, I just ignore it.

- Replaced CAT converter - it was still under 130K warranty. But the dealer charged $200 for the O2 sensors that had to be replaced at the same time;

- Heater/Cooler fan works on higher setting only - had to replace a resistor in the glove compartment;

- Gear light went off a few years ago;

- CD light is on after I turned off the engine. It happened today and I am afraid it will drain the battery overnight. Can't turn the CD off. If anybody knows how to disconnect the CD player or turn the light off, please help.

20th May 2010, 13:30

Have had my Nissan Sentra for 2 years with 180,000km, and for some reason my battery light keeps on coming on with a weird "ticking" noise underneath where I keep my change. I have replaced the alternator and the battery. I brought it to my mechanic and he thinks we need to redo all the wiring. Any other thoughts? Thanks.

24th Aug 2010, 16:08

I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. I have a check engine on my car. When I took it to an auto repair shop, they told me to change the catalytic converter and it cost around $1100 dollars. I am not sure if it is worth it.

6th Oct 2010, 08:56

The broken horn wire is a common problem, just get a mechanic to direct-wire it. This wire happens to be the thinnest of them all in the harness, you can keep trying to fix it but it's impossible to ever get it right. Nissan would be happy to sell you a new harness, but the problem would come back after a while.

I have had my share of problems - replaced cat, couple of O2 sensors, filler tube, MAF - but, I do have 325,000 kilometers on my 2001 GXE. If you keep any car for 10 years with 200,000 miles, you can expect to do all or most of these repairs.

The modern vehicle is crippled by the EVAP system and it forces you to be a slave to it. The mechanical potion of most newer cars is bullet-proof, but the electronics weaken it.