**note: I don't know why the Nissan website took off all info for the recalls. However it's all here in this post.**

As of now (May 21, 2004) there have been a total of 5 recalls for the 2002 Sentra, 3 recalls for the 2003 Sentra and 1 recall for the 2004 Sentra.

All information in this post is directly off of Nissan's website (minus the sarcasm, which is directly from my dog...his name is Skunk)
For more information on any of these recalls, or new ones visit this Nissan page...
http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,act...-51054,00.html

quick check list

2002 Sentra/SE-R/Spec-V
  • ~crank position sensor recall
    ~ECU case holder foam recall
    ~pre-catalyst recall (most concern)
    ~floor mat replacement recall (SE-R/Spec-V)
    ~headlamp adjuster recall (non SE-R/Spec-V)

2003 Sentra/SE-R/Spec-V
  • ~crank position sensor recall
    ~ECU case holder foam recall (SE-R/Spec-V)
    ~pre-catalyst recall (most concern)

2004 Sentra/SE-R/Spec-V
  • ~pre-catalyst recall (most concern)


_________________

Recall R3022: 2000-2003 Sentra Engine Sensors Voluntary Recall
(aka: crank position sensor recall)

Applications
*2001 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:
3N1CB51**1L004135-525647
3N1DB51**1L020201-020705

*2002 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1CB51**2L550003-693996

*2003 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1CB51**3L556548-694400

Number Affected
"approximately 243,562"

Reason
"On some 2000-2003 Sentras, there is a possibility that the engine might stop running while being driven if the crank position sensor fails. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or reduced engine power. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning."

Translation: There is a sensor for the crank position. There is a chance it could fail, which you don't want. I would suggest getting this recall performed. (If that sensor should fail, your car could automatically shut off and result in driver spontanious combustion...by default. j/k)

More Infromation
Nissan USA recall info (type in Model+Year under search): http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,action-NRecallPublicLanding_sctid-51054,00.html#30551
_________________

Recall P3163: 2000-2002 Sentra Engine Control Module (ECM) Case Holder
(aka: ECU case holder foam recall)

Applications
*2000 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:
3N1CB51**YL003216 - 385976
3N1DB51**YL000201 - 020126

*2001 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:
3N1CB51**1L391002 - 525647
3N1DB51**1L020201 - 020705

*2002 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1CB51**2L550003 - 693996

Number Affected
"approximately 243,152"

Reason
"On some 2000-2002 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles described above, there is a possibility that the engine may stop running while being driven due to contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM) by the inner lining material. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or poor driveability. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning."
(I think they just like to say the phrase, "crash without warning")

Translation: Due to some foam, your ECU could stop working and turn your car off...somehow due to foam. Once again...FOAM! I would suggest getting this done at the same time you are getting the sensor recall done. 2 recalls one stone...or something like that.

More Infromation
Nissan USA recall info (type in Model+Year under search): http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,action-NRecallPublicLanding_sctid-51054,00.html#30551
_________________

Recall R3016: 2002-2004 Sentra Pre-Catalyst Recall
(the recall of most concern)

Applications
*2002 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1AB51**2L700019 - 730181

*2003 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1AB51**3L716572 - 736783

*2004 Sentra models in the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:
3N1AB51**4L727627 - 730593
3N1AB51**4L736618 - 738436

Number Affected
no # stated
"Only a limited number of GXE model vehicles equipped with the 2.5 Liter engine are affected by this campaign. If your vehicle is not equipped with the 2.5 Liter engine, it is not affected by this campaign."

Reason
"There is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire."

Translation: Ok, the pre-catalyst (pre-cat) is the big huge cancer looking thing on the stock header. It is covered by the stock heat shield so your wondering eyes won't be tempted to look at the forbidden fruit. Basically what can happen is that the pre-cat can overheat and start to break apart. The engine can suck in broken pieces of the pre-cat through the header...bad stuff will then happen. If you have an aftermarket header it is "highly recommended" that you replace the stock header and go in for the recall. You can then switch back headers once the recall is performed.

More Infromation
Thread from thevboard: http://forums.thevboard.com/viewtopic.php?p=218290#218290
Nissan USA recall info (type in Model+Year under search): http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,action-NRecallPublicLanding_sctid-51054,00.html#30551
_________________

Recall: 2002 Sentra SE-R Front Floor Mat Replacement

Application
*2002 Sentra (B15) SE-R ONLY (all models of SE-R), the following Vehicle Identification Number Range:
3N1AB51**2L700019 to 708726
3N1AB51**2L725046 to 727746

Number Affected
"approximately 9,700"

Reason
"Your vehicle may be equipped with Nissan approved accessory floor mats. If the driver side floor mat moves out of position, it may interfere with the accelerator pedal and not allow the pedal to release after it is pushed down. If this occurs unexpectedly, it could lead to a crash."

Translation: If your drivers side floor mat fits like crap and your sentra is within the VIN numbers affected, Nissan will give you a new one.

More Info
Nissan USA recall info (type in Model+Year under search): http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,action-NRecallPublicLanding_sctid-51054,00.html#30551

Recall: 2001-2002 Sentra/Headlamp Adjuster Recall

Application
*2001 Sentra (B15), the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1BB51**1L003110 - 131125
3N1CB51**1L391291 - 525647
3N1DB51**1L020471 - 020705

*2002 Sentra (B15), the following Vehicle Identification Number range:
3N1CB51**2L550004 - 621169
3N1AB51**2L700019 - 725690

Number Affected
"approximately 80,000"

Reason
"Nissan has determined that the headlamp assemblies on some 2001 - 2002 Nissan Sentra vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 ? Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.

In order to meet Safety Standard 108, tamperproof caps are installed at the factory on the horizontal adjustment device of the headlamp assemblies. This is to prevent misadjustment of the headlamps. These tamperproof caps were mistakenly omitted on your vehicle."

Translation: Things to prevent you from adjusting your headlights horizontally were not installed. This is for you who have too much time on your hands, or if you just hate your dealership and want to waste thier time.


More Info
Nissan USA recall info (type in Model+Year under search): http://www.nissanusa.com/form/0,,action-NRecallPublicLanding_sctid-51054,00.html#30551