2004 Nissan Sentra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Nissan Sentra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 197 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2004 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Nissan Sentra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Nissan Sentra has 197 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Sentra
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 197
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2004 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Nissan Sentra?
The 2004 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Nissan Sentra
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Check for any fuel system or gasoline-related issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Check for any fuel system or gasoline-related issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Nissan Sentra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2004 Nissan Sentra are concentrated in engine problems, with a recurring theme of airbag malfunctions and electrical faults. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, though confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Airbag malfunctions and electrical faults are the next most reported issues.
- Fuel system and gasoline-related complaints also appear frequently.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
All 2004 Nissan Sentra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 85 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 32 | 12 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 6 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Hard shifting and occasional uncertainty in gear selected.
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…
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 off…
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 …
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
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.
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 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 l…
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 DI…
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 ROC…
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 TR…
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 …
THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING
AIRBAG RECALLED
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.
IT'S BEEN FALLING APART EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO PROTECT IT
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?
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
MY CAR HIT A TRUCK GOING 25-30 MPH. I WAS ON A CITY STREET. MY BREAKS DID NOT STOP ME ON TIME. NEW BREAK PADS WERE JUST REPLACED. THE BREAKS JUST DIDN'T WORK RIGHT. TOOK TOO LONG TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I TESTED MY BREAKS ON MY OTHER CAR TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY DIFFERENCE I…
TOOK THIS CAR INTO TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS AFTER RECEIVING A LETTER REGARDING THE TAKATA INFLATOR RECALL, WAS DENIED BOTH TIMES AT BOTH LOCATIONS THAT THEY WOULD NOT WORK ON MY VEHICLE DUE TO IT BEING A REBUILT TITLE, WHICH I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM SOMEONE AS IS. SENT AN EMAIL TO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Nissan Sentra.
2004 Nissan Sentra Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Nissan Sentra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Sentra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 197 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Sentra?▾
#1: Engine Problems (85 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (32 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Nissan Sentra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Nissan Sentra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Nissan Sentra, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 197 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Nissan Sentra. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Nissan Sentra?▾
The 2004 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Nissan Sentra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.