2004 NISSAN SENTRA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. This model year has 197 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2004 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2004 Nissan Sentra?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 197 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2004 Nissan Sentra
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Sentra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2004 Nissan Sentra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Sentra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2004 Nissan Sentra has 197 NHTSA owner complaints, 20 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (85 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2004 Nissan Sentra has 20 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 197 total NHTSA complaints. 18 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Nissan Sentra. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Nissan Sentra?▾
The 2004 Nissan Sentra has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2004 Nissan Sentra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.