2003 Nissan Sentra - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2003 Nissan Sentra belongs to a Nissan Sentra lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 31 model years, from 1982 to 2026. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Sentra entirely. It is configured as front-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1982) and later (2026) Sentra model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, Long Life battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 80 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around engine and engine cooling (62), electrical system (18), engine (16). A representative report reads: "My rear windshield make a loud bang, and shattered and fell into pieces during a short and otherwise non-eventful commute to work. I had no knowledge of prior..." There are 10 safety recalls on record; one covers: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $1,600.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $1,600 |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Long Life |
| Open recalls on record | 10 |
| Technical service bulletins | 37 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.