What's Wrong with the 5th Generation (2000–2006) Sentra?

Front 3/4 view of a Nissan Sentra

Sentra owners have made 323 complaints about the 2000–2006 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 37th out of 54 Nissan generations in overall reliability, with some engine and fuel system concerns.

Compare With Other Sentra Generations

Common 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra Problems

Some of the worst issues 5th generation Sentra owners have to deal with.

  1. Sunroof Rattles and Explodes

    Heads up, Nissan owners! That giant piece of glass above your head may soon be on its way down in a thousand little pieces. Lawsuits accuse Nissan of using a faulty tempering process for their sunroofs since 2008.

    Continue reading article "Sunroof Rattles and Explodes" Nissan sunroof with giant shards of glass missing

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

5th Generation (2000–2006) Sentra Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 323 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 37th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 5th Generation Sentra Owners