The Lemon Index2000 Nissan Sentra.
The 2000 Nissan Sentra is better than average by owner complaints: 74 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 68, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 23 to 26 mpg combined. The best Nissan Sentra year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 170 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2000 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 39K to 90K miles on the car (69 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 29K–83K miles
Recalls 7
- lights 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- engine 2003
ON CERTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK'S BALL JOINT BRACKET MAY BREAK FROM STRESS CONCENTRATION AT A NOTCH CREATED BY SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND THE SHAPE OF THE MATERIAL CUT-LINE.
- engine 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX…
Show all 7 recalls
- electrical 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.
- engine 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.8 LITER ENGINE.
- wheels 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- suspension 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Loud squeak or rattle noise in the front suspension when making turns at low
- Exhibiting exhaust manifold heat shield rattle or buzzing noise coming from the engine…
- SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Belt extender arm on engine separated from vehicle. Vehicle is at dealership.
2000 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 881102
More owner reports
Problems with front lower control arms and defective pulley in engine.
NHTSA complaint 10024468
Nissan refuses to accept responsibility! No safety defect listed.
NHTSA complaint 760643
Quick answers
Is the 2000 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 68; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2000 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (36%), suspension (12%) and equipment & accessories (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2000 Nissan Sentra have?
7 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Nissan Sentra get?
23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2000 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 39,800 and 90,100 miles. The middle report was at 57,100 miles, from 69 complaints.
Does the 2000 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2000 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2000 Nissan Sentra have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Sentra year is better than the 2000?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2017 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works