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2001 Nissan Sentra

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2001 Sentra.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2001 Nissan Sentra is a passenger car that, with its 2.9-quart oil capacity and 5W-30 API viscosity specification, represents a straightforward compact from the era. Among the 248 total owner complaints, the most frequent issue involves the engine and engine cooling system, and the model carries eight recalls. In the broader Sentra complaint history spanning 1990 to 2026, the 2001 model year falls well below the peak of 638 complaints seen in 2013, indicating a relatively moderate reliability record for its time.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2001

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity2.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 355 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 355 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnSTOPOEM · verified

Tire sizeP185-65R14OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E alt 152089E01A
Engine air filter	16546V0100
Fuel filter	164002Y505 alt 164002Y922
Spark plug	224011P116 alt 224011P115
Front wiper blades	288904Z800 alt 288904Z010
Serpentine belt	117205M000 alt 119505M001
Thermostat	212006M43A alt 212000C82A
Cabin air filter	27277VP01A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	177.6 in
Overall width	67.3 in
Overall height	55.5 in
Wheelbase	100 in
Curb weight	2568 lb
Track (front / rear)	58.3 / 57.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	62/38

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sentra of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.1–9.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.10 sec — 2002 SE-R Spec V

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2000	SE 2.0L I-4	7.90 sec	16.00 sec	145 hp	FWD
2000	SE 2.0L I-4	8.00 sec	16.30 sec	145 hp	FWD
2000	SE 2.0L I-4	8.30 sec	16.30 sec	145 hp	FWD
2000	GXE 1.8L I-4	8.90 sec	16.90 sec	126 hp	FWD
2002	SE-R Spec V 2.5L I-4	7.10 sec	15.50 sec	175 hp	FWD
2002	SE-R Spec V 2.5L I-4	7.40 sec	15.70 sec	175 hp	FWD
2002	GXE 1.8L I-4	9.00 sec	17.00 sec	126 hp	FWD
2003	SE-R Spec V 2.5L I-4	7.30 sec	15.60 sec	175 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 2.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	2.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	3.6 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	98-112 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	105-112 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	AT: 69-76 ft-lbs, MT: 61-69 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	61-69 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	12-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	20-22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	13-15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	27-35 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	145-202 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	163 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	MT: 750, AT: 800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.8 approx. ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	16,000 approx. ohms
Spark Plug Gap	0.031-0.035 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	.99-1.21 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	100
Oil Capacity	6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	355 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	21R

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	11-14 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	170 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	43.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	34.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	13.5-17.5 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13.5-17.5 ohms
Engine Compression	192-168 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs / 53-72 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	28-38 ft-lbs / 72-87 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.059 in
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.008 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0028 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Tighten all bolts finger tight

4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 35-40

11 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

10-12 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60-65

10–12 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Bolts 1-10:

1	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	43 ft. lbs.	43 ft. lbs
3	Loosen all bolts completely.
4	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
5	50-55 degrees.; Bolts 11-14:	50–55 degrees
1	56-74

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
2	58 ft. lbs.	58 ft. lbs
3	Loosen all bolts.
4	26-32 ft. lbs.	26–32 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees
6	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

24-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45-50

24–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cruise Control System (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In the federal record, 2001 marks a sharp escalation from 2000, with owner complaints rising from 182 to 248 and recalls increasing from 7 to 8, while 2002 climbs even higher to 333 complaints and 14 recalls. The surrounding years trace a steep upward arc from 1999’s 70 complaints through the 2002 peak, followed by a general decline in subsequent years. The 2001 model sits on the steep upward slope of that trajectory, posting the highest complaint and recall totals of any year up to that point while remaining below the 2002 apex. The data does not specify root causes, though the 2001 record shows 76 complaints categorized under Engine & Engine Cooling, 31 under Electrical System, and 21 crash-related complaints alongside 2 fire-related complaints. With complaint volume and recall counts accelerating sharply relative to 2000 and carrying elevated crash and fire reports, 2001 is not the strongest year to buy within this model run.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

248

Owner complaints

21 involved a crash · 2 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00’01’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 248 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling76

Electrical System31

Tires16

Service Brakes, Hydraulic13

Air Bags9

Vehicle Speed Control9

Power Train9

Engine8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06E023000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 13/03/2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR… Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

01V277000WheelsReported 29/08/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COOLING HOLES IN THE STEEL WHEEL MAY HAVE BURRS ON THEIR EDGES AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURING. THESE BURRS CAN CAUSE CRACKS AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. CRACKS CAN… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL IF CRACKS ARE DISCOVERED. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN TWO PHASES. THE FIRST MAILING BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001, ASKING…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 71 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB17-019H	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY…
NTB13-028I	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB09-081K	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last…
NTB08-097L	2023-09-21	Steering	DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sentra. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 2.9 qt Engine oil filter 1520865F0E Engine air filter 16546V0100 Fuel filter 164002Y505 Spark plug 224011P116

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2001 Sentra take?

2.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2001 Sentra have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.