2008 Nissan Sentra

2008 Nissan Sentra

The 2008 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers a comfortable ride and fuel-efficient performance. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. The Sentra is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Some of the features that people like about the Sentra include its spacious interior, comfortable seats, and good fuel economy. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and suspension.

Engine

• 2.0L QR20DE Four-Cylinder Engine
  • Premature Timing Chain Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain may stretch or break prematurely, causing the engine to lose power or fail to start.
    • Solution: The timing chain and related components need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Carbon buildup on the intake valves can restrict airflow, causing a loss of power and fuel efficiency.
    • Solution: The intake valves and ports need to be cleaned.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Four-Speed RE4F03A Automatic Transmission
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoid may fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
    • Solution: The shift solenoid needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Suspension Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The suspension struts may fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly.
  • Solution: The suspension struts need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge properly.
  • Solution: The alternator needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Solution: The source of the battery drain needs to be identified and repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Fade
  • Description/Symptoms: The fog lights may fade or become cloudy over time.
  • Solution: The fog lights need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per fog light
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may fail, causing the gauges and other displays to malfunction.
  • Solution: The instrument cluster needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2008 Nissan Sentra is a reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most severe and costly issue is the premature failure of the timing chain in the 2.0L QR20DE engine. Other common issues include carbon buildup on the intake valves, shift solenoid failure in the four-speed automatic transmission, suspension strut failure, alternator failure, and instrument cluster failure. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not as common as some of the issues found in other vehicles.