One problem related to software has been reported for the 2002 Nissan Sentra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Nissan Sentra based on all problems reported for the 2002 Sentra.
Over the past 3 years, I've had my 2002 Nissan Sentra ser spec v into Nissan 15 times for service. They have yet to fix it. Every 1-7 months I have to bring it back. The car has shut off and stalled on me in traffic, which is very dangerous. The ecm has been replaced twice many others have reported problems with the ecm online I believe it is bad, as well as other parts, and Nissan needs to issue recalls on this car. Problem # / date / problem / solution #1 1/31/08/service engine soon (ses) light/recall r0712 reprogram ecm (update of the software). Evap leak (#1), resecure fuel cap #2 8/23/08/ses/idle air control reset (#1): performed idle air relearn, reset ecm set idle, adjust idle control valve. $165 #3 1/9/09/car won't start/codes p0605, po183, p2128, p1229, p0122. Replace ecm unit (#1) due to pulling too many codes // main harness pin test, repair fuel pump wire in main harness, $449. 00 #4 1/28/09/ses / code p0455 evap gross leak (#2). Repair fuel lines, replace "o" ring, $302. 00. #5 6/6/09/ses, stalls on highway / code p1456 evap very small leak (#3), recurred gas cap. #6 7/12/09/ses, no power / code po233, replace throttle chamber (#1) #7 7/21/09/ses/code p1456 evap small leak (#4), replaced vent control valve #8 7/28/09/car shuts off in traffic / performed air idle learn (#2) #9 12/2/09/car shifting hard / santa monica Nissan determines there is no communication between the sensor and the ecm (computer), which means it's an electrical problem, and they want to do a pin test for $575 #10 12/7/09/ses/replaced throttle assembly (#2) #11 12/24/09/ses/replace radiator #12 4/24/10/ses/diagnostics showed tp sensor, performed idle control learn volume (#3) #13 5/12/10/ses, car stalls / replace throttle body sensor (#3) #14 11/6/10/ses/repaired ground wire at ecm #15 11/16/10/car shuts off in traffic / replace ecm, charge $111. 50 for car rental I have a document with more info and receipts I can email, fax or send to you.