Same story as everyone else. Rough start almost every time, but would never die. Cyl #3 misfire when I brought it in the first time. Light turned off; shop said to come back in when light turned back on. Light was off for quite a while then came on & off. brought it in when it would not go out and they said blown head gasket, $2700 please. YIKES!! Luckily I have the extended warranty. However, the warranty people want a 'reason for failure' so the shop is tearing my car apart and has to send out the component before they (warranty people) will authorize the repair. I am waiting on pins and needles to see if I have to fork over $2700 dollars for a known problem. Eiether way this car WILL be sold soon and I will go back to my trusty 'only buy Honda' rule.

Okay so I think this all started about 3 months ago when I turned on the heat, it worked for 5 minutes and then stopped. Started working again the next day. Didn't think anything of it. Months go by with no problem. Suddenly 3 weeks ago the temperature gauge started fluctuating wildly. I dropped it off at a local shop, they diagnosed a crack in the radiator neck and said they filled it with coolant because it was low.

I pass on their offer to replace the radiator for $450 to "solve" the problem. I get it back and check the coolant, they did not fill it like they said. So I go buy coolant and fill the reservoir. The temp gauge then acts normally and I think all is well. Yaay me.

Two weeks go by and I come out to go to work one morning and start her up and she shakes wildly and hits 3 RPM standing still and the Service Engine Soon light comes on. !! So I take it to a different mechanic this time who does a machine diagnostic and gives me codes PO302 #2 Cylinder Misfire and PO300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire. He says it needs it's spark plugs changed, has a vacuum leak, needs the combustion chamber & throttle body cleaned. So I pay him 400 bucks to do that and the car seems fine. Yaay me again.

A week goes by and I start it up one morning again and the shake is back and the SES light is on again. *&&^(@#&@T^@(!!!! I check the coolant and lo and behold the entire tank I had filled just 3 weeks earlier is empty!!!!!

So I take it back to the same mechanic once again, though my faith in his knowledge is clearly damaged. I distrust the dealer even more so I definitely don't go there. The mechanic guy can't figure it out, then he tries to blame the gas I put in it. So I start combing the internet and find this site. Then I called a friend of mine who knows a Nissan Service Manager to hit him up with my codes and symptoms. RIGHT AWAY the guy said, "Yep, it's a blown head gasket."

So my car is now at Nissan having the head gasket replaced under it's warranty, which is up to 60,000 miles, unlike the rest of the car which apparently was only covered to 50,000. The Service Manager said if it weren't covered under warranty, it'd be anywhere from $800 to $1200 bucks to fix!!! AND that driving it like that could bend the cylinder from the heat it produces and then I'd really be screwed!

Nissan should really do something about this issue, since it seems clear that they are well aware of it. Thanks for letting me vent, I hope this helps someone else who has this same problem. If it does, it will have been worth having this pain in the butt happen to me!

Update from Feb 3, 2012: After my local Nissan dealer replaced the head gasket on my 2005 Sentra, the problem vanished and no other work was required. The car runs fine for 6 yrs old.

This issue is not a lemon issue according to Nissan, because although it does happen frequently, it does not happen frequently enough to have warranted a recall. They made how many of these cars? And it happens to maybe an eighth of them.

Engine soon light came on 4 days after I replaced spark plug: Code indicated misfire #2 cylinder before and after replacing spark plugs. Took car to Victory Nissan dealership for a diagnostic test. Service writer told me that the spark plugs had to be replaced with the dealership ones (NGK) before doing the diagnostic test. Waited over 3 hours before car was brought in for service with an appointment given (by noon / arrived 11:45). Had to leave my car for another engagement and got a loaner car. Gave my cell phone as my contact number but received a text message from my daughter ( a minor) that the service writer called my home to say the spark plugs were replaced, drove car, engine light off and my car was ready for pick-up Sunday or Monday. Called Sunday to pick up car: no ticket, keys or car found.

After towing my car away on 4/9/09 after my head gasket was blown while at Victory Nissan service department, I went on line and called the Nissan hotline to complain as well as the Regional specialist about my ordeal. I got a case number with a complaint filed. I then finally got a phone call from their customer service representative telling me that he wanted to help me with my problem (10 days after I had called him. If you call 273-8032 you will know that he is to return your phone call within 24 hours; not 10 days later) Anyway he wanted me to tell my mechanic not to put the "head gasket back on" to leave it off - let them tow my car back to their dealership and for me to see one of their sales person and buy another Nissan car off their lot. Mine you, my car is already paid for and if this foreign car had "major problems" at 76,358 and they would not take responsibility for the repair, why would I get in debt again and buy another car from them? I bought a demo Toyota and got over 100,000 miles driving it with no major repairs some years ago and my niece's daughter bought a "used 1997 Nissan Sentra" and is still driving it with over 250,000 on it. Since I did not buy another car from Victory Nissan, no one is answering "any" of my phone calls. This has been a total "NIGHTMARE" of an experience and I hope I get reimbursed for my damages and my frustration. This should have "NEVER" happened.

Engine soon light came on again (same code- misfire #2 cylinder) on 4/4/09 / 11 days after I picked my car up the first time it was supposed to have been fixed - replacing dealership spark plugs. (My daughter was driving her car in Va. Beach to her class and called me panicking, worried about getting home safely). Called Victory Nissan 4/4/09 and talked with the same service writer as well as customer service representative . Service writer told me to bring the car back in. Took the car back in on 4/6/09. I was told on 3/24/09 that if I had the same code there would be "no charge". I got a loaner car and left. I received a phone call each day from the service writer giving me an update on my car: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - we are idling your car "all day long" and letting it "cool off" and then idling again. I asked why were they doing that and why was my car "running hot because it had never ran hot before". She commented that there were 3 mechanics working on my car and that was how they were doing the diagnostic test. I told her that I did not want anything to happen to my car and that letting my car run hot like that might damage something else. I got very concerned. On Wednesday, I got a call that the mechanics had reset the engine light so it would go off. I again asked "why". Service writer commented that they hoped that the light would come in again while idling. All along, I had a gut feeling that they did not know what they were doing. She then admitted that they did not know what else to do. On the 4th day, Thursday, I called to speak to her and got another service writer. I told him my concerns about idling my car and it running hot. He told me that this was okay. He called me back about an hour later and told me that my head gasket had blown and would cost me $1800.00. I asked him how could that have happened if letting may car run hot all those days was okay. No specific answer. I then told him that I felt that it was there fault and that I did not have that kind of money to pay for anything. He then reduced it to $1200.00 and told me if my car was under extended warranty, they would fix it for free. I then told him that I had asked for extended warranty the night I bought the car brand new off the car lot but discovered that it was never included in my finally price and the sales person did not work at that dealership any longer. I called around and found a repair shop that could fix my head gasket much cheaper. He then offered to match the new price if the mechanics would fax him his price. The mechanics was out test driving a car and I really did not "TRUST" Victory Nissan mechanics anymore so I called AAA and had my car towed away. When I came in to pick up my cars, they had charged me for a diagnostic test for the same code and I reminded the service writer that I was not to be charged. They then told me "no charge" and I left.

Update from May 20, 2009: My Nissan Sentra for complaint # 10, 11, & 12 is a 1.8 S (Special) .

Car started to shake every time it was started. Took it to the dealership and the said that the head gasket was blown due to over heating. Told them that the temp gauge never moved, they were never able to tell me why. 2 weeks after it was replaced started to smell coolant. opened the hood and noticed puddles of coolant coming out of where the spark plugs were. They replaced that and told me it was a faulty gasket. On 4/20/09 the car would shake and the rpm's would surge whenever i came to a stop. Took it to Nissan again and they told me the head needs to replaced this time. 5/09/09 car still at Nissan. I think i bought a lemon.

Not mention the many things I have replace in this car in the last 6 months, battery, alternator, serpentine belts, etc.. now they tell me I have to replace the Head Gasket. We are military living overseas - I would have to take it to a German dealership which would charge in Euro's after I get the part myself (Or the cost of the part would be triple, I've checked).

I don't know yet what the Euro dealership will charge - what is the average cost other people are paying to get a head gasket replaced?

Another 2005 Sentra owner with a blown head gasket. Took it to Nissan after 70000 miles because the Temp gauge would spike really high when idling then drop back down again quickly - also the heater wasn't working. They replaced the thermostat and coolant and it was ok for a little while. Then summer came and this problem never happened when it was warm out. Winter again and the problem came back. Took it to Nissan again and they said it was head gaskets leaking and would cost $5000 to fix. Car is less than 4 years old. What are other people doing about this?

My check engine light came on, the car was idling high, but the car was vibrating (almost sounding as if it were going to stall). I have brought the car to a Nissan Dealership and was told I would need a new head gasket. The mechanic told me that he also noticed antifreeze had been recently replaced, which told him there appears to be some leakage....possibly into my engine.

The electronic report said that I have a cylinder misfire. I am taking my car to another garage for a second opinion before I spend the money repairing the head gasket.

SHOULDN'T NISSAN DO A RECALL ON THE HEADGASKETS? I've found MANY forums of other 2005 Nissan Sentra owners that have had the same problem and have replaced the headgasket, two, three, and even 5 times!!!!

Bought the car at 18,000 used at the dealership. It was in very nice condition, at 42,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the engine was sputtering. Took it to Auto Zone and they diagnosed the issue as "Multiple Cylinder Misfire" from the codes off of the handheld in which I google'd, (for free might I add). No books on this car as of yet. After taking out the sparkplugs, I did smell antifreeze indicating a head gasket problem. Decided to change it myself since I am mechanically inclined. Headgasket...80 bucks, bought the intake, exhaust, thermostat housing gaskets as well, total, low 200's. Bought the head bolts for 5 bucks a piece, 50 bucks total, 10 of them. The engine is wonderful to work on, so easy, put the engine in top dead center, just unbolted everything around the head and pushed it back, mark the cams, easy.....I am now on the 2nd head gasket at 95,000 miles. It was overheating, this is due to the compression, again, bad head gasket. I did take the head to get it resurfaced. I love everything about this car except the head gasket, fingernail thin roll on assembly line type seal. Other than the headgasket, I would recommend this car. If your not mechanically inclined, DO NOT BUY this car, I am not the only one after research and its not limited to the Sentra, the Altima as well I see. Also, the CD player died, but MP3 player in AUX works fine. ;) The cruise control is off and on, it flickers breaking the cruise when your in it. Possible moisture from overheating. Everything else seems to work fine, this car is easy to work on, but I know most take their cars to a mechanic, so this car is not recommended. Hopefully I can get good mileage out of it after changing the headgasket as I am still paying and just want to pay it off, 1 more year.......

Update from Dec 8, 2011: Ok, after resurfacing the head, everything is working fine now. I did the repair work myself, (not the head resurfacing). The resurfaced head worked, (180 bucks) I now have 177,000 miles and everything is running great. The engine is very strong at this mileage, I keep the oil changed. I know many people has had a headgasket issue, however, if you get the head resurfaced, that will fix your issue and this car will give you MUCH more miles. Make sure you use blue Loctite thread locker on the head bolts. I had to change the Crank Sensor at 160,000 miles, (probably from the heat damage of overheating at 42,000 miles), its plastic and is the the rear of the engine block, firewall side, right in the middle), the car engine just died whilst rolling on the highway, (no power steering, WHEW). The sensor was 25 bucks at NAPA. Other than that, the car is running VERY well, even at this mileage, car was just paid off, YAY! :) All you have to do is get the head resurfaced by a reputable engine builder, my guy had a laser machine and told me the head was warped on 3 cylinders, the engine builder is off of Lake June in Balch Springs. The only other thing was the rear passenger window would not roll down due to the plastic retainers in the window channel groove, just changed them, no other issues at all. I am hoping to get 300,000+ miles out of it, then buy a import japanese 30,000 mile engine and go another 300,000+ before buying another car. Not sure how much the mechanics will charge for the repair, but if you do get the head resurfaced, you can get 200,000+ out of the car for sure.

The symptoms of a bad head gasket.
1 - Check Engine light comes on, engine sputters, (no heat from the heater, antifreeze reservoir fluid level is going down).
2 - Take to Auto Zone for the code from their handheld, it will show "Multiple Engine Misfire".
3 - Thinking it could be a coil pack or spark plug, you start with the spark plugs, (40 buck platinum plugs) and smell antifreeze.
4 - You figure out its the headgasket as antifreeze is leaking into the cylinders where the spark plugs are.

Its worth it to get the head resurfaced, as the aluminum will warp when overheating, could have been warped in the first place from the factory as my car never overheated that I know of until this started, that is where the manufacturing issue is, warped aluminum possibly, combined with a head gasket that has too thin of a sealant. I hope this helps, as I was determined to get this fixed myself, and the results are great if you put a little time and some money into it to fix the bloody head/gasket and drop the frustration.....trust me, I am with you all on that, I am not alone obviously.

Update from Oct 28, 2015: Since I resurfaced the head, I have had no problems. I did change the water pump, but that is it for the engine, did a full suspension/drive axle change, I now have 250,000 miles since resurfacing the head at 177,000 miles. Powersteering is going out, and CAT is going out, but the engine is running strong. I have paid the car off and even though it was a frustrating experience with the head, after resurfacing it, its still running strong. Not sure if I will get a Nissan after this car, it has tarnished my expectations of a reliable vehicle from the factory.

As with another poster, I was having the sputtering starts, not much power, on and off check engine light, etc. Had it in the shop due to low coolant and this recurring weird start problem with the sputtering. It also "lugged" when I'd press the gas to accelerate. Shop said, no coolant pressure issue no leak, take it to dealer. Dealer said, replaced one of the four injectors, should be good to go. Ever so often, I'd see the temp gauge fly to 'H' then bounce back down. Seemed a little over heated until the blower would come on then all would be well again. Problem NEVER WENT AWAY but I was told, repeatedly, the only way they could do the proper diagnostic was to have it in the shop while the light was on. I'd make an appointment? Light goes off. Happened MANY times like this over a year long period. The engine even sounded odd when you stood next to the car, running at idle.

While driving down a major freeway today, suddenly I lost power going 65 mph. The car lurched badly, temp gauge flew up to hot. No idea if I blew smoke, I was so focused on slowing down and getting to the side of I-5 that I didn't look.

So, turns out the same thing with my car - 50898 miles and a blown head gasket for no apparent reason. I found this site because I went to Google, typed "Head Gasket Sentra" and every single post came up as a 2005 Sentra!!!

Maybe we have a lemon issue here?

At 42,000 miles I blew a head gasket. The car never overheated and the dealership couldn't tell me why. At that time it was covered under my standard drive train warranty. Now a year later and at 63,000 miles I find that the seal is blown again. The car has never overheated. The dealership says they can't give me a reason until they open it up. Also, I've taken it in three times in the past year because it was running rough and the service engine soon light went on and off. They said they couldn't find the reason and just to ignore the light until something got worse. When they discovered that my head gasket was blown again they also found out that one of my spark plugs had a broken point and another had antifreeze on it. I guess the engine would run rough considering it was only running on two cylinders. I might as well had my lawn mower engine running it.