2022 Nissan Sentra Electrical Issues
Nissan North America (Nissan) has recently discovered a concerning issue with certain 2022 Sentra vehicles, which has prompted the company to take action by contacting the affected owners. The problem revolves around the potential failure of various electrical systems in these vehicles, posing a risk to both the vehicle's functionality and the safety of its occupants.
The company first became aware of this issue in September 2022 when a plant technician noticed an unusual accumulation of water on the front left-hand floor of a 2022 Nissan Sentra during simulated heavy rain testing. Recognizing the significance of this finding, Nissan launched an immediate investigation to determine the cause and potential implications of the problem.
Upon further examination, it was discovered that the driver's side cowl area of these affected vehicles had a missing or improperly applied sealer. This could allow water to penetrate the vehicle during periods of heavy rain, leading to the increased risk of corrosion of important electrical components. In particular, the main engine harness connector was found to be susceptible to corrosion due to water intrusion, which could subsequently result in a range of electrical issues and potentially even pose a thermal risk.
To address this matter, Nissan conducted a comprehensive audit of the vehicles at the plant. Out of a total of 693 Sentra vehicles assessed, 579 were identified as having the missing or improperly applied sealer at the driver's side cowl area. Recognizing the potential impact on vehicle safety, Nissan promptly developed a plan of action to rectify the issue.
According to the defect report, the affected vehicles may have a missing or improper seal in the driver's side cowl area. This specific condition could allow water to seep through the front left cowl area, eventually reaching the driver's side floor. This water intrusion poses a serious concern as it can increase the risk of corrosion affecting the vehicle's electrical components. The consequences of such corrosion developing in the main body harness to engine room harness connector are significant. It could lead to the failure of crucial electrical systems, including the wiper motor function, exterior lighting, airbags, and even the ability to shift gears without applying the brake pedal. Each of these scenarios dramatically raises the likelihood of a potential collision, putting the vehicle occupants at risk. Moreover, there is a heightened possibility of an electrical short-circuit occurring, thereby further increasing the potential danger of a fire.
In response to this safety concern, Nissan has taken swift action to protect their customers and mitigate any potential risks. Authorized dealerships will be responsible for resealing the driver's side cowl seal on all affected vehicles. Additionally, they will perform a thorough inspection of the main body harness to engine room harness connector to detect any signs of moisture or corrosion. If such issues are detected during the inspection, the dealership will replace both the main harness and engine room harness to ensure the electrical integrity of the vehicle.