1992 Nissan Sentra

Routine

Owners filed 62 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Nissan Sentra years to avoid. Which Nissan Sentra years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Nissan Sentra problems

13 of the 62 complaints (21%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine6
030
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood5
040
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission4
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor3
100
Unknown or Other2
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes2
101
Seat Belts2
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights2
000
Electrical System › Ignition2
010

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
Filed Jan 22, 2016CA

GOING STRAIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTING TO LOSE POWER FIRST. CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BOTTLE OUT OF CONTROL NEARLY CRASHING, LUCKILY REGAINING THE CAR'S CONTROL, AS THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN BUT STILL HAD MOMENTUM, TO PARK AT A EMPTY LOT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO JUMP START THE CAR (IMAGINING THE BATTERY SIMPLY DIED) THE ENGINE WAS NOT RECEIVING GAS (EVEN AT LITTLE OVER HALF TANK) AND WHEN IN MOVEMENT IT WOULD SEEM FINE AT REST BUT PRESSING THE GAS THE CAR WOULD MOVE FOR 5 FEET FINE BUT START TO THRUST ITSELF CAUSING THE CAR TO JOLT FORWARD SEVERAL TIME BEFORE GOING TO A COMPLETE SHUT DOWN. NO PUSH START NOR JUMP START WAS SUCCESSFUL AT TRYING TO GET MY FAMILY BACK HOME SAFELY. WHEN THIS WASN'T ENOUGH AN ELECTRICAL WIRE SHORT OUT NEARLY CATCHING THE CAR ON FIRE. THUS ENDING THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WITH PUSHING THE CAR TO A HOME DEPOT (LUCKILY A COUNTY OFFICER HELP PUSH THE VEHICLE THE REST OF THE WAY). RECAP: AXLES ARE BAD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINES ARE BAD ELECTRICAL WIRING ARE AT A HIGHLY DANGEROUS THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK AS THEY PLEASE (ALL THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN 4 HOURS AS THE VEHICLE DID NOT LAST LONG, THE DRIVER ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS. AND WE WHERE NOT AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS IN POOR SHAPE AS THE SELLER SAID IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION.) THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE DIED.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 18, 2015200,000 milesWV

I WAS COMING BACK FROM TAKING MY WIFE TO WORK AND I WAS GETTING READY TO GO THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT WHEN A CAR RAN THE RED LIGHT WHICH MADE ME T-BONE HIM. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND MY WHOLE FRONT END GOT PUSHED ALMOST TO THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD A CARDIAC ARREST AND WHEN THE AMBULANCE GOT THERE THEY HAD TO BRING ME BACK TO LIFE. I HAVE A LOT OF BRUISING ON MY CHEST WHERE I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY KNEE. I'VE GOT A LOT OF CONTUSIONS INSIDE MY BODY. I HAVE A BRUISE WHERE MY SEATBELT CAUGHT ME. I WAS IN HOSPITAL FROM FEBRUARY 12 2015 TO FEBRUARY 16 2015. *TR

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Aug 27, 2012110,000 milesPA

AFTER PARKING THE CAR FOLLOWING A BRIEF ERRAND, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ALTHOUGH IT WAS 20 YEARS OLD, IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR BURNED, IT WAS TOTALED. IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR FOR THE FIRE TO BE EXTINGUISHED.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 9, 201196,000 milesAL

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER FOR HER FIRST CAR. IT WAS IN MINT SHAPE WITH ONLY 81,000 MILES AT PURCHASE. ON THE DATE STATED SHE WENT TO START THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. UPON STARTING THE CAR SMOKE IMMEDIATELY CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE FIREWALL. SHE SHUT THE CAR OFF AND OPENED THE HOOD. THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND REAR FIREWALL WITH FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. SHE SHUT THE HOOD AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE CAR WAS STILL ON FIRE AND HAD CONSUMED MOST OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HAD SPREAD THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND INTO THE DASH. THE CAR WAS COLD AND HAD NOT BEEN RUN SINCE THE PREVIOUS DAY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AFTER THE FIRE ESPECIALLY WITH REPORTS FROM THE NHTSA THERE MUST BE A DEFECT WITH THE WIRING HARNESS WITH THE SENTRAS. HAS THE NHTSA INVESTIGATED THESE CLAIMS BY OTHER PEOPLE OF SENTRA'S OF THE SAME YEAR SAME COMPONENT CATCHING FIRE? WHILE NO ONE WAS HURT IN THIS FIRE I CAN SEE HOW THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. THE CAR WAS PARKED VERY CLOSE TO MY HOUSE AND COULD EASILY HAVE SPREAD TO A STRUCTURE FIRE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS COMPLAINT AS WELL AS ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MODEL CAR FROM OTHER OWNERS. THERE IS DEFIANTLY SOME SORT OF DEFECT WITH THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE SENTRAS OF THIS YEAR MODEL AND A RECALL SHOULD HAVE' ALREADY BEEN CALLED AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling1 injured
Filed Sep 29, 2011155,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ODOR THAT MADE HIM DIZZY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A DOCTOR CONFIRMED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS INHALED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 28, 2007105,000 milesNY

PARKED CAR, SMOKE EMERGED FROM HOOD NEAR WIND SCREEN, THEN PAINT BUBBLED IN MIDDLE OF HOOD. SECONDS LATE, ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES, AND CAR WAS INCINERATED. PRIOR TO THIS, CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED, HOUSED IN GARAGE, AND HAD JUST PASSED ITS TOUGH NYC ANNUAL INSPECTION. THERE WAS NO SMELL OF GASOLINE PRIOR TO BLAZE, AND NO APPARENT PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO SAY WHAT CAUSED FIRE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 14, 200383,754 milesOH

BRAKES LOCK IN EMERGENCY AND NORMAL BRAKING, CAUSING SKIDS, 3 NEAR-MISSES OVER THE LAST WEEK. *LA

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 7, 2002MD

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STALLS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 3, 2000CA

#1: I HAVE A NISSAN SENTRA 92 MODEL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN I FIRST START TO DRIVE IT WHEN ITS COLD, THE TRANSMISSION RUNS JUST FINE. IT UPSHIFTS NORMALLY AS IT SHOULD ALL THE WAY UP TO OVERDRIVE (4TH GEAR) FOR NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED. HOWEVER, AFTER IVE DRIVEN IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES IN STOP-&-GO TRAFFIC OR WHEN IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (40-65 MPH) & MADE SEVERAL STOPS IN TRAFFIC (I.E.: IT HAS WARMED-UP) THE TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL TO UPSHIFT ABOVE THE 3RD & 4TH GEAR (OVERDRIVE). I WOULD HAVE TO REV THE ENGINE RPM UP TO AROUND 4,000 RPM TO ACCELERATE THE CAR TO ABOUT 40 MPH AND CONTINUE TO REV IT UP TO 5,000-6,000 RPM TO ACCELERATE IT FURTHER TO 45-60 MPH. I KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS NEVER RUN THAT HIGH BEFORE TO REACH THOSE SPEEDS. I'VE ALWAYS DRIVEN THIS CAR WITH OVERDRIVE ENGAGED & I'VE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH IT EVER. #2:  FRONT PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW PLASTIC ASSEMBLY WHERE THE CABLE ATTACHES TO THE REGULATOR BROKE. *AK

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Sep 14, 2000IL

ANTILOCK BRAKES ON 1992 SENTRA SER WITH ORIGINAL DUNLOP TIRES COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHEN APPLIED IN EVEN WET CONDITIONS. BRAKES WILL NOT RE-ENGAGE EVEN WHEN TRANSITIONING ONTO DRY PAVEMENT UNLESS THEN ARE TOTALLY RELEASED AND REAPPLIED. THERE IS NO BRAKING ACTION WHEN THESE DEFECTIVE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGE!

Electrical System › IgnitionFire
Filed Sep 13, 2000IL

ON 6/12/2000, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1992 NISSAN SENTRA OUT OF HER COMPANY'S PARKING LOT, AT 5 MPH, AN ODOR STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR THROUGH ITS AIR VENT. ONE MINUTE LATER, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. WITHIN 3 MINUTES, SHE VERY QUICKLY DROVE BACK TO HER OFFICE, RAISED THE CAR'S HOOD, AND FOUND THE IGNITION WIRING ON FIRE. SHE DUMPED WATER ON THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. SHE THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. TO COME AND MAKE SURE THE FIRE WAS OUT. THE FIRE DEPT. AND POLICE BOTH SHOWED UP. THEY INSTRUCTED HER TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO OUR AUTO REPAIR SHOP, AND NOT TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE DID AS THEY INSTRUCTED. I CAME TO HER OFFICE AND WAITED FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE CAUSE FOR THE WIRING TO CATCH FIRE. NOTHING WAS TOUCHING THE WIRING, NO WIRES WERE EXPOSED, THE WIRING BUNDLE WAS NOT RUBBING UP AGAINST ANYTHING, AND THE WIRING WAS IN ITS ORIGINAL WRAPPED, BUNDLED LOOM. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER CAUSE FOR THIS FIRE EXCEPT THE IGNITION RESISTOR CAPACITOR WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY, AND THAT IT FAILED, GOT HOT, AND BURST INTO FLAMES. HE TOLD ME TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO NHTSA AS A DEFECT IN THIS CAR'S WIRING SYSTEM. (I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW, HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK DONE ON ANY WIRING, NOR THE IGNITION SYSTEM, EXCEPT TUNE-UPS. THE LAST TUNE-UP WAS DONE ON 12/15/1999, AND THE ONLY THING DONE WAS NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR, AND NEW PCV VALVE INSTALLED. THE WIRING HAS NEVE

TiresCrash
Filed Sep 7, 2000AZ

INITIALLY, I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. BUT EVER SINCE THE INVESTIGATION INTO BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE BEGAN, I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT WHAT *COULD* HAVE HAPPENED TO MY WIFE. SHE WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE DAY THE TIRE SEPARATED, AND FORTUNATELY, IT WAS NOT ON THE FRONT AXLE. MY BELIEF NOW, IN LIGHT OF THIS RECENT DEVELOPMENT, IS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HIDING INFORMATION FOR QUITE A LONG TIME.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 17570R13 )

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 10, 2000IL

ON 6/12/2000, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1992 NISSAN SENTRA OUT OF HER COMPANY'S PARKING LOT, AT 5 MPH, AN ODOR STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR THROUGH ITS AIR VENT. ONE MINUTE LATER, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. WITHIN 3 MINUTES, SHE VERY QUICKLY DROVE BACK TO HER OFFICE, RAISED THE CAR'S HOOD, AND FOUND THE IGNITION WIRING ON FIRE. SHE DUMPED WATER ON THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. SHE THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. TO COME AND MAKE SURE THE FIRE WAS OUT. THE FIRE DEPT. AND POLICE BOTH SHOWED UP. THEY INSTRUCTED HER TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO OUR AUTO REPAIR SHOP, AND NOT TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE DID AS THEY INSTRUCTED. I CAME TO HER OFFICE AND WAITED FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE CAUSE FOR THE WIRING TO CATCH FIRE. NOTHING WAS TOUCHING THE WIRING, NO WIRES WERE EXPOSED, THE WIRING BUNDLE WAS NOT RUBBING UP AGAINST ANYTHING, AND THE WIRING WAS IN ITS ORIGINAL WRAPPED, BUNDLED LOOM. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER CAUSE FOR THIS FIRE EXCEPT THE IGNITION RESISTOR CAPACITOR WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY, AND THAT IT FAILED, GOT HOT, AND BURST INTO FLAMES. HE TOLD ME TO REPORT THIS CAR FIRE TO NHTSA AS A DEFECT IN THIS CAR'S WIRING SYSTEM. (I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW, HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK DONE ON ANY WIRING, NOR THE IGNITION SYSTEM, EXCEPT TUNE-UPS. THE LAST TUNE-UP WAS DONE ON 12/15/1999, AND THE ONLY THING DONE WAS NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR, AND NEW PCV VALVE INSTALLED. THE WIRING HAS NEVE

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jul 6, 2000CA

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH & ANOTHER CUT THE CONSUMER OFF. CONSUMER RAN ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE EMBANKMENT & RAND HEAD-ON INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER IS TRYING TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.*AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 6, 2000PA

PAINT IS FADING,WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFAUTER USED BAD PRIMER, THE PROBLEM IS CALLED DELAMINATION. WAS ALSO INFORMED THE GM HAS REPAINTED CARS BUT NISSAN ISSUED NO SUCH RECALL. AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, I HAVE NO TRADE IN VALUE FOR MY CAR WHICH SHOULD. NO SAFETY DEFECT INDICATED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2000SC

WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD AND MAKING A SHARP TURN OR SLOWING DOWN, VEHICLE WILL JUST CUT OFF, OR MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, THEN SOUND STOPS. IF SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR AT STOP SIGN, IT VIBRATES VERY BADLY. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. . DEALER WAS TOLD THAT VEHICLE HAS A BAD INJECTOR INSIDE THE THIRD CYLINDER. *AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Dec 9, 1999WA

WITHOUT WARNING THE 5TH GEAR "POPS"OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV. THIS FIRST HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMTELY 60 M.P.H., WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Nov 14, 1999FL

THIS WIRING HARNESS APPEARED FAULTY FROM THE FACTORY, AND IT TOOK 44000 MILES FOR IT TO RUB THROUGH AND SHORT OUT THE WIRING, CAUSING THE FIRE AND ENGINE STOPPAGE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 8, 1999TX

THE TRANSMISSION WON'T UPSHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 24, 1999NC

WHEN WARMING UP IN THE MORNING IT CUTS OUT AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUMP IT SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT RUNNING. I WAS AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT DIED ALMOST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THIS HAPPEN TO MY WIFE ALSO.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Feb 21, 1999FL

WHILE DRIVING IN 5TH GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH,TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED. HIGH PITCHED WHINING OCCURRED. TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING FLUID. SEAL IS BROKEN. UNSURE IF TRANS HAS OTHER PROBLEMS. ONLY 53000 MILES ON CAR! ANY HELP?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Feb 21, 1999FL

BRAKES WHINE EVERY TIME PEDAL IS PRESSED. INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON IN AUTOMATIC MODE DUE TO DOOR BEING AJAR, LIGHT NOT TURNING OFF. SEAT BELTS IN BOTH FRONT SEATS AND ONE BACK SEATS DUE NOT STAY HOOKED. THEY COME UNDONE WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK. IT SLIDES WHEN SOMEONE SITS THERE AFTER THE SEAT HAS BEEN LOWERED TO ALLOW ACCESS TO BACK SEAT. SEAT BELT LIGHT DOES NOT ALWAYS TURN OFF, SOMETIMES TAKES A FEW MINUTES, SOMETIMES NEVER. ALSO, TRANS AXLE NOT IN ALL THE WAY, AND POWER STEERING RETURN LEAKS . MUFFLER BRACKETS STRETCHED,AND NOT SECURELY HOLDING MUFFLER (MUFFLER BROKE INTO TWO PIECES). CAR ONLY HAS APPX 54000 MILES ON IT, AND EVERYTHING SEEMS LIKE IT STARTING TO FALL APART. ANY HELP OR INFORMATION. *AK

Structure › Body › Trunk Lid
Filed Feb 21, 1999MA

SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF WATER FOUND IN TRUNK. NO LEAKS ARE APPARENT. THERE ARE OPENINGS THAT THE REAR SEATBELTS GO THROUGH. THROUGH THESE OPENINGS A TRAIL OF WATER/DIRT ARE APPARENT. IT SEEMS THAT THE WATER IS GETTING IN THROUGH THIS AREA. WHETHER IT IS COMING DOWN THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW SEAL OR UP FROM BELOW IS INDETERMINABLE BY ME. THE PLUGS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK TO RELEASE THE WATER, BUT THIS IS NOT A CORRECTION OF THE PROBLEM ONLY A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. *AK

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Feb 19, 1999SC

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, VEHICLE LOST POWER. WHEN USING THE CLUTCH AND TRYING TO GO INTO ANOTHER GEAR, THE VEHICLE WON'T PICK UP SPEED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling SystemCrashFire1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 1999IL

ON NOVEMBER 11, 1998 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 57 BY ASKUM, IL. GOING 65 MPH. SHE CLAIMS THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND SHE HAD TO NAVIAGE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WOULD NOT RESTART. SHE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS CRYING AND CUT HERSELF LIFTING UP THE HOOD. SHE SAW LOTS OF GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND PHONED ME ON A CELLULAR. I TOLD HER TO CALL 911 AND I ALSO CALLED THEM. THE ILLINIOS STATE POLICE ARRIVED QUICKLY AND ORDERED A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR NEVER STARTED AGAIN. IT IS STILL SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND OUR MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS MODEL HAS NO INDICATOR LIGHT TO SIGNAL THAT IT IS OVERHEATING .THIS CAUSES IT TO OVERHEAT ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE MOST PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THE ROAD AND NOT THE HOT/COLD GAUGE. I FEEL THIS MAJOR FLAW CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO BE IN GRAVE DANGER AND THAT IT CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAR BEING EFFECTIVELY WORTHLESS AT THIS POINT. I ALSO NOTED IN THE "OWNER'S MANUAL ON PAGE 5-8 THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADDRESSES OPTIONS " IF YOU FEEL A LACK OF ENGINE POWER "OR YOUR CAR OVERHEATS. THIS WOULD INDICATE TO ME THAT THIS MODEL HAS A HISTORY OF LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND OVERHEATING. DESPITE THE CAR'S HISTORY THE MANUFACTURER NEVER PUT AN INDICATOR LIGHT TO DESIGNATE THAT THE CAR IS OVERHEATING PUTTING DRIVERS ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN GRAVE DANGER OF MAJOR ACCIDENTS.

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Filed Jan 21, 1999CA

SHOULDER SEAT BELT IS WORKING BUT WON'T LOCK, CAUSING THE CONSUMER'S BODY TO ROCK TOWARD THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *AK

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Jan 9, 1999NY

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON MY NISSAN SENTRA NX 1600 COUPE HAS PROBLEMS AND DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY AND SAFELY. I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER FOR VARIOUS AMOUNTS OF TIME, EVEN WHILE DRIVING, AND ON A FEW OCCASSIONS IT HAS STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS IN COLD WEATHER: FIVE (5) TIMES THE CAR HAS JUST STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED BY SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING: VARIOUS TIMES THE CAR DIED WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, AND I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND CONTINUE DRIVING; FIVE (5) TIMES I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START THE CAR, (JUMPING THE BATTERY USED TO START THE CAR), AND VARIOUS TIMES THE CAR TAKES MULTIPLE TRYS BEFORE THE ENGINE TURNS OVER AND STARTS. I REPLACED THE BATTERY ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF A MECHANIC AND UNTIL LAST NIGHT I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THAT SERIOUS AND SOMEWHAT RESOLVED. INTERMITTENLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF AND THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER COME BACK BUT AFTER LAST NIGHT I REALIZE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE CAR JUST STOPING IN TRAFFIC WERE VERY SERIOUS. MY CAR WAS RUNNING AND I WAS DRIVING AND THREE TIMES IT JUST STOPPED. MY LIGHTS WERE STILL ON AND AFTER JUMPING THE BATTERY THE CAR STARTED BUT WHILE DRIVING HOME, IT APPEARED THAT AS I SLOWED OR HIT THE BRAKES, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND UPON ACCELERATION, THE DASH WOULD RELIGHT BUT THEN THE CAR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 8, 1999NY

CHRONIC, REPEATED LEAKAGE AND/OR CONDENSATION IN BOTH HEADLIGHTS, OCCURRING UNDER ORDINARY WET CONDITIONS. TAKES A LONG TIME (DAYS/WEEKS) TO CLEAR UP, EVEN IN DRY CONDITIONS. POOR LIGHT OUTPUT AND FOCUS. POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO REFLECTOR.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 3, 1998TN

TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN STICKING IN THIRD GEAR.

Seat Belts › Front › RetractorCrash
Filed Nov 2, 1998AK

WHILE DRIVING A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE DEER. SEAT BELT DID LOCK NOR RETRACT. ALSO FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER. WERE NOT NOTIFIED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Oct 27, 1998NY

VEHICLE ENGINE FIRE.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Sep 13, 1998NY

DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOWS ROLL UP WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 6, 1998IL

TRANSMISSION LURCHES FORWARD WHEN SHIFTERD FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. (QCAW)

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Aug 4, 1998CA

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSIOM POPS OUT OF FIFTH GEAR WHILE APPLYING GAS. THIS IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 29, 1998NY

HEADLAMP ENCLOSURES ACCUMULATE CONDENSATION.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Jun 22, 1998FL

ENGINE FIRE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Feb 9, 1998CA

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING. OWNER BELIEVES THE CAUSE IS CALIFORNIA'S NEW REFORMULATED GAS.

Electrical System › Starter Assembly
Filed Jan 27, 1998NY

STARTER FAILED.

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 8, 1997OH

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON CRUISE CONTROL OR 5TH GEAR, THE GEAR WILL POP OUT, WHEN THE GEAR POPS OUT THE ENGINE WILL ROAR UP MAKING A NOISE, CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE OVERHAULED, DEALER ALSO TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE CONSUMER SAID THAT THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY CAN NOT ADJUST THE LINKAGE ON NISSANS. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE STANDARD 5 SPEED ON VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO JUMP OUT OF GEAR IF THE TRANSMISSION IS CONSTRUCTED CORRECTLY.*JB

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Feb 12, 1997TN

BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE NOT OPERATING LIKE THEY SHOULD. WHEN THE BELT RETRACTS IT TIGHTENS UP AROUND BOTH FRONT PASSENGERS AND THEY WILL NOT RETRACT BACK IN PLACE TO LOOSEN UP. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 23, 1996IL

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed May 8, 1996VA

UPON STARTING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD, FOUND FRONT WIRING HAD BURNT APART, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v BatteryFire
Filed Apr 11, 1996CA

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FIRE AROUND THE VEHICLE BATTERY SHORTED OUT. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Mar 29, 1996MN

DRIVER SIDE SEATBACK BOLTS ON THE RIGHT STRIP, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Dec 8, 1995TX

THE PADS REPLACED THREE TIMES BRAKE ARE MAKING NOISE AGAIN . TT

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 13, 1995CA

DRIVER/PASS FRONT SHOULDER/LAP BELT WON'T RETRACT INTO DOOR ASSEMBLY. TT

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 12, 1995CA

SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING HEAD ON COLLISION. TT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 26, 1995NC

ENGINE LOCKED UP. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jul 7, 1995NC

WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM AND THROUGH STANDING WATER VEHICLE STALLED. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Jun 6, 1995NY

DRIVERS SEAT BELT NOT MOTORIZED SHOULDER/LAP BELT WILL UNFASTEN WHILE WEARING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Complaints 1-50 of 62, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202619110Routine
202531400Routine
202441300Routine
202320100Routine
202281200Routine
2021133310Routine
2020207400Above average
2019223210Above average
2018185231Fatalities reported
2017231360Above average
2016270620Above average
2015352330Above average
2014380560Above average
2013638641Fatalities reported
2012180040Routine
2011142260Routine
2010144340Routine
200955101Fatalities reported
2008167330Routine
20071541102Fatalities reported
2006116610Do not drive
2005170640Do not drive
2004197501Do not drive
20031801010Do not drive
20023181480Do not drive
2001236820Above average
2000171740Routine
199959300Routine
199858521Fatalities reported
1997108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992 — this page620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.