1997 Nissan Sentra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 108 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 7 times.

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

Most common 1997 Nissan Sentra problems

28 of the 108 complaints (26%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags18
14016
Air Bags · airbags8
303
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes7
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages6
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration5
300
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes5
100
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor4
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls4
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer3
102
Tires3
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages98V093000
Filed May 5, 1998512,387 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. WATER CAN ENTER AND DISPLACE THE GREASE IN THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT WHERE THE WIPER LINKAGE ATTACHES TO THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN GRADUAL WEAR OVER A PERIOD OF TIME INSIDE THE JOINT THAT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE WIPER LINKAGE ASSEMBLY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE AT THE BALL JOINT. A LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION CAN RESULT IN THIS SEPARATION OCCURS.

Remedy. TO PREVENT GREASE FROM BEING WASHED OUT OF THE JOINT, THE DEALERS WILL MODIFY BY ADDING A WATER DIVERSION SEAL THAT WILL PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BALL JOINT AREA.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights98V008000
Filed Jan 21, 199865,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH TWO NEW LIGHT BULBS FOR THE STOP/TAIL LAMPS WHICH ARE BRIGHTER THAN THE ORIGINAL BULBS. A LABEL WITH THE NEW BULB NUMBER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR INSERTION INTO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALERS CAN INSTALL THE LIGHT BULBS FOR THEM.

Structure › Body › Door97V110000
Filed Jul 22, 1997450 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THREE STYROFOAM PADS LOCATED IN EACH REAR DOOR AS PART OF THE DESIGN FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH," WAS NOT INSTALLED.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, AN OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE MISSING PAD IN EACH REAR DOOR.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jan 4, 2018226,858 milesVA

HAVE A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA 1.6 X E FOUR-DOOR SEDAN. THIS MORNING STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON AND BEGIN TO BLANK AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I REALIZE THAT NO ONE HAD MADE ANY CONTACT WITH MY VEHICLE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE IS AT 227XXX MILES BUT I WOULD NEVER EXPECT FOR A SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM TO EXPIRE OR MALFUNCTION I REALLY HOPE THAT NISSAN TAKES THIS INTO CONSIDERATION.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 12, 2016115,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2014130,000 milesWA

BRAKING AT A STOP SIGN WHILE IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED BY ITSELF. LATER WHILE PARKING THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED AND STAYED AT A HIGH RPM BY ITSELF WHILE IN PARK. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 10, 2014WA

AT A STOP SIGN WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPM ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. LATER WHILE PARKING, WITH CAR IN PARK, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 4, 2013109,999 milesDC

CAR STOLEN FROM PARKING LOT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 5, 2012153,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 01/05/13*LJ UPDATED 02/06/13

Visibility
Filed Aug 18, 2011147,000 milesNY

I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA AND ON A RAINY DAY MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE WIPER TRANSMISSION MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE ITS WORKING BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED IT IS A FAULTY WIPER ARM. I FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL 98V093000 AND CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. THEY INFORMED ME THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THE ISSUE AND THAT MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. *KB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed May 25, 201190,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V093000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER: LINKAGES) FOR THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Suspension
Filed Dec 17, 2010100,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION, THE HUB AND THE STEERING. THE SALES DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,568.

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 3, 2009122,385 milesVA

VEHICLE ENGINE WAS IDLING CAR WAS IN PARK. TURNED ON WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH I HEARD A LOUD KNOCK IN THE DASH CONSOLE AND COULD HEAR A MECHANISM SOUND AS IF WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE MOVING BUT THE WIPERS THEMSELVES DID NOT MOVE SO THE RESULT OF THIS IS NO VISIBILITY WITHOUT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING ON RAINY DAYS. UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed May 17, 200933,689 milesNC

I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 NISSAN SENTRA XE HIT A SMALL BUMP GOING AT A LOW SPEED AND MY DUAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUSTING MY WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IT HIT ME IN THE FACE WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING BRUISING AROUND MY RIGHT EYE. *TR

Tires
Filed Jul 18, 200873,943 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DIFFERENTLY. WHEN HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE VALVE STEM. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,943.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 30, 2006120,907 milesCA

WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A WRECK ON THE HWY, TO AVOID FURTHER COLLISIONS UP TO 5 CARS IN FRONT OF ME LOCKED UP THEIR BRAKES, THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME LOCKED UP HIS BRAKES, & I LOCKED UP MY BRAKES, & MY FRONT END WENT DOWN, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, MY CAR SLID UNDER THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, & NEITHER AIR-BAG DEPLOYED! MY FRONT END BUCKLED UP I COUNT 3 FAILURES, THE BRAKES BEING 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD BEING AIR BAGS. (DRIVERS, & PASSENGER. THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN ANY ACTION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THIS IS THE FIRST THING MY WIFE HAS DONE. I DID HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY CAR, & BEING AS I REAR-ENDED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR DAMAGES. MINOR COMPARED TO THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. NO DEATHS BUT BOTH WERE PRETTY BANGED UP!*JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 8, 2006FM

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. AND SHE HAD A FRONTAL ACCIDENT GOING ABOUT 35/40 MPH AND THE FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND SHE HAS A WHIPLASH BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 5, 2005VA

DT: THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. WHEN THE WIPERS WERE IN USE THEY WOULD STOP CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 21, 2004112,000 milesIL

NHTSA RECALL 98V093000. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE WIPER MOTOR RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT WERE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *AK WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW/SLEET THE WIPER STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHICH CAUSED REDUCED VISIBILITY. *NM

Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Nov 15, 200420,000 milesNY

THERE'S A GAP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BUMPER WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAP PROGRESSED AND BECAME WIDER. THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND IN SOME CASES THE BUMPER SEPARATED AND FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM *TC UPDATED 04/19/06

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Nov 9, 200444,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT VIBRATED SEVERELY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *SC

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Oct 25, 200494,234 milesMD

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO ENGAGE. HUSBAND DIAGNOSED WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM, POWER TO WIPER MOTOR WAS OKAY, CONTINUED TO TROUBLESHOOT, FOUND WIPER ARM CONTROL SEPERATED FROM WIPER MOTOR. SEEMS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE THE RECALL 98V093000 PERTAINED TO. HUSBAND LUBRICATED BALL JOINT, AND SQUEEZED SOCKET TO BALL BACK TOGETHER. NO PROBLEMS SINCE REPAIR.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Jul 6, 2004FL

I OWN A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA THE MAIN SEAL AROUND THE HEAD GASKET LEAKS CAUSING OIL TO LEAK. PREVIOUS TO THIS I OWNED A NISSAN ALTIMA I THINK THE YEAR WAS 1993 THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO MY AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY BLINKS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Jun 14, 2004185,000 milesAZ

FAILURE AT 40,000 MILES ON 80,000 MILE GOODYEAR AQUATREAD REPLACEMENT TIRES NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 1NORMAL DRIVING. MONTHS BEFORE HIT SPEED BUMP AT 20 MPH. ANOTHER TIME VEHICLE WAS OVERLOADED BY 200 LBS FOR 7 MILES. 2 STESS CRACKS ON SIDE WALL OF ONE OF THE AQUATREAD TIRES, SLOW LOSS OF AIR PREASURE IN TIRE. 3 REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AT RECOMENDATION OF MANAGER AT GOODYEAR TIRE HE EXPLAINED HE HAD NEVER SEEN STRESS CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALL OF A PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRE IN HIS 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE.HE HAD ONLY SEEN THEM ON TRUCK TIRES . HE THOUGHT IT MAY BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND SENT THE TIRES TO GOODYEAR FOR XRAY ANALYSIS. HE ALSO SAID ITS POSSIBLE THAT A SPEED BUMP OR OVERLOADING COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed May 26, 2004160,500 milesPA

(1) IT WAS A LIGHT RAIN. THE WIPER IS IN THE LOWEST SETTING. BOTH WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. I CAN HEAR THE WIPER MOTOR RUNNING BUT THE WIPERS DOESN'T OPERATE. (2) AS IT WAS NO RAINING HARD, I WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE SAFELY HOME. I FOUND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES FOR 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. (3) CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE BUT I AM TOLD THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLIED TO MY VIN NUMBER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THE WIPER TRANSMISSION WHICH CONSISTS OF THE PIVOT-ASSY-WIPE(R), AND 2 LINK ASSY-CONNE(CTOR). THE OLD PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Apr 5, 2004121,000 milesOH

THIS COMPLAINT IS REGARD TO THE VOLUNTARY RECALL ON THE '97 NISSAN SENTRA'S WIPER SEAL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEN THE 1-800 NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DIDN'T APPLY TO MY VEHICLE DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT FALLS WITHIN THE RANGE OF NUMBERS GIVEN ON NISSAN'S OWN WEBSITE (CLIPPED FROM WEB PAGE - [XXX]TO [XXX] (SENTRA) WITH A VIN#[XXX]. I PURCHASED THIS AS A USED VEHICLE AND SO IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT THE WIPERS COULD HAVE FAILED THROUGH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE A BETTER EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY WHEN BY ALL INDICATIONS ON NISSAN'S OWN WEB SITE IT APPEARS TO APPLY. *JB UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 29, 2004100,000 milesNH

1997 NISSAN SENTRA HAS HAD (4) FOUR RUN-AWAY CRUISE CONTROL INCIDENTS. CRUISE REFUSES TO DISENGAGE WHILE ACCELERATING SPEED TO 90-100+MPH. ONCE THE GOVERNNOR SHUT THE CAR DOWN, EACH OTHER TIME THE TEENAGE DRIVER HAS MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BY EITHER, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, SHUTTING THE CAR OFF OR USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND REGULAR BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME. EACH TIME THE INCIDENT HAS REQUIRED A DIFFERENT METHOD TO STOP THE CAR. FORTUNATELY THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ANY INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS. HOWVER, NISSAN SAID THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM YET REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS. THE HEAD MECHANIC AT NISSAN IN LEBANON TOLD MY 18 YEAR OLD TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR AND IF IT DID IT AGAIN TO BRING IT BACK IN !!! *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Mar 8, 2004TX

WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE DRIVER SIDE QUIT WORKING. RECALL 98V093000 WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WA SNOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Electrical System › Starter Assembly
Filed Jan 23, 2004SC

MY STARTER IN MY 1997 NISSAN SENTRA IS ALWAYS MESSING UP!! I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT FOUR TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, SO I EVEN REPLACED THAT. BUT AT THE END, IT IS ALWAYS THE STARTER THAT FAILS. I PUT THE KEY IN, TURN IT TO START, AND THE CAR JUST HISSES. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM SEVERLY CONVINCED THAT THERE IS SOMEWORT OF STARTER/ELECTRICAL DEFECT THAT NO ONE (NISSAN AUTHORITIES) HAVE REPORTED. EVEN MY MECHANIC THINKS IT'S ODD THAT HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE IT 4 TIMES. I PUT 20 FAILURES BECAUSE IT BEEN AROUND 20 TIMES WHEN IT WOULD NOT START, THEN IT WOULD, ID GET IT TOWED, AND GET A NEW STARTER EVENTUALLY. *LA

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Nov 16, 2003MA

MY NISSAN SENTRA RECENTLY NEEDED TO HAVE BOTH WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGES REPLACED DUE TO THE PROBLEM WITH WATER ENTERING AND RUSTING OUT THE BEARINGS. I NEW OF THE SAFETY RECALL BUT ALL THE DEALER DID WAS ADD A RIDICULOUS 10 CENT STRIP OF FOAM TO THE PANEL ABOVE THE FALLEN APART BEARINGS. BOTH ME AND MY STEPFATHER ARGUED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND NISSAN MOTORS BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS FREE OF CHARGE. MY STEPFATHER ENDED UP BUYING AND REPLACING THEM HIMSELF BUT IN THE MEANTIME I GOT A $50.00 TICKET BECAUSE DURING THIS DELAY MY INSPECTION STICKER RAN OUT AND I COULDN'T GET A NEW ONE UNTIL THE WIPERS WERE FIXED. *LA

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Oct 30, 200340,000 milesCA

UPPER RADIATOR HOSE LEAKS AT EITHER CONNECTION. TRIED INSTALLING NEW RADIATOR HOSE AND BRAND NEW, HIGH QUALITY HOSE CLAMPS, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. COOLANT THEN DRIPS DOWN DIRECTLY INTO THE ALTERNATOR SHORTING THE ALTERNATOR OUT. SOLUTION: MAKE A COVER FOR ALTERNATOR OUT OF SHEET METAL, AND BOLT IT TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD COVER. IF WATER DRIPS FROM THE ABOVE RADIATOR HOSE, THE COVER WILL PROTECT THE ALTERNATOR BY DIRECTING THE RUNOFF ELSEWHERE. *LA

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 30, 200336,000 milesCA

POWER WINDOWS OCCASIONALLY FREEZE IN THE DOWN POSITION ON 97 SENTRA GXE MODELS. POWER DOOR LOCK ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK MOST OF THE TIME. *LA

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Oct 30, 200336,000 milesCA

UPPER RADIATOR HOSE LEAKS AT EITHER POINT OF CONNECTION. COOLANT DRIPS DOWN DIRECTLY INTO ALTERNATOR SHORTING THE ALTERNATOR OUT. TRIED REPLACING OLD HOSE AND HOSE CLAMPS WITH A NEW HOSE AND NEW, HIGH QUALITY HOSE CLAMPS, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. SOLUTION: MADE OWN COVER TO PROTECT ALTERNATOR FROM COOLANT DRIPPING FROM LEAKY UPPER RADIATOR HOSE OUT OF SHEET METAL. BOLTED SHEET METAL COVER TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. NOW IF THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE LEAKS, THE COOLANT DRIPS ON SHEET METAL COVER AND RUNOFF GOES ELSEWHERE SAFELY. HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM SINCE. *LA

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 30, 2003WV

MY FATHER WAS INVLOVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY CAR A 97 NISSAN SENTRA ON SEPTEMBER 18,2003 HE WAS GOING ABOUT 10 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT AS THEY SHOULD THEY EXPLODED THERE ARE HOLES IN THEM WITH BURNT EDGES. MY SONS NOSE AND CHEEK WERE BURNT THANK GOODNESS HE'S OK EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT HE WON'T GET IN A CAR ANYMORE. I'M WRITING TO ASK IF THIS IS A DEFECT WITH MY AIR BAGS. I TRIED CALLING NISSAN DIRECTLY BUT ALWAYS GOT DISCONNECTED. I GUESS THEY ARE JUST TIRED OF HEARING EVERYONE COMPLAINTS. I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO IF ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I'M AN UNEMPLOYED STUDENT AND NEED A VEHICLE BUT NOW I CAN'T AFFORD ONE SO PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I NEED TO BRING TO NISSAN'S ATTENTION.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2003MD

WHILE DRIVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL . *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 29, 200384,000 milesMI

THE WIRING UNDER THE WINDOW CONTROLS IN THE DRIVER DOOR STARTED TO SMOLDER AND BURST INTO FLAMES WITHIN SECONDS. PART OF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL MELTED. IT TOOK TWO WATERING CANS OF WATER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY, BUT I SEE ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT A SIMILAR COMPLAINT WAS FILED TODAY. IT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE TO CHECK INTO THIS. *NLM

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 3, 2003WA

AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER A VERY HARD STOP AND COLLISION WITH A BIKE A MONTH LATER AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK NON STOP

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 27, 2003GA

CONTINUAL BRAKE FAILURE, DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION, DEFOGGER, VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD WIPERS, ENGINE RELATED ISSUES, TIRES, GAS TANK. *NLM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 7, 2003CT

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HER WINDSHIELD WIPERS. ALSO STATED THAT SHE IS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OUT BUT HER VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED AND SHE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE RECALL INDICATES. TS

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 18, 2002IN

CONSUMER STATES STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORM ON VEHICLE RECALL#98V093000 WINDSHIELD WIPER. TS

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jul 25, 2002NY

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WERE THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CONSUMER WAS TRAPPED IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE CHEMICAL FROM AIRBAG TOOK ALL OXYGEN OUT OF VEHICLE AND CONSUMER COULD HARDLY BREATH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle BarCrash
Filed Jul 22, 2002NY

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHEN SHE MOVED INTO ANOTHER LANE, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, CRASHING INTO A FENCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE AND HER PASSENGERS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. LOCK ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS SUSPECT, IN MY OPINION.*AK

Power Train
Filed Jul 12, 2002ID

SPEEDOMETER WILL WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. TURNS OUT THAT SOMETHING IN THE HEAD IS BROKEN AND THE WHOLE HEAD WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WHEN I DID RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF I COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM MYSELF I SAW NUMEROUS POSTS ON THE BOARD WITH OWNERS WHO HAD THE SAME GENERAL PROBLEM WITH 1995-1997 NISSAN SENTRAS, SMALL PICKUPS AND ALTIMAS.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2002MD

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS FLASHING THROUGHOUT TRAVEL. CONSUMER HAS SPOKEN WITH KIM 310-771-3738 FROM MANUFACTURER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension
Filed Feb 12, 2002WI

WHILE DRIVING CAR PULLS VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT, AND UPON CHANGING TIRES IT PULLS VERY HARD TO THE LEFT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 8, 2002MD

WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKES NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER HAS REPLACED BRAKES, BUT NOISE RETURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2001NY

AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING, VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK *SLC

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 11, 2001CT

THROTTLE ACCELERATED UNCOMMANDED WHEN I WAS PARKING THE CAR THIS MORNING. I FOUND NO REATED RECALLS ON YOUR DATABASE BUT I DID FIND AN EXACT RECALL, 97-140, ON A CANADIAN DATABASE. TC.GC.CA/VEHICLERECALLS/VRAUG97E.HTM)*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Sep 4, 2001FL

WATER IS ENTERING THE TRUNK AND IS ROUTED ALONG THE ELECTRICAL WIRING, THIS IS DUE TO THE REAR LIGHT MODULE IS SEALED INTO PLACE WITH A PRODUCT THAT IS NOT FIT FOR THE PURPOSE INTENDED. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A SEMI TRUCK AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GENERIC BRAKE PADS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE ORIGINAL PARTS AS EXCESSIVE SQUEALING TAKES PLACE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 16, 2001TX

MY NEIGHBOR TOLD ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS HAD BEEN OUT FOR AWHILE -- WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AND I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHT/REAR TAIL LIGHT WOULD GO OUT COMPLETELY, LEAVING ONLY THE CENTER LIGHT BAR ON THE TRUNK ON TO SERVE AS A BRAKE LIGHT. I'D BEEN DRIVING WITH MY LIGHTS ON DURING THE DAY, THINKING IT WOULD BE SAFER SINCE I HAVE A TODDLER IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM ($285) AND TOLD ME, ALTHOUGH THEY DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE INVOICE, THAT IT LOOKED LIKE "SOMEBODY" HAD WIRED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WRONG IN A SECTION BETWEEN THE TRUNK SIDE AND THE FRAME AND THEY WERE GETTING HOT. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OTHER WORK DONE ON THE LIGHTS AND SAID SO, BUT GOT NO RESPONSE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO AUTOZONE THE DAY BEFORE, TO SEE IF THE BULBS WERE THE PROBLEM. THE MANAGER THERE CAME OUT TO LOOK AT THE BULBS AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE DRIVER-SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET HAD STARTED TO MELT. SO IT WAS A FIRE HAZARD AS WELL.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 4, 2001CA

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND RELEASED CHEMICALS WHICH BURNED DRIVER'S SIDE OCCUPANT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 2001CA

THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING LOW IMPACT CRASH, THE BYPRODUCT FROM THE AIR BAG FILLED THE VEHICLE CAUSING BURNING SENSATION IN THE CONSUMERS NOSE AND THROAT, THE CONSUMER HAS SUFFERED FROM COLD LIKE SYMPTOMS SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT HER HEALTH. NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Feb 27, 2001MD

EVERY YEAR VEHICLE BRAKES NEED REPLACEMENT WHEN USING NISSAN. BUT, WHEN USING OTHER BRAKES, CONSUEMR NOTICED LONGER WEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 108, 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
1997 — this page108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.