1997 Nissan Sentra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Nissan Sentra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3325.8%
- Visibility2418.8%
- Brakes1612.5%
- Electrical107.8%
- Driver assistance97.0%
- Engine75.5%
- Seat belts53.9%
- Tires & wheels53.9%
- Steering43.1%
- Body & structure32.3%
- Fuel system32.3%
- Suspension32.3%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Exterior lighting21.6%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Powertrain (other)10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CONTINUAL BRAKE FAILURE, DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION, DEFOGGER, VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD WIPERS, ENGINE RELATED ISSUES, TIRES, GAS TANK. *NLM
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE DRIVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL . *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
A DEER STEPPED IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH. DEER WAS HIT FROM LEFT FRONT, ROLLED ACROSS ROAD UPON IMPACT WITH DEER, NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN TWO BULGING DISCS ONE AGAINST SPINE.*AK THE SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED TO RESTRAIN . THE CONSUMER RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY. *YH
DURING MINOR COLLISION HEADREST OFFERED NO PROTECTION DUE TO DESIGN RESULTING IN SHIPLASH INJURY TO CONSUMER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
DOOR HINGE FAILURE. *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CONTINUAL BRAKE FAILURE, DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION, DEFOGGER, VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD WIPERS, ENGINE RELATED ISSUES, TIRES, GAS TANK. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONTINUAL BRAKE FAILURE, DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION, DEFOGGER, VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD WIPERS, ENGINE RELATED ISSUES, TIRES, GAS TANK. *NLM
LIGHTS QUIT WORKING IN DASH CONSOLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
OWNER STATES THAT THERE IS NO COVER IN THE TRUNK AREA WHERE TAIL LIGHTS ARE. INDICATES CONCERN FOR SAFETY IF SOMETHING WAS TO HIT ELECTRICAL WIRES, SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN. OWNER FURTHER NOTES THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FOR A COVER, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED ON VEHICLES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .