RoadVitals

1999 Nissan Sentra

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
59
Latest Mar 31, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Nissan Sentra, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 38 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1217.1%
  • Engine811.4%
  • Airbags710.0%
  • Tires & wheels710.0%
  • Brakes710.0%
  • Driver assistance45.7%
  • Suspension45.7%
  • Visibility34.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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 LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 31, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 03V477000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 01V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10702896
Incident
Oct 4, 2014
BrakesEngine
Filed Dec 11, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10663652
Incident
Jul 17, 2013
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 30, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES, SIZE 175/65R14 DOT NUMBER (PJ8JH6HR5011). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. WHILE THE TIRES WERE BEING ROTATED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES WERE SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE TIRE WARRANTY HAD TO BE REDEEMED AT THE LOCATION FROM WHICH THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE TIRES WERE NOT EXCHANGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 155,432. THE FAILURE TIRE MILEAGE WAS 300. .... UPDATED 03/08/13 *BF

NHTSA ID
10495274
Incident
Jan 14, 2013
Mileage
155,432 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 13, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL WOULD OVERFLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK WHENEVER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THEY DETECTED THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION AS A RESULT TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ID
10430033
Incident
Jul 11, 2011
Mileage
69,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 2, 2008

THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002, 2005-2006 NISSAN SENTRAS & ALTIMAS WITH THE SENSOR. THE CAR CAN SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AND ENGINE STALL. MY CAR IS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE OF THE WRONG YEAR. REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR IT SHOULD BE FIXED OR I SHOULD RECEIVE SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION. LUCKILY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR SHUT DOWN I WASN'T HIT FROM THE BACK. I AM LOOKING TO FILE A LAW SUIT OVER THIS MATTER BECAUSE I SPENT MY MONEY ON THIS CAR BUYING IT BRAND NEW AND THIS ORGANIZATION JUST SHOVED ME OFF LIKE MY PROBLEM DOESN'T MATTER. I USE MY CAR AND NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR AND CATCHING THE BUS. IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S THEIR CAR!*CN

NHTSA ID
10213485
Incident
Oct 31, 2007
Engine
Filed Nov 14, 2007

THE TEETH ON ONE OF THE TIMING CHAIN SPROCKETS WORE DOWN CAUSING BENT VALVES DUE TO TIMING FAILURE. THE HEAD WILL HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE DAMAGED PARTS OR A NEW/REBUILT ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10208915
Incident
Nov 12, 2007
Mileage
215,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 10, 2007

THE FUEL FILLER TANK/HOSE ON MY FATHER'S 1999 NISSAN SENTRA MUST BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FORM NISSAN; IT IS NO LONGER MADE AND THERE IS NO 'AFTER MARKET" ITEM. HE TRIED A 2000 PART; IT COULD NOT BE MADE TO FIT. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN DIRECTLY, HAVE TALKED TO DEALERS, ETC. WITHOUT THIS NEEDED REPAIR, THE CAR IS BASICALLY OF NO VALUE. IT CANNOT BE SOLD, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. COMPLETE FRUSTRATION. THE CAR ITSELF IS GREAT, LESS THAN 60,000 MILES, NO RUST, EXCELLENT M[G, ETC. BUT WHAT CAN WE DO NOW/ WHO TO COMPLAIN TO/ NISSANS RESPONSE SEEMS TO BE "TOUGH LUCK" AND THERE IS NO RECOURSE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10202363
Incident
May 15, 2007
Tires & wheels
Filed May 28, 2007

AS MY WIFE AND I TRAVELED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ON 5-28-2007, MY REAR TIRE CAME APART CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SPIN 360 DEGREES AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE INCIDENT. THANK GOD, THE TRAFFIC SURROUNDING MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY MY SPINNING. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS TEMPORARILY SECURED BY THE HIGHWAY ROAD RANGER AND I WAS REQUIRED TO DRIVE AT VERY LOW SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY TO REACH MY DESTINATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10191874
Incident
May 28, 2007

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB08-097L

STEERING

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB23-053

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.

NTB23-049

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect “Test with DCA” and “Replace” results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT:  CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000  CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/  DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/  DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/

NTB13-107F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB16-003C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB20-016F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

RADIO INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTS DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK VIA BLUETOOTH CONNECTED IPHONE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Sentra by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026131050.8
2025264064.4
2024343062.2
2023191049.9
2022802051.9
20211293059.6
20202044051.6
20192212052.3
20181842052.5
20172303060.0
20162676055.0
20153503053.0
20143805361.6
20136386359.1
20121800036.8
20111422052.2
20101443052.2
2009551044.5
20081673157.1
20071541151.6
20061166363.9
20051706361.1
20041975362.9
200318010259.9
200231814159.4
20012368053.9
20001717055.6
1999Viewing593055.7
1998585061.0
19971087059.2
19961417165.9
19951177164.1
1994990149.0
1993580145.3
1992620152.4
1991632264.0
1990392160.4
1989411154.5
1988371158.0
1987361151.4
1986600
1985601
1984302
1983113
1982113

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.