FaultScore report
Owners have filed 89 complaints about the 1993 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 1995 and 2013. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 30 of 34 worst.
FaultScore 42/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Nissan Sentra.
How this is worked out89
Complaints
11
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
110,439 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
8%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
2 crashes, 0 fires
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 63,000 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 110,439 mi
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Median failure at 63,000 miles
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 110,439 mi
Median failure at 67,000 miles
Median failure at 110,439 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
STALLING
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #895024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE FRONT RIGHT FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING T TIRE P18560R14, EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING DRIVER TO SUSTAIN INJURIES, FIRESTONE STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE 6-8 WEEKS BEFORE THEY WOULD EVEN LOOK INTO THE MATTER. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT THAT THREW BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS WERE MANUFACTURED ATTACHED TO THE DOORS. SO WHEN THE DOORS CAME OPEN DURING THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS NO SUPPORT FROM THE SEAT BELTS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #855573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OF HOME. IT WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME, AND HADN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN 6 HOURS, ENGINE COOL. NO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS OR INDICATIONS THAT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EXISTED. FIRE ORIGINATED BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE AIR INTAKE/AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FORMAL FIRE INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY FARMERS INSURANCE CONCLUDED THE CAUSE AND ORIGIN TO BE A "SHORTED PRIMARY WIRE" [BATTERY CABLE] RUNNING FROM THE POSITIVE POST OF THE BATTERY TO ENGINE GROUND. THE PRIMARY WIRE HAD FUSED ITSELF TO SIDE OF THE BATTERY TRAY. THE BATTERY CABLES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED AND WERE OEM NISSAN EQUIPMENT. WHILE FIRE WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED AND CONTAINED SOLELY WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE VEHICLE WAS NONE THE LESS A TOTAL LOSS. I'M REPORTING THE INCIDENT TO BRING IT TO SOMEONE'S ATTENTION IN HOPES THAT A THOROUGH EXAMINATION CAN BE PERFORMED ON THIS TYPE OF FAILURE TO PREVENT FUTURE INCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #702517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO PARK, AND VEHICLE WENT HIGH SURGE, RPMS UNKNOWN, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #987316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO PARK, AND VEHICLE WENT HIGH SURGE, RPMS UNKNOWN, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #987316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS THAT IS COSTING ME LOTS OF MONEY NOW TO FIX. FIVE YEARS AGO, MY DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, REASON UNKNOWN. DRIVEN BY OLD LADY. BECAUSE IT CRACKED, IT CAUSED WATER TO BE ABLE TO SEEP IN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. DON'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD HAVE CRACKED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IT HAS IS WHEN I WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPRINGS FLEW OUT OF IT. I HAD NEVER USED IT BEFORE. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE AXLES, CV JOINTS AND STEERING KIT. EVERYTHING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. ONE LEAD TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T REALIGN MY CAR BECAUSE MY STEERING KIT AND TIE RODS ARE SHOT ALONG WITH MY AXLES AND CV JOINTS. BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES TWICE FROM THEM WEARING DOWN. I WOULD FIX IT BUT WHEN I GOT IT ALL PRICED, IT WAS ALMOST $2000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10541697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS THAT IS COSTING ME LOTS OF MONEY NOW TO FIX. FIVE YEARS AGO, MY DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, REASON UNKNOWN. DRIVEN BY OLD LADY. BECAUSE IT CRACKED, IT CAUSED WATER TO BE ABLE TO SEEP IN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. DON'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD HAVE CRACKED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IT HAS IS WHEN I WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPRINGS FLEW OUT OF IT. I HAD NEVER USED IT BEFORE. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE AXLES, CV JOINTS AND STEERING KIT. EVERYTHING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. ONE LEAD TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T REALIGN MY CAR BECAUSE MY STEERING KIT AND TIE RODS ARE SHOT ALONG WITH MY AXLES AND CV JOINTS. BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES TWICE FROM THEM WEARING DOWN. I WOULD FIX IT BUT WHEN I GOT IT ALL PRICED, IT WAS ALMOST $2000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10541697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS THAT IS COSTING ME LOTS OF MONEY NOW TO FIX. FIVE YEARS AGO, MY DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, REASON UNKNOWN. DRIVEN BY OLD LADY. BECAUSE IT CRACKED, IT CAUSED WATER TO BE ABLE TO SEEP IN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. DON'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD HAVE CRACKED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IT HAS IS WHEN I WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPRINGS FLEW OUT OF IT. I HAD NEVER USED IT BEFORE. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE AXLES, CV JOINTS AND STEERING KIT. EVERYTHING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. ONE LEAD TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T REALIGN MY CAR BECAUSE MY STEERING KIT AND TIE RODS ARE SHOT ALONG WITH MY AXLES AND CV JOINTS. BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES TWICE FROM THEM WEARING DOWN. I WOULD FIX IT BUT WHEN I GOT IT ALL PRICED, IT WAS ALMOST $2000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10541697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS THAT IS COSTING ME LOTS OF MONEY NOW TO FIX. FIVE YEARS AGO, MY DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, REASON UNKNOWN. DRIVEN BY OLD LADY. BECAUSE IT CRACKED, IT CAUSED WATER TO BE ABLE TO SEEP IN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. DON'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD HAVE CRACKED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IT HAS IS WHEN I WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPRINGS FLEW OUT OF IT. I HAD NEVER USED IT BEFORE. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE AXLES, CV JOINTS AND STEERING KIT. EVERYTHING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. ONE LEAD TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T REALIGN MY CAR BECAUSE MY STEERING KIT AND TIE RODS ARE SHOT ALONG WITH MY AXLES AND CV JOINTS. BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES TWICE FROM THEM WEARING DOWN. I WOULD FIX IT BUT WHEN I GOT IT ALL PRICED, IT WAS ALMOST $2000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10541697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS THAT IS COSTING ME LOTS OF MONEY NOW TO FIX. FIVE YEARS AGO, MY DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, REASON UNKNOWN. DRIVEN BY OLD LADY. BECAUSE IT CRACKED, IT CAUSED WATER TO BE ABLE TO SEEP IN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. DON'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD HAVE CRACKED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IT HAS IS WHEN I WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPRINGS FLEW OUT OF IT. I HAD NEVER USED IT BEFORE. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE AXLES, CV JOINTS AND STEERING KIT. EVERYTHING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. ONE LEAD TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T REALIGN MY CAR BECAUSE MY STEERING KIT AND TIE RODS ARE SHOT ALONG WITH MY AXLES AND CV JOINTS. BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES TWICE FROM THEM WEARING DOWN. I WOULD FIX IT BUT WHEN I GOT IT ALL PRICED, IT WAS ALMOST $2000. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10541697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE SHIFTER MOVED TO NEUTRAL. SHE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AFTER ANOTHER ATTEMPT. THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #10327968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE CUP HOLDER IS OCCUPIED; THE CUP WOULD REST AGAINST THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH CAUSING THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,540.
NHTSA complaint #10327679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL LINE. WHENEVER HE FILLS UP THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE WOULD LEAK FROM THE FILLER TUBE CONNECTION TANK. THE OVERFLOW TUBE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FUEL CONTINUED TO LEAK. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR MADE A SERIES OF FOUR BEEPING SOUNDS AND REMAIN LIT FOR 15 MINUTES WHILE CONTINUING TO BEEP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10251584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL LINE. WHENEVER HE FILLS UP THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE WOULD LEAK FROM THE FILLER TUBE CONNECTION TANK. THE OVERFLOW TUBE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FUEL CONTINUED TO LEAK. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR MADE A SERIES OF FOUR BEEPING SOUNDS AND REMAIN LIT FOR 15 MINUTES WHILE CONTINUING TO BEEP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10251584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
MANUAL FIVE SPEED TRANSMISSION; FIFTH GEAR (SHIFTER STICK) CONTINUOUSLY POPS-OUT. FIFTH GEAR INOPERABLE. THIS SITUATION IS ALL TOO COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NISSAN CORPORATION SHOULD FINALLY TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS COMMON DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10183623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
UNIROYAL TIGER PAW TOURING TR TIRE 185/60/14. THE TIRE IS STARTING TO DEVELOP SPLITS 1 1/2 INCHES BELOW THE TOP OFF THE TIRE ON THE SIDEWALL.THERE ARE SPLITS 6 INCHES IN LENGTH. I BOUGHT THESE TIRES IN JANUARY 2003. CURRENTLY THERE IS 24,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. I BELIEVE IF THE TIRE ISNT REPLACED SOON IT WAS CAUSE A DANGEROUS BLOWOUT. I DONT KNOW HOW LONG THE TIRE HAS BEEN LIKE THIS,I NOTICED WHEN I WAS CHECKING AIR PRESSURE. THIS ISNT A ROAD HAZARD ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE TIRE TO DO THIS. I ALSO BELIEVE THE TREAD WILL SEPERATE FROM THE CASING.
NHTSA complaint #10080789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND DISCOVERED THAT TIRE TREAD PEELED DOWN TO THE WHEEL. THE METAL ON THE WHEEL WAS VISIBLE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE METAL TO SAM'S CLUB, WHERE THE TIRE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER TIRE. SAM'S PERSONNEL ADVISED CONSUMER TO CALL B.F.GOODRICH SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE. CONSUMER PAID FOR TWO NEW FRONT TIRES, CALLED MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD TO SEND THE TIRE RECEIPT ALONG WITH TWO ESTIMATES. A DECISION WILL BE MADE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE TIRE WILL BE SENT BACK TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10081367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND DISCOVERED THAT TIRE TREAD PEELED DOWN TO THE WHEEL. THE METAL ON THE WHEEL WAS VISIBLE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE METAL TO SAM'S CLUB, WHERE THE TIRE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER TIRE. SAM'S PERSONNEL ADVISED CONSUMER TO CALL B.F.GOODRICH SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE. CONSUMER PAID FOR TWO NEW FRONT TIRES, CALLED MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD TO SEND THE TIRE RECEIPT ALONG WITH TWO ESTIMATES. A DECISION WILL BE MADE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE TIRE WILL BE SENT BACK TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10081367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
RT. FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR UNTIL I READ, ON THIS WEBSITE, THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS.
NHTSA complaint #10063975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A BUCKLE TO THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10032437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON IT ,SECOND OWNER ,VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT BY ORIGINAL OWNER, THE CROSSMEMBER DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE RADIATOR IS COMPLETELY RUSTING AWAY, WHICH IS WHERE A MOTOR MOUNT IS ATTACHED .I CONTACTED NISSAN'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD OF THE HARSH WINTERS AND ROAD CHEMICALS IN PENNSYLVANIA WAS THE REASON.NISSAN'S RESOLUTION WAS SENDING ME A QUESTIONNAIRE TO FILL OUT.ALSO UNUSUAL RUST HOLES AROUND THE DOOR HINGES. THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE IS RUST FREE. MY CONCERN IS SOME TYPE OF STRUCTURE FAILURE IN THE FUTURE.
NHTSA complaint #754914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #895024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES DURING NORMAL USE.
NHTSA complaint #748523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN LOW ON OIL, THE ONLY TIME IT COMES ON IS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
VOLUME CONTROL ON RADIO IS UNCONTROLABLE, VEHICLE VIBRATES CAUSING WIDE FLUCTUATION OF RADIO VOLUME, ALSO USING REAR DEFROSTER INTERFERS WITH RADIO FREQUENCY AND VOLUME.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
CONSUMER STATES FUEL INJECTOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
BOTH HALF SHAFTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
BOTH HALF SHAFTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
CONSUMR STATES SENSOR FOR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL GO OFF FREQUENTLY WHETHER A PASSENGER IS SEATED OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #785399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE WHILE DRIVING . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #881671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.