Owners have filed 177 complaints
about the 1996 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 1996 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 34 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Nissan Sentra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Frontal
3251.6%
Automatic Transmission
711.3%
Linkages
69.7%
Sensor/Control Module
46.5%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
46.5%
Accelerator Pedal
34.8%
Tail Lights
34.8%
Engine
34.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
317.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
317.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
741.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
211.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.9%
150,000+ miles
15.9%
When owners complained
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.
Feb 1996peak 10May 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Nissan Sentra
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.
1
investigation is
still open.
SQ99018Opened 17 Jun 1999Still openSUSPENSION
CORRISION FATIGUE OF FRONT COIL SPRINGS
NISSAN IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL IN CANADA OF 11,100 1994 THROUGH 1996 SENTRA 2 DOOR MODELS IN WHICH THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE FRACTURING FROM CORROSION FATIGUE.NISSAN REPORTED THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR FROM A LOSS OF THE PROTECTIVE PAINT COATING ON THE SPRINGS AND EXPOSURE TO HEAVY ROAD SALT.CORROSION CAN CAUSE PITS TO FORM ON THE SPRING SURFACE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE SPRING.A BROKEN SPRING COULDPUNCTURE THE AFFECTED TIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.THE CANADIAN RECALL NUMBER FOR THIS IS 99-069, DATED APRIL 28, 1999.THE PURPOSE OF THIS SQ IS TO DETERMIN...
Recalls on the 1996 Nissan Sentra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
00V063000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT CORROSION RESISTANCE IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHERE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF DE-ICING SALTS ARE APPLIED TO ROADS IN THE WINTER.
Risk: IF A BROKEN SPRING COMES OUT OF THE LOWER SEAT, IT COULD CONTACT AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE.
98V093000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
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.
98V008000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199906911,100 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain 2 door models, corrosion of the front coil springs can result from loss of the protective paint coating and heavy road salt exposure. This corrosion may cause pits to form on the spring surface resulting in possible fatigue failure. If a broken spring comes out of the lower seat, it may contact the tire and cause it to deflate. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Front coil springs will be replaced with ones that have been coated with zinc phosphate.
Recall 199809312,168 units in Canada
Visual System
WATER COULD ENTER AND DISPLACE THE GREASE IN THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT WHERE THE WIPER LINKAGE ATTACHES TO THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE. THIS COULD RESULT IN GRADUAL WEAR INSIDE THE JOINT THAT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE WIPER LINKAGE ASSEMBLY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE AT THE BALL JOINT. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION. CORRECTION: A WATER DIVERSION SHIELD WILL BE ADDED TO THE WIPER LINKAGE BALL JOINT AREA. ALSO, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WIPER PIVOT AND TWO WIPER LINKS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES.
Recall 19980082,152 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. THE STOP LAMP DOES NOT MEET THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: NEW BRIGHTER STOP LAMP BULBS WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. LABELS WITH NEW BULB NUMBERS WILL BE PLACED ON THE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Recall 199714011,322 units in Canada
Engine
WHEN THE THROTTLE POSITION REMAINS UNCHANGED WHEN DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE IN THE THROTTLE CHAMBER AND FREEZE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE THROTTLE BEING KEPT OPEN AND THE ENGINE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE BRAKING. CORRECTION: A MODIFIED THROTTLE CHAMBER GASKET, WHICH HAS A COUNTERMEASURE SLEEVE, AND A MODIFIED ECM, WHICH CONTROLS EGR OPERATION UNDER LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, WILL BE INSTALLED IF NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 147,849 milesEverett, WACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
JULY 20 2016 WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A HONDA ACCORD DOING 40 MPH WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE IMPACT SLAMMED US INTO THE CHEVY SILVERADO IN FRONT OF US. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10898303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,233 milesFort Myers, FLCrash1 injured
TIRES
1996 NISSAN SENTRA, WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE DRIVER WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE MEDIAN WALL. HE RETURNED TO THE ROADWAY AND DROVE OFF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING ON THE NORTH BERM. *BF THE DRIVER STATED HE HAD TO KEEP PUTTING AIR IN THE TIRE PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0913-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/31/11
NHTSA complaint #10381872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesOlympia, WACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING IN THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE WAS RAMMED FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVER FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE INDICATED THERE WERE NO TAIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO NOTICE IF IT WAS MOVING OR NOT AT NIGHT. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AT THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO ALERT THE CONTACT FOR AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. AFTER NINE YEARS OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED A NHTSA RECALL # 98V008000 WHICH MATCHED THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10176196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yazoo City, MSCrash3 injured
CHILD SEAT
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH A TANKER TRUCK CUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE OFF. TO AVOID A COLLISION CONSUMER PULLED ONTO A SHOULDER. THEN, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT TO ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT DETACHED FROM THE BASE WITH A CHILD IN IT AND CRASHED THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. THE CHILD SUSTAINED A BRUISED SPLEEN AND TAIL BONE WHILE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES. ANOTHER PASSENGER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA, AND OTHER SCRAPES AND BRUISES.
NHTSA complaint #10067113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madera, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH HAD AN ACCIDENT. WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE ,AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA complaint #10006141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanit Augustine, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE WENT UNDER A TRUCK, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CUNCUSSION, FACIAL AND CHEST BRUISES, THREE BROKEN BONES IN THE RIGHT FOOT AND NOW SUFFERS FROM HEADACHES (SOMETIMES SEVERE).
NHTSA complaint #8018167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 2,000 milesLong Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL". MAD A RIGHT HAND TURN AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS RANDOMLY DEPLOYED.THEY CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK BADLY. DIDNT HIT ANOTHER CAR NOR ANYTHING WITH MAKING THE TURN. WAS MOVING IN A CITY STREET AT 9PM SO NOT MUCH TRAFFIC. TURNED INTO AN EMPTY STREET LUCKILY.
NHTSA complaint #11097985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLong Beach, CA
STEERING
"TAKATA RECALL". MAD A RIGHT HAND TURN AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS RANDOMLY DEPLOYED.THEY CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK BADLY. DIDNT HIT ANOTHER CAR NOR ANYTHING WITH MAKING THE TURN. WAS MOVING IN A CITY STREET AT 9PM SO NOT MUCH TRAFFIC. TURNED INTO AN EMPTY STREET LUCKILY.
NHTSA complaint #11097985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLong Beach, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
"TAKATA RECALL". MAD A RIGHT HAND TURN AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS RANDOMLY DEPLOYED.THEY CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK BADLY. DIDNT HIT ANOTHER CAR NOR ANYTHING WITH MAKING THE TURN. WAS MOVING IN A CITY STREET AT 9PM SO NOT MUCH TRAFFIC. TURNED INTO AN EMPTY STREET LUCKILY.
NHTSA complaint #11097985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesAvondale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL POWER LOST, INCLUDING ENGINE, POWER BRAKES, AND POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. CAUSE IS AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ON WIRING HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT ON A POWER WIRE. IN PARTICULAR, THE FAULTY CONNECTOR IS E104 ON THE HEC (THE BACK OF THE FUSE PANEL IN DRIVER SIDE COMPARTMENT). FAILURE OCCURS MORE OFTEN IN HOT WEATHER. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE WHILE DRIVING, AND DOZENS OF TIMES WHEN PARKED. JIGGLING THE CONNECTOR OFTEN RESTORES POWER. ALSO, A SIMILAR POWER WIRE OPEN CIRCUIT OCCURS ON ANOTHER CONNECTOR ON THE SAME HEC THAT CAUSES ALL LIGHTING TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND MOST INTERIOR LIGHTING TO FAIL. FAILURE HAS OCCURED AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM SEEING HOW FAST THEY ARE TRAVELING.
NHTSA complaint #11083168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avondale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CPSP: MY CAR, A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA, LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. NO POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES, ENGINE TURNED OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING, AND NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN I GO TO START UP THE CAR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY INTERMITTENT CIRCUIT. UPDATED 10/16/2017
NHTSA complaint #11033749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,849 milesEverett, WACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
JULY 20 2016 WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A HONDA ACCORD DOING 40 MPH WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE IMPACT SLAMMED US INTO THE CHEVY SILVERADO IN FRONT OF US. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10898303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,233 milesFort Myers, FLCrash1 injured
TIRES
1996 NISSAN SENTRA, WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE DRIVER WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE MEDIAN WALL. HE RETURNED TO THE ROADWAY AND DROVE OFF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING ON THE NORTH BERM. *BF THE DRIVER STATED HE HAD TO KEEP PUTTING AIR IN THE TIRE PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0913-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/31/11
NHTSA complaint #10381872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesBronx, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
AIR CONDITIONER -- WHEN I HAD AIR CONDITIONER ON THE CAR WOULD STALL. AFTER BRINGING IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS, I FINALLY CONVINCED ONE THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND HE CLEANED THE THROTTLE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING MUCH BETTER.
NHTSA complaint #10276956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesBolling Green, KY
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOWERED ONTO ITS FRONT AXLE AND WAS TOWED TO A TIRE SHOP. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS HAD ALUMINUM RIMS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
NHTSA complaint #10230974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
INSUFFICIENT HEADREST FOAM COVERAGE. FOAM DEGRADES OR SELF MOVES OUT OF POSITION TO REVEAL INTERNAL METAL FRAME WHICH RUNS ACROSS ENTIRE HEADREST AT POINT OF HEAD IMPACT. PART DOES NOT SEEM SERVICEABLE FOR REPAIR, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER WITH UPDATED VERSION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE BOTH TRIGGERED TOO EASILY BY TOO MANY SENSORS, SO VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN SHOP WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND. SEEMS LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED BY AN OVERLY-WORRIED CAR MANUFACTURER, OR FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING OWNERS FEEL THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO GREATLY INCREASES THE LIKELY HOOD OF FAILING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM ALL THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WHICH ARE VERY DISTRACTIVE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, AND USUALLY COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IN 1996, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE SENTRA MODEL. NISSAN'S FIX FOR THIS WAS A BRIGHTER BULB. SINCE MY CAR WAS BOUGHT USED, AND THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT UPGRADE TO THE NEW BULBS, AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THE REPLACEMENT BULBS, OWNER'S MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. NISSAN DEALERS DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT BULB TO REPLACE IT WITH FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MANY 1996 NISSAN SENTRAS ON THE ROAD TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
INSUFFICIENT HEADREST FOAM COVERAGE. FOAM DEGRADES OR SELF MOVES OUT OF POSITION TO REVEAL INTERNAL METAL FRAME WHICH RUNS ACROSS ENTIRE HEADREST AT POINT OF HEAD IMPACT. PART DOES NOT SEEM SERVICEABLE FOR REPAIR, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER WITH UPDATED VERSION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE BOTH TRIGGERED TOO EASILY BY TOO MANY SENSORS, SO VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN SHOP WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND. SEEMS LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED BY AN OVERLY-WORRIED CAR MANUFACTURER, OR FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING OWNERS FEEL THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO GREATLY INCREASES THE LIKELY HOOD OF FAILING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM ALL THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WHICH ARE VERY DISTRACTIVE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, AND USUALLY COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IN 1996, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE SENTRA MODEL. NISSAN'S FIX FOR THIS WAS A BRIGHTER BULB. SINCE MY CAR WAS BOUGHT USED, AND THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT UPGRADE TO THE NEW BULBS, AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THE REPLACEMENT BULBS, OWNER'S MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. NISSAN DEALERS DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT BULB TO REPLACE IT WITH FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MANY 1996 NISSAN SENTRAS ON THE ROAD TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
INSUFFICIENT HEADREST FOAM COVERAGE. FOAM DEGRADES OR SELF MOVES OUT OF POSITION TO REVEAL INTERNAL METAL FRAME WHICH RUNS ACROSS ENTIRE HEADREST AT POINT OF HEAD IMPACT. PART DOES NOT SEEM SERVICEABLE FOR REPAIR, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER WITH UPDATED VERSION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE BOTH TRIGGERED TOO EASILY BY TOO MANY SENSORS, SO VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN SHOP WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND. SEEMS LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED BY AN OVERLY-WORRIED CAR MANUFACTURER, OR FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING OWNERS FEEL THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO GREATLY INCREASES THE LIKELY HOOD OF FAILING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM ALL THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WHICH ARE VERY DISTRACTIVE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, AND USUALLY COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IN 1996, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE SENTRA MODEL. NISSAN'S FIX FOR THIS WAS A BRIGHTER BULB. SINCE MY CAR WAS BOUGHT USED, AND THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT UPGRADE TO THE NEW BULBS, AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THE REPLACEMENT BULBS, OWNER'S MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. NISSAN DEALERS DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT BULB TO REPLACE IT WITH FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MANY 1996 NISSAN SENTRAS ON THE ROAD TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
INSUFFICIENT HEADREST FOAM COVERAGE. FOAM DEGRADES OR SELF MOVES OUT OF POSITION TO REVEAL INTERNAL METAL FRAME WHICH RUNS ACROSS ENTIRE HEADREST AT POINT OF HEAD IMPACT. PART DOES NOT SEEM SERVICEABLE FOR REPAIR, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER WITH UPDATED VERSION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE BOTH TRIGGERED TOO EASILY BY TOO MANY SENSORS, SO VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN SHOP WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND. SEEMS LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED BY AN OVERLY-WORRIED CAR MANUFACTURER, OR FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING OWNERS FEEL THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO GREATLY INCREASES THE LIKELY HOOD OF FAILING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM ALL THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WHICH ARE VERY DISTRACTIVE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, AND USUALLY COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IN 1996, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE SENTRA MODEL. NISSAN'S FIX FOR THIS WAS A BRIGHTER BULB. SINCE MY CAR WAS BOUGHT USED, AND THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT UPGRADE TO THE NEW BULBS, AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THE REPLACEMENT BULBS, OWNER'S MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. NISSAN DEALERS DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT BULB TO REPLACE IT WITH FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MANY 1996 NISSAN SENTRAS ON THE ROAD TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesOlympia, WACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING IN THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE WAS RAMMED FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVER FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE INDICATED THERE WERE NO TAIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO NOTICE IF IT WAS MOVING OR NOT AT NIGHT. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AT THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO ALERT THE CONTACT FOR AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. AFTER NINE YEARS OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED A NHTSA RECALL # 98V008000 WHICH MATCHED THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10176196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMurray, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED 4 TIMES SINCE MY OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. CAR FAILS TO START, WITH IT BEING IN THE FIRING SYSTEM THIS PRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10173922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMurray, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED 4 TIMES SINCE MY OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. CAR FAILS TO START, WITH IT BEING IN THE FIRING SYSTEM THIS PRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10173922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,050 milesMaumee, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE WASHER NOZZLES ONLY EMITTED FLUID INTERMITTENTLY, AND OCCASIONALLY IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE DEALERS, WHERE THE DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/30/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10172839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumee, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. VIN NUMBER IS 3N1AB41D0TL0XXXXX. THERE ARE THREE OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE: 1. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES 2. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS NONE OF THE NISSAN DEALERS IN MY AREA HAVE OFFERED TO FIX ANY OF THESE RECALL ISSUES FOR FREE (AS IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW). MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THESE SAFETY DEFECTS IN IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NISSAN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THESE RECALL DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10172838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,060 milesMaumee, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN IT RAINED; THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAR THE RAIN WATER OFF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, AS THEY DID NOT COME INTO COMPLETE CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 98V093000, FOR VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD/WASHER: LINKAGES FOUND ON THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE RECALL SERVICE AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 11/30/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10172843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumee, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. VIN NUMBER IS 3N1AB41D0TL0XXXXX. THERE ARE THREE OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE: 1. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES 2. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS NONE OF THE NISSAN DEALERS IN MY AREA HAVE OFFERED TO FIX ANY OF THESE RECALL ISSUES FOR FREE (AS IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW). MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THESE SAFETY DEFECTS IN IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NISSAN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THESE RECALL DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10172838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumee, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. VIN NUMBER IS 3N1AB41D0TL0XXXXX. THERE ARE THREE OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE: 1. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES 2. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS NONE OF THE NISSAN DEALERS IN MY AREA HAVE OFFERED TO FIX ANY OF THESE RECALL ISSUES FOR FREE (AS IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW). MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THESE SAFETY DEFECTS IN IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NISSAN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THESE RECALL DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10172838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumee, OH
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. VIN NUMBER IS 3N1AB41D0TL0XXXXX. THERE ARE THREE OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE: 1. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES 2. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS NONE OF THE NISSAN DEALERS IN MY AREA HAVE OFFERED TO FIX ANY OF THESE RECALL ISSUES FOR FREE (AS IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW). MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THESE SAFETY DEFECTS IN IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NISSAN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THESE RECALL DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10172838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBurke, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THE LEAKAGE BALL THAT CONNECTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO THE WIPER MOTOR SNAPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 98V093000, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGES. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10150996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesWalnut Creek, CA
VISIBILITY
THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN . AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S VISION IS IMPAIRED. THE DEALER STATES THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *AK ON THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE SWIVEL HINGE CLIP BROKE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10117200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
12/28/04...I WAS DRIVING ON 2ND AVE IN TROY, NY, IT BEGAN TO SNOW/RAIN...TURNED ON MY WIPERS AND THAT IS WHEN I HEARD A SNAP NOISE AND THEN MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM SEEMED TO BE BROKEN. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THE VERY NEXT MORNING AND THEY SAID IT WAS BROKEN, THAT A PLASTIC PIECE SNAPPED OFF. IT WAS A DEALERSHIP ITEM, BUT THAT IT IS A NISSAN RECALL ITEM. MY MECHANIC PRINTED OUT THE RECALL INFO AND I WENT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN LATHAM, NY. I WAS VERY UPSET WHEN THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PART IS A BACK ORDER PART AND WOULD NOT BE IN UNTIL SOMETIME IN JANUARY OF 2005. MEANWHILE, I HAVE TO GO TO WORK AND CAN'T DRIVE IN THE RAIN, SNOW, SLEET, HAIL. WHEN I ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T FEDEX THE PART THE DEALERSHIP IN LATHAM TOLD ME IT IS BECAUSE IT IS A BACK-ORDER ITEM. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD LOAN ME A CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A RECALL ITEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T KNOW AND THEN PROMISED I WOULD HEAR FROM THEM THE SAME DAY IN A LITTLE WHILE, THEY HAD TO WAIT ON AN ANSWER FROM SOMEONE. I NEVER HEARD BACK, SO I CALLED THEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD GET ME A RENTAL CAR, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. I WAS VERY UPSET BECAUSE FIRST OF ALL, THIS DEFECT IS NOT MY DOING. SECOND, I CAN END UP WITH NO JOB IF I CAN'T GET TO MY JOB. THAT IS THE ENTIRE PROBLEM, NO CAR TO GO TO WORK WITH IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS WHILE WAITING ON NISSAN FOR THE PART ON BACK ORDER. THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE DEALERSHIP IS: NEMITH MOTOR CORP., ROUTE 9, BOX 669, LATHAM, NY 12110. PH: 1-800-395-0798.
NHTSA complaint #10104739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.