1996 Nissan SentraUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

141 federal complaints (177 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 42 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 45 model years of the Nissan Sentra →
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
24 city / 33 hwy
Federal complaints
141
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
54
Glass & wipers
17
Electrical system
12
Power train
11
Brakes
11
Engine & cooling
10
Speed control
9
Other
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 26 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 14 complaints3 years old: 13 complaints4 years old: 12 complaints5 years old: 7 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 4 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 108 of 141 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

54 complaint records28 crash reports
"AT 60MPH SUDDENLY RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED, DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD, NO IMPACT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

17 complaint records
"VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RECALL COMPONENT FAILURE (98V-093) PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, CONSUMER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Electrical system

12 complaint records1 fire report
"WHILE DRIVING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
SQ99018
opened Jun 1999
OPENSuspensionCORRISION FATIGUE OF FRONT COIL SPRINGS - led to recall 00V063000
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
00V063000SuspensionVEHICLE 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.Normally free
98V093000VisibilityVEHICLE 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.Normally free
98V008000Exterior LightingTHESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1999069
1999-04-28
Suspension11,100On certain 2 door models, corrosion of the front coil springs can result from loss of the protective paint coating and heavy road salt exposure.
1998093
1998-05-12
Visual System12,168WATER COULD ENTER AND DISPLACE THE GREASE IN THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT WHERE THE WIPER LINKAGE ATTACHES TO THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE.
1998008
1998-01-20
Lights And Instruments2,152THESE 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.
1997140
1997-08-14
Engine11,322WHEN 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.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 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.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-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.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE 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
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT 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.
Show 37 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB20-016F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemRADIO 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.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB97-064c
Jun 2020
Power TrainVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN A/T SHIFT LOCK BUTTON REPLACEMENT Service Campaign ID # P7138 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P7138.
P7138 Automatic
May 2020
Power TrainExpiration Notification – Automatic Transmission (A/T) Shift Lock Button Replacement Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1997, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 1996 Model Year Nissan Sentra (B14), 1996 Model Year Nissan 200SX (B14), and...
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
Air BagsSERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle.
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
WheelsNissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
WheelsSERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
Service BrakesIf YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB
NTB-09-129
Sep 2010
EquipmentNISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW...
NTB-09-030
Apr 2009
Electrical SystemNISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
99022
Oct 2005
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99022C
Aug 2003
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99053B
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON NISSAN REVISED TPS ADJUSTMENT PROCDURE. *SLC
NTB01057
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.*JB
NTB99022B
May 2001
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB01023
Apr 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST CONNECTOR. *SLC
NTB99050
Sep 1999
Electrical SystemVEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT A HORN THAT ACTIVATES RANDOMLY. *TT
NTB99022A
Aug 1999
Seat BeltsCONCERNS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE STOPPER BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB98021A
Feb 1999
Electrical SystemVEHICLE WITHIN VARIOUS VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT MISFIRE OR RUNNING ROUGHLY DUE TO SPARK PLUG WIRE(S). *TT
NTB98107
Jan 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingA REVISED SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR THE ENGINE FRONT COVER / TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR THE GA16DE. *YC
98V093
Aug 1998
VisibilityVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR POTENTIAL OF WATER ENTERING WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT, RESULTING GRADUAL WEAR INSIDE THE JOINT AND CAUSING THE WIPERS TO STOP WORKING WHILE THEY ARE BEING USED WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TT
NTB98024A
Aug 1998
Unknown Or OtherVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DTCS P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732 OR P0733 WITH NO DRIVEABILITY INCIDENTS. *YC
NTB98061
Jul 1998
Air BagsINFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT PANEL INSPECTION AFTER PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION. *TT
97102998021
Oct 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE EXPERIENCING ODOR FROM THE TAILPIPE. *YC
NTB97028
Apr 1997
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR P0731, P0732 & P0733 (A/T SIGNALS) WITH NO DRIVEABILITY INCIDENTS. *JD
NTB97032
Apr 1997
Power TrainSHIFT RELEASE BUTTON REPLACEMENT. *JD
NTB97008
Feb 1997
Vehicle Speed ControlIF A VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A MIL "ON" AND DTC P0505 STORED IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE- DUE TO A REVERSE IN POLARITY OF THE IACV-AAC VALVE POWER SOURCE, NORMAL OPERATION OF THE IACV-AAC VALVE MAY BE AFFECTED CAUSING THE MIL TO ACTIVATE. *JD

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Sentra →