1990 Nissan Sentra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While vehicle was parked or while driving it was leaking transmission fluid. This caused the transmission to shift hard and rough. Consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2004
“Consumer stated vehicle had a faulty transmission, vehicle leaked oil and transmission fluid. Consumer contacted the dealer. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2004
“Car went to sears for four new tires and alignment, mechanic replaced ball joints prior to alignment, while aligning rear left toe cam bolt snapped, sent 16yr old home with vehicle until part arrives in day or two.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Left rear tire blewout and vehicle spun and rolled over, both passengers bruised, vehicle totaled (kelly springfield monarch t-p radial 175/70r13). Nlm”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2000
“Consumer was traveling about 75 mph on highway and heard a banging noise. Vehicle rolled and sprung forward. *ak tire failed. *yh”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2000
“Shoulder belt webbing failed. The webbing separated completely during a head on collision. For further information, contact mr. Marv sprinkman, motor carrier specialist, california highway patrol central division mait unit, (559)277-7250,case number cl-010-00. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2000
“While driving at approximately, 35-40 mph vehicle hit a tree on the passenger's side. Seat belt system malfunctioned, causing the lap belt to break in half. But driver's lap belt was still buckled. Shoulder belt got caught around the neck, causing the seat belt to cut through the driver's neck, and driver sustained serious injuries. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1999
“While driving vehicle owner smelled gas fumes.owner then took vehicle to dealer, and was told that fuel injectors were faulty. Problem has been repaired. *ak *slc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 1997
“Oil leaks from the defective crankshaft seal onto pulley/drive belt and other parts of engine. There is a danger of fire. Also, engine could seize, stranding vehicle in traffic. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1997
“Recall related, 91v022, driver side lap/shoulder belt failed, did not retract, impact 12:00 position, speed 35mph. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.
IMPROPER BELT GUIDE PERFORMANCE CAN CAUSE FRAYING OF THE SHOULDER SAFETY BELTS NEAR THE RETRACTOR.
Remedy: MODIFY THE SAFETY BELT GUIDES TO PREVENT FRAYING; AND OR REPLACE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IF FRAYING IS PRESENT.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sentra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Nissan Sentra reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Nissan Sentra. The most complained-about area is seat belts (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Nissan Sentra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,958 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Nissan Sentra have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.