1991 Nissan Sentra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (29% 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 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the transmission became stuck. The clutch appeared loose and the gears would not engage. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the clutch was faulty.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2006
“A failure of the electrical wiring harness caused an engine fire in my 1991 sentra. Quick action I was able to save the car from an entire loss which clearly points to where the fire started. Nissan didn't want to even look at unless they charged me 89 dollars for a diagnostic test. They could answer me when asked what value that would add since I have all the wires separated and safely taped from shorting further. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2006
“Driver and front passenger shoulder belts will not lock up, lap belt works as it should. Both seatbelts have been replaced by dealer, did not remedy the problem. *ak *yh”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving vehicle caught on fire. Consumer experienced a strong smell and smoke from under the hood. She then pulled over, and the smoke errupted into flame. The vehicle was totaled. Fire department has advised consumer that fire was fuel related. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2000
“Restraint system analysis was performed by chp-central division mait. The analysis indicated that the restraint failed at the latch plate connection to the motorized guide plate. This report is being filed for the vehicle owner by the chp per our departmental policy.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2000
“Consumer states as he was getting into the driver's seat, his left achilles tendon struck the lever under the seat that controls the movement of the seat from front to back, consumers mobility was hampered for several months, consumer feels the lever should have been placed on the side of the seat or made with thicker shaft. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1999
“While driving driver saw smoke coming from under the front hood. Driver pulled vehicle to the side of the road when it caught on fire in the engine compartment and burned. The fire was put out by the fire department. The vehcle was totalled. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1999
“This problem is dangerous (and recall-worthy) because it leaves the car without power, suddenly, at freeway speeds. More information is available on several websites such as: http://www.se-r-list.org/fifth.gear.phtml. Thank you.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1999
“There seems to be a default in the wiring harness. This caused an electricl fire that burned through a fuel line coming from the carburator. A lot of damage was done to the area around the harness and it was only good luck that kept the fire from causing a complete burn down. Are there any other reports on this type defect? Has there been a call back for this defect? I would be grateful for any information related to this.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1998
“Rubber fuel line failure between stainless line coming from fuel tank to fuel rail. Contact john at superior investigations for more information. 727-848-3923”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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.
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 1991 Nissan Sentra reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Nissan Sentra. The most complained-about area is seat belts (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Nissan Sentra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 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.