1985 Nissan Sentra problems

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The Nissan Sentra is a series of automobiles manufactured by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1982. Since 1999, the Sentra has been categorized as a compact car, while previously it occupied the subcompact class. Until 2006, Sentra was a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny, but since the 2013 model year, Sentra is a rebadged export version of the Sylphy. The Sentra nameplate is not used in Japan. Many other countries in Latin America sell their versions of the Sunny as the Sentra. In Mexico, the first three generations of the Sentra were known as the Nissan Tsuru (Japanese for crane), and the B13 model was sold under that name until 2017, alongside the updated models badged as Sentra.

In North America, the Sentra currently serves as Nissan's compact car, despite being rated as a mid-size car by the EPA due to its interior volume since the 2007 model year. While previous Sentras were subcompacts, the Sentra has grown over the years, with the Nissan Versa having replaced the Sentra in the entry-level area.

The Sentra name was created for Nissan by Ira Bachrach of NameLab, and Bachrach describes the origin as "Nissan wanted consumers to understand that it was quite safe even though it was small. The word Sentra sounds like central as well as sentry, which evokes images of safety."

1985 Nissan Sentra

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Common 1985 Nissan Sentra problems

Common problems with the Nissan Sentra 1985, based on complaints from owners, include engine overheating, faulty cooling and heating systems, and issues with the steering and suspension systems.

  • Faulty Cooling and Heating Systems: The cooling and heating systems in the Nissan Sentra 1985 can also cause problems. The radiator may need replacement, or the A/C may be blowing hot air. These issues can be caused by several factors, including low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a damaged condenser.
  • Steering and Suspension Issues: The steering and suspension systems in the Nissan Sentra 1985 can also cause problems. These issues can include a misaligned steering wheel, pulling to one side while driving, or rough rides. These problems can be caused by several factors, including worn-out ball joints, damaged struts, or low power steering fluid levels.

In addition to these common problems, the Nissan Sentra 1985 can also experience issues with the carburetor, fuel pump, and fuel filter. These issues can cause the car to stall, bog down, or have difficulty starting. A clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump can cause these problems, as well as a dirty or clogged carburetor.

To prevent these problems, it is essential to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for the Nissan Sentra 1985. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections of the steering and suspension systems. It is also essential to address any warning lights or unusual symptoms as soon as they occur to prevent further damage to the vehicle.

1985 Nissan Sentra engine

What common problem on Nissan Sentra?

Various fluid leaks, overheating, power loss, or CVT failure are also possible due to these mechanical issues. That said, if you suspect that you are having a transmission issue, be sure to get it checked out by your local mechanic as soon as possible.

Are older Nissan Sentras good cars?

Despite being two decades old, the first five from the fifth-gen Sentra models are widely considered reliable. For instance, the 2000 model year only had 240+ NHTSA complaints, but with a staggering seven recalls – and one that involves the “service engine soon” warning light that affected more than 600k vehicles.

Is the Nissan Sentra a reliable car?

The Nissan Sentra Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 14th out of 36 for compact cars.

What years did Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?

These are a few of the numerous complaints NHTSA has regarding 2012-2016 Nissan Sentra transmission problems and engine failure. Nissan has not yet issued a recall.

1985 Nissan Sentra car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Sentra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Nissan Sentra complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Nissan Sentra.

2000-01-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JN1PB14S8FU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1998-02-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: JN1PB11SOFU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE RACING AT HIGH RPMS.
1998-02-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • VIN: JN1PB11S2FU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT SHOULDER RETRACTORS FAILED TO LOCK, CAUSING INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
1995-06-16

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-03-15
  • VIN: JN1PB155XFU
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR GASOLINE ENGINE TIMING BELT WAS OMITTED FROM VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL; AS RESULT, TIMING BELT BROKE DISABLING VEHICLE; DAMAGED ENGINE.
1995-06-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JN1PB24S5HU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS HARD TO LOCK SOMETIME. TT
1995-05-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1985-10-21
  • VIN: 1N4PB12S4FC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PLASTIC OUTER CASING FOR METAL SEAT BELT DETERIORATING. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Nissan Sentra problems:

Q&A: 1988 Nissan Sentra - Common Issues, Engine Details & Gas ...
Q&A: 1988 Nissan Sentra - Common Issues, Engine Details & Gas ...
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Sep 22, 2005 ... They are not stock in any Sentra/Sunny, but come in the Pulsar, Primera and X-Trail. 1998 Nissan Frontier XE/2wd/5spd 1 owner, 264k miles 1985 ...

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Feb 5, 2023 ... 1 Sentra, and then 4 generations of the Altima. Outside of recalls, I never had any major issues come up. They are fine cars to get you from ...

1985 Sentra diesel | TDIClub Forums
1985 Sentra diesel | TDIClub Forums
https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php?threads/1985-sentra-diesel.250216/

Hi, my first post after reading the Read this First thread of course! While in the process of looking for a VW diesel I found a 1985 Nissan Sentra for...

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https://forums.nicoclub.com/i-might-buy-a-1985-4x4-720-this-week-what-should-i-watch-out-for-t486310.html

Mar 29, 2010 ... The problems I've seen that a lot of people ... Car: 1985 nissan 720 4x4. Re: I Might buy a ... Sentra · Versa · GTR / Skyline · Juke · Kicks · Leaf ...

Other years of Nissan Sentra

nissan sentra 1986 photo
Sentra 1986
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8

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nissan sentra 1987 photo
Sentra 1987
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nissan sentra 1988 photo
Sentra 1988
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nissan sentra 1989 photo
Sentra 1989
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49

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nissan sentra 1990 photo
Sentra 1990
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nissan sentra 1991 photo
Sentra 1991
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72

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1985 Nissan Sentra photo