1987 Nissan Sentra problems
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."
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Common 1987 Nissan Sentra problems
The Nissan Sentra, produced since 1982, has had a variety of common problems throughout its different generations. However, the search results do not provide specific information about the 1987 Nissan Sentra. The second generation of the Sentra, which includes the 1987 model, ranks first in reliability out of 54 generations, with only six complaints, mostly about engine problems.
The complaints about the second generation Sentra include:
- A knocking noise in time with acceleration in the 1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- A car that doesn't want to start and runs sluggish in the 1989 Sentra (1 complaint).
- A sound like a loose bike chain when driving in the 1988 Sentra (1 complaint).
- Squeal when braking in the 1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- A car that would not start in the 1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- Engine problems in the 1987-1990 Sentra (2 complaints).
- Drivetrain problems in the 1987-1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- Brake problems in the 1987-1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- Electrical problems in the 1987-1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
- Wheel problems in the 1987-1990 Sentra (1 complaint).
These complaints are not specific to the 1987 model but are general issues reported for the second generation of the Sentra. The search results do not provide more detailed or specific information about the 1987 Nissan Sentra.
What is the main problem in Nissan Sentra?
Transmission issues are among the most common and serious problems that can happen to a Nissan Sentra.
Are old 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.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Nissan Sentra have?
70 horsepower
The engine is a carbureted 1.6-liter SOHC four, rated at 70 horsepower and 92 pound-feet.
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.
1987 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
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Nissan Sentra
The NHTSA has received 50 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Nissan Sentra vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- VIN: JN1PB2213HU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENGINE IDLE IS HIGH AFTER STARTING AND REMAINS HIGH AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP. IDLE IS ROUGH AT LOW RPM AND HESITANT UNDER A LOAD. CONSUMES MORE GAS THAN NORMAL, ABOUT 80 MILES A TANK LESS RANGE. MOLDING IS FALLING OFF ON BODY.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-10
- VIN: 1N4PB2157HC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION WOULD STALL FOR NO REASON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED. HAPPENED 3 YEARS LATER. WAS INFORMED THAT TORQUE CONVERTOR WAS PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE AT CRUISE, THE ENGINE STARTED TO STALL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL TO A SIDE OF FREEWAY, ENGINE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER, FIRE ERRUPTED; ALSO REPLACED ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4PB21S6HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, RESULTING IN STALLING/RACING OF ENGINE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHEN PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, SOMETIMES WILL START AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BOLT THAT HOLDS TRANSMISSION AND GEAR BOX TO STAY TOGETHER BROKE, CAUSING THEM TO SEPERATE AND DROP TO GROUND. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: JN1PB21SXHU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE INOPERATIVE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-27
- VIN: JN1PB21SXHU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RELEASE BUTTON NEED TO BE REPLACE UNDER RECALL, DEALER SAID THAT THE ORANGE BUCKLE WERE NOT INCLUDED, SEATBELT NO LONGER WORKS AT ALL.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1PB21SXHU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE RELEASE BUTTON IN BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES REPLACED, WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE BROKEN. FOUR DAYS AFTER ASSUMED REPAIR, OWNER RECEIVED A CALL SAYING THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL HAD ARRIVED. NOW THAT THE WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED THE DRIVER SIDE BELT IS INOPERATIVE AND DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-21
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO CONTACT HIM WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN, THE CONSUMER HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: UPON FRONTAL IMPACT OF A HERD OF DEER, NON-MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN, ALLOWING DRIVER TO MAKE CONTACT W/STEERING WHEEL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1PB2412HU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE SEAT BELT BUTTONS REPLACED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, BUT DEALER DID NOT HAVE PARTS AND THEY NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. OWNER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE WORK THAT SHE MISSED BECAUSE OF WAITING FOR CAR REPAIR.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1PB25S8HU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4PB21F8HC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: AT TIMES THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK, THERE ARE TIMES THAT THE DOORS WILL FREEZE UP AND THE DOORS CANNOT BE SHUT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-21
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: REPLACE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BADLY WORN MOUNTING BRACKETS CAUSES VEHICLE TO VIBRATE.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1N4PB21S5HC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE REAR DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE REAR DOOR ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2DJN1PB22S5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THERE'S A LOT OF WEIGHT IN THE CAR , THE BRAKES GET REAL HOT AND THE BRAKES TAKE A LONG DISTANCE TO STOP. PLEASE DESCRBIE IN DETAIL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-21
- VIN: JN1PB2117HU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR MIXTURE HEATER SOLENOID FAILED, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK OUT IN EXHAUST.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER DURING COLLISION. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVER'S DOOR OPENED UPON IMPACT, ALLOWING DRIVER TO BE EJECTED FROM VEHICLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: JN1PB12S7EU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE HANDLE KEEPS BREAKING AND CAUSES DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR*AK EXTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE BREAKS SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING, THE DEFECTIVE/FAULTY PIECE IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND SHOULD BE MADE OF METAL, MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND READILY STOCKS THE HANDLE AT THEIR PARTS DEPARTMENT.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE FAILED. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: 1N4PB22S8HC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO OWNERS REFUSAL TO LEAVE VEHICLE. *DH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JNIPB2116HU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING MADE A LEFT TURN AND SPARKS CAME FROM VEHICLE AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BLEW UP. COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1987 Nissan Sentra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Nissan Sentra.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Nissan Sentra problems:
1987 Nissan Sentra XE - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Mar 6, 2013 ... Sounds like you may have a problem with the accelerator pump and perhaps even the float, both common problems in old carbs. BustedKnuckles ...
1987 Sentra engine power issues | Nissan Forum
Jan 7, 2017 ... Sounds like new rotor, new NGK plugs (BPR5ES-11), and new cap should remedy, unless cat back-pressure has ensued. There is a BPT valve that ...
Q&A: 87 Nissan Sentra - Carburated Manual Transmission
Mar 7, 2010 ... The coil and the ignition module have to have good electrical connections to the system. Being an 87 model it is common to see wiring problems ...
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Aug 3, 2014 ... Any common problems with these. 1986.5 ... 87 Nissan SE-V6 4x4 king cab ... (formerly owned: 1993 Nissan Hardbody king cab 2wd, 90 Nissan Sentra ...
2nd Generation (1987-1990) Sentra Problems
Sep 1, 2018 ... Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st out of 54 Nissan generations in overall reliability , with some engine and drivetrain concerns.
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