1988 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 1988 Nissan Sentra problems
The 1988 Nissan Sentra, like any vehicle, can experience a variety of issues based on complaints from owners. Here are some common problems and their details:
- Transmission issues: Transmission problems have been reported in the 1988 Nissan Sentra, which can cause temporary loss of power and total failure. These issues can lead to crippled vehicles and large repair bills.
- Brake problems: Brake issues are a recurring problem for Nissan Sentras, with some 2013 models experiencing brakes that don't engage until the pedal hits the floor due to a failed master brake cylinder.
- Unusual noises: Some 2016 Nissan Sentra owners have reported hearing loud howling or screeching noises during windy days and at high speeds, with no clear cause identified. This can be distressing for drivers and may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
- Body and paint problems: The 2016 Nissan Sentra has faced a plethora of body and paint problems, including early fading or flaking of paint and clear coat, rusting chrome trims, and loose or falling off moldings and trims.
To address these issues, it is recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or Nissan dealership for proper diagnosis and repair. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help prevent some of these problems from occurring or worsening.
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.
What engine is in a 1988 Nissan Sentra?
In 1988, all Sentras had the 70 hp (52 kW) E16i, which was offered for this year with throttle body injection (TBI). In many parts of the world the E-series soldiered on in the B12 chassis with some versions getting the multi-point fuel injection E16E engine.
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.
Does Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Sentra CVT Transmissions Failure
Nissan Sentra owners have reported that their vehicles are experiencing potentially dangerous issues with their CVTs. These issues occur under a variety of conditions, including acceleration or driving at highway speeds.
1988 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
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Nissan Sentra
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Nissan Sentra vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-24
- VIN: JN1PB22SXJU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE EXECUTING A LOW SPEED LEFT HAND TURN, THE LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND EXPENSIVE FRONT SUSPENSION REPAIRS. THE LEFT WHEEL TURNED PERPENDICULAR TO THE CAR AND THE CAR SKIDDED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WITH THE FRONT TIRES POINTING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE. TOWED IN FOR REPAIRS. THE CV JOINT, STRUT AND STEERING RACK WERE ALL DAMAGED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM FAILURE. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE JUST IN FRONT OF THE BALL JOINT. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4PB21S0JC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1988 NISSAN SENTRA INSURANCE CLAIM FOR REPAIR. *TS *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVER'S SEAT CALLAPSED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HOLD ON TO STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4PB22S7JC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE IS COSTING TOO MUCH TO FIX. THE HEAD WAS REPLACED, BUT STIL NOT WORKING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-02
- VIN: JU1PB22S2JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE WORKS ONCE A MONTH, THEN FAILS. *ET
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1PB21S2JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: A FAILURE IN EITHER OF THE TWO RUBBER OR NEOPRENE HOSES IN THE AIR INJECTION SYSTEM WILL ALLOW EXHAUST GASES TO BACKFLOW AND CAUSE A FIRE. IF THE LOWER HOSE BREAKS THE DISTRIBUTER AND WIRING WILL IGNITE. A FAILURE AT THE AIR INTAKE REED SYSTEM COULD POSSIBLY IGNITE IT AS IT IS NON- METAL. ADDITIONALLY IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING WORKED ON WITHOUT THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY ON THE CAR EXHAUST WILL BACKFLOW OUT OF THE AIR INJECTION TUBE AND IGNITE THE NON METALLIC PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-30
- VIN: UNAVAILABLE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK LEAKS FUEL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JN1PB22S2JU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS AT REST, HIT FROM REAR, DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER. DRIVER'S HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1PB22SOJU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CHECKED OIL AND FILLED UP THE OIL HOLDER, 200 MILE IN THE TRIP A LOUD CLANKING SOUND WAS HEARD UNDER THE HOOD, LOST POWER, NO RESTART, AFTER OPENING THE HOOD SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE, TECHNICIAN REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE SIMPLY BURST FOR LACK OF OIL, NO INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-07
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JN1PB22S1JU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR STUCK.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE LEAKS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4PB22S4JP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AND THEN BROKE IN HALF AT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT CONNECTION, CAUSING INJURIES TO HEAD, NECK AND BODY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4PB22S0JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT SPEEDS OF 35MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UNTIL AFTER CONSUMER HIT STEERING WHEEL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT PENETRATED ENGINE, CAUSING FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-02-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN1PB2256JU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT CV JOINT BROKE OFF/WENT INTO TRANSMISSION, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASED CAR USED, THERE IS CRACK IN THE ENGINE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4PB22S5JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT, AT 30 MPH, THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT DID NOT STAY LOCKED IN PLACE., IT DISCONNECTED UPON IMPACT.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1N4PB22S1JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN FAILURE DURING ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: JN1PB24S1JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUSIBLE LINK SHORTED OUT, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE'S RACK AND PINION STEERING HAS TO BE REPLACED, BALL JOINTS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1N4PB22S1JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, CAUSING INJURY IN ACCIDENT. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-01
- VIN: JN1PB2452JU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL GUAGE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. *DSH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-01
- VIN: JN1PB2452JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TEMPERATURE GUAGE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY.
1988 Nissan Sentra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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 1988 Nissan Sentra problems:
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