1989 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 1989 Nissan Sentra problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 Nissan Sentra, here are some common problems associated with this car:
- Knocking Noise in Time with Acceleration (1990 Sentra):
- Owners reported a knocking noise that synchronized with acceleration in the 1990 Sentra.
- Difficulty Starting and Sluggish Performance (1989 Sentra):
- Some owners experienced issues with starting the car and noted sluggish performance in the 1989 Sentra.
- Sounds Like a Loose Bike Chain While Driving (1988 Sentra):
- Complaints mentioned a noise resembling a loose bike chain while driving the 1988 Sentra.
- Squealing Noise When Braking (1990 Sentra):
- Owners reported a squealing noise specifically when braking in the 1990 Sentra.
- Starting Issues (1990 Sentra):
- Some owners faced challenges with the car not starting at all in the 1990 Sentra.
These complaints highlight various issues that owners faced with the 1989 Nissan Sentra, ranging from engine problems to brake and electrical issues. It's essential for potential buyers to be aware of these common problems to make informed decisions regarding the purchase and maintenance of this vehicle.
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.
What engine does a 1989 Sentra have?
From 1989 to 1990, the only engine choice was the 90 hp (67 kW) GA16i, a 12-valve SOHC predecessor of the GA16DE.
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.
1989 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
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Nissan Sentra
The NHTSA has received 49 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Nissan Sentra vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR DIES AT STOPS.EASILY STARTS UP AGAIN. OXYGEN SENSOR HAS BEEN CHANGED BUT DID NOT MAKE A CHANGE. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AS TRAFFIC IS HEAVY. MECHANIC HAS CLEANED AND CHECKED BUT CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM. THIS STARTED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO.*AK
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-20
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP,AND MECHANIC INDICATED BUSHINGS HAD WORN OUT EXCESSIVELY. ALSO, WELDS HAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED T FRAME TO CRACK ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. MECHANIC GAVE NO GUARANTEE PRBLEM WILL REMAIN FIXED.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-25
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AUTOMOBILE JUMPED FORWARD IN LOWER GEARS. CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE JUMPING WAS THE CAUSE. TOOK AUTOMOBILE TO DEALER, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE AUTOMOBILE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-16
- VIN: 1N4GB22S1KC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WAS GOING 30MPH WHEN ACCELERATOR WENT TO THE FLOOR. THROTTLE STUCK. HAD BOTH FEET ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. STEERED VEHICLE TO PARKING LOT. TURNED VEHICLE OFF. PUSHED INTO PARKING SPACE. HAVE NOT BEEN TO DEALER, BUT WILL BE GOING. *AK*ADJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHENEVER VEHICLE MADE A STOP OR WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT IN PARK IN ORDER TO START BACK UP. DRIVER WAS KILLED IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE VEHICLE STALLED COMING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-07-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE STRUTS REAR TIRES GOT BALD 3 TIMES. DEALER REPLACED THE STRUTS. PRESENTLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE SAME PROBLEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4GB21S3KC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SEALS FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE BODY CONTAINS STRESS FRACTURES.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-09
- VIN: JN1GB25Y3KU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1N4GB21S9KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED IN ACCIDENT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-09
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JN1GB22SKU5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, RESULTING IN INJURIES WHEN SEAT BELT FAILED DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT, CONSUMER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. (95V103-002).
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1PB21SXHU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4GD22S8KC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING REAR IMPACT AT SPEEDS OF 15 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS ONTO THE REAR SEAT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4GB21S1KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE RELEASE BUTTON ON HIS SEAT BELTS , DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT THE DAY AFTER HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, HE NOTES THAT SHOULDER STRAPS DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE AND DRIVER HIT STEERING WHEEL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-27
- VIN: 1N4GB22S3KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCH BROKE PRIOR TO RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-27
- VIN: 1N4GB22S3KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN INOPERATIVE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-05
- VIN: 1N4GB215BKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE FREEZE PLUG CORRODED AND THE WATER RAN OUT OF THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP WHILE DRIVNG ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS. *AK IGNITION WIRES AND PARTS WERE ALL MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FREEZE PLU HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: JN1GB21S5KU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED RELEASE BUTTON FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: JN1GB21S5KU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT WHEN CROSSING POTHOLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: JN1GB21S5KU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER RUSTED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: JN1GB21S5KU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DEFROSTER SYSTEM INADEQUATE, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PLASTIC CHAIN ON TIMING BELT BROKE WHILE DRIVING, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERATIVE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1N4GB22S3KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD MELTED DUE TO DEFECTIVE FAN SENSOR. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IMMEDIATELY IN ITS TRACKS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1989 Nissan Sentra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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 1989 Nissan Sentra problems:
Opinions of the 1989 Nissan Sentra | Nissan Forum
Jun 14, 2006 ... The 89 Sentra is a very reliable car if all maintainence is done regulary. ... When engine is running listen for a rattling or sharp metallic ...
COMMON Spec-V Problems? | B15 Sentra Forum
Jan 19, 2003 ... I know Hyundai, Nissan, and Mazda have GREAT warrenty's (unlike GM - bastards) but i do not want my car to be in the shop all the time. Also, ...
Advice on fixing up a 1989 Nissan Sentra : r/Cartalk
Nov 27, 2016 ... Your Sentra falls on the B12 chassis. Try googling for "B12 sentra common problems" or something along those lines. Most forums for that ...
2nd Generation (1987-1990) Sentra Problems
Sep 1, 2018 ... ... Nissan generations in overall reliability , with some engine and drivetrain concerns. Compare With Other Sentra Generations. What Owners ...
Q&A: 1988 Nissan Sentra - Common Issues, Engine Details & Gas ...
Feb 2, 2017 ... I have a 1988 nissan sentra 1.6 tbi and it don't want to take the fuel when you accelarate.I replaced the fuel pump but - Answered by a ...
Other years of Nissan Sentra
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