1994 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."

1994 Nissan Sentra

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Common 1994 Nissan Sentra problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1994 Nissan Sentra, several common problems have been reported:

  • Starter Issues: Another common problem reported by owners is starter issues. A faulty starter can prevent the car from starting reliably, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns. Addressing starter problems promptly is essential to maintain the car's functionality.
  • Wiring Problems in Tail Lights: Wiring problems in the tail lights have been a recurring issue for some owners of the 1994 Nissan Sentra. Faulty wiring can lead to malfunctioning lights, affecting visibility and safety while driving. Proper diagnosis and repair of the wiring are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the tail lights.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues that arise with the 1994 Nissan Sentra. By addressing these issues proactively, owners can ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.

1994 Nissan Sentra engine

What is the biggest problem with the Nissan Sentra?

Top Nissan Sentra Problems

  • Brake problems are a recurring problem for Nissan Sentras. ...
  • Strut assemblies that dampen the shocks from driving on uneven surfaces may also fail without warning. ...
  • Transmission issues are among the most common and serious problems that can happen to a Nissan Sentra.

Are 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. The average annual repair cost is $491 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Sentra.

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.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Nissan Sentra?

What Owners Say. "CVT slips and does not deliver torque to the wheels sometimes during heavy acceleration. Particularly when accelerating up a hill on the highway. Vehicle slightly outside the extended warranty that Nissan provided for this specific issue.

1994 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
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1994 Nissan Sentra

The NHTSA has received 131 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Nissan Sentra vehicles.

2022-09-19

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-07
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4EB31PXRC
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: Replcement nota installed into the housing into the tire hud system mechenismo. These are not tires are not the correcto sizes ay 13" size rims by Nissan. 1996 Nissan Skyline. Also, need a hydrolic swith systematic mechenismo is not intalled into housing of the brakes with mames the tires work harder into shipping at 2000 feet... Nissan rims shoud be 16" rim(s) by Nissan Skyline 96. 44624 serria hey Lancaster ca 93534 6617294155
2017-10-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-09-07
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 14EB31F5RC7
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL THE SAVAGE YARD HAS PUT IT OVER THE AIR TO LOCATE AIR BAG AND NOTHING WAS RETURNED.. I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THE AIR BAG OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS. ALSO THE DEALER NO LONGER CARRIES THE PART DO TO THE MAKE AND YEAR OF THE CAR.
2011-02-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-09-19
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ALTERNATOR PLACED TWICE, NO DASH BOARD LIGHTS, NO RADIO, POWER LOCKS DO NOT WORK, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FAILED. *TR
2008-08-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-08-02
  • VIN: 1N4EB31P8RC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MECHANISM JAMMED AND THEN FAILED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT MECHANISM AND POSSIBLY THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
2006-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-02-14
  • VIN: 1N4EB31P7RC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1994 NISSAN SENTRA SE WITH 1.6L ENGINE HAS HAD MULTIPLE ALTERNATORS REPLACED AT NISSAN DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOPS. ALTERNATORS LAST FROM 3 MONTHS - 2 YEARS BEFORE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH ALTHOUGH THE DASH BULBS ARE GOOD, VEHICLE SIMPLY RUNS ON BATTERY UNTIL IT DIES. *NM
2006-02-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
  • VIN: 1N4EB31FXRC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 1) CLOSED CAR DOOR. 2) SHOULDER SEAT BELT CABLE FROM RETRACTOR PULLEY SNAPPED. UPPER BELT CLASP STUCK. 3) REMOVED CABLE. *JB
2005-11-16

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-11-01
  • VIN: 1N4EB31P9RC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I HAVE OWNED MY CAR SINCE 1994 AND WASHED IT REGULARLY. I NOTICED SINCE 2004 THAT THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF THE CAR PREMATURELY. OTHER OWNERS OF 1994 SAME MODELS DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THEM REPAINTED. WHY DOES MINE NEED TO BE REPAINTED? *NM
2005-08-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-06-18
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: DT: A REGISTERED IMPORTER WAS MAKING A DOT AND EPA CONVERSION ON NISSAN SKYLINE VEHICLE SO IT WAS US LEGAL, AND IT WAS SUPPOSE TO TAKE 3-4 MONTHS. HAD VEHICLE AND MONEY FOR TWO YEARS ANDCONSUMER STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE VEHICLE. *AK
2004-05-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-09
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT, STAYS OUT DID NOT REPAIR. *AK
2004-03-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-02-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS SLOWLY PULLING UP TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL, AND COLLIDED WITH THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED CHEST, LEG, AND NECK INJURIES. ALSO, AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO WORK. POLICE ARRIVED AND CITED THE CONSUMER.*AK
2003-12-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1N4DBJ2A2RC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DOOR DID NOT RETRACT AT ALL. WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE SEAT BELT HIT THE DOOR LATCH CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING THE METAL AROUND THE LATCH TO CRACK AND MOVE THE LATCH OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. THIS ALSO CAUSED THE DOOR NOT TO BE CLOSED SECURELY RESULTING IN THE OPEN DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DEALER PERFORMED SERVICE BULLETIN NTB01-005. *TT *AK *JB
2003-08-07

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT A TIRE ON HER VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER MONARCH MODEL 17570R13. ALSO WHILE DRIVING AT 80 MPH, A TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. *PH
2003-04-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-04-16
  • VIN: 1N4EB31P1RC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE # 2 FUEL INJECTOR FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN A SEVERE ROUGH IDLE. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE DESIGN. *NLM
2003-04-03

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THE REPLACEMENT TIRE SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. *JB
2002-09-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-28
  • VIN: 1N4EB32H4RC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ENGINE QUITS WITHOUT WARNING - MULTIPLE EVENTS - AFTER RESTART AND BETWEEN EVENTS ENGINE RUNS FINE. RESTART BY CYCLING IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF AND BACK TO RUN IF CAR IS IN MOTION - OTHERWISE STARTS NORMALLY FOLLOWING EVENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON - COMPUTER CHECKED FOR CODES - NONE FOUND. REPAIR SHOP CHECKED ALL WIRING AND ENGINE INSTALLATION ALONG WITH VARIOUS DATABASES FOR INFO - NO FINDINGS OR FAULTS. RELUCTANT TO TAKE TO DEALER SINCE THERE IS NO RECORDED FAULT AND VERY INTERMITTENT. REVIEW OF NHTSA WEB SITE REVEALED ONE OTHER SIMULAR EVENT - SUCCESS IN FIXING UNKNOWN.*AK
2002-04-09

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-08
  • VIN: N/A
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SLIP FROM TIME TO TIME. CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK *TT
2002-04-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: N/A
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THERE WAS NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES WHEN BEING APPLIED. ALSO, CONSUMER NEEDS TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AKL *TT
2002-01-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-12-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4EB31FSRD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS HAVE BROKEN ONCE BEFORE, AFTER BEING REPLACED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT DO PERFORM CORRECTLY WHEN CONSUMER WAS INVOLED IN A 20-30 MPH ACCIDENT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK THE VEHICLE STALLS FOR NO APARENT REASON, ALSO THE WINDOW SOMTIMES DOES NOT ROLL ALL THE WAY UP. *YH
2001-07-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1JN1EB31P0R
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE POWER WINDOWS HAVE FAILED FIVE TIMES, THE REGULATOR CABLE GETS TWISTED, THE DEALER STATES IT WILL COST $300.OO TO REPAIR EACH WINDOW.*YD
2001-07-16

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
  • VIN: JN1EB31PORU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: ALL 4 POWER WINDOWS GO OUT AND MANUALLY HAD TO BE PUSHED UP AND TAPED. CONSUMER HAS HAD NEW AND USED REGULATOR CABLES REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM WAS ONGOING. DEALER HAS ADMITTED THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW, BUT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE.*AK
2001-03-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1N4EB32A9RC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HAVE HAD OIL LEAKS FOR ABOUT 3/4 YEARS, HEARD THERE IS A RECALL CALLED DEALER HE STATED NO, ARE YOU AWARE OF???*AK
2001-03-06

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-07
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: HEARD A LOUND THUN, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, VEERING SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. POSSIBLE DUE TO TIRE DETACHED FROM THE RIM AT THE INSIDE, LOST ALL AIR PRESSURE, PULLED THE CAR IMMEDIATLEY INTO THE RAIL. VEHICLE TOTALLED
2001-03-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • VIN: 1N4EB32H8RC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THERE IS EXHAUST COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, STAINING TAIL LIGHT.*AK
2001-03-06

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • VIN: 1N4EB32H8RC
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS, WOULD NOT WORK. DRIVER'S SIDE IS WORSE THAN OTHER SIDE. *AK CONSUMER STATES SHE CAN'T UNLOCK DOOR FROM OUTSIDE ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. *SLC
2001-03-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • VIN: 1N4EB32H8RC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES OIL LEAKS CONSTANTLY. *SLC

Negative 1994 Nissan Sentra car reviews

  1. Morton Lubowitz 2024-05-24

    The Nissan Sentra has been a disappointment due to multiple issues such as front crankshaft seal, CV joints, alternator failure, brakes, shifting linkage, possible transmission failure, and injector problems. These issues have led me to conclude that Nissan Sentra is not a reliable car.

  2. Jasen Schulist 2024-03-18

    Although my experience with this vehicle was not ideal, I can confidently say that the issues I faced were likely due to poor maintenance by the previous owners. The car has had multiple motors installed and has issues with burning and leaking oil.

  3. Rodolfo Murray 2024-01-15

    I got his car when my last one died, so it was a last minute decision, and now I couldn't be happier that I did. Like everyone else says, you change the oil and it goes. I've had little things done, like a new alternator and seat belt motor, but that is expected with a car that has over 150,000 miles on it and is 12 years old! I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive car that needs to be reliable.

  4. Scotty Reilly 2024-01-10

    Not a bad little car for someone who just needs to get to work and school each day. It's also great for the occasional road trip! While oil leaks can be a problem, it still gets good gas mileage. This car has been through a lot and is still running great, even with the neglect of a teenager! I highly recommend this car for a first-time driver!

  5. Claud Schroeder 2024-01-10

    Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I am the sole owner of this car. Although I don't view her as spectacular, I am having trouble parting with her. It's hard to beat low maintenance and no car payment. I have a mere 95,000 miles on her and the only significant mechanical problem is that something has been amiss with the transmission - so she slips out of 5th gear - making it virtually a 4 speed car. At this point, I figure I've been able to live with the defect for 20,000 miles, so I might as well let her be. Thanks for listening!

Positive 1994 Nissan Sentra car reviews

  1. Garry Waelchi 2025-01-07

    Your older model Sentra sounds like a fantastic car! It has been so reliable for you, even after all those miles and years. It's great to hear that it does well on the interstate. Although it may not have a lot of acceleration power and can lose momentum on hills, it's still a super good and reliable little car. You've done a great job taking care of it by replacing the fuel filter and pump. Overall, it sounds like you've loved your car and it has served you well.

  2. Dangelo Herzog 2025-01-03

    I love this car! It's the best used car I've bought after 1980. This 118,000 mile Sentra just keeps going and going and going... It still feels very solid and handles well. It starts instantly and has great low speed acceleration - it beats most econs at stoplights (ssssh!). If you mash it at 23 mph, it scats surprisingly. Unfortunately, the car was stolen and the thieves took the great aftermarket stereo and catalytic converter. However, the replacement converter made the car even peppier. The AC is still ice cold and the heater is excellent. The automatic transmission is responsive and well-designed. It burns no oil and the only significant repair was an alternator replacement. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and durable with great visibility. The trunk is large and the ride is decent. Overall, it's a great vehicle and purchase. I highly recommend it!

  3. Darion McLaughlin 2024-11-26

    Your Nissan has been an exceptional investment with a great history of performance. I'm glad to hear that there have been zero problems and I hope it continues to serve you well for a long time to come!

  4. Raul Zieme 2024-11-25

    My mother gave me this car when I started college. She bought it new in '94. With regular oil changes, this car has not had any mechanical problems. I plan on getting a new car later on this year and was considering trading it in. However, I might not get the best deal due to the high mileage -- 160000. So, I'll probably give it back to Mom or to my sister.

  5. Myrl Reilly 2024-11-11

    Besides normal maintenance such as tires, brakes, and oil changes, I have had no problems with this car. I bought it with 11,004 miles and now it has over 165,000. It's been a great car!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Nissan Sentra problems:

1994 Nissan Sentra Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
1994 Nissan Sentra Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1994-nissan-sentra/problems

Top 1994 Nissan Sentra Problems · Nissan fuel pump recall · Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor May Cause Driveability Issues · Check Engine Light/Loss of Power Due to ...

3rd Generation (1991-1994) Sentra Problems
3rd Generation (1991-1994) Sentra Problems
http://www.nissanproblems.com/models/sentra/generations/3/

Worst Issues · fuel injector failure in the 1994 Sentra. 2 complaints · won't start in the 1994 Sentra. 2 complaints · engine burst into flames, car destroyed in ...

94 Sentra reliability? | Nissan Forum
94 Sentra reliability? | Nissan Forum
https://www.nissanforums.com/threads/94-sentra-reliability.132694/

Apr 6, 2007 ... engines are reliable, interior parts and exterior trim pieces will fail. suspension bushings are prob shot and need replaced. other then the new ...

1994 Sentra starting problem - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
1994 Sentra starting problem - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1994-sentra-starting-problem/74912

Oct 10, 2012 ... I have a 1994 Nissan Sentra w/ just under 150k miles on it that has had no mechanical problems until trouble starting the last 1 to 1.5 ...

Nissan Sentra Q&A: P1715 Code, RL4F03A Transmission, CVT ...
Nissan Sentra Q&A: P1715 Code, RL4F03A Transmission, CVT ...
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/24l19-94-sentra-keeps-eating-governor-gears.html

May 25, 2009 ... Is it possible the countershaft the gear runs against is rough or has excessive end play? Is this a common problem?

Other years of Nissan Sentra

nissan sentra 1995 photo
Sentra 1995
Nissan

149

7

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan sentra 1996 photo
Sentra 1996
Nissan

162

7

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan sentra 1997 photo
Sentra 1997
Nissan

121

7

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan sentra 1998 photo
Sentra 1998
Nissan

64

5

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan sentra 1999 photo
Sentra 1999
Nissan

70

3

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan sentra 2000 photo
Sentra 2000
Nissan

182

7

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1994 Nissan Sentra photo