1996 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."

1996 Nissan Sentra

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Common 1996 Nissan Sentra problems

The Nissan Sentra, produced since 1982, has faced several common problems over the years, with specific issues varying by model year. This article will focus on the Nissan Sentra 1996 and its common problems based on complaints from owners.

  • Accelerator: Some owners have reported problems with the accelerator, including rough engine performance at high RPMs and increased fuel consumption. This issue could be due to various factors, such as a faulty accelerator pedal sensor or a malfunctioning throttle body.
  • Fuses: Fuse-related issues have been reported by some Sentra 1996 owners. Fuses are essential for protecting the car's electrical system, and a blown fuse can cause various electrical components to stop functioning properly.
  • Heater: Heater problems have been reported by some Sentra 1996 owners. This issue could be due to a malfunctioning heater core, a faulty blend door actuator, or a problem with the car's heating and cooling system.
  • Coil: Coil-related issues have been reported by some Sentra 1996 owners. The ignition coil is responsible for generating the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. A faulty ignition coil can lead to poor engine performance, difficulty starting the car, and misfiring.
  • O/D OFF light: Some Sentra 1996 owners have reported issues with the O/D OFF light, which is related to the overdrive system. This issue could be due to a faulty solenoid, a problem with the transmission control module, or a malfunctioning shift cable.
  • Other problems: Various other issues have been reported by Sentra 1996 owners, including problems with the fuel filter, power and acceleration, front end assembly, and MAF sensor.

In summary, the Nissan Sentra 1996 has faced several common problems, including issues with spark plugs, the accelerator, fuses, the heater, the coil, the O/D OFF light, and other miscellaneous problems. These issues can lead to poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and difficulty starting the car. If you own a Sentra 1996 and are experiencing any of these problems, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

1996 Nissan Sentra engine

What is the major problem with Nissan Sentra?

2019 Nissan Sentra Problems

Some of the top complaints include, but are not limited to the following: Automatic Emergency Braking System Defects. Faulty Radar System. Braking without any Obstacles Around.

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.

Are Nissan Sentras good on gas?

The Nissan Sentra is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. With its impressive fuel economy, you can save money at the pump and enjoy more miles between fill-ups.

1996 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:

  • Air bags problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1996 Nissan Sentra

The NHTSA has received 162 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Nissan Sentra vehicles.

2018-05-25

STEERING,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-05-21
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D2TC
  • Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: "TAKATA RECALL". MAD A RIGHT HAND TURN AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS RANDOMLY DEPLOYED.THEY CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK BADLY. DIDNT HIT ANOTHER CAR NOR ANYTHING WITH MAKING THE TURN. WAS MOVING IN A CITY STREET AT 9PM SO NOT MUCH TRAFFIC. TURNED INTO AN EMPTY STREET LUCKILY.
2018-04-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-07
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D7TL
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ALL POWER LOST, INCLUDING ENGINE, POWER BRAKES, AND POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. CAUSE IS AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ON WIRING HARNESS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT ON A POWER WIRE. IN PARTICULAR, THE FAULTY CONNECTOR IS E104 ON THE HEC (THE BACK OF THE FUSE PANEL IN DRIVER SIDE COMPARTMENT). FAILURE OCCURS MORE OFTEN IN HOT WEATHER. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE WHILE DRIVING, AND DOZENS OF TIMES WHEN PARKED. JIGGLING THE CONNECTOR OFTEN RESTORES POWER. ALSO, A SIMILAR POWER WIRE OPEN CIRCUIT OCCURS ON ANOTHER CONNECTOR ON THE SAME HEC THAT CAUSES ALL LIGHTING TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND MOST INTERIOR LIGHTING TO FAIL. FAILURE HAS OCCURED AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM SEEING HOW FAST THEY ARE TRAVELING.
2017-10-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-09-01
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CPSP: MY CAR, A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA, LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. NO POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES, ENGINE TURNED OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING, AND NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN I GO TO START UP THE CAR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY INTERMITTENT CIRCUIT. UPDATED 10/16/2017*JS
2016-08-24

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-07-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D5TC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: JULY 20 2016 WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A HONDA ACCORD DOING 40 MPH WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE IMPACT SLAMMED US INTO THE CHEVY SILVERADO IN FRONT OF US. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
2011-02-06

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D5TL
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 1996 NISSAN SENTRA, WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE DRIVER WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE MEDIAN WALL. HE RETURNED TO THE ROADWAY AND DROVE OFF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING ON THE NORTH BERM. *BF THE DRIVER STATED HE HAD TO KEEP PUTTING AIR IN THE TIRE PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0913-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/31/11
2009-07-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: AIR CONDITIONER -- WHEN I HAD AIR CONDITIONER ON THE CAR WOULD STALL. AFTER BRINGING IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS, I FINALLY CONVINCED ONE THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND HE CLEANED THE THROTTLE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING MUCH BETTER. *TR
2008-06-13

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-06-13
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOWERED ONTO ITS FRONT AXLE AND WAS TOWED TO A TIRE SHOP. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS HAD ALUMINUM RIMS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
2008-01-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-01-30
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D6TC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEATS
  • Summary: INSUFFICIENT HEADREST FOAM COVERAGE. FOAM DEGRADES OR SELF MOVES OUT OF POSITION TO REVEAL INTERNAL METAL FRAME WHICH RUNS ACROSS ENTIRE HEADREST AT POINT OF HEAD IMPACT. PART DOES NOT SEEM SERVICEABLE FOR REPAIR, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER WITH UPDATED VERSION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ARE BOTH TRIGGERED TOO EASILY BY TOO MANY SENSORS, SO VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY IN SHOP WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND. SEEMS LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED BY AN OVERLY-WORRIED CAR MANUFACTURER, OR FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING OWNERS FEEL THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO GREATLY INCREASES THE LIKELY HOOD OF FAILING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM ALL THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WHICH ARE VERY DISTRACTIVE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, AND USUALLY COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IN 1996, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE SENTRA MODEL. NISSAN'S FIX FOR THIS WAS A BRIGHTER BULB. SINCE MY CAR WAS BOUGHT USED, AND THE PRIOR OWNER DID NOT UPGRADE TO THE NEW BULBS, AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THE REPLACEMENT BULBS, OWNER'S MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS. NISSAN DEALERS DO NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT BULB TO REPLACE IT WITH FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MANY 1996 NISSAN SENTRAS ON THE ROAD TODAY. *TR
2007-01-25

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-01
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: PLEASE REFER TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (NTB98-001) WHEN ROUNDING A CURVE OR GOING OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD, AT 40 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR STARTING WOBBLING AND SWAYING AND YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO FLIP OVER. IT IS VERY SCARY. THE WOBBLE IS NOT INDUCED BY THE STEERING WHEEL, IT JUST HAPPENS. THERE IS NO REAL WARNING. I BELIEVE IT IS THE REAR LINK ARM BUSHINGS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS STORIES FROM OTHERS PERTAINING TO THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB SITE (TOPIX.NET) SEARCH PATHFINDER PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A MUST FIX FOR MANY AND IT IS VERY SCARY AND COULD BE VERY VERY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT WOULD DEFINATELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND/OR CRASH.
2006-12-14

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-09
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D7TC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING IN THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE WAS RAMMED FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVER FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE INDICATED THERE WERE NO TAIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO NOTICE IF IT WAS MOVING OR NOT AT NIGHT. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AT THE SCENE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO ALERT THE CONTACT FOR AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. AFTER NINE YEARS OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED A NHTSA RECALL # 98V008000 WHICH MATCHED THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
2006-11-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-11-20
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D7TL
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED 4 TIMES SINCE MY OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. CAR FAILS TO START, WITH IT BEING IN THE FIRING SYSTEM THIS PRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD. *JB
2006-11-07

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-11-06
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D0TL
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN IT RAINED; THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAR THE RAIN WATER OFF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, AS THEY DID NOT COME INTO COMPLETE CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 98V093000, FOR VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD/WASHER: LINKAGES FOUND ON THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE RECALL SERVICE AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - *NM
2006-11-07

SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-14
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D0TL
  • Components: SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN SENTRA GXE. VIN NUMBER IS 3N1AB41D0TL0XXXXX. THERE ARE THREE OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE: 1. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES 2. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS NONE OF THE NISSAN DEALERS IN MY AREA HAVE OFFERED TO FIX ANY OF THESE RECALL ISSUES FOR FREE (AS IS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW). MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THESE SAFETY DEFECTS IN IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NISSAN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THESE RECALL DEFECTS. *NM
2006-11-07

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-11-06
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D0TL
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE WASHER NOZZLES ONLY EMITTED FLUID INTERMITTENTLY, AND OCCASIONALLY IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE DEALERS, WHERE THE DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - *NM
2006-02-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-09-01
  • VIN: 3N1AB41D8TL
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THE LEAKAGE BALL THAT CONNECTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO THE WIPER MOTOR SNAPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 98V093000, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGES. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
2005-06-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-03-31
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D0TC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN . AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S VISION IS IMPAIRED. THE DEALER STATES THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *AK ON THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE SWIVEL HINGE CLIP BROKE. *SC *JB
2004-12-29

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-28
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D2TC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: 12/28/04...I WAS DRIVING ON 2ND AVE IN TROY, NY, IT BEGAN TO SNOW/RAIN...TURNED ON MY WIPERS AND THAT IS WHEN I HEARD A SNAP NOISE AND THEN MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM SEEMED TO BE BROKEN. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THE VERY NEXT MORNING AND THEY SAID IT WAS BROKEN, THAT A PLASTIC PIECE SNAPPED OFF. IT WAS A DEALERSHIP ITEM, BUT THAT IT IS A NISSAN RECALL ITEM. MY MECHANIC PRINTED OUT THE RECALL INFO AND I WENT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN LATHAM, NY. I WAS VERY UPSET WHEN THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PART IS A BACK ORDER PART AND WOULD NOT BE IN UNTIL SOMETIME IN JANUARY OF 2005. MEANWHILE, I HAVE TO GO TO WORK AND CAN'T DRIVE IN THE RAIN, SNOW, SLEET, HAIL. WHEN I ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T FEDEX THE PART THE DEALERSHIP IN LATHAM TOLD ME IT IS BECAUSE IT IS A BACK-ORDER ITEM. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD LOAN ME A CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A RECALL ITEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T KNOW AND THEN PROMISED I WOULD HEAR FROM THEM THE SAME DAY IN A LITTLE WHILE, THEY HAD TO WAIT ON AN ANSWER FROM SOMEONE. I NEVER HEARD BACK, SO I CALLED THEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD GET ME A RENTAL CAR, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. I WAS VERY UPSET BECAUSE FIRST OF ALL, THIS DEFECT IS NOT MY DOING. SECOND, I CAN END UP WITH NO JOB IF I CAN'T GET TO MY JOB. THAT IS THE ENTIRE PROBLEM, NO CAR TO GO TO WORK WITH IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS WHILE WAITING ON NISSAN FOR THE PART ON BACK ORDER. THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE DEALERSHIP IS: NEMITH MOTOR CORP., ROUTE 9, BOX 669, LATHAM, NY 12110. PH: 1-800-395-0798. *NM
2004-11-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-08-27
  • VIN: 1N4AB41DXTC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: NO ACCELERATION WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON. O2 SENSOR REPLACED, IS THAT NORMAL. BRAKES GOING OUT AFTER RECENTLY HAVING THEM FIXED, WHY? *AK
2004-05-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-05-10
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D4TC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY 1996 NISSAN SENTRA HAS A DEFECTIVE ODOMETER. MY UNIT IS BEING REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT CARS WITH FAULTY ODOMETERS ARE BOTH A SAFETY HAZARD AND A CONSUMER FRAUD PROBLEM. *MR
2004-04-13

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-02-18
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH A TANKER TRUCK CUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE OFF. TO AVOID A COLLISION CONSUMER PULLED ONTO A SHOULDER. THEN, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT TO ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT DETACHED FROM THE BASE WITH A CHILD IN IT AND CRASHED THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. THE CHILD SUSTAINED A BRUISED SPLEEN AND TAIL BONE WHILE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES. ANOTHER PASSENGER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA, AND OTHER SCRAPES AND BRUISES.*AK
2003-04-10

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1N4BB42D4TC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING A RAINSTORM. MR SCC *NLM
2003-01-31

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: PROVIDE
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH HAD AN ACCIDENT. WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE ,AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK *TR
2002-09-09

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-12
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AB42D9TC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: IN AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE WENT UNDER A TRUCK, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CUNCUSSION, FACIAL AND CHEST BRUISES, THREE BROKEN BONES IN THE RIGHT FOOT AND NOW SUFFERS FROM HEADACHES (SOMETIMES SEVERE).*AK
2002-08-12

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-21
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE,ENGINE RAVVED VERY LOUDLY, AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED,CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLAM INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.*AK
2002-07-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AB41D5TC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND THEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. AS A RESULT OF A PIECE NEAR RACK AND PINION STEERING THAT BROKE.*AK

1996 Nissan Sentra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1996 Nissan Sentra.

2009-05-11
  • Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
  • Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
2009-04-07
  • Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
  • Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
2006-05-24
  • Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
2000-03-02
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT CORROSION RESISTANCE IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHERE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF DE-ICING SALTS ARE APPLIED TO ROADS IN THE WINTER.
  • Consequence: IF A BROKEN SPRING COMES OUT OF THE LOWER SEAT, IT COULD CONTACT AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT COIL SPRING.
1998-05-05
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. WATER CAN ENTER AND DISPLACE THE GREASE IN THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT WHERE THE WIPER LINKAGE ATTACHES TO THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE.
  • Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN GRADUAL WEAR OVER A PERIOD OF TIME INSIDE THE JOINT THAT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE WIPER LINKAGE ASSEMBLY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE AT THE BALL JOINT. A LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION CAN RESULT IN THIS SEPARATION OCCURS.
  • Remedy: TO PREVENT GREASE FROM BEING WASHED OUT OF THE JOINT, THE DEALERS WILL MODIFY BY ADDING A WATER DIVERSION SEAL THAT WILL PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BALL JOINT AREA.
1998-01-21
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
  • Summary: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
  • Consequence: FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH TWO NEW LIGHT BULBS FOR THE STOP/TAIL LAMPS WHICH ARE BRIGHTER THAN THE ORIGINAL BULBS. A LABEL WITH THE NEW BULB NUMBER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR INSERTION INTO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALERS CAN INSTALL THE LIGHT BULBS FOR THEM.

Negative 1996 Nissan Sentra car reviews

  1. Chadd Davis 2024-10-27

    The car is alright.

  2. Isadore Jast 2024-08-03

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it used with 34,000 miles on it and have been using it daily to commute in the Northern VA/DC area. It now has 101,000 miles and I'm happy to say that it's still running great! The only issue I've had was with the brakes, but other than that, it's been wonderful. It's still very quiet and gets great gas mileage. I'm actually in the process of purchasing another car and I'm definitely going with Nissan again!

  3. Jamar Mueller 2024-08-02

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to let you know that I purchased this vehicle 3 years ago with 75,000 miles on it, and now it has 170,000 miles. I've been taking good care of it with regular oil changes and maintenance, and it has really helped me get through some tough times.

  4. Rollin Blick 2024-05-07

    Hi there! I noticed that you purchased your vehicle back in 12/2002 with 64K miles and have driven about 18K miles in a year. It sounds like you've taken good care of it with a tune up and brake service. I did want to mention that some taller people may find the vehicle a bit uncomfortable and the seats may be too firm for long trips. Just wanted to give you a heads up!

Positive 1996 Nissan Sentra car reviews

  1. Scottie Gleason 2025-01-07

    Your Sentra sounds like an amazing car! It's impressive that you've had it for 10 years and it's still going strong. Over the years, you've only had to replace the normal stuff like brakes, tires, and the alternator twice. Even with over 140,000 miles on it, you're still getting an impressive 32-33 miles per gallon. It's understandable that you switched to a Hyundai Sonata for the luxury, but with the rise in gas prices, it's great that you're back to your trusty Sentra. The bright red flames you added must make it look even more amazing! It's great to hear that you've found a reliable and cost-efficient car that you love.

  2. Bryce Nader 2024-10-20

    This has been a great little car! It took my daughter through college and has been an intermediate car for my husband. It has been very reliable, with over 100,000 miles and still going strong.

  3. Kane Bartell 2024-10-12

    I stopped taking care of this car about two years ago and can't kill it. It has less than 150K miles on it. Rust started as a couple small bubbles in paint and EXPLODED over the last 18 months. The only maintenance I ever did to this car in over five years and 70k miles is replace spark plug wires, and of course brakes and tires.

  4. Howard Wisoky 2024-09-18

    This car has great fuel economy, is reliable, and has decent features. While it may not have alloy wheels or a lot of horsepower, it is still a good first car. The only downside is that the rear design may not be to everyone's taste.

  5. Rudy Torphy 2024-09-14

    I'm so glad to hear that you love your car! It sounds like it's been a wonderful addition to your life. The fact that it's reliable is definitely a huge plus, and it's always great when a car can be both practical and fun. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Nissan Sentra problems:

1996 Nissan Sentra Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
1996 Nissan Sentra Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1996-nissan-sentra/problems

Top 1996 Nissan Sentra Problems · Nissian Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensor Recall · Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor May Cause Driveability Issues · Timing Chain Noise ...

Nissan sentra 1996 - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Nissan sentra 1996 - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-sentra-1996/66406

Jul 20, 2011 ... Throwing a part at the problem based on someone's guess and not having it work is common. Oh, you mean the problem itself… If it's starting up ...

1996 Nissan Sentra - I have a 96 sentra that wont start
1996 Nissan Sentra - I have a 96 sentra that wont start
https://repairpal.com/i-have-a-96-sentra-that-wont-start-940

Feb 2, 2012 ... Take off the distributor cap and see if the distributor is full of oil, it was a common problem with some of those Nissan. Using a mechanic's ...

I am having a problem with my 1996 nissan sentra when starting. It ...
I am having a problem with my 1996 nissan sentra when starting. It ...
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/3sz6v-having-problem-1996-nissan-sentra-when-starting.html

Jul 27, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

1996 Nissan Sentra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
1996 Nissan Sentra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/sentra/1996/common-problems/

How reliable is the 1996 Nissan Sentra? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Nissan Sentra

nissan sentra 1997 photo
Sentra 1997
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121

7

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nissan sentra 1998 photo
Sentra 1998
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64

5

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nissan sentra 1999 photo
Sentra 1999
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70

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nissan sentra 2000 photo
Sentra 2000
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182

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nissan sentra 2001 photo
Sentra 2001
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248

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nissan sentra 2002 photo
Sentra 2002
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331

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