1997 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 1997 Nissan Sentra problems
The Nissan Sentra, a compact car produced by Nissan since 1982, has had its share of common problems over the years. While the search results primarily focus on newer models, there are some issues specific to the 1997 Nissan Sentra that can be found through further research.
One common problem reported by owners of a 1997 Nissan Sentra is related to spark plugs, which can cause starting issues.
In summary, the 1997 Nissan Sentra has common problems related to spark plugs and the fuel system, specifically the fuel filter. These issues can cause starting problems and may require careful diagnosis and repair.
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.
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.
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.
What causes Nissan Sentra not to start?
The most common reasons a Nissan Sentra won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1997 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
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Nissan Sentra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Nissan Sentra
The NHTSA has received 121 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Nissan Sentra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Nissan Sentra vehicles.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-05
- VIN: 3N1AB41DXVL
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HAVE A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA 1.6 X E FOUR-DOOR SEDAN. THIS MORNING STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON AND BEGIN TO BLANK AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I REALIZE THAT NO ONE HAD MADE ANY CONTACT WITH MY VEHICLE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE IS AT 227XXX MILES BUT I WOULD NEVER EXPECT FOR A SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM TO EXPIRE OR MALFUNCTION I REALLY HOPE THAT NISSAN TAKES THIS INTO CONSIDERATION.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-12
- VIN: 3N1AB41D7VC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-10
- VIN: 3N1AB41D3VL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AT A STOP SIGN WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPM ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. LATER WHILE PARKING, WITH CAR IN PARK, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-10
- VIN: 3N1AB41D3VL
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: BRAKING AT A STOP SIGN WHILE IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED BY ITSELF. LATER WHILE PARKING THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED AND STAYED AT A HIGH RPM BY ITSELF WHILE IN PARK. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-03
- VIN: 1N4AB41D9VC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CAR STOLEN FROM PARKING LOT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-11
- VIN: 1N4AB41D5VC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 01/05/13*LJ UPDATED 02/06/13
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-28
- VIN: 3N1AB41D9VL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA AND ON A RAINY DAY MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE WIPER TRANSMISSION MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE ITS WORKING BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED IT IS A FAULTY WIPER ARM. I FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL 98V093000 AND CALLED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. THEY INFORMED ME THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THE ISSUE AND THAT MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. *KB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-22
- VIN: 3N1AB41D4VL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V093000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER: LINKAGES) FOR THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-01
- VIN: 1N4AB41D5VC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION, THE HUB AND THE STEERING. THE SALES DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,568.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-28
- VIN: 1N4AB41D0VC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: VEHICLE ENGINE WAS IDLING CAR WAS IN PARK. TURNED ON WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH I HEARD A LOUD KNOCK IN THE DASH CONSOLE AND COULD HEAR A MECHANISM SOUND AS IF WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE MOVING BUT THE WIPERS THEMSELVES DID NOT MOVE SO THE RESULT OF THIS IS NO VISIBILITY WITHOUT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING ON RAINY DAYS. UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-16
- VIN: 3N1AB41D4VL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 NISSAN SENTRA XE HIT A SMALL BUMP GOING AT A LOW SPEED AND MY DUAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUSTING MY WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IT HIT ME IN THE FACE WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING BRUISING AROUND MY RIGHT EYE. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-16
- VIN: 1N4AB41D3VC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DIFFERENTLY. WHEN HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE VALVE STEM. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,943.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-01
- VIN: JN8AR05Y5XW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GASOLINE LEAKING FROM VEHICLE AT FILLER PILE WHEN TANK WAS > 75% FULL. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- VIN: JN8AR05Y6VW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE A RECALL ISSUED AS THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. NEAR FATAL SCARE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY RECENTLY @ HIGH RATE OF SPEED 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SWAY VIOLENTLY LEFT TO RIGHT. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL, BUT MANAGED TO GRIP STEERING WHEEL AND SOFTLY PULL VEHICLE OVER AWAY FROM SPEEDING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS NOW GARAGED UNTIL MECHANIC CAN REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL SUSPENSION ARMS. I HAVE GOTTEN 2 MECHANICAL ESTIMATES BOTH TOTALING OVER $800.00. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT INCLUDING PERSONAL BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH!!*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- VIN: JN8AR05YXVW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*- IN MAY 2004 THE CONTACT RECEIVED A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER AS A GIFT, IT HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 90000 AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 TO 70 MPH SOON AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP, WHERE ALL OF THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO WOBBLE ANY TIME THERE WAS A SMALL OBSTRUCTION ON THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT TAKING IT TO ANY OTHER DEALERS SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED WITH THE FIRST VISIT. THE CONTACT DROVE LONG DISTANCES FROM TIME TO TIME AND THE WOBBLE ON THE VEHICLE CONTINUED. IN MARCH 2007 THE CONTACT CALLED NISSAN, AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NISSAN EXPLAINED THAT THE CONTACT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR CHARGES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106971.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-20
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4AB41D8VC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A WRECK ON THE HWY, TO AVOID FURTHER COLLISIONS UP TO 5 CARS IN FRONT OF ME LOCKED UP THEIR BRAKES, THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME LOCKED UP HIS BRAKES, & I LOCKED UP MY BRAKES, & MY FRONT END WENT DOWN, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, MY CAR SLID UNDER THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, & NEITHER AIR-BAG DEPLOYED! MY FRONT END BUCKLED UP I COUNT 3 FAILURES, THE BRAKES BEING 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD BEING AIR BAGS. (DRIVERS, & PASSENGER. THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN ANY ACTION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THIS IS THE FIRST THING MY WIFE HAS DONE. I DID HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY CAR, & BEING AS I REAR-ENDED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR DAMAGES. MINOR COMPARED TO THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. NO DEATHS BUT BOTH WERE PRETTY BANGED UP!*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 1997 NISSAN SENTRA. AND SHE HAD A FRONTAL ACCIDENT GOING ABOUT 35/40 MPH AND THE FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND SHE HAS A WHIPLASH BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-15
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVING SLOWLY IN PATHFINDER 4X4 '97 HIT POT HOLE. SPOT WELDS ON FRAME TO INNER FENDER BROKE LOOSE. ONE FOOT LONG SEAM SPLIT 3 INCHES WIDE VIEWED FROM THE LEFT FRONT STRUT. COST $1,500 TO WELD AND BRACE. PROFESSIONAL SAID PATHFINDERS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS WEAKNESS. STEERING COLUMN JAMMED FROM FAILURE WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED HEAD-ON FATALITY INTO ONCOMING VEHICLE. SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR A M/V PURPORTED TO BE AN ATV! MY EXPERIENCE IN ACCIDENTS STEMS FROM BOSTON POLICE OFFICER'S ACCIDENT REPORTS FOR OVER A DECADE. INSURANCE AMICA CALLED IT A COLLISION AND INTENDS TO INCREASE MY RATE $600 PER YEAR AND RANK FROM PERFECT DRIVER 9 LEVEL INTO A 13 LEVEL FOR SIX YEARS. BELIEVE THERE IS A TORT JUSTIFICATION. OTHER OWNER MUST BE NOTIFIED. THIN WALLED STRUCTURAL METALS TO BLAME. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-30
- VIN: JN8AR05Y6VW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOUGHT A 97 NISSAN PATHFINDER IN SEPT. 03...SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS SINCE HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN, TURNING ON AND OFF DEPENDING ON THE CLIMATE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT IT IS THE EVAP VENT CONTROL VALVE AND O RING WHICH NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR INTO 3 DEALERSHIPS ON THE EAST COAST WHERE I WAS TOLD NUMEROUS OTHER ISSUES WERE CAUSING THE LIGHT. I HAVE PUT $4500 WORTH OF WORK INTO THE VEHICLE ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS A $122 PART THAT SUPPOSEDLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER NISSAN OWNERS (MANY WITH OTHER NISSAN VEHICLES-NOT PATHFINDERS) AND THEY TOO HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH ANYBODY EXCEPT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIPS WHICH MEANS THERE IS NO WAY TO GET A COMPETATIVE PRICE. IN ORDER TO GET THE LIGHT TO SHUT OFF ONCE MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE PARTS I WILL THEN BE FORCED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PAY THEM TO SHUT IT OFF. I WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT EFFECT THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE THAT IT WAS AN EMISSIONS SITUATION. ULTIMATELY, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS NOR WILL IT GET DECENT GAS MILEAGE UNTIL THIS PART IS REPLACED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-03
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DT: THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. WHEN THE WIPERS WERE IN USE THEY WOULD STOP CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *NM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-25
- VIN: JN8AR05Y6VW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SUSPENSION CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING 50MPH. I TOOK MY SUV INTO THE SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. THEN THEY CALLED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE LONG AND SHORT ROCKER ARMS FOR MY REAR SUSPENSION AND THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS PRETTY DRASTIC CONSIDERING I HAVE ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK ON HIGHWAY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I CHECKED FOR A RECALL MY MY VEHICLE AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY LUCK. BUT DID FIND A REPORT OF THE SAME INCIDENT. APPLICATION EQ-8007455-YN.PDF. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-23
- VIN: 1N4AB41D6VC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL 98V093000. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE WIPER MOTOR RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT WERE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *AK WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW/SLEET THE WIPER STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHICH CAUSED REDUCED VISIBILITY. *NM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1N4AB41D8VC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 NISSIAN SENTRA TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND WAS APPOARCHING THE GUARD GATE. PUSHED THE SWITCH TO ROLLED DOWN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVE SIDE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. PULL OVER ON THE SIDE THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. RAN UP TO THE GUARD GATE AND OBTAINED A FIRE EXTERISHER. TURNED TO THE CAR AND SAW A TWO TO FOUR INCH FLAME COMING OUT OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. I PUT OUT THE FIRE. CHECKED THE FUSE BLOCK FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND THERE WAS NONE. THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW FOR THE AUTOMATIC WINDOW CIRCUIT. PULLED SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND DISCONNECTED THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR. PLANNING ON REPLACING THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND SIDE PANEL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-02
- VIN: 3N1AB41D5VL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THERE'S A GAP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BUMPER WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAP PROGRESSED AND BECAME WIDER. THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND IN SOME CASES THE BUMPER SEPARATED AND FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM *TC UPDATED 04/19/06
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
- VIN: 1N48E41G2VC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT VIBRATED SEVERELY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *SC
1997 Nissan Sentra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1997 Nissan Sentra.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THREE STYROFOAM PADS LOCATED IN EACH REAR DOOR AS PART OF THE DESIGN FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH," WAS NOT INSTALLED.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, AN OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE MISSING PAD IN EACH REAR DOOR.
Negative 1997 Nissan Sentra car reviews
Positive 1997 Nissan Sentra car reviews
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Your little car is amazing! It has served you well for over 4.5 years without any major repairs. Even though you bought it used, it has been surprisingly low maintenance. You have taken good care of it with routine maintenance and it has paid off. It's great to hear that all the power windows and locks still work and you haven't had to replace the muffler. It's clear that you have enjoyed driving this car and it's wonderful to hear that you would definitely buy another Nissan product. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought my car back in '97 and it's still going strong with only 67,000 miles on it. The only issue I've had was a minor one with the ignition coil in my distributor, which I was told is a rare occurrence in any car. The only downside is that it lacks power, which can be frustrating when accelerating uphill or passing other cars.
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Amazing little car! It sounds like you've had a great experience with it. Fun to drive, great on gas, and it won't nickel and dime you. You bought this car used with 50k miles, it just hit 80k, and you have had no problems with it. An incredibly reliable vehicle- this car has been nothing but good to you. It sounds like the perfect car for the college commuter.
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This is a great car! I've used it extensively, from Toronto to DC, NH to Detroit, and it's been fantastic. The only issue I've had is with brake maintenance. Unfortunately, the dealership's service department leaves a lot to be desired. Their main focus seems to be making money, and they often suggest unnecessary maintenance that can be quite expensive. In fact, they recommended $1000 worth of maintenance two years ago, but I decided not to go ahead with it and the car is still running beautifully! These days, I use STS instead.
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This is a great car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Nissan Sentra problems:
1997 Nissan Sentra Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1997 Nissan Sentra Problems · Nissian Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensor Recall · Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor May Cause Driveability Issues · Check Engine Light ...
1997 nissan sentra starting issue - YouTube
Oct 4, 2015 ... In this video we show you a possible reason why your car won't start.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1997 Nissan Sentra GXE Speedometer Issues
Oct 8, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
1997 nissan sentra will not start... | Nissan Forum
Mar 6, 2011 ... Seems to be a common problem with the GA16DE's in the winter (or summer for that matter). If you start it, run it for a short time, like less ...
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Jun 10, 2010 ... What causes high idle in a 2005 Nissan Sentra? - Answered by a verified Nissan Mechanic.
Other years of Nissan Sentra
Are you having problems with your 1997 Nissan Sentra?
Austin Lueilwitz 2024-09-29
Your 97 Sentra sounds like a great car! It's amazing that it still drives like almost new after 185,000 miles. It's understandable that you need to change the struts, tie rod ends, and a few other minor things after such a long time. It's great to hear that it's been the most reliable car you've ever owned and that it was cheap to purchase when it was one year old. You've made some great upgrades to it too, with the remote start alarm, windows roll up modules, and decent stereo. It must be a lot of fun to drive now! I agree with you that having a timing chain instead of a belt is a great feature. Thank you Nissan for making such a quality vehicle that lasts and lasts!
Arthur Rath 2024-09-02
I bought my 1997 Nissan Sentra in 1998 and it has been a reliable car overall. The best part is that it runs smoothly even during harsh Minnesota winters and the gas mileage is unbeatable. However, I have had some consistent issues with the windshield wipers and the check engine light. In January 2005, the master cylinder went out and I had to spend over $1,000 to repair it and get new rear brakes. Although this has been the only major repair I've needed, I am concerned that it might be the beginning of the end for my car, which still has less than 100,000 miles on it. One thing to note is that it is a small car, so my significant other, who is 6'4'', looks like a circus clown trying to fit into the passenger seat.
Jamie Wiegand 2024-07-18
I purchased this car used with 30,000 miles on it and unfortunately, I have experienced a number of issues with it. I have had to replace several parts including the rotors, clutch, brakes, and two alternators. Additionally, there was a significant oil leak that needed to be addressed. Despite regular maintenance, the service team has noted that the car has experienced more wear than expected for its mileage. Currently, I am experiencing some issues with the car losing speed uphill and the clutch making concerning sounds. While this experience has been frustrating, I will take it as a lesson learned and consider other options in the future.
Austin Lakin 2024-05-03
Whenever I try to go up a hill with this car, it only goes at about 10 mph, unless I floor it. And even then, it feels like the car is being thrust by the gear shift, which is quite noticeable and unsettling. Additionally, it feels quite unstable on the highway. However, I believe that with some improvements, this car could work much better.
Antonio McClure 2024-04-25
This is a great choice for a low-budget commuter with a small family. The gas mileage is even better than EPA estimates, with 3-4 MPG above! Repairs are infrequent and inexpensive, and you can even put 4 tires on this car for just $100! However, it's worth noting that all 5-speed Sentra / 200SX have a design flaw in the gearbox, with third gear being notoriously weak, even in the SE-R. A new replacement transmission can run as high as $2,200, but you may be able to get a used transmission installed for as little as $800. Keep this in mind when considering the trade-in value of the car, which is only $1,800.