1991 Nissan Sentra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Sentra › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Nissan Sentra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1991 Nissan Sentra. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Improper belt guide performance can cause fraying of the shoulder safety belts near the retractor.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fraying of the shoulder safety belt webbing can causeimproper retraction of the belt, which would lead to inadequate protection ofseat occupant during a sudden stop or accident, and could result in increasedrisk of injury.
Remedy
Modify the safety belt guides to prevent fraying; and or replace retractor assembly if fraying IS present.
Owner complaints
63 complaints8 involved a crash10 involved a fire6 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel system hoses may fail unexpectedly, leading to liquid fuel (gasoline) leakage, and fire hazard. *tr
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the transmission became stuck. the clutch appeared loose and the gears would not engage. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the clutch was faulty.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
A failure of the electrical wiring harness caused an engine fire in my 1991 sentra. quick action I was able to save the car from an entire loss which clearly points to where the fire started. nissan didn't want to even look at unless they charged me 89 dollars for a diagnostic test. they could…
A failure of the electrical wiring harness caused an engine fire in my 1991 sentra. quick action I was able to save the car from an entire loss which clearly points to where the fire started. nissan didn't want to even look at unless they charged me 89 dollars for a diagnostic test. they could answer me when asked what value that would add since I have all the wires separated and safely taped from shorting further. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
1.)ON 11/20/2004, I "ricardo guerrero" drove my car (1991 nissan sentra se-r) to the auto repair shop khoa auto service, to replace front and rear brake pads and turn the rotors. I also requested the "front right" rotor to be replaced. when I received my car I felt the brake pedal slighty…
1.)ON 11/20/2004, I "ricardo guerrero" drove my car (1991 nissan sentra se-r) to the auto repair shop khoa auto service, to replace front and rear brake pads and turn the rotors. I also requested the "front right" rotor to be replaced. when I received my car I felt the brake pedal slighty different whenever I pushed the pedal, the time to receive stopping distance was increased. until 3/27/05 I was driving down the freeway out to an exit when I was realizing a quiet grind at the end of stopping process . now 3/29/04 the rotor IS completely grinded off,no brake pads, according to the "mechanic" the caliper IS seized shut. 2.) poor craftmanship, spent a total of $150 dollars, would of been in accident or caused an accident. 3.) the mechanic said,"the parts have no warranty, the labor was not a cause of failure (denial) and they couldn't replace neither brake pads,rotors, or calipers.*ak
- Structure › Body
Bad product(primer and paint ) for the whole body of the vehicle this car has been painted numerous times (some parts"fenders,trunk have been painted three different times)!! The car was painted all times except for this last time which was out of pocket for $500.00.(hood and bottom of trunk lid…
Bad product(primer and paint ) for the whole body of the vehicle this car has been painted numerous times (some parts"fenders,trunk have been painted three different times)!! The car was painted all times except for this last time which was out of pocket for $500.00.(hood and bottom of trunk lid was done. The independent person told me that the reason the paint keeps failing(clear coat peeling paint fading IS the base primer on a lot of these cars are bad from factory he stripped these parts to bare metal and started from scratch, the parts are ok now im still having fading problems and clear coat peeling to this day on other parts of the car that were "suppose to be" fixed.. From what I understand the gentleman explained that the dealership was just taking the top coat of paint off and just reassuring the new paint on top of bad primer,(which in turn will just come off again in time) sunbelt nissan blamed the paint maker(basf coating)for bad product every time and tried to wash their hands of it until I got to the point of threatening with action such as this and they complied but the problem IS now the paint that was redone by them still has a warranty that covers the paint but they now claim since they do not have a body shop anymore they will not honor what they told me before about covering the warranty. I guess they figured out a way after all to push me aside!! Right now the only way to get this car's paint back in shape IS to pay out of pocket to eventually get as good paint job on this car. I know a gentleman who was employed by this nissan dealership and he said that they knew the finish was bad but they were going to stand by and do nothing for as long as they could. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Driver and front passenger shoulder belts will not lock up, lap belt works as it should. Both seatbelts have been replaced by dealer, did not remedy the problem. *ak *yh
- Seats
Consumer states as he was getting into the driver's seat, his left achilles tendon struck the lever under the seat that controls the movement of the seat from front to back, consumers mobility was hampered for several months, consumer feels the lever should have been placed on the side of the seat or made with thicker shaft. *jb
- Child seat
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Seat belts
Restraint system analysis was performed by chp-central division mait. the analysis indicated that the restraint failed at the latch plate connection to the motorized guide plate. this report IS being filed for the vehicle owner by the chp per our departmental policy.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
While driving vehicle caught on fire. consumer experienced a strong smell and smoke from under the hood. she then pulled over, and the smoke errupted into flame. the vehicle was totaled. fire department has advised consumer that fire was fuel related. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
While driving wiring within the fuel injection system caused a quarter of fuel to leak into engine piston and entire exhaust system, eventually causing the engine gaskets to blow. please give any further details. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Ongoing / intermittent problem with brakes failure due to ABS by-pass coming on. Brakes had to be pumped to get vehicle to stop properly. This has rersulted in two accidents, but no injuries. Also brake pads had to be replaced every six months. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that nothing was wrong or could be found. *ak
- Service brakes, electric · Vehicle speed control
Possible electrical short in wires causing driver's side locks, truck locks, heater fan, dash and overhead lights to fail. nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission slips between second and third gears, also remains in neutral after shift lever IS shifted to drive gear.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission periodically hangs up in second gear. also, it will periodically hang up in passing gear. this problem occurs more in warm weather than in cold. if it hangs up, I must come to a complete stop and reaccelerate to go through the gears. if this does not work, I must let the car…
My transmission periodically hangs up in second gear. also, it will periodically hang up in passing gear. this problem occurs more in warm weather than in cold. if it hangs up, I must come to a complete stop and reaccelerate to go through the gears. if this does not work, I must let the car cool down. I was told by a automatic transmission specialist that a valve body in the transmission IS the culprit and IS a problem on nissans with the same transmission. I bought the car used with 70,000 miles on it. I have had this problem since the first summer of ownership.
- Power train › Manual transmission
This problem IS dangerous (and recall-worthy) because it leaves the car without power, suddenly, at freeway speeds. More information IS available on several websites such as: http://www.se-r-list.org/fifth.gear.phtml. Thank you.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving driver saw smoke coming from under the front hood. Driver pulled vehicle to the side of the road when it caught on fire in the engine compartment and burned. The fire was put out by the fire department. The vehcle was totalled. *ak
- Unknown or other
I have seen several 1991 nissan sentra's with metallic grey paint delaminating. Hood and trunk are most common areas. Have seen 4 , 1991 cars cars with same problem.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Vehicle was equipped with retreaded tire. While driving rear driver's side tire top tread popped off the tire. Dealer has been contacted. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle in for check up. Seat belts were changed. Transmission does not shift properly into gear. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Rubber fuel line failure between stainless line coming from fuel tank to fuel rail. contact john at superior investigations for more information. 727-848-3923
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
There seems to be a default in the wiring harness. This caused an electricl fire that burned through a fuel line coming from the carburator. a lot of damage was done to the area around the harness and it was only good luck that kept the fire from causing a complete burn down. are there any other…
There seems to be a default in the wiring harness. This caused an electricl fire that burned through a fuel line coming from the carburator. a lot of damage was done to the area around the harness and it was only good luck that kept the fire from causing a complete burn down. are there any other reports on this type defect? Has there been a call back for this defect? I would be grateful for any information related to this.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Fuel injection system not performing well, causing hesitation.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Alternator failed.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Fuel pump failed, causing hesitation while driving and shifting.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Takata seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Stalling
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235729RADIO INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTS DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK VIA BLUETOOTH CONNECTED IPHONE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10178251Expiration Notification Fuel Pump Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1993, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 1991-1993 Model Year Nissan Sentra (B13) and 1993 Altima (U13) vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump. It was determined that the fuel pumps on the subject vehicles may experience accelerated brush wear. Parts specified for this campaign are no longer available through Nissan. This customer service campaign and customer reimbursement for these repairs are no longer available. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. Service Comm will deactivate U3005 on any unrepaired VINs on July 1, 2020. No further dealer action is required.
- 10177205VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SENTRA (B13) AND ALTIMA (U13) FUEL PUMPS Service Campaign ID # 93-U3005 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # 93-U3005. Discard all previous versions of 93U3005.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10000134Nissan essential tool drive plate installer.
- 603937A revised service procedure for the engine front cover / timing chain has been adopted for the ga16de.
- 45792Recall involves replacing the fuel pump in the gas tank for some 1991-1993 nissan sentras. If the fuel pump IS not replaced it could cause the car to stall and not restart.
- 39648Fuel guage inaccurate.
- 393231991-94 sentra ga16de spark knock.
Every Nissan Sentra model year
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