1997 Nissan Sentra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Sentra › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Nissan Sentra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 Nissan Sentra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
These vehicles do not meet the illumination requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
108 complaints26 involved a crash2 involved a fire26 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
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
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
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
Car stolen from parking lot
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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 · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
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 › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
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
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 › Rear window wiper/washer
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 › Frontal
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
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.
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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 › Frontal
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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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 › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Windshield wipers failed to engage. husband diagnosed windshield wiper system, power to wiper motor was okay, continued to troubleshoot, found wiper arm control seperated from wiper motor. seems like the same issue the recall 98v093000 pertained to. husband lubricated ball joint, and squeezed socket to ball back together. no problems since repair.*ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion
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
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1997 nissan sentra the main seal around the head gasket leaks causing oil to leak. Previous to this I owned a nissan altima I think the year was 1993 that had the same problem. also my air bag light constantly blinks ever since I bought it. the dealership said they couldn't do anything about it
- Tires › Sidewall
Failure at 40,000 miles on 80,000 mile goodyear aquatread replacement tires not original equipment 1normal driving. Months before hit speed bump at 20 mph. Another time vehicle was overloaded by 200 lbs for 7 miles. 2 stess cracks on side wall of one of the aquatread tires, slow loss of air…
Failure at 40,000 miles on 80,000 mile goodyear aquatread replacement tires not original equipment 1normal driving. Months before hit speed bump at 20 mph. Another time vehicle was overloaded by 200 lbs for 7 miles. 2 stess cracks on side wall of one of the aquatread tires, slow loss of air preasure in tire. 3 replaced all four tires at recomendation of manager at goodyear tire he explained he had never seen stress cracks on the side wall of a passenger vehicle tire in his 20 years experience.he had only seen them on truck tires . He thought it may be a manufacturers defect and sent the tires to goodyear for xray analysis. He also said its possible that a speed bump or overloading could cause this problem. *ak
- Structure › Body › Bumpers
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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
(1) it was a light rain. The wiper IS in the lowest setting. Both wipers stopped working. I can hear the wiper motor running but the wipers doesn't operate. (2) as it was no raining hard, I was still able to drive vehicle safely home. I found there IS a recall for the windshield…
(1) it was a light rain. The wiper IS in the lowest setting. Both wipers stopped working. I can hear the wiper motor running but the wipers doesn't operate. (2) as it was no raining hard, I was still able to drive vehicle safely home. I found there IS a recall for the windshield wiper/washer:linkages for 1997 nissan sentra. (3) contacted nissan about the problem because I have never receive a recall notice but I am told the recall doesn't applied to my vin number. I took the vehicle to a nissan dealership repair shop. They replaced the wiper transmission which consists of the pivot-assy-wipe(r), and 2 link assy-conne(ctor). The old parts are unavailable.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
This complaint IS regard to the voluntary recall on the '97 nissan sentra's wiper seal. when I contacted the dealer and then the 1-800 nissan customer service line I was told that the recall didn't apply to my vehicle despite the fact that it falls within the range of numbers given on nissan's own…
This complaint IS regard to the voluntary recall on the '97 nissan sentra's wiper seal. when I contacted the dealer and then the 1-800 nissan customer service line I was told that the recall didn't apply to my vehicle despite the fact that it falls within the range of numbers given on nissan's own website (clipped from web page - [xxx]to [xxx] (sentra) with a vin#[xxx]. I purchased this as a used vehicle and so it IS not unreasonable to expect that the wipers could have failed through normal wear and tear. however, I would like a better explanation as to why the recall doesn't apply when by all indications on nissan's own web site it appears to apply. *jb updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1997 nissan sentra has had (4) four run-away cruise control incidents. Cruise refuses to disengage while accelerating speed to 90-100+mph. Once the governnor shut the car down, each other time the teenage driver has managed to stop the car by either, shifting into neutral, shutting the car off or…
1997 nissan sentra has had (4) four run-away cruise control incidents. Cruise refuses to disengage while accelerating speed to 90-100+mph. Once the governnor shut the car down, each other time the teenage driver has managed to stop the car by either, shifting into neutral, shutting the car off or using the emergency brake and regular brake at the same time. Each time the incident has required a different method to stop the car. Fortunately there haven't been any injuries or accidents. Howver, nissan said they were unable to fix the problem yet refuse to accept any responsibility for the life threatening incidents. The head mechanic at nissan in lebanon told my 18 year old to continue driving the car and if it did it again to bring it back in !!! *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
While driving the windshield wiper on the driver side quit working. Recall 98v093000 was issued, but this vehicle wa snot included due to vin. *ak
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.
- 10192192As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to 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.
- 10181008SENTRA/200SX A/C HIGH PRESSURE HOSE SERVICE CAMPAIGN Service Campaign ID # P9111 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P9111. Discard all previous versions of NTB99-037.
- 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.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 6092407Voluntary safety recall campaign for potential of water entering wiper arm linkage ball joint, resulting gradual wear inside the joint and causing the wipers to stop working while they are being used which could result in an accident.
- 632164Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631971Information on nissan revised tps adjustment procdure. *Slc
- 631766Information regarding essential tool: throttle position sensor test connector. *Slc
- 631760Subject regarding revised maintenance procedures. *Slc
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 609957Subject regarding a hard to start engine during high altitude and low ambient temperatures condition.
- 607942Vehicles within certain vin ranges may exhibit a horn that activates randomly.
- 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
- 606571Information regarding the air conditioning (a/c) high pressure hose service campaign.
- 605769Information regarding vehicles with mil 'on'; diagnostic trouble code p0100 (mass air flow sensor) stored in ecm.
- 605048Vehicles within certain vin ranges may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble code p0300 stored.
- 604411Vehicle within various vin ranges may exhibit misfire or running roughly due to spark plug wire(s).
- 603937A revised service procedure for the engine front cover / timing chain has been adopted for the ga16de.
Every Nissan Sentra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.