1986 Nissan Sentra
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 38 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 64 |
| 1992 | 64 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 103 |
| 1995 | 118 |
| 1996 | 141 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 59 |
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 236 |
| 2002 | 318 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 142 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 352 |
| 2016 | 269 |
| 2017 | 231 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 207 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
2 of 6 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Show complaint excerpts
Owner noticed play in steering. Four bolt mounts that hold rack and pinion/main gear box are unscrewing. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-09
Seat belts
2 of 6 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Shoulder belt failed to lock during crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-03-09
Structure
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Power train
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Nissan Sentra reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Nissan Sentra?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Nissan Sentra have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.