MYRModel Year Report

1988 Nissan Sentra

▲ Better than typical
1988 Nissan Sentra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:58:10.971Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Sentra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 36 complaints 1988: 37 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 63 complaints 1992: 62 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1994: 99 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 141 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 58 complaints 1999: 59 complaints 2000: 171 complaints 2000 2001: 235 complaints 2002: 304 complaints 2003: 180 complaints 2004: 197 complaints 2005: 170 complaints 2006: 116 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 167 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2010: 144 complaints 2011: 141 complaints 2012: 180 complaints 2012 2013: 638 complaints 2014: 380 complaints 2015: 347 complaints 2016: 266 complaints 2017: 228 complaints 2018: 183 complaints 2018 2019: 219 complaints 2020: 203 complaints 2021: 127 complaints 2022: 80 complaints 2023: 18 complaints 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1988: 37 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19831
19843
19856
19866
198736
198837
198941
199039
199163
199262
199358
199499
1995117
1996141
1997108
199858
199959
2000171
2001235
2002304
2003180
2004197
2005170
2006116
2007154
2008167
200955
2010144
2011141
2012180
2013638
2014380
2015347
2016266
2017228
2018183
2019219
2020203
2021127
202280
202318
202430
202525
20268

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEAT BELTS 27%

27% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

DURING A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT, AT 30 MPH, THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT DID NOT STAY LOCKED IN PLACE., IT DISCONNECTED UPON IMPACT.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960917

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, CAUSING INJURY IN ACCIDENT. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960923

SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950802)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19950929 — seat belts

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

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 A

Campaign 95V103002 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2014 ■ 2015

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Nissan Sentra?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Nissan Sentra have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.