MYRModel Year Report

1989 Nissan Sentra

▲ Better than typical
1989 Nissan Sentra
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:43:00.374Z

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, 1989 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 38 complaints 1988: 38 complaints 1988 1989: 42 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 64 complaints 1992: 64 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1994: 103 complaints 1994 1995: 118 complaints 1996: 141 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 58 complaints 1999: 59 complaints 2000: 171 complaints 2000 2001: 236 complaints 2002: 318 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: 142 complaints 2012: 180 complaints 2012 2013: 638 complaints 2014: 380 complaints 2015: 351 complaints 2016: 269 complaints 2017: 230 complaints 2018: 184 complaints 2018 2019: 221 complaints 2020: 204 complaints 2021: 131 complaints 2022: 81 complaints 2023: 19 complaints 2024: 38 complaints 2024 2025: 30 complaints 2026: 15 complaints 2026
1989: 42 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19831
19843
19856
19866
198738
198838
198942
199039
199164
199264
199358
1994103
1995118
1996141
1997108
199858
199959
2000171
2001236
2002318
2003180
2004197
2005170
2006116
2007154
2008167
200955
2010144
2011142
2012180
2013638
2014380
2015351
2016269
2017230
2018184
2019221
2020204
2021131
202281
202319
202438
202530
202615

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 52%

52% of complaints: seat belts — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

OWNER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE RELEASE BUTTON ON HIS SEAT BELTS , DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT THE DAY AFTER HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, HE NOTES THAT SHOULDER STRAPS DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE AND DRIVER HIT STEERING...

NHTSA ODI report, 19961213

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and fan.

CRASH FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE HEAD MELTED DUE TO DEFECTIVE FAN SENSOR. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960725

CAR DIES AT STOPS.EASILY STARTS UP AGAIN. OXYGEN SENSOR HAS BEEN CHANGED BUT DID NOT MAKE A CHANGE. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AS TRAFFIC IS HEAVY. MECHANIC HAS CLEANED AND CHECKED BUT CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM. THIS STARTED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030830

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.

SUSPENSION 7%

7% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and front.

CRASH
SEATS 5%

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

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

PASSENGER'S SEAT FAILED IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *AW

NHTSA ODI report, 19941206

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

1989 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure 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

▲ 2025 ▲ 1987 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2014 ■ 2015

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Nissan Sentra?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Nissan Sentra have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.