1989 Nissan Sentra
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.
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
52% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 42 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
52% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
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, 1996-12-13
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing engine and fan.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine head melted due to defective fan sensor.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-25
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-30
Structure
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.
Suspension
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing wheel bearing and front.
Seats
5% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Passenger's seat failed in accident, causing injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-06
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
-
R
1995-09-29Seat belts95V103002 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V103002 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.