1990 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 36 |
| 1988 | 37 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 63 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 99 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 141 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 59 |
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 235 |
| 2002 | 304 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 141 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 347 |
| 2016 | 266 |
| 2017 | 228 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2019 | 219 |
| 2020 | 203 |
| 2021 | 127 |
| 2022 | 80 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER SEAT BELT FAILD IN AN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950221
5% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
IMPROPER BELT GUIDE PERFORMANCE CAN CAUSE FRAYING OF THE SHOULDER SAFETY BELTS NEAR THE RETRACTOR.
Remedy: MODIFY THE SAFETY BELT GUIDES TO PREVENT FRAYING; AND OR REPLACE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IF FRAYING IS PRESENT.
Campaign 91V022000 — check if this car was fixed
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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
1990 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V022000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Nissan Sentra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.