1991 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 | 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 | 351 |
| 2016 | 269 |
| 2017 | 230 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 221 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 131 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: seat belts — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONTAL COLLISION, FRONT SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950509
19% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and fuel pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUEL PUMP RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19930827
14% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH13% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and switch.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS CAUSED AN ENGINE FIRE IN MY 1991 SENTRA. QUICK ACTION I WAS ABLE TO SAVE THE CAR FROM AN ENTIRE LOSS WHICH CLEARLY POINTS TO WHERE THE FIRE STARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060809
STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, VEHICLE STALLED, RESTARTED IT, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, TRIED STARTING AGAIN, NOTICED ODOR, SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM VEHICLE, *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960503
SAFETY 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
STALLING
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
1991 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 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 1991 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Nissan Sentra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.