1992 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.
23% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER FOR HER FIRST CAR. IT WAS IN MINT SHAPE WITH ONLY 81,000 MILES AT PURCHASE. ON THE DATE STATED SHE WENT TO START THE CAR TO GO TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111209
PARKED CAR, SMOKE EMERGED FROM HOOD NEAR WIND SCREEN, THEN PAINT BUBBLED IN MIDDLE OF HOOD. SECONDS LATE, ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES, AND CAR WAS INCINERATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070628
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNKNOWN ORIGIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950424
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ODOR THAT MADE HIM DIZZY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A DOCTOR CONFIRMED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE WAS INHALED DURING THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110929
17% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
CRASH16% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
STALLING
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1992 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Nissan Sentra have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.