1999 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
14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ACCIDENT DID NOT INVOLVE ANOTHER CAR. THE CAR HIT A BARRIER, ANF AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000427
WHILE DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, HIT A STONE WALL AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON ITS TOP,DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING HEAD INJURIES.THERE WAS NO INDICTATION OF AIRBAGS BEING DEFECTIVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990921
8% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES, SIZE 175/65R14 DOT NUMBER (PJ8JH6HR5011). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130130
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Nissan Sentra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Nissan Sentra have?
3 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.