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 | 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.
22% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD JUST ENTERED A 3-LANE HIGHWAY AND WAS DRIVING 25-30 MPH IN THE RAIN AT NIGHT, WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY JUST STOPPED! I HAD NO LIGHTS, NO BRAKES, NO HORN, NO STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040308
12% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
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
Also filed under STEERING
12% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141211
Also filed under ENGINE
10% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
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
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.
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 (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 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, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Nissan Sentra have?
3 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.