The 1990 Nissan Sentra has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,895,462 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS95V1030021995-05-242,730,462 affected
Defect
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 IMPROPERLY.
Consequence
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS…
SEAT BELTS91V0220001991-02-08165,000 affected
Defect
IMPROPER BELT GUIDE PERFORMANCE CAN CAUSE FRAYING OF THE SHOULDER SAFETY BELTS NEAR THE RETRACTOR.
Consequence
THE FRAYING OF THE SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING CAN CAUSEIMPROPER RETRACTION OF THE BELT, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO INADEQUATE PROTECTION OFSEAT OCCUPANT DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT, AND COULD RESULT IN INCREASEDRISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
MODIFY THE SAFETY BELT GUIDES TO PREVENT FRAYING; AND OR REPLACE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IF FRAYING IS PRESENT.
Complaints by component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
6
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
5
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
3
1crashes1injuries
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
3
1crashes1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2
SEAT BELTS
2
2crashes1injuries1deaths
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
2
1crashes3injuries
TIRES
2
1crashes4injuries
Total complaints45
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“While vehicle was parked or while driving it was leaking transmission fluid. This caused the transmission to shift hard and rough. Consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. *ak”
“Consumer stated vehicle had a faulty transmission, vehicle leaked oil and transmission fluid. Consumer contacted the dealer. *ak”
“Without warning consumer is unable to hook driver lap seatbelt, the metal piece goes in but will not hook. *jb”
“Car went to sears for four new tires and alignment, mechanic replaced ball joints prior to alignment, while aligning rear left toe cam bolt snapped, sent 16yr old home with vehicle until part arrives in day or two.”
“I am curious if this is preveleant problem, and if there was a recall on the part. No safety defect listed. *ak”
“Consumer was traveling about 75 mph on highway and heard a banging noise. Vehicle rolled and sprung forward. *ak tire failed. *yh”
“Consumer was traveling about 75 mph on highway and heard a banging noise. Vehicle rolled and sprung forward. *ak tire failed. *yh”
“Left rear tire blewout and vehicle spun and rolled over, both passengers bruised, vehicle totaled (kelly springfield monarch t-p radial 175/70r13). Nlm”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA95007 Opened 1995-03-10 · closed 1995-08-02
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1990 Nissan Sentra as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.