Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1982 Nissan Sentra — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE WIPER BLADE MAY EXTEND TOO FAR AND CATCH ON THE RADIO ANTENNA BRACKET. THE CONNECTION OF THE WIPER ARM AND THE PIVOT COULD BE DAMAGED. THE CONDITION IS CAUSED BY AN INCORRECT SETTING OF THE WIPER ARM HEIGHT ABOVE THE PIVOT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, THE WIPER ARM PIVOT WILL BE REPLACED AND THE WIPER STROKE ADJUSTED.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1982 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sentra years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2002, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2001, 2018, 2012, 2003, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2005, 1996, 1995, 2006, 1994. The cleanest record among Sentra years belongs to 1983.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.