VehicleVerdict

1983 Nissan Sentra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1983 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

How does 1983 compare to other Sentra years?

Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted871 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 46 complaints1988: 40 complaints1989: 49 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 81 complaints1993: 89 complaints1994: 130 complaints1995: 158 complaints1996: 177 complaints1997: 138 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 74 complaints2000: 236 complaints2001: 307 complaints2002: 388 complaints2003: 240 complaints2004: 235 complaints2005: 224 complaints2006: 155 complaints2007: 215 complaints2008: 233 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 212 complaints2011: 199 complaints2012: 260 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 524 complaints2015: 496 complaints2016: 400 complaints2017: 339 complaints2018: 285 complaints2019: 356 complaints2020: 316 complaints2021: 209 complaints2022: 141 complaints2023: 33 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 42 complaints2026: 13 complaints
Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sentra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Nissan Sentra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1100%

Does the 1983 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

83V112000Visibility & WipersOctober 26, 1983 · 238,055 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“REAR SEAT BELTS FAIL TO LOCK UP WHEN A SUDDEN & QUICK MOVEMENT OCCURS. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, SEAT BELTS REMAIN IN A LIMP POSITION WHEN BEING USED. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 22, 1999

1983 Nissan Sentra — common questions

Is the 1983 Nissan Sentra reliable?

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.

Does the 1983 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1983 Nissan Sentra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Sentra years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.