VehicleVerdict

1989 Nissan Sentra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1989 Nissan Sentra is among the quieter years of the Sentra on NHTSA's books: 49 complaints (68% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 51% of all reports (25 of 49), far ahead of engine at 9.

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Sentra years?

Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sentra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Nissan Sentra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2551%
Engine918%
Body & Structure36%
Suspension36%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Brakes12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Electrical System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%

Does the 1989 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

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

95V103002Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 2,730,462 units

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 SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“OWNER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE RELEASE BUTTON ON HIS SEAT BELTS , DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT THE DAY AFTER HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, HE NOTES THAT SHOULDER STRAPS DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE AND DRIVER HIT STEERING WHEEL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · crash

“WHENEVER VEHICLE MADE A STOP OR WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT IN PARK IN ORDER TO START BACK UP. DRIVER WAS KILLED IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE VEHICLE STALLED COMING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP,AND MECHANIC INDICATED BUSHINGS HAD WORN OUT EXCESSIVELY. ALSO, WELDS HAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED T FRAME TO CRACK ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. MECHANIC GAVE NO GUARANTEE PRBLEM WILL REMAIN FIXED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 20, 2001

“AUTOMOBILE JUMPED FORWARD IN LOWER GEARS. CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE JUMPING WAS THE CAUSE. TOOK AUTOMOBILE TO DEALER, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE AUTOMOBILE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 25, 2000 · crash

1989 Nissan Sentra — common questions

Is the 1989 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 49 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sentra year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Sentra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (25 complaints), engine (9 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).

Does the 1989 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Nissan Sentra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.