1992 Nissan Sentra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1992 Nissan Sentra sits mid-pack among Sentra years: 81 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), engine (12), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
81
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
17
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other Sentra years?
What are the most common 1992 Nissan Sentra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 15 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 12 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 14% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 9 | 11% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 4% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PARKED CAR, SMOKE EMERGED FROM HOOD NEAR WIND SCREEN, THEN PAINT BUBBLED IN MIDDLE OF HOOD. SECONDS LATE, ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES, AND CAR WAS INCINERATED. PRIOR TO THIS, CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED, HOUSED IN GARAGE, AND HAD JUST PASSED ITS TOUGH NYC ANNUAL INSPECTION. THERE WAS NO SMELL OF GASOLINE…”
“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING. OWNER BELIEVES THE CAUSE IS CALIFORNIA'S NEW REFORMULATED GAS.”
“WHILE DRIVING IN 5TH GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH,TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED. HIGH PITCHED WHINING OCCURRED. TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING FLUID. SEAL IS BROKEN. UNSURE IF TRANS HAS OTHER PROBLEMS. ONLY 53000 MILES ON CAR! ANY HELP?”
“WHILE DRIVING A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE DEER. SEAT BELT DID LOCK NOR RETRACT. ALSO FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER. WERE NOT NOTIFIED.”
“ANTILOCK BRAKES ON 1992 SENTRA SER WITH ORIGINAL DUNLOP TIRES COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHEN APPLIED IN EVEN WET CONDITIONS. BRAKES WILL NOT RE-ENGAGE EVEN WHEN TRANSITIONING ONTO DRY PAVEMENT UNLESS THEN ARE TOTALLY RELEASED AND REAPPLIED. THERE IS NO BRAKING ACTION WHEN THESE DEFECTIVE ANTILOCK BRAKES…”
1992 Nissan Sentra — common questions
Is the 1992 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 81 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sentra year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1992 Sentra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), engine (12 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Does the 1992 Nissan Sentra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Nissan Sentra.
Is the 1992 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.