1993 Nissan Sentra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1993 Nissan Sentra sits mid-pack among Sentra years: 89 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), brakes (12), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
89
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Sentra years?
What are the most common 1993 Nissan Sentra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 12 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 9 | 10% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 9 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN GETTING IN AND STARTING UP THE BUTTON ON THE STICK SHIFT DOES NOT GO IN TO RELEASE THE STICK SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLES WARRANTY IS CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE, AND THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. RECALLS ARE ON ULTIMA AND OTHER NISSANS, BUT NOT ON THE (XE) VERSION OF NISSAN. *AK”
“THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL/BRAKE CONTACT POINT MAKES A SOUND COMPARABLE OF METAL SCRAPING METAL. MECHANIC CAN FIND NO CAUSE. SOUND IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE AND IT CAN ALSO BE FELT IN PEDAL WHEN DEPRESSED. VEHICLE ALSO MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND UPON EACH ROTAION OF THE TIRE. AT FIRST HAPPENED AFTER EXTENDED…”
“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OF HOME. IT WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME, AND HADN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN 6 HOURS, ENGINE COOL. NO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS OR INDICATIONS THAT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EXISTED. FIRE ORIGINATED BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE AIR INTAKE/AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY INSIDE THE…”
“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT THAT THREW BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS WERE MANUFACTURED ATTACHED TO THE DOORS. SO WHEN THE DOORS CAME OPEN DURING THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS NO SUPPORT FROM THE SEAT BELTS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
1993 Nissan Sentra — common questions
Is the 1993 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 89 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sentra year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1993 Sentra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Does the 1993 Nissan Sentra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Nissan Sentra.
Is the 1993 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.