VehicleVerdict

1999 Nissan Sentra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Nissan Sentra sits mid-pack among Sentra years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 154, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (14), engine (8), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Sentra years?

Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sentra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Nissan Sentra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1419%
Engine811%
Tires & Wheels79%
Brakes79%
Airbags79%
Transmission57%
Speed Control45%
Suspension45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Fuel System34%
Lighting34%
Steering34%
Body & Structure23%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Other11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1999 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SINCE SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IF YOU START THE VEHICLE AND THEN MOVE IT A SHORT DISTANCE AND TURN IT OFF, YOU CAN NOT RESTART IT, YOU HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE GAS PEDAL AND CRANK IT UNTIL IT STARTS, OR WAIT TILL LATER TO START IT. SISTER HAD SAME MODEL AND YEAR NISSAN EXACT SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 25, 2003

“AIR CONDITIONER SENDS WATER INTO THE RUGS INSIDE THE CAR. ONCE, I INTENDED TO MANIPULATE ONE OF THE AIR CONTROLS AND EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. I'VE BEEN TAKING THE CAR TO THE NISSAN SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED BUT I AM TOLD THAT THE WATER PIPE WAS DRAINED. I HAVE TAKEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2001

“WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY AT 50 MPH CONSUMER WAS EXITING RAMP WHEN BRAKES STOPPED WORKING, CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE AND HIT A BRICK BUILDING AT 30 TO 40 MPH. BRAKES FINALLY DID KICK IN, AND IT DID SLOW VEHICLE DOWN A LITTLE BEFORE HITTING A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 13, 2000 · crash

“WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY AT 50 MPH CONSUMER WAS EXITING RAMP WHEN BRAKES STOPPED WORKING, CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE AND HIT A BRICK BUILDING AT 30 TO 40 MPH. BRAKES FINALLY DID KICK IN, AND IT DID SLOW VEHICLE DOWN A LITTLE BEFORE HITTING A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 13, 2000 · crash

“AS MY WIFE AND I TRAVELED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ON 5-28-2007, MY REAR TIRE CAME APART CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SPIN 360 DEGREES AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE INCIDENT. THANK GOD, THE TRAFFIC SURROUNDING MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY MY SPINNING. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS TEMPORARILY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 28, 2007

1999 Nissan Sentra — common questions

Is the 1999 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sentra year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1999 Sentra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 1999 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.