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Nissan Sentra — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Nissan Sentra model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
45
Years to Avoid
2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
Best Years
2026, 2025, 2024, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982
2026Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls
2025Best Year
29 complaints3 recalls4 TSBs
2024Best Year
43 complaints3 recalls22 TSBs
2023
25 complaints1 recalls55 TSBs
2022
126 complaints2 recalls96 TSBs
2021
198 complaints3 recalls130 TSBs
2020
306 complaints4 recalls113 TSBs
2019
346 complaints2 recalls122 TSBs
2018
283 complaints2 recalls143 TSBs
2017Avoid
330 complaints3 recalls181 TSBs
2016Avoid
395 complaints6 recalls195 TSBs
2015Avoid
488 complaints3 recalls179 TSBs
2014Avoid
522 complaints5 recalls3 invest.192 TSBs
2013Avoid
866 complaints6 recalls3 invest.199 TSBs
2012
260 complaints0 recalls105 TSBs
2011
199 complaints2 recalls105 TSBs
2010
212 complaints3 recalls102 TSBs
2009
81 complaints1 recalls84 TSBs
2008
233 complaints3 recalls1 invest.86 TSBs
2007
214 complaints1 recalls1 invest.85 TSBs
2006
155 complaints6 recalls3 invest.62 TSBs
2005
224 complaints6 recalls3 invest.65 TSBs
2004
235 complaints5 recalls3 invest.74 TSBs
2003
239 complaints10 recalls2 invest.66 TSBs
2002
387 complaints14 recalls1 invest.71 TSBs
2001
307 complaints8 recalls67 TSBs
2000
236 complaints7 recalls75 TSBs
1999
74 complaints3 recalls38 TSBs
1998
76 complaints5 recalls49 TSBs
1997
138 complaints7 recalls46 TSBs
1996
177 complaints7 recalls1 invest.44 TSBs
1995
158 complaints7 recalls1 invest.46 TSBs
1994
130 complaints0 recalls1 invest.26 TSBs
1993
89 complaints0 recalls1 invest.28 TSBs
1992
81 complaints0 recalls1 invest.28 TSBs
1991
77 complaints2 recalls2 invest.28 TSBs
1990Best Year
45 complaints2 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1989Best Year
49 complaints1 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1988Best Year
40 complaints1 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1987Best Year
46 complaints1 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1986Best Year
9 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1985Best Year
6 complaints0 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1984Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1983Best Year
1 complaints1 recalls3 invest.3 TSBs
1982Best Year
1 complaints1 recalls3 invest.3 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Nissan Sentra Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 Nissan Sentra are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Nissan Sentra, consider the 2026, 2025, 2024, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

45 model years analyzed