1999 Nissan Sentra — Known Issues & Recalls

Your airbags failed to deploy during multiple head-on collisions, and your seat belts did not lock as they should have. You've reported this issue several times since 2004, but your 1999 Nissan Pathfinder has not been recalled despite similar airbag problems being recalled in other Japanese vehicles, including Sentras. Resolving this would require a complete airbag system inspection and likely replacement of the airbag control module and sensors.

The owner is concerned about how airbag safety recalls are reported to NHTSA and whether certain recalls that apply to vehicles sold outside the USA are being properly tracked and reported for identical vehicles sold in the USA. They're questioning whether recalls are only reported if repairs were covered under warranty or used manufacturer-supplied parts, and whether death statistics related to recalled parts are being accurately included in reporting databases.

Your Nissan Sentra's front tires developed a roaring noise while driving at highway speeds. A mechanic discovered that the inner layers of both tires had separated from the tire structure. The tires were only 300 miles old when this happened. The manufacturer said you'd need to file a warranty claim where the tires were originally purchased, but the tires were never replaced.

While driving in Florida, your rear tire suddenly came apart, causing your vehicle to spin 360 degrees and sustain damage. You were able to limp the car to your destination at very low speed with help from a highway patroller. The tire failure will likely require replacement of the affected tire and an inspection of the wheel and suspension components to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.

Your fuel tank filler neck has become severely rusted, causing fuel to overflow out of the opening whenever you refuel. A mechanic confirmed the rust buildup is blocking the neck. Since Nissan no longer makes this part, you'll need to replace the entire fuel tank filler neck assembly with an aftermarket or used replacement.

Your fuel filler tank or hose needs replacement, but Nissan no longer makes this part and no aftermarket alternatives are available. Even parts from a 2000 model year won't fit your car. Without this repair, your car won't pass inspection and can't be sold or safely driven. The fix will require finding a compatible replacement part, either through specialty suppliers or having a custom solution fabricated.

Your windshield wipers aren't working properly on the driver's side, making it difficult to see during rain or snow. This is the same wiper linkage problem that affected 1996-1998 Nissan Sentras, but your 1999 model doesn't have a recall listed. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the wiper linkage assembly on the driver's side.

Your car is subject to a windshield wiper recall, but the dealership couldn't find replacement parts to complete the repair. This means your wipers may not function properly in rain or snow, affecting your ability to see the road safely. Getting the recall completed will likely involve replacing the wiper blades or wiper motor once parts become available.

You're concerned that your 1999 Sentra may have had safety modifications (including airbag on-off switches) made by a dealership that weren't properly disclosed to you as the second owner. You received a recall notification for modification 120705, but Nissan told you there were no recalls or service bulletins on file. You've been in three major collisions where the airbags did not deploy and the seat belt failed, and you believe the undisclosed modifications may be responsible. You're requesting that Nissan investigate the vehicle's history and explain what modifications were made and why they weren't disclosed.

You're concerned about multiple safety issues reported by Nissan owners across airbags, seat belts, steering, brakes, and electrical systems. You've noticed that similar problems have prompted recalls in other countries, but feel Nissan has been slow to acknowledge or recall these issues in North America. You believe injury and death reports related to these problems aren't being properly tracked or addressed unless NHTSA mandates action.

Your engine is shutting down and stalling without warning while driving. Nissan has issued a recall for this sensor issue on 2002 and 2005-2006 Sentras and Altimas, but they're refusing to repair your 1999 Sentra claiming it's outside the recall year range, even though it has the same problem. The fix would likely involve replacing or reprogramming the faulty sensor that's causing the engine to unexpectedly shut off.

Your timing chain sprocket's teeth wore down, which caused your engine's valves to bend because the timing got out of sync. This is a serious engine problem that requires either removing the cylinder head to replace the damaged parts or installing a new or rebuilt engine.

Your brakes failed to stop your car when you pressed the pedal hard during an emergency stop, resulting in a two-vehicle crash that totaled your Sentra. The airbags did not deploy during the collision. Your brakes had last been serviced several months prior, and you had also experienced previous suspension issues with premature inner tire wear that a dealership initially dismissed.

While parking your car, it suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into a wall, injuring two occupants. This indicates a potential issue with the vehicle's speed control system that caused unintended acceleration during a low-speed maneuver. The underlying cause may involve the throttle control, fuel injection system, or accelerator pedal mechanism.

Your 1999 Nissan Sentra stalls without warning multiple times. An independent repair shop was unable to identify the cause. The stalling continued despite not being covered by three related recall campaigns for electrical and engine issues. The manufacturer has not been notified. A diagnostic scan and fuel system inspection will likely be needed to pinpoint whether the problem is electrical or engine-related.

Your brake lines have become corroded, and your check engine warning light is on. These issues haven't been diagnosed or repaired yet. The manufacturer has been notified about the problems. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the corroded brake lines and diagnosing why the check engine light is illuminated.

Your headlights have become cloudy and opaque, reducing light output by at least 40%, which can make it harder to see the road at night. The dealer quoted $200 to replace them. You may want to consider headlight restoration or replacement to restore safe nighttime visibility.

Your car is vibrating and shaking in the front end. Even after replacing the tires, the new tires are being damaged by the vibration. A mechanic inspected the drive axles and believes they're the source of the problem, though Nissan refused to check them. The fix will likely involve inspecting or replacing the front drive axles.

Your car's ignition coil and EGR valve may not be working properly, which could cause starting problems, rough idling, or reduced engine performance. This typically requires diagnosis to determine which component has failed and needs replacement.

Your engine was misfiring (missing) and hesitating after 30,000 miles. The owner initially suspected fuel injectors and added fuel system cleaners, but at 74,000 miles the real problem was diagnosed as faulty ignition coils. Replacing all 6 coils resolved the misfiring and hesitation issues. The fix involved replacing the engine's ignition coils.