1987 Nissan Sentra Problems
- Complaints
- 36filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Nissan Sentra (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 1987 Nissan Sentra. The part named most often is seat belts, with 15 complaints (42% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (6) and engine cooling (5). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts15 42%
- Engine cooling5 14%
- Fuel system4 11%
- Body and structure3 8.3%
- Electrical system2 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.6%
- Brakes1 2.8%
- Exterior lighting1 2.8%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1).
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Owner received recall notice to have the release button in both front seat belt buckles replaced, whether or not they were broken. Four days after assumed repair, owner received a call saying that the parts for the recall had arrived. Now that the work has been performed the driver side belt is inoperative and does not work at all.”
NHTSA complaint #515646, filed 1997-03Transmission and drivetrain: “The transmission would stall for no reason. Had vehicle towed. Happened 3 years later. Was informed that torque convertor was problem. Transmission was leaking fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #822196, filed 1998-04Engine cooling: “While at cruise, the engine started to stall. While attempting to pull to a side of freeway, engine continued to lose power, fire errupted; also replaced electronic control module.”
NHTSA complaint #518070, filed 1997-07Fuel system: “Engine idle is high after starting and remains high after engine warms up. Idle is rough at low RPM and hesitant under a load. Consumes more gas than normal, about 80 miles a tank less range. Molding is falling off on body.”
NHTSA complaint #701357, filed 1998-12Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Nissan Sentra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Sentra FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sentra Coupe FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sentra Coupe FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Sentra Honeybee FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Sentra Honeybee FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Sentra Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Sentra Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sentra Wagon 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103002May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Nissan Sentra 1987–1991, Pathfinder 1988–1991, Van 1987–1990 +6 more
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Recall details for the 1987 Nissan Sentra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10031305Sep 30, 2010Tires. Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. *pe updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10032506Sep 13, 2010Equipment. Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Electrical system. Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components…
Other model years of the Nissan Sentra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 | 300 | 1 | — | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 7,950 | 4 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 30,000 | 3 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 20 | 75,300 | 1 | 5 | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 81 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 33 | 27 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 133 | 24,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 207 | 28,879 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 223 | 34,500 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 185 | 40,000 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 231 | 44,000 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 270 | 60,255 | 6 | 4 | 32 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 352 | 55,500 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 380 | 67,000 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 638 | 61,000 | 6 | 4 | 33 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 180 | 64,000 | 0 | 4 | 26 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 142 | 71,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 144 | 69,316 | 3 | — | 27 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 55 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 167 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 27 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 116 | 78,832 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 170 | 76,200 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 197 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 180 | 69,012 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 304 | 71,000 | 10 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 236 | 61,000 | 7 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 171 | 57,110 | 6 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 59 | 72,900 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 58 | 102,500 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 105,000 | 3 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 141 | 66,500 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 117 | 157,994 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 99 | 180,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 58 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 62 | 107,500 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 82,958 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 41 | — | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | 122,487 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | — | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Sentra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 1987 Nissan Sentra as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Nissan Sentra is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 15 complaints (42% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 6.
Has the 1987 Nissan Sentra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Nissan Sentra (Sentra Coupe, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.