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BrakesPart report

1996 Nissan Sentra Brakes Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
7%of 141 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Nissan Sentra, 7% of the 141 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I purchased my car in late august of 1997. Since then I have put 3 sets of new brakes on my car. My car is currently in the shop to have another set of new brakes. I just put brakes on my car on october 16, 1998, I put brakes on my car in june of 1998, and now I am doing it again (november of 1998.) the reason for my concern is because my brakes fail without warning. I will be stopping and my brakes will starting grinding. I take it to the shop and the brake pads are completely gone, and so I replace more than just the brake pads, I also must replace the rotors. …”

NHTSA complaint #700889, filed 1998-11

“Consumer stated the vehicle began spewing white smoke out of the exhaust and then overheated, cosumer was informed that the head contained a crack, then in january 2002 when consumer went to start the vehicle it would not start, the vehicle was then towed to the mechanic, upon inspecting vehicle it was found that coolant was in the head gasket, an occurence which would only happen if there was a leak in the head gasket, the head, or the block, the mechanic then put new cylinder bolts on.”

NHTSA complaint #785950, filed 2002-04

“Consumer states due to the design and location of the brake pedal, the pedal is to close to the accelerator pedal, when attempting to depress the brake pedal consumer accidently depress the accelerator pedal causing the consumer to have an accident/injuries.”

NHTSA complaint #801660, filed 1996-10

“Air bag light keeps coming on and off.when applying the brakes there is a grinding e and squeaking noise. Brake pedal went straight to the floorboard. Also, fuel pump makes a loud noise.”

NHTSA complaint #846374, filed 1999-09

“Consumer states he attempted to apply his brakes noticed they felt spongy and did not stop the vehicle which caused him to run into the rear of another automobile.”

NHTSA complaint #804665, filed 1996-11

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202615%
202526%
2024615%
2023210%
202245%
20212519%
20202512%
20193817%
20184022%
20172210%
2016218%
2015185%
2014359%
20139715%
201274%
20111410%
201011%
20091018%
20082113%
20072013%
200654%
2005127%
2004105%
200374%
200293%
20012410%
2000106%
1999712%
1998712%
19971514%
1996107%
19952521%
19941515%
1993916%
1992813%
1991711%
199013%
198912%
198713%

Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Sentra

Air bags
53 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaints
Electrical system
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Engine cooling
9 complaints
Vehicle speed control
9 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Nissan Sentra

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology