1996 Nissan Sentra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Nissan Sentra, 6% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
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.
“Air conditioner -- when I had air conditioner on the car would stall. After bringing it to several mechanics, I finally convinced one that something was wrong and he cleaned the throttle and the car has been running much better.”
NHTSA complaint #10276956, filed 2009-07, 30,000 miles“Engine has 46,381 orignal miles, engine had been maintained properly. Engine should have not gone out at 46k miles. Are there any other reported cases of this type car/engine?do I have a claim against the dealer for a faulty engine?what are my legal rights concerning this, as I still owe $8,000.00 on the loan, through reliable credit.”
NHTSA complaint #745873, filed 2001-05“Insufficient headrest foam coverage. Foam degrades or self moves out of position to reveal internal metal frame which runs across entire headrest at point of head impact. Part does not seem serviceable for repair, and should be replaced by manufacturer with updated version. Check engine light and airbag light are both triggered too easily by too many sensors, so vehicle is constantly in shop with no trouble found. Seems like it was designed by an overly-worried car manufacturer, or for the purposes of making owners feel the car needs to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216475, filed 2008-01“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“Vehicle was overheating. Also, engine check light came on the dashboard panel. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership and put on it the machine. Vehicle was okay.”
NHTSA complaint #863800, filed 2000-06Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 8 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 6% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 14 | 12% |
| 2005 | 48 | 28% |
| 2004 | 59 | 30% |
| 2003 | 86 | 48% |
| 2002 | 127 | 42% |
| 2001 | 93 | 39% |
| 2000 | 72 | 42% |
| 1999 | 6 | 10% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 9 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 11% |
| 1993 | 5 | 9% |
| 1992 | 11 | 18% |
| 1991 | 4 | 6% |
| 1990 | 8 | 21% |
| 1989 | 9 | 22% |
| 1988 | 10 | 27% |
| 1987 | 5 | 14% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
| 1985 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Sentra
53 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTires
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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