1996 Nissan Sentra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%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 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Nissan Sentra, 4% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The contact stated while waiting in the right lane to make a turn, the vehicle was rammed from behind. The driver from the other vehicle indicated there were no tail lights illuminated and it was not possible to notice if it was moving or not at night. The police was present at the scene, and a report was taken. There were no warning lights to alert the contact for an electrical failure. After nine years of the accident, the contact encountered a NHTSA recall # 98v008000 which matched the electrical failure of the vehicle at the time of the accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176196, filed 2006-12, 30,000 miles“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“Tail lights failed prior to recall notice causing consumer to be in a rear end collision because tail lights were not bright enough, resulting in injury to drivers neck.”
NHTSA complaint #532663, filed 1998-03Related recalls
- 98V008000Jan 21, 1998These vehicles do not meet the illumination requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."Covers: Nissan Sentra 1996–1997
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 28 | 13% |
| 2018 | 15 | 8% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 4% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Sentra
53 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTires
6 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 31, 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