1997 Nissan Sentra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 14%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,907miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Nissan Sentra, 14% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,907 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving home from work on the freeway doing about 70 MPH when there was a wreck on the hwy, to avoid further collisions up to 5 cars in front of me locked up their brakes, the truck in front of me locked up his brakes, & I locked up my brakes, & my front end went down, my brakes locked up, my car slid under the truck in front of me, & neither air-bag deployed! My front end buckled up I count 3 failures, the brakes being 1st, 2nd, & 3rd being air bags. (drivers, & passenger. There has not yet been any action to correct the failure, this is the first thing my wife has done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10172197, filed 2006-10, 120,907 miles“It seems that the brakes were pushing too hard and the so narrow tires couldn't resist the brake pressure, locking up continiously. At the time of the accident it had just finished raining. I was going at a spped of 20 to 25 MPH when I appleed the brakes they locked up hitting a van in front of me. This have had happened in many occations before.”
NHTSA complaint #540214, filed 1998-08“Water is entering the trunk and is routed along the electrical wiring, this is due to the rear light module is sealed into place with a product that is not fit for the purpose intended. Vehicle was involved in an accident with a semi truck and the airbags failed to deploy. Consumer states that the generic brake pads are not compatible with the original parts as excessive squealing takes place.”
NHTSA complaint #895668, filed 2001-09“Vehicle's braking distance has increased when it sits for 4 or 5 days at a time without being driven. Dealer said he has other models on his lot that do the same thing. Also, dealer told consumer to let vehicle run for 30 seconds. Then, pump brake before driving. Nissan has file on this.”
NHTSA complaint #880462, filed 2001-02“Going down hill at approx 15-30 miles per hour,brakes smoke/ overheat/ burn squeek. Have had to shop twice in last week. Just got car last week, no other problems. Would like to have them safety checked and replaced if needed. Have appointment again for next monday, just hope all will work out. Wanted to know of others with same brake problem, and poor gas milage, that has to relate in some way to break system.”
NHTSA complaint #704474, filed 1999-03Related service bulletins
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 10% |
| 2022 | 4 | 5% |
| 2021 | 25 | 19% |
| 2020 | 25 | 12% |
| 2019 | 38 | 17% |
| 2018 | 40 | 22% |
| 2017 | 22 | 10% |
| 2016 | 21 | 8% |
| 2015 | 18 | 5% |
| 2014 | 35 | 9% |
| 2013 | 97 | 15% |
| 2012 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 14 | 10% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 10 | 18% |
| 2008 | 21 | 13% |
| 2007 | 20 | 13% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 | 10 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 15 | 14% |
| 1996 | 10 | 7% |
| 1995 | 25 | 21% |
| 1994 | 15 | 15% |
| 1993 | 9 | 16% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1991 | 7 | 11% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Sentra
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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