1997 Nissan Sentra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Nissan Sentra, 9% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“The wiring under the window controls in the driver door started to smolder and burst into flames within seconds. Part of the plastic door panel melted. It took two watering cans of water to put out the fire. Nissan has refused to take any responsibility, but I see on your website that a similar complaint was filed today. It might be worthwhile to check into this.”
NHTSA complaint #10023982, filed 2003-06, 84,000 miles“My starter in my 1997 Nissan Sentra is always messing up!! I have had to replace it four times within one year. I thought it was the battery, so I even replaced that. But at the end, it is always the starter that fails. I put the key in, turn it to start, and the car just hisses. This is the fourth time this has happened. I am severly convinced that there is somewort of starter/electrical defect that no one (Nissan authorities) have reported. Even my mechanic thinks it's odd that he has had to replace it 4 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054739, filed 2004-01“Bought vehicle a few weeks ago & horn would continue to blow. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic was suppose to have repaired it. Picked vehicle up and problem reappeared after hitting a crack or bump. Took back to dealership at least 4 other times and horn problem was not resolved. Dealership was refusing to repair it again. Owner removed fuse & it now has to go through inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #868713, filed 2000-08“Consumer was driving at 55 MPH and on a 4- way highway when vehicle suddenly died, completely stopped without no prior warning . Only reason consumer was able to pull over safely was because consumer had just got into the right hand lane. Dealer repaired the r&r distributor assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #872659, filed 2000-10“Brake light fuse goes out which makes the brake lights inoperative and may cause accident. Been to dealer many times, cannot resolve problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #835334, filed 1999-02Related service bulletins
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235729Apr 3, 2023RADIO INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTS DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK VIA BLUETOOTH CONNECTED IPHONE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous…
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 10 | 24% |
| 2023 | 8 | 40% |
| 2022 | 24 | 30% |
| 2021 | 38 | 29% |
| 2020 | 45 | 22% |
| 2019 | 65 | 29% |
| 2018 | 32 | 17% |
| 2017 | 33 | 14% |
| 2016 | 45 | 17% |
| 2015 | 25 | 7% |
| 2014 | 32 | 8% |
| 2013 | 43 | 7% |
| 2012 | 13 | 7% |
| 2011 | 34 | 24% |
| 2010 | 50 | 35% |
| 2009 | 6 | 11% |
| 2008 | 11 | 7% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 17 | 10% |
| 2004 | 28 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 19% |
| 2002 | 54 | 18% |
| 2001 | 44 | 19% |
| 2000 | 29 | 17% |
| 1999 | 12 | 20% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 10 | 9% |
| 1996 | 11 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 8% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 14 | 23% |
| 1991 | 7 | 11% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Sentra
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsBrakes
15 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 29, 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