1997 Nissan Sentra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Nissan Sentra, 6% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 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.
“Upper radiator hose leaks at either connection. Tried installing new radiator hose and brand new, high quality hose clamps, but problem persisted. Coolant then drips down directly into the alternator shorting the alternator out. Solution: make a cover for alternator out of sheet metal, and bolt it to the exhaust manifold cover. If water drips from the above radiator hose, the cover will protect the alternator by directing the runoff elsewhere.”
NHTSA complaint #10045102, filed 2003-10, 40,000 miles“Upper radiator hose leaks at either point of connection. Coolant drips down directly into alternator shorting the alternator out. Tried replacing old hose and hose clamps with a new hose and new, high quality hose clamps, but problem persisted. Solution: made own cover to protect alternator from coolant dripping from leaky upper radiator hose out of sheet metal. Bolted sheet metal cover to exhaust manifold. Now if the upper radiator hose leaks, the coolant drips on sheet metal cover and runoff goes elsewhere safely. Haven't had a problem since.”
NHTSA complaint #10045106, filed 2003-10, 36,000 miles“I own a 1997 Nissan Sentra the main seal around the head gasket leaks causing oil to leak. Previous to this I owned a Nissan altima I think the year was 1993 that had the same problem. Also my air bag light constantly blinks ever since I bought it. The dealership said they couldn't do anything about it”
NHTSA complaint #10080460, filed 2004-07Engine 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 1997 Nissan Sentra
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 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 27, 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