1997 Nissan Sentra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Nissan Sentra, 3% of the 108 complaints for this model year. 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.
“My neighbor told me my brake lights had been out for awhile -- when the headlights were on and I hit the brake pedal, the brake light/rear tail light would go out completely, leaving only the center light bar on the trunk on to serve as a brake light. I'd been driving with my lights on during the day, thinking it would be safer since I have a toddler in the car with me. …”
NHTSA complaint #750613, filed 2001-08“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“Owner states that there is no cover in the trunk area where tail lights are. Indicates concern for safety if something was to hit electrical wires, something could happen. Owner further notes that there is a design for a cover, but it has not been installed on vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #811842, filed 1997-05Related 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 1997 Nissan Sentra
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSteering
4 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