1997 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Nissan Sentra, 4% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While driving and turning, the consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. It vibrated severely. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10095124, filed 2004-11, 44,000 miles“While driving on dry/clear pavement, I felt/heard a loud noise and then the steering wheel lockesd up. With no control of the vehicle I struck and embankment.”
NHTSA complaint #707890, filed 1999-06“Steering wheel locked when she moved into another lane, causing the car to spin out of control, crashing into a fence on the side of the road. She and her passengers could have been seriously hurt. Lock on the steering wheel is suspect, in my opinion.”
NHTSA complaint #764542, filed 2002-07Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 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…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 24% |
| 2023 | 4 | 20% |
| 2022 | 31 | 38% |
| 2021 | 40 | 30% |
| 2020 | 55 | 27% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 14 | 6% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 16 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% |
| 2007 | 30 | 19% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
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 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