MotorDeets

1990 Nissan Sentra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Nissan Sentra: 2 recalls, 39 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
39owner complaints
6mention a crash
28best combined mpg
1990 Nissan Sentra
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V022000 · 1991 · 165,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Improper belt guide performance can cause fraying of the shoulder safety belts near the retractor.

Why it matters: The fraying of the shoulder safety belt webbing can causeimproper retraction of the belt, which would lead to inadequate protection ofseat occupant during a sudden stop or accident, and could result in increasedrisk of injury.

The fix: Modify the safety belt guides to prevent fraying; and or replace retractor assembly if fraying is present.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103002 · 1995 · 2,730,462 vehicles

What's wrong: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Seat belts14
Engine & cooling8
Electrical3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Suspension3
Seats2
Tires2
Exterior lights1

What owners describe

The 1990 Nissan Sentra has 39 owner complaints, ranking #34 of 37 Sentra model years for complaints (well below the 158 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 82,958 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (63 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylManual 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive253328Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive243327Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive232825Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Nissan Sentra.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1990 Nissan Sentra manual

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FAQ

Does the 1990 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Nissan Sentra problems?

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (14), engine & cooling (8), electrical (3).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Nissan Sentra get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Nissan Sentra repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sentra years

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