The 1997 Nissan Sentra has 4 recalls, the most serious being missing structural pads inside the rear doors that leave occupants with reduced side-impact protection in a crash.
Each rear door was designed with three foam pads to help meet federal side door strength requirements, but one of those pads was not installed, meaning the doors may absorb less energy than intended during a side collision. On the visibility side, water can work its way into the wiper arm linkage ball joint and wash out the grease, leading to gradual wear that can eventually cause the wiper linkage to separate from the motor linkage entirely, leaving the driver with no wipers in wet conditions. The taillights on some vehicles also do not meet minimum illumination standards, which means they may not be bright enough for a following driver to clearly see that the car ahead is braking, raising the risk of a rear-end collision. Finally, on non-airbag-equipped models, a digit in the vehicle identification number incorrectly indicates the vehicle is fitted with dual airbags when it is not, which could lead to confusion about the vehicle's actual restraint equipment.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the ball joint where your wiper linkage connects to the motor linkage, washing out the grease that keeps it lubricated.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a water diversion seal to prevent water from entering the wiper linkage ball joint.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The stop and tail lamps do not produce enough light to meet federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Two brighter replacement bulbs will be provided. A label with the new bulb number goes in your owner's manual. Dealers can install them if you request.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One of three foam pads in each rear door is missing. These pads are part of the door's structural design to meet safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the missing foam pad in each rear door.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The eighth digit of your Vehicle Identification Number is marked as 'D', indicating dual airbags, but your vehicle has no airbags installed. This creates a mismatch between the VIN and actual equipment.
What the fix does
A label will be applied to the A-pillar stating your vehicle has no airbags and confirming all components match a non-airbag equipped vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
