One problem related to brake drum has been reported for the 1996 Nissan Sentra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I purchased my car in late August of 1997. Since then I have put 3 sets of new brakes on my car. My car is currently in the shop to have another set of new brakes. I just put brakes on my car on October 16, 1998, I put brakes on my car in June of 1998, and now I am doing it again (November of 1998. ) the reason for my concern is because my brakes fail without warning. I will be stopping and my brakes will starting grinding. I take it to the shop and the brake pads are completely gone, and so I replace more than just the brake pads, I also must replace the rotors. Last night (November 23, 1998) I was driving down the street, barely moving, because of traffic. I stepped on my brakes they grinded badly, and I almost didn't get my car stopped. This is the most unsafe thing I can think of. Without warning my brakes don't stop. I am so unhappy with this car currently that I wish I had never bought this car. The repair shop who currently has my car has spoken with someone who works at Nissan. This gentlemen has told him that he is aware that there is a problem with these cars "devouring" brakes in the manner mine is currently doing. If Nissan does not look in to this problem and contact me in the near future, I will be forced to take legal actions against them, since I feel that my car is extremely unsafe to drive. Brandy carpenter.