Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 1996 Nissan Sentra

Four problems related to front air bag sensor control have been reported for the 1996 Nissan Sentra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 01/30/2008

Insufficient headrest foam coverage. Foam degrades or self moves out of position to reveal internal metal frame which runs across entire headrest at point of head impact. Part does not seem serviceable for repair, and should be replaced by manufacturer with updated version. Check engine light and airbag light are both triggered too easily by too many sensors, so vehicle is constantly in shop with no trouble found. Seems like it was designed by an overly-worried car manufacturer, or for the purposes of making owners feel the car needs to be replaced. It also greatly increases the likely hood of failing an annual inspection. The safety issue stems from all the blinking lights on the dash which are very distractive, especially at night, and usually completely unnecessary. In 1996, there was a recall for insufficient brake light illumination on the Sentra model. Nissan's fix for this was a brighter bulb. Since my car was bought used, and the prior owner did not upgrade to the new bulbs, and there is no listing for the replacement bulbs, owner's may not know how to upgrade their brake lights. Nissan dealers do not seem to know what bulb to replace it with for better illumination. This is an obvious safety issue, as there are many 1996 Nissan Sentras on the road today.

2 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 04/19/1999

Airbag light has illuminated twice, the first time the dealer replaced the problem under warranty, now at 78,836 miles the airbag light is again illuminated, the consumer feels the dealership shoud replace this being it's only 20,000 miles later and has failed again.

3 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 05/20/1998

The air bag light came on and started flashing. Whenever driving, air bag light would stay on. Took to dealer to checked, but has not been repaired yet.

4 Front Air Bag Sensor Control problem

Failure Date: 04/01/1996

Other: airbag sensors failed.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 1996 Nissan Sentra



Safety Ratings of Sentra Cars
Fuel Economy of Sentra Vehicles
Sentra Service Bulletins
Sentra Safety Recalls
Sentra Defect Investigations