1999 Nissan Sentra

1999 Nissan Sentra

The 1999 Nissan Sentra was a compact sedan that was offered with three engine options: a 1.6-liter inline-four (GA16DE), a 1.8-liter inline-four (SR20DE), or a 2.0-liter inline-four (QR20DE). The GA16DE produced 115 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, while the SR20DE produced 126 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The QR20DE was available only in the SE-R trim and produced 145 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Sentra was offered with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People liked the Sentra for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and sporty handling. However, some people complained about the Sentra’s lack of power, especially when equipped with the GA16DE or SR20DE engine. Others found the interior to be cramped and the ride to be too stiff.

Engine

• GA16DE
  • Valve cover gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, causing a burning oil smell and a loss of oil.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to jump time. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• SR20DE
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Same as GA16DE.
    • Solution: Same as GA16DE.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Same as GA16DE.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket leaks, causing a vacuum leak and a loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• QR20DE
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Synchronizer wear
    • Description/Symptoms: The synchronizers in the transmission wear out, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
    • Solution: Replace the synchronizers and other worn transmission parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission fluid leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid leaks from the transmission, causing a loss of fluid and a loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts
  • Strut mount failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The strut mount fails, causing the strut to separate from the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control and a crash.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: 99V073000

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear bumper
  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear bumper rusts, causing it to become weak and unsightly.
    • Solution: Replace the rear bumper.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard cracks, causing it to look unsightly and fall apart.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power window motors
  • Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors fail, causing the windows to become stuck open or closed.
    • Solution: Replace the power window motors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Nissan Sentra is a reliable and affordable vehicle that is known for its fuel efficiency and sporty handling. However, there are a few common issues that owners should be aware of, including valve cover gasket leaks, timing chain tensioner failures, and transmission fluid leaks. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle. The cost to fix these issues can also vary, but it is typically in the range of $200 - $1,000.