1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
1998 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Nissan Sentra has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Optical crank/cam angle sensor failure inside the distributor (oil-seal leak) causing stalling and no-start ($150-$500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Nissan Sentra has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Optical crank/cam angle sensor failure inside the distributor (oil-seal leak) causing stalling and no-start, GA16DE oil consumption at high mileage (PCV baffle, valve seals, worn rings), Body rust: strut towers, floor pans, and clogged sunroof drains (B13/B14). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1998 Nissan Sentra has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Optical crank/cam angle sensor failure inside the distributor (oil-seal leak) causing stalling and no-start. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Sentra issues range from $150 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Optical crank/cam angle sensor failure inside the distributor (oil-seal leak) causing stalling and no-start, typically costs $150-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The defining electrical failure of the 1990s Sentra. On both the GA16DE (1.6L) and SR20DE (2.0L), the crank angle and camshaft position signals are generated by an OPTICAL sensor (a slotted disc read by an LED/photo-diode) housed inside the distributor. Two age-related failure mo… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Aging GA16DE engines commonly develop gradual oil consumption that owners don't notice as a puddle because it is being burned. Contributing factors are the small PCV baffle plate gasket in the valve cover failing, which lets the PCV system pull oil into the intake, a clogged PCV… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
As with most economy cars of this era in salt regions, the third- and fourth-generation Sentra/SE-R (B13 1991-94, B14 1995-99) develop structural and cosmetic rust. Enthusiast community 'trouble spot' guides for the B13 SE-R specifically call out terminal rust, saggy doors, and l… Repairs typically run $200-$2,000. Severity: medium.
By age and mileage the Sentra's rear strut mounts, strut inserts, and suspension bushings are worn-out consumables. Community buyer's guides for the B13 note cars 'probably need a lot of new bushings, probably struts too,' and rear strut mounts are a routinely stocked replacement… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: low.
The GA16DE's valve cover gasket and its spark-plug-tube seals harden and leak with age and heat cycles. Oil weeps down the outside of the engine and, more importantly, pools inside the spark plug wells where it saturates the plug boots and can cause misfires and rough running. A… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: low.
