2008 Nissan Sentra Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 51 Sentra reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Sentra does moderately well on government and insurance industry crash tests.
In government crash tests, the Sentra earned five stars in frontal offset crash tests, but was not tested in side crashes. It has a rollover rating of four out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested a 2008 version of the Sentra, and the 2006 model was tested without side airbags. IIHS gave that model an "Acceptable" rating in frontal offset tests, but a "Poor" rating for side impacts.
Accident Avoidance
The Sentra comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, but the fact that electronic stability control isn’t available (even as an upgrade), worries many reviewers who mention it is available in other autos like the Toyota Corolla. "You can't get stability control at any price," says USA Today. "Nissan thinks buyers are interested in an optional Rockford Fosgate high-end audio system, but not in an anti-skid device that could keep them alive to hear it." Despite the Sentra’s stellar crash test ratings, "without stability control at least as an option, no car gets the group's "top safety pick" designation any more," says Newsday. Traction control also isn’t available. For 2008 the Sentra provides standard anti-lock brakes for all but the base trim. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is also available in the ABS upgrade package and modifies braking to account for current passenger and cargo weight.
Recently, Nissan began recalling 2007 and 2008 Sentras for an irregularity in some brake cylinders that can cause fluid leaks and ultimately lead to brake failure. Concerned owners can call 1-800-647-7261.
Crash Protection
The Nissan comes standard with six air bags including advanced front air bags and seat-mounted side impact torso bags. There are also front and rear crumple zones and front seat active head restraints that reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. CNET also notes the side impact door beams, energy-absorbing steering column and a pull-down feature that stabilizes the engine during front-impact crashes.
