Nissan Sentra problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 1,855 owner complaints and 32 recalls on file for the Nissan Sentra (2005–2026). The 2019 Sentra has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 1,855
- Recalls
- 32
- Model years
- 22
- Worst year
- 2019
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Nissan Sentra years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2019 Nissan Sentra — 199 complaints, 14 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
- 2015 Nissan Sentra — 187 complaints, 13 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2017 Nissan Sentra — 171 complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2018 Nissan Sentra — 154 complaints, 12 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2021 Nissan Sentra — 132 complaints, 14 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (5 complaints).
Every Nissan Sentra model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sentra | 16 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2025 Sentra | 30 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 4 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2024 Sentra | 41 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Sentra | 20 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2022 Sentra | 81 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | Steering |
| 2021 Sentra | 132 | 14 | 1 | 8 | 3 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2020 Sentra | 206 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2019 Sentra | 199 | 14 | 1 | 14 | 2 | Electrical System |
| 2018 Sentra | 154 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 2 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2017 Sentra | 171 | 15 | 4 | 9 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2016 Sentra | 170 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2015 Sentra | 187 | 13 | 2 | 10 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2014 Sentra | 152 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 5 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2013 Sentra | 159 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2012 Sentra | 38 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2011 Sentra | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Engine |
| 2010 Sentra | 20 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2009 Sentra | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Airbags |
| 2008 Sentra | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Airbags |
| 2007 Sentra | 18 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2006 Sentra | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine |
| 2005 Sentra | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Airbags |
Most common Nissan Sentra problem areas (all years)
- Transmission & Drivetrain619 complaints
- Electrical System319 complaints
- Engine284 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech239 complaints
- Brakes184 complaints
- Steering178 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control161 complaints
- Airbags119 complaints
- Lighting79 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion58 complaints
Complaint trend
Nissan Sentra recalls
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a driveshaft that is not fully engaged can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An owner who cannot see their VIN clearly may not recognize their vehicle is involved in a safety recall, and may not have the recall remedy performed, which could increase the risk of injury, fire, or a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Corrosion of the electrical components could result in failure of various electrical systems, such as loss of wiper motor function or exterior lighting, inoperative air bags, or the ability to shift into gear without applying the brake pedal. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
Risk: If the engine room harness loses connection to the ECU, the vehicle may not start or the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: If the frontal passenger air bag deploys in the event of a crash when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, there will be an increased risk of injury to the child in the CRS.
Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Risk: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Risk: A door that does not fully latch may result in the door opening while the car is moving. The distraction may increase the risk of a crash and/or a vehicle occupant may fall out of the vehicle if they are not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their risk of injury.
Other Nissan models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology