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

8200591820071752009202220113815920131521872015170171201715419920192061322021812020234130202516
NHTSA complaints per Nissan Sentra model year. Click a bar for details.

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).

  1. 2019 Nissan Sentra — 199 complaints, 14 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2015 Nissan Sentra — 187 complaints, 13 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  3. 2017 Nissan Sentra — 171 complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  4. 2018 Nissan Sentra — 154 complaints, 12 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  5. 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

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Sentra161111Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2025 Sentra306034Wheels & Tires
2024 Sentra416053Electrical System
2023 Sentra201021Electrical System
2022 Sentra811082Steering
2021 Sentra13214183Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2020 Sentra2068024Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2019 Sentra199141142Electrical System
2018 Sentra15412352Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 Sentra17115493Transmission & Drivetrain
2016 Sentra1706066Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 Sentra187132103Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 Sentra1529355Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 Sentra1596136Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 Sentra381210Transmission & Drivetrain
2011 Sentra221012Engine
2010 Sentra201013Airbags
2009 Sentra50001Airbags
2008 Sentra171001Airbags
2007 Sentra181420Brakes
2006 Sentra90003Engine
2005 Sentra81123Airbags

Most common Nissan Sentra problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    619 complaints
  • Electrical System
    319 complaints
  • Engine
    284 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    239 complaints
  • Brakes
    184 complaints
  • Steering
    178 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    161 complaints
  • Airbags
    119 complaints
  • Lighting
    79 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    58 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Nissan Sentra received by NHTSA each month.

Nissan Sentra recalls

  • Recall 26V410000Jun 26, 2026946 vehiclesModel years 2025

    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.

  • Recall 26V145000Mar 13, 202615 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 26V023000Jan 20, 202626,432 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.

  • Recall 25V807000Nov 20, 202541,797 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V153000Mar 11, 2025199 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 24V498000Jul 1, 20241,608 vehiclesModel years 2024

    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.

  • Recall 24V304000Apr 29, 20249,645 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V154000Feb 27, 2024351 vehiclesModel years 2023–2024

    Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V628000Sep 8, 2023153,376 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V581000Aug 15, 2023236,238 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V421000Jun 12, 2023230 vehiclesModel years 2022

    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.

  • Recall 22V244000Apr 13, 20225,520 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V461000Jun 17, 2021138,736 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V135000Mar 3, 2021807,376 vehiclesModel years 2016–2019

    Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V747000Dec 1, 20203,930 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 20V008000Jan 9, 2020307,962 vehiclesModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 19V654000Sep 12, 20191,228,830 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V551000Aug 21, 2018153,047 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V253000Apr 13, 201730,038 vehiclesModel years 2014–2017

    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.

  • Recall 16V485000Jun 29, 20161,522 vehiclesModel years 2016

    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.

  • Recall 16V436000Jun 15, 20164,355 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V242000Apr 26, 2016645,898 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    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.

  • Recall 16V244000Apr 26, 20163,296,947 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    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.

  • Recall 15V681000Oct 20, 2015919 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    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.

  • Recall 15V453000Jul 21, 20156,595 vehiclesModel years 2015

    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