Nissan Sentra Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Nissan Sentra options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Sentra has 1,148 owner complaints and 25 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Sentra
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,148
- Safety recall campaigns
- 25
- Crash-related complaints
- 98
- Fire-related complaints
- 11
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (230 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (14 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Nissan Sentra: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe NISSAN SENTRA has 1,148 NHTSA complaints and 25 recalls on record. 98 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,148 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 25 federal recall campaigns
- 98 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
25 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SEATS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
STRUCTURE:BODY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SEATS
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,148 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,148 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
When I plug my phone in to USB android auto starts up and when I begin to play music it's stops or you hear a lot of static,so if I want to listen to music I have to plug in to aux and when you use aux the android auto don't work . When listing to music can't use the display screen 1
The camera views are all pink or turning pink. Also when getting to 70mph on the interstate, the car begins to shudder. The vehicle has 52,000 miles on it.
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and shifted to park(P), the vehicle started to slowly roll backwards unexpectedly. While attempting to re-enter the vehicle to stop the vehicle, the contact was knocked to the floor by the driver’s side door. The contact sustained injuries to the knees, back, thighs, and a concussion. The contact received medical treatment and an appointment for an MRI was scheduled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle was driven to the parking lot and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. Upon arrival at the residence, the vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence, and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized. The local dealer was contacted, and an estimate for the repair was provided. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The mechanic stated that the engine was cracked and was a rebuilt engine, not a new engine. The contact purchased a used engine from a salvage yard for replacement. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
After 8 months of driving my car brand new I started experiencing multiple intermittent malfunctions in the dash board & infotainment system. I have documentation of DTC codes current in my ECU. These codes each dealership refused to find and instead replaced my car battery, wiping the codes & replacing my infotainment system after it completely failed. After repeated repair attempts each dealership failed to successfully repair under warranty & told me to drive the car as normal when these malfunctions continued. These electrical malfunctions were at one point affecting my alternator which I also have documentation of. The car has lost power yet the engine stays running while I am driving. My handsfree is intermittent everyday. I am now way past my warranty & extended warranty due to following dealerships advice to drive the car as normal and bring back. These ongoing malfunctions create unreasonable safety risk which I believe falls under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 — the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A third party diagnostics shop told me my car would have to be taken apart to find the grounding issues as this is clearly a manufacturing defect. These repairs have cost me money and I refuse to keep paying these dealerships if they aren't willing to resolve the core problem. I get constant push back from each dealership. I've already engaged with Nissan consumer affairs, a Lemon Law attorney, and filed with my State AG, AG recommended while undergoing an IDR that I file a complaint here as well. Please help.
Key Fob consistently displays “Low Battery” on the dashboard even after replacing the batteries on both key fobs. However, when using the remote start, using either key fob, no warning displays on dashboard.
Read 14 more owner reports
When my iPhone is connected to Apple CarPlay in my vehicle, a loud static sound occurs during phone calls, and music playing. This static causes the audio to cut in and out, making conversations unintelligible. Because of this, I am unable to safely use the hands-free calling feature, which forces me to either end the call or take my hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road to put the call on the phone’s speaker. The problem is frequent, occurring multiple times per day. The only temporary fix is to physically unplug the CarPlay cable and plug it back in, which is dangerous to do while driving. This is a serious safety issue because it defeats the purpose of hands-free communication, which is required in many states to comply with distracted driving laws. Other owners of the same make and model have reported experiencing the same CarPlay static and call dropouts, suggesting this is not an isolated case but a possible defect. If the vehicle is to be driven safely and legally, the hands-free calling function must work without forcing the driver to take unsafe actions. This issue should be investigated as it creates a significant risk of driver distraction and potential accidents.
Rear back up camera just turned purple out of no where
Shifter Knob popped off when shifting to different gears, this can cause issues with transmission and safety while driving and shifting gears. Shifter Knob should not just pop off without force.
The Malfunction symbol/ABS light comes on once a week & will not allow me to crank my car and i have to jump it off to get it back started. My car is bought from a rental car agency Jan 2025 who provided me the receipts that the car was taken care of properly. Within the first week of purchase, the vehicle would not start & the malfunction and/or ABS symbol would appear and happens once a week since i purchased the vehicle January 2025. According to Google, this UNWANTED ABS or malfunction warning is very COMMON in the Nissan Sentra. Seems as if this is an unwanted problem occurring in several year models, it should be recalled. It is a safety hazard for all involved.
Upon purchasing the vehicle on December 21, 2024, I immediately noticed a delay in acceleration when pressing the gas pedal, particularly after the vehicle had been idling for some time. This delay creates a significant safety risk, especially in situations where quick acceleration is needed, such as merging onto highways or avoiding accidents. Additionally, the vehicle displays incorrect fuel mileage readings, leading to poor fuel consumption and inaccurate fuel gauge readings, further jeopardizing safety due to the potential misjudgment of remaining fuel. During the test drive with the service manager, he almost got into two accidents because of the delay in acceleration. He acknowledged that the issue was caused by the updated CVT transmissions and stated that it would be best to return the car. Despite this, the dealership was unable to fix the problem after multiple visits. I was advised to contact Nissan Consumer Affairs, who were aware of the delay in acceleration. However, after following up with Nissan, I was directed to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The issue has been replicated by the service techs, two sales managers, the service manager, and the dealership owner. The service manager confirmed the acceleration delay during the test drive and recommended returning the vehicle due to its unsafe nature. This delay continues to pose a serious safety concern, and I am deeply concerned that it could lead to an accident if not properly addressed.
• rear back up camera failing, showing no image possibly due to faulty wiring or faulty harness. • inability to see directly behind vehicle while in reverse • problem was not confirmed by dealership • no inspection has been done, due to research online the vehicle has been know to have a flawed rear camera • no warning lights appeared no symptoms. Problem occurred on 11/29/24 at 5:00pm
Battery died at 24,000 miles. Never had any issues until this.
First incident I was driving and my dashboard turned off all the speedometers went to zero all lights turned off. I was able to safely pull over and as I pulled over my dash came back on with malfunction lights flashing - I took pictures tried to get the dealership to duplicate it and they could not. Second incident is my radio, auxiliary ports and center dash screen. After a couple of malfunctions where the radio would turn off and come back on, it finally completely turned off and will not turn back on. I cannot use the radio, back up camera, nor auxiliary ports. Took it to 3 different dealerships where the last one was able to duplicate it due to it not turning back on. Ordered the radio it's on back order with no eta! Brand new 2023 just a year old.
I have noticed that there was false alarms coming out of the Forward Collision Warning system and the Automatic Rear Parking Warning system. When I was driving down a road, there was a person walking on the sidewalk not near the actual road itself. My car thought that I was going to hit that person and sounded the warning. For the rear, when I was reversing out of my driveway, the rear parking warning sounded and the automatic breaking came into effect. The car thought i was going to hit the ground, although I had enough clearance. I believe the automatic breaking system for the rear and front is defective and needs more work. I used to own a 2021 Nissan Sentra, same features and I never had these kinds of false alarms as I have with my current 2023 Nissan Sentra.
I bought this 2023 Nissan Sentra S on March 3 2023 and it has approximately 23k miles now. During these 10 months, Nissan replaced the axis on the vehicle under their waranty and the clicking sounds still exists after it getting fixed twice. There is also an occassional malfunctioning of the Forward Emergency Brake (the off light blinks with a ! sign). Nissan was unable to replicate the Forward Emergency Brake issue. A new car made last year should not be having this many issues and we are requesting an investigation into Nissan and their practices. They covered the axis issue twice after us not knowing what was wrong but we keep hearing these clicking sounds and they go through a big diagonstic guide corporate tells them to. The car is still under the Nissan manufactuer waranty and we are tried of going to the dealership again and again to fix this. We ran into someone and spoke with a 2022 Nissan Sentra owner who told us she went through something similar with her axis but in an older model. The CarFaxes are attached for the dates of service.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that after making a right turn while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle jerked to the right and crashed into an unoccupied parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained back pain from the crash, and medical attention was later received. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tie rod had fractured and needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that before the failure, the vehicle had driven over some potholes on the road. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
During adverse weather conditions cat refused to drive. I had to press break to get cat to budge then or would stop again until I redirected the car to parking spot
The 2025 Nissan Sentra lost control in the steering wheel or driveshaft while driving down hill. The vehicle lost power lost steering and crashed. The vehicle stated "malfunction " when the crash occured. There was a leaking fluid coming from the front left underside of the vehicle after the crash when it became undrivable due to loss of power and loss of driveshaft control. I felt unsafe with the way the vehicle was shuddering and jerking every right turn I made in the vehicle days prior to it being in a crash.
Showing 20 of 1,148 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Nissan Sentra
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Nissan Sentra, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan Sentra has 1,148 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Nissan Sentra has 25 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 98 of the Nissan Sentra's 1,148 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan Sentra vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Nissan Sentra vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Nissan Sentra has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a Nissan Sentra by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Nissan Sentra.
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Nissan Sentra reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Sentra reliable?
Poor. The Nissan Sentra has 1,148 NHTSA owner complaints and 25 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Nissan Sentra years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (230 complaints), 2019 (221 complaints), 2020 (204 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Nissan Sentra problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (255 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (223 complaints); POWER TRAIN (209 complaints).
Does the Nissan Sentra have recalls?
Yes — 25 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Nissan Sentra. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.