Nissan Sentra reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 3,269 complaints about the Nissan Sentra with NHTSA since 2010, most often about transmission and drivetrain and electrical system. Nissan has filed 7 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns for it, and there are 29 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Nissan Sentra? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sentra a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 3,269
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 7
- Filed by Nissan
- Service campaigns
- 33
- Filed by Nissan
- Safety recalls
- 29
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sentra with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | Other or unspecified (38%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 30 | Other or unspecified (20%) | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | 41 | Steering (24%) | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 20 | Electrical system (40%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 81 | Steering (38%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | 132 | Steering (30%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2020 | 206 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (29%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2019 | 222 | Electrical system (29%) | 2 | 8 |
| 2018 | 185 | Transmission and drivetrain (25%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2017 | 231 | Transmission and drivetrain (33%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2016 | 270 | Transmission and drivetrain (47%) | 6 | 9 |
| 2015 | 351 | Transmission and drivetrain (49%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2014 | 380 | Transmission and drivetrain (48%) | 5 | 13 |
| 2013 | 638 | Transmission and drivetrain (49%) | 6 | 16 |
| 2012 | 180 | Transmission and drivetrain (38%) | 0 | 3 |
| 2011 | 142 | Electrical system (24%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2010 | 144 | Electrical system (35%) | 3 | 3 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sentra model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Nissan
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Nissan filed with NHTSA for the Sentra, in its own words. A warranty extension means Nissan pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2017
CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in a class action, Nissan will extend the…
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2018–2019
CVT Class Action Owner Notification In mid-December, current and former owners and lessees of the following vehicles will receive a postcard from a Settlement Administrator informing them of the terms of a proposed class action that, subject to final court approval, could extend…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2022· Electrical system· model years 2013–2016
Oxygen Sensor Voltage Inspection Warranty Extension Dealer Announcement: In the interest of customer satisfaction, Nissan is providing a limited warranty extension to certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Altima 2.5L (SULEV and 50 states emissions) and certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Sentra…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2016
2013-2016 ALTIMA AND SENTRA; REAR OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION SERVICE INFORMATION Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Warranty extensionMay 2020· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2017
CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage…
- Warranty extensionAug 2017· Airbags· model years 2018–2019
Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Temporary suspension of this campaign on all affected 2004-2006 model year vehicles.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2021
2016 Titan High Pressure Turbo- Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Announcement The announcement from December 15th, 2016 has been revised to include: - High pressure turbo kits and additional service parts for diesel engine repair are no longer on restriction and may…
- Service campaignFeb 2023· Wheels· model years 2021–2022
Tire Chain Ownerâs Manual Addendum Voluntary Service Campaign *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is providing owners of approximately 183,498 2021-2022 Nissan Sentra vehicles with a supplemental Ownerâs Manual addendum.
- Service campaignAug 2022· Electrical system· model years 2021
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; AUDIO CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignFeb 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2016
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram and Oxygen Sensor Voltage Inspection Voluntary Emission Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emission Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and inspect the oxygen (O2) sensor voltage…
- Service campaignFeb 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2016
VOLUNTARY EMISSION SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2016 SENTRA; ECM REPROGRAM AND OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emission service campaign, on certain specific model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles, to reprogram the ECM (if applicable),…
- Service campaignAug 2021· Electrical system· model years 2021
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; AUDIO CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignAug 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2021
2021 SENTRA; NO START DUE TO BATTERY DISCHARGE THROUGH AUDIO UNIT This bulletin has been superseded by: NTB21-066 VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; AUDIO CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAM Campaign ID: PM991 Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignJul 2021· Electrical system· model years 2021
Audio Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan has reclassified the previously announced quality action (PM984) for new vehicle inventory as a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Audio Control Unit on 17,171 specific 2021 Sentra…
- Service campaignJul 2021· Mobility equipment· model years 2021
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; AUDIO CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAM INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2021 Sentra SV and SR vehicles, to reprogram the Audio Control Unit.
- Service campaignJul 2021· Electrical system· model years 2021
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; SIDE RADAR SENSOR This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignMay 2021· Electrical system· model years 2021
Side Radar Sensor Voluntary Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace both rear side radar sensors on 11,804 specific model year 2021 Sentra vehicles identified in Service Comm.
- Service campaignMay 2021· Electrical system· model years 2021
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2021 SENTRA; SIDE RADAR SENSOR INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2021 Sentra vehicles, to replace both right and left radar sensors located under the rear bumper fascia.
- Service campaignMar 2021· Electrical system· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2010 VERSA AND SENTRA INSTRUMENT CLUSTER Service Campaign ID # PM053 is no longer active.
- Service campaignMar 2021· Electrical system· model years 2020
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BCM REPROGRAM TO DISABLE FOG LAMP OPERATION DURING HIGH BEAM OPERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignDec 2020· Electrical system· model years 2020
Fog Lamp Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Campaign Summary: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Body Control Module (BCM) on certain 2020 model year Nissan Sentra (B18) SR grade vehicles, registered or being sold for registration within the…
- Service campaignDec 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2020
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BCM REPROGRAM TO DISABLE FOG LAMP OPERATION DURING HIGH BEAM OPERATION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2020 Sentra SR models, to reprogram the BCM in order to disable fog lamp operation…
- Service campaignDec 2020· Electrical system· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2010 SENTRA; iPOD® CONNECTIVITY Service Campaign ID # PM958 is no longer active.
- Service campaignApr 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the engine control module (ECM) with countermeasure software in certain vehicles.
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2019 Armada, 2019-2020 GT-R, 2019-2020 GT-R NISMO, 2019-2020 NV200, 2019 NV200 Taxi, 2019 NV Cargo and Passenger, 2019 Sentra, and…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions service campaign on certain specific model year Nissan vehicles (see APPLIED VEHICLES) registered in the state of California.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2019
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram California Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on approximately 104,221 specific Nissan vehicles identified in Service Comm and currently registered to…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions service campaign on certain specific model year Nissan vehicles (see APPLIED VEHICLES) registered in the state of California.
- Service campaignJul 2018· Electrical system· model years 2013–2017
CAMPAIGN BULLETIN Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Regional (NV & AZ) Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Regional Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) on affected vehicles currently registered in…
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sentra model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Transmission and drivetrain1,101 (34%)
- Electrical system500 (15%)
- Other or unspecified498 (15%)
- Engine482 (15%)
- Airbags326 (10%)
- Brakes324 (10%)
- Cruise control and speed control255 (8%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning181 (6%)
Safety recalls
29 recalls cover at least one Sentra model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose.
The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving.
The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility.
The driver's seat frame may not be fully secured to the outer side of the seat track.
The windshield may have air bubbles on the front lower driver's side, which can obscure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive…
Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
The driver's side cowl area may have a missing or improper seal, which can allow water to leak inside the vehicle and corrode electrical components.
The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.
The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
And 14 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA15004Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2015, closed May 2017· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
Led to recall 15V681000.
- RQ15001Recall query· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
- PE14014Preliminary evaluation· opened May 2014, closed May 2015· Brakes· model years 2013–2014
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Nissan Sentra has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Nissan Sentra reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 3,269 owner complaints, 7 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns Nissan filed, and 29 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (638), 2014 (380), 2015 (351). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Sentra?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name transmission and drivetrain (34%), electrical system (15%), other or unspecified (15%). Nissan has filed 7 warranty extensions covering the Sentra, listed on this page.
Which Sentra model years have the most complaints?
2013 (638), 2014 (380), 2015 (351). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sentra with each other rather than with other models.
Has Nissan extended the warranty on the Sentra?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2013–2017); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2018–2019); electrical system (model years 2013–2016), and 4 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sentra?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 29 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.