Sentra (B18)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
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Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Sentra, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra
On a used 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (140), the airbags and driver-assist systems (140) and the electrical system (125). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 140 owner complaints on the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra about the steering.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 140 owner complaints on the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra about the transmission and drivetrain.
Recalls (8)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The windshield may have air bubbles on the front lower driver's side, which can obscure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Sentra vehicles. 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 power.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
Show 3 older recalls
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Sentra vehicles. 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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. 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."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra complaints?
Owners have filed 480 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra. The systems they name most often are the steering, the safety systems and the electrical system.
Is the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 480 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA has 480 owner complaints on file for the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2020-2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Sentra?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the safety systems and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sentra?
The 2024 Nissan Sentra received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 480 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.