Nissan Sentra 2020–2025 problems by year and mileage
8th generation (B18)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026511 complaints, 101 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 29,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 206
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2020
- Forward collision avoidance60 reports
- Steering55 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise47 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Steering — linkages · Exterior lighting — headlights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2021 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 132
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2021
- Steering40 reports
- Forward collision avoidance39 reports
- Electrical system38 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2022 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 81
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2022
- Steering31 reports
- Electrical system24 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise16 reports
Recall areas Steering — linkages · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2023 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 20
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2023
- Electrical system8 reports
- Forward collision avoidance5 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise5 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2024 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 41
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2024
- Electrical system10 reports
- Steering10 reports
- Transmission and driveline9 reports
Recall areas Visibility — windshield · Power train — driveline · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2025 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 31
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2025
- Problems owners could not categorise6 reports
- Tyres5 reports
- Electrical system4 reports
Recall areas Power train — driveline · Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Visibility — windshield
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. 5 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2020–2025 Nissan Sentra reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 26,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 75,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 101
- Recalls
- 12
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Steering27.8% of complaints · median 40,000 mi
- Electrical system25.2% of complaints · median 28,000 mi
- Forward collision avoidance23.5% of complaints · median 7,500 mi
Owners filed 511 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020–2025 Nissan Sentra; the steering leads with 27.8% of them, and half of the 101 that record an odometer reading came by 26,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
31% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 0.8 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. On a generation this new that is expected: few examples have been driven further yet, so the timing says little about design or wear so far.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2020–2025 Nissan Sentra last?
The newest model years (2024–2025) are too young to have reached high mileage; most reports with an odometer reading come from the earlier years of the generation.
On the 2020–2025 Nissan Sentra, half of the 101 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 26,000 miles and 90% by 75,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
Figure 1 · Nissan Sentra 2020–2025 · 101 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 42 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 31% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 1,500
- 25%
- 9,000
- Median
- 26,000
- 75%
- 50,000
- 90%
- 75,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 42 | 41.6% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 25 | 24.8% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 17 | 16.8% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 8 | 7.9% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 5 | 5.0% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 3 | 3.0% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 1 | 1.0% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sentra problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Nissan Sentra 2020–2025
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes62 reportsmedian 6,000middle half 3,000–21,000
- Forward collision avoidance120 reportsmedian 7,500middle half 1,500–25,000
- Electrical system129 reportsmedian 28,000middle half 5,000–47,000
- Steering142 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 25,000–57,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 142 | 27.8% | 40,000 | 25,000–57,000 |
| Electrical system | 129 | 25.2% | 28,000 | 5,000–47,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 120 | 23.5% | 7,500 | 1,500–25,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 99 | 19.4% | — | — |
| Brakes | 62 | 12.1% | 6,000 | 3,000–21,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 35 | 6.8% | — | — |
| Engine | 33 | 6.5% | — | — |
| Suspension | 30 | 5.9% | — | — |
| Wheels | 25 | 4.9% | — | — |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 24 | 4.7% | — | — |
Known problems with the 2020–2025 Sentra
General 2020–2025
No widely documented systemic powertrain defect as of MY2025; the CVT and engine complaint rates fall sharply relative to the B17, and this generation is a deliberate reset of the Sentra's CVT reputation.
Before you buy a 2020–2025 Sentra: the 3-minute check
Generated from 101 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for forward collision avoidance repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 7,500 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Ask for brakes repair records. Same question here: a median of 6,000 miles.
- Check general on 2020–2025 cars. What it looks like: Known problems.
- Years differ here: from 20 to 206 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sentra problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi83% below | At 90k mi95% below | At 120k mi99% below | At 150k mi100% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 25,000–57,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 5,000–47,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1,500–25,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 3,000–21,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Nissan Sentra 2020–2025 · 101 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 83% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2020–2025 Nissan Sentra recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the transmission and driveline (2), visibility equipment (2), the steering (2) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2026 · 2025 · Power TrainAn unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2026. Owners may contact…
Jan 2026 · 2025 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to…
What can happen. A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this…
Nov 2025 · 2025 · VisibilityReduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Sentra vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
What can happen. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.…
Mar 2025 · 2025 · SeatsAn unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of…
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Sentra vehicles. The driver's seat frame may not be fully secured to the outer side of the seat track. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
What can happen. An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's side lower seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer…
Jul 2024 · 2024 · VisibilityAn owner who cannot see their VIN clearly may not recognize their vehicle is involved in a safety recall, and…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.…
Apr 2024 · 2024 · Power TrainAn unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact…
Feb 2024 · 2023–2024 · Air BagsAn air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's…
Sep 2023 · 2020–2021 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness.…
Aug 2023 · 2020–2022 · SteeringA bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
What can happen. A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport assistance if they are experiencing an off-center steering wheel or vibration. As an interim repair, dealers will inspect and replace any bent…
Jun 2023 · 2022 · StructureCorrosion of the electrical components could result in failure of various electrical systems, such as loss of…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reseal the driver's side cowl. If moisture or corrosion is found, the main harness and engine room harness will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of…
Apr 2022 · 2020 · Exterior LightingAn improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for…
Jun 2021 · 2020–2021 · SteeringA bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
What can happen. A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 511 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 36 (7.0%)
- Fires
- 1
- Injury reports
- 21
- Fatality reports
- 0
Sentra problems by model year
The 2020 drew the most complaints of this generation, 206, most of them about forward collision avoidance, and the 2023 the fewest, 20. A typical year drew about 61.
That makes the 2020 stand out at roughly 3.4 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 206 | 57 | 29,000 | Forward collision avoidance (60) | 4 |
| 2021 | 132 | 21 | under 30 reports | Steering (40) | 3 |
| 2022 | 81 | 11 | under 30 reports | Steering (31) | 2 |
| 2023 | 20 | 3 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (8) | 1 |
| 2024 | 41 | 5 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (10) | 3 |
| 2025 | 31 | 4 | under 30 reports | Problems owners could not categorise (6) | 4 |
What Sentra owners reported
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the messages "Engine Stall - Stop Safely", "Service Due in 0 Miles", and "System Malfunction Not Available" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and stalled. The contact stated…
2025 · 10,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was off centered and the vehicle vibrated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a…
2020 · 140,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the forward collision assistance sensor independently deactivated and the warning light illuminated. The contact stated electrical failures with the sunroof, radio, the heating and air conditioning. The contact stated that…
2022 · 47,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering was difficult to maintain as the vehicle drifted and the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be…
2022 · 36,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 101 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sentra generations
- Sentra 2000–2006 898 reports with mileage, most about the engine and its cooling system
- Sentra 2007–2012 641 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Sentra 2013–2019 1,396 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline