Total Complaints
306 filings
NISSAN SENTRA · model year
306 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020NISSANSENTRA carries 306 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 17 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 SENTRA is steering with 51 filings, followed by forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (50) and unknown or other (45). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2020 SENTRA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
306 filings
Crashes Reported
17 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 51 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 50 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 45 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 38 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 25 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 22 |
| ENGINE | 9 |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 |
| SUSPENSION | 9 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5 |
| WHEELS | 5 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 4 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 3 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | 3 |
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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,
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 Stan
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was repaired under warranty; however, the failure reoccurred. The same local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired because there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,440.
Mileage: 32,440
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V581000 (Steering) and 21V461000 (Steering). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and turning the steering wheel, the contact observed a clicking sound coming from under the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light or messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the tie rods needed to be replaced. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,900.
Mileage: 21,900
While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will engage my brakes while reversing unexpectedly without obstacles in the way. This causes whiplash, panic, to the driver and sudden stops causing a hazard to other drivers while wearing out my braking system I've had to replace brake pads and roaders due to warping more frequently than normal function. While driving the forward collision warning will display a malfunction warning on my dash and sometimes engages my brakes unexpectedly with no object in front of me. This has led to sudden stops in the middle of the road causing other cars to slam their brakes so they don't rear-end me. I have reported this to a local mechanic while we replaced my shocks, he stated there was wires loose and he secu
While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will engage my brakes while reversing unexpectedly without obstacles in the way. This causes whiplash, panic, to the driver and sudden stops causing a hazard to other drivers while wearing out my braking system I've had to replace brake pads and roaders due to warping more frequently than normal function. While driving the forward collision warning will display a malfunction warning on my dash and sometimes engages my brakes unexpectedly with no object in front of me. This has led to sudden stops in the middle of the road causing other cars to slam their brakes so they don't rear-end me. I have reported this to a local mechanic while we replaced my shocks, he stated there was wires loose and he secu
While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will engage my brakes while reversing unexpectedly without obstacles in the way. This causes whiplash, panic, to the driver and sudden stops causing a hazard to other drivers while wearing out my braking system I've had to replace brake pads and roaders due to warping more frequently than normal function. While driving the forward collision warning will display a malfunction warning on my dash and sometimes engages my brakes unexpectedly with no object in front of me. This has led to sudden stops in the middle of the road causing other cars to slam their brakes so they don't rear-end me. I have reported this to a local mechanic while we replaced my shocks, he stated there was wires loose and he secu
Unknown
My ABS has messed up multiple times often after traction control is lost I have been lucky enough to not be injured YET this is my daily driver and im self employed and am currently paying almost 1k a month for this car so im forced to drive it even with the car randomly slamming my breaks I took it to the dealership I bought it from after the first incident and they denied knowing anything Im terrified to drive my car if anyone is taling me and im stuck behind a slow driver im at risk of a pile up Every time it rains or snows or is foggy my traction control flashes that its not working Every time the abs has messed up the traction has flashed it wasnt working before Im at a loss on what to do ive reached out to everyone but I guess I just have to drive it until it kills me The dealership and I are not on good terms They lied to me about a previous recalled part breaking being my fault and had me pay out of pocket to fix it there Then They failed to provide the rece
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. As per the dealer, the recall repair was completed. The contact never received a receipt or any documentation regarding the recall repair and doubted that the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera displayed a blue image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed driving visibility, preventing the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if a recall notification had been received regarding the back over prevention system. The dealer requested payment, and the contact refused because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Mileage: 67,000
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. As per the dealer, the recall repair was completed. The contact never received a receipt or any documentation regarding the recall repair and doubted that the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera displayed a blue image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed driving visibility, preventing the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if a recall notification had been received regarding the back over prevention system. The dealer requested payment, and the contact refused because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Mileage: 67,000
DOOR ACTUATORS ARE NOT WORKING NOT LETTING ME LOCK OR OPEN THE DOORS ON MY FRONT PASSNEGER AND BACK DRIVER SIDE
I started hearing a swishing noise like water, i didn't think anything of it till i opened my back driver side door and heard the swishing again. My friend lifted the weather stripping on bottom of door and a-lot of water came gushing out. It had rained alot that year. This could cause electrical issues and body rot. Also my car wont start due to not recognizing the fob. I have to disconnect battery snd reconnect to start my car from time to time.
I started hearing a swishing noise like water, i didn't think anything of it till i opened my back driver side door and heard the swishing again. My friend lifted the weather stripping on bottom of door and a-lot of water came gushing out. It had rained alot that year. This could cause electrical issues and body rot. Also my car wont start due to not recognizing the fob. I have to disconnect battery snd reconnect to start my car from time to time.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,879.
Mileage: 28,879
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle with the steering wheel vibrating violently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the tie rods. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering); the VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired in September 2024. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 57,000
Driver side front and rear door locks will not respond to key fob. Rear door wonât lock and front door wonât unlock.
I was trapped in my vehicle when my door would not open. I attempted to unlock the door with the key fab, manually, and from reaching through the window and trying from the outside. Despite the lock mechanism showing that the door was unlocked, the door would not open. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but that did not help. I tried several combinations of tactics with no success. I finally had to climb out of the passenger side. I took the car to the dealer where I was informed that the door actuators on both driver's side doors were faulty. All I can think of is what would have happened if the car was on fire or in rising water, and worse, if my children were in the back seat. Or what if I was disabled in some way or elderly? This situation could've been much, much worse. When I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, they refused to take any responsibility for this dangerous design flaw, and I was stuck with a $1500 repair. I hope they are urged to issue a recall.
I was trapped in my vehicle when my door would not open. I attempted to unlock the door with the key fab, manually, and from reaching through the window and trying from the outside. Despite the lock mechanism showing that the door was unlocked, the door would not open. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but that did not help. I tried several combinations of tactics with no success. I finally had to climb out of the passenger side. I took the car to the dealer where I was informed that the door actuators on both driver's side doors were faulty. All I can think of is what would have happened if the car was on fire or in rising water, and worse, if my children were in the back seat. Or what if I was disabled in some way or elderly? This situation could've been much, much worse. When I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, they refused to take any responsibility for this dangerous design flaw, and I was stuck with a $1500 repair. I hope they are urged to issue a recall.
After taking my car to the dealership for recall repairs, the backup camera, on multiple occasions has given me a blue screen. I have never had this issue prior to recall repairs.
After taking my car to the dealership for recall repairs, the backup camera, on multiple occasions has given me a blue screen. I have never had this issue prior to recall repairs.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Mileage: 80,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.