2019 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 222 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 16 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMar 3, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Campaign 21V135000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 19V654000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
222 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the granddaughter was driving approximately at 30 MPH, she was stopped by the police due to the taillights not functioning. The contact took the vehicle to a local auto parts store and had a fuse replaced. When she reached her destination and turned off the vehicle, the instrument panel warning lights and headlights activated; additionally, the battery was drained. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness had a "thermal breakdown" and confirmed that several wires were burnt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) after experiencing the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Mar 3, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the stop lamp switch was replaced with a temporary switch. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the automatic braking system applied inadvertently and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that the ABS malfunction indicator light (MIL) had been illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he was contacted by the dealer and informed that the final remedy was available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,300. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2022
Going at a speed of 65 mph+ the transmission or what ever it seems to be cutting in and out, I have to either lay off the gas or pullover and let it sit for a bit for it to stop acting up and it'll stop for a while and it acts back up again, I haven't had the car for a year yet, there were a few time I almost got hit and swerved off the road because of it I usually have the kids with me and the last thing I need is to have something happen to them or me I asked what can be done about and pretty much was told that it was my problem I see many complaints pertaining to this issue, is it gonna take a death for something to be done, im quite disappointed about this and on top of this there is 2 recall for this type of vehicle what can be done about this?!
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 19, 2022
The FCW and the AEB lights come on periodically stating that the system is malfunctioning. Took it to the dealer and they said it was the sensor for the FCW and AEB that has failed. Other vehicles around my mileage and year and model have had the same issues. Nissan needs to take care of this.
Air bags, Feb 17, 2022
I was driving my vehicle to pick my kids up when I heard a strange “pop” noise. I thought maybe a rock from the road had dinged my car. When I approached a red light the passenger side car door airbag cover swung off, exposing the airbags. There have been no hits to the car nor anyone sitting in the front seat of the car.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 14, 2022
Unbeknownst to me, the stop lamp switch recall also effects the vehicle starting. I learned that they were related after I reached out to Nissan regarding my vehicle not starting, it first happened on New Years Eve. This has now happened 2-3X a week. In addition to this issue, I’ve experienced issues with the CVT, and possibly the engine. One evening I was heading home after work, I got onto the on ramp, and attempted to accelerate to merge onto I-84. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond 45, the engine would rev extremely high, and not go any faster. I pulled onto the shoulder as best and quickly as I could. I turned the car off then back on, attempted to merge onto I-84, and had to get onto the shoulder again because I wasn’t able to go faster than 45MPH. Both times I was almost sideswiped by an 18 wheeler on the driver side, had that happened I’d have lost my life. I sat there very frustrated, and in shock. After a few minutes of having no traffic, I drove home at 45MPH. I’ve reached out to Nissan regarding the aforementioned issues, asking if they’d buy the vehicle back for what I owe on it. I received a letter from Nissan Consumer Affairs basically refusing to buy the car back. It’s exasperating owning a 2019 with 15,100 miles, and experiencing these issues. I’m by no means the type of person that feels a brand new vehicle is more reliable than an older one. I’m the type of person that likes knowing I can rely on my car. My mothers’ 2003 Outback with over 230K has been far more reliable than my Sentra. Knowing that there’s no remedy to repair the stop lamp recall is frustrating, that means that each time I go to start my car it may not start, on days that it hasn’t, I’ve spent 10 minutes trying trying to get it to start. These issues are exasperating, and Nissan basically saying I’m SOL, isn’t acceptable.
Power train, Feb 13, 2022
at a speed of 70 mph in the outside temperature of 85 degrees or more the transmission seems to be cutting out not allowing me to get out of harms way in an emergency situation. The car will not go any faster. I can not go faster to change lanes.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start-up as needed. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
TRANSMISSION-shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood. OFF AND SINCE 10/21
Service brakes, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, she had to forcefully depress the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting).The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Jan 15, 2022
I bought my Nissan Sentra in February of 2019 and its now january 15 2022 with 98,000 miles and the transmission is done, i have to pay money to get the transmission fixed on my car when its only been 2 years since i got the car and now i already have to fix it, this seems unfair, i have done the standard Maintenance on it and i cant believe i have to get it fixed. at the time of this report it just happen and i still have to find a way to pay for it to get fixed
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 23, 2021, crash
My insurance never covered the amount I was ensuring my car before because the recalls
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 9, 2021
2019 NISSAN SENTRA Automatic Emergency Braking system suddenly brakes w/o warning while cars are present or not, sensor light comes on and car will stall or abruptly/automatically stop itself. Malfunction light comes on states malfunction look in owners manual. While driving car automatically stopped at a light or in traffic and would not move forward the malfunction light came on. This has been occurring 2 days after purchase (11-6- 2021- 12-7-2021) until recent. 12-7-21 the car stopped itself at a red light (I was the first vehicle in line no one in front of me or to my sides) on green as I tried to press on the gas the car stalled, the back windows rolled up and down, the radio went on and off, and the malfunction light for AEB flashed then the car locked, then solid engine light came on, @ first I could not get my hazard lights on then suddenly they worked. People drove past me honked, called me names, and finally one person helped me move it out of the road. While on the side of the road the car again was on but when I pressed on gas would not accelerate, however while the brake and emergency brake were on and the car was in park it rolled backwards. My son return it to the purchasing dealership twice with the complaint of the malfunction light on told they did not know what was going on and that it was unusual bring it back for maintenance. problem persisted. The car has been brought back twice to the dealership with this and other braking/electrical concerns w/in a shorttime before the final major incident happened (I am thankful that no-one was hurt). Right now 12-8-2021, I had been back to the dealership after reporting the incident with the idea that I would be helped and put into a newer safer vehicle, not the case upon arrival they tried to up sell me a new car @ higher price, when I said no, my option was to fix what is covered under warranty. States they will run own diagnostic test.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2021
I've noticed an issue with the radio coming on by itself when it's sitting in the garage and apparently it causes a drain on the battery. There's been several times I've gone out to the car and it doesn't start I don't know if the two are connected. I've had the battery checked the alternator checked and they've all been fine. The car is just now 2 years old I took it over from my son when I bought it for him and when I talked to him he's had the same issue.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2021
There is a safety recall on this vehicle but there is no remedy available. I am trying to list this car through a rental platform but because of the recall, they won’t let me. I need this recall resolved or have the VIN pulled from the list of recalls.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 11, 2021
This is now the 3rd time my car is going in for the same problem. This is a leased 2019 vehicle. I have been Stranded because of this & Lost pay because I could not get to work. This is So unacceptable.. This car is a lemon, & I do not feel safe in this car anymore.
Power train, Sep 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not fully accelerate as desired. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact waited a few minutes and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue to drive to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a major transmission failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was agreed that the transmission was faulty. The contact was informed that the mechanic could not repair the vehicle because they could not find the coding for the repair in their system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,901.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2021
While driving at night, going to the movies, it was a windy night, some obstruction, something small, nicked the front plastic bumper. there was no warning from the AEB. After that happen, the alert AEB light popped up and it's still on. Nothing was broken on the veh. As a matter of fact, there is no damage or nothing to the veh. Just that nick. Bought the car brand new with about 20 miles on it. This happen about two months after. Took it to the dealer where I bought it and told me they don't cover it. It would cost me $1200 dollars out of my pocket to fix it. Also, there was no other vehicles involved for that matter. So, what is the use of buying the extended warranty if when the time comes to use it, it's not covered?
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2021
When driving at speeds above 70 mph, the RPM’s start to surge. Going from 2.5 RPMs to 5 RPMs without any acceleration in speed from the driver. I have video of it when the cruise control was being used and the rpms surged and fell back. The fuel efficiency screen also shows a decrease in efficiency when the rpms go up. Have also had a loss of power when trying to pass and tried to increased speed - yet the engine surged/faltered. It happens every time I exceed 70 mph. I picked the date when I have video of this occurring. However, it happens whenever I exceed 70mph.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would experience a delayed upshift upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that the stop lamps would fail to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,400.
Exterior lighting, Jul 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that on one occasion after turning off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Vin tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 23, 2021, crash
I have been telling Nissan in my town and they say that know about this AEB malfunction. My husband and I couldve died! We were on the interstate late at night going about 80 mpl when the AEB system activated by itself and slammed on the breaks. We started the spin out and the traction control came on and ABS shut off effectively locking up my tires and throwing me into a full spin which resulted in my crashing into the gaurd rail. I've never been more scared in my life. Add this to the list with the transmission issues.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 12, 2021
When I try to get a quick acceleration it doesn't want to move it has trouble climbing hills like I had to put it to the floor to make him go anywhere and sometimes when I'm driving to RPMs goes up in the middle of driving without me hitting the gas I also noticed sometimes the buttons on the steering wheel don't always work I have to turn off the car and turn it back on kind of worried about the transmission I have a 2009 Nissan Altima transmission it's going bad on it before it's time so I'm hoping this car is not having the same thing
Power train, Jun 6, 2021
Transmission shudders and loses power when needing to quickly accelerate. Nissan has paid me an inconvienece fee because all of their 2019 Nissan Sentra SR models experience the same issue. This is extremely dangerous! When needing to get out of a situation quickly, the vehicle shudders and hesitates before catching a gear. This has happened to me in an intersection. Someone ran a redlight and I need to move quickly to avoid an accident. The vehicle sputtered and when it caught it's gear, almost lurched me into oncoming traffic. Nissan has placed 7 transmissions in my car and all are the same. I never took their replacement car because when I drove two other of the same models of my car. They did the same thing! Nissan needs to be held accountable and find a way to fix the transmission so it does not do this shudder anymore. I've seen many consumer reviews that state the same problem. I feel this is widespread enough and a big enough safety defect that Nissan needs to fix before it kills someone because they can move out of the way in time.