2020 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 205 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 8 involved a crash. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 8, 2023
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."
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
Campaign 23V628000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkages, tie rod assemblyAug 15, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 or broken tie rods, free of charge. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23B3. This recall replaces and expands recall number 21V-461. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-461 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Campaign 23V581000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsApr 13, 2022
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."
An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 this recall is R20B4.
Campaign 22V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkages, tie rod assemblyJun 17, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.
Campaign 21V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
9 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
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.
Engine, May 18, 2025
Tensioner pulley broke
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2025
I was at a stop light in a busy area and I got a message saying critical engine malfunction warning, engine power reduced. I had to floor the car to get it to 5 mph, then when I got it in the only minimally safe area I could the emergency braking system was the only thing that stopped it. My brakes failed too. My car has only 71K miles and is not quite 5 years old. It's been meticulously maintained as well. This is NOT acceptable.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Sep 18, 2024
This Vehicle was bought back in Jun of this year. Since purchasing the vehicle with only 49,933 miles this Sentra has broken down 4 times, been in the shop for 1Month 2weeks consecutively. The first incident was 4.5 hrs after purchase. The Passenger side Tide Rod snapped in half on the highway causing the jam and slow down along with leaving me in fear for my life. The passenger rim was inverted facing the driver. The second time happened to be the same issue but at a different dealership. The car went to Moss Bros San Bernardino where it was bought and was there for about 25days .Later it was sent to Nissan of San Bernardino and was there for 2weeks. The same day It got picked up from Nissan it was taken back the same day. Had same Bumpy and shaking throughout the car. When the tie rod snapped in half it had destroyed the durability of the belt and pulley systems as the vehicle weight was slammed abruptly onto the passenger side of the car leaving it slanted and slid for 2-3 mins on the freeway this caused the engine to become weak which led up to the defective parts breaking over time of driving regularly. The Alternator Pulley, Serpentine Belt, Axle, and balance to become uneven. So as of 09/10 this vehicle has broke down 4-5 times. Been in the shop since. The vehicle has Powertrain warranty but as usual they denied coverage. Total cost is around $2,700 in damages due to the original recall. This Tie rod recall has destroyed the vehicle. Congratulation to me cause I still owe 22K. This hazardous, and dangerous vehicle has also been deemed unsafe by CHP as of 06/11/2024. This particularly Sentra is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode on the freeway.
Engine, Feb 3, 2024
Vehicle is burning oil too fast. First 2 oil changes seems normal but after the next few oil change seem to last a shorter time. Know it’s only lasting 6 weeks.keep getting service know message even though it just went threw service a few days ago Getting check engine light on for lost of power in engine and hearing load nosies coming from engine like cracking loses burned oil buildup even thought this car goes threw regular oil change maintenance. Oil is burning to quick within weeks. Radio loses power when driveing restarts its self as if I turned the car on and off. Car window also loses power the windows won’t go down with the buttons even off car is fully on as if it had child lock on it when it doesn’t happens for a few days goes away then happens again it’s an on and off problem with the windows.
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
Engine malfunction when milage at 37000 miles. The service only update computer system of the car and could not address the problem at all.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 24, 2023
On May 23, 2023, I have parked to pick up a grocery order. I did not shut the engine off. Once the order was loaded, I put my car in reverse. The car started to back up, and then completely shut off. An error message related to the key fob came on. I was able to successfully start the car again. I currently have the car at Hyman Brothers Nissan. Their diagnostics indicate a failure, however, they are unable to determine the source of the failure at this time. My main concern is having this happen again while driving with my 2 year old in his car seat. I previously reported an issue with my back up camera going blue. They have also received a code for that, but again, are unable to determine the source. The dealership's number is 804-378-0266, and Jimi is the service advisor. Since the vehicle is in their possession, I do not have documentation at this time. The contact stated that the only advice given to her by the dealership was to drive the vehicle more but she has concerns about that.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 28, 2021, crash
I had brought my car up to the dealership for an oil change, and they said there was a recall on the tie rods. They said they checked them out, but never gave me paperwork for it. And I’ve looked it up and it said no recall have been serviced on. A week or two later me and another passenger got in my car and put it in reverse, and heard a small pop as I turned the wheel I didn’t think anything of it at first. Then we started heading down the road we got to a stop light and my car was stalling the transmission didn’t sound right for a little while. And then we where going about 35 mph and started slowing down to about 10-15 mph to make a turn, as I started turning the wheel we heard a loud pop. All of a sudden I had lost control of the car, the right front side tire had broke off and barely holding only by the wires and piece of metal. Then we hit the curb almost hitting another car and smoke started coming out of the A/C vents. And also no warning for anything ever came up. the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The dealership has inspected it.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 22, 2020
THIS CAR'S EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSORS HAVE GONE OFF TWICE NOW IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THERE IS NO CAR OR ANY OBJECT IN FRONT OF ME AND THE SENSOR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. ALSO, WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP AT CITY SPEEDS THE CAR JERKS AND/OR SURGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARDER OTHERWISE THE CAR CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD.