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: forward collision avoidance
60 reports, newest first. Show all
Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 20, 2025
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 secured them causing my backup camera to work for a short time after. It soon went back to being a blue screen or having an altered fuzzy image when reversing. These has been a reoccurring issue but I am in Germany so I have yet to find a dealership willing to inspect the vehicle. I believe the first issues started in March 2024 after I purchased the car from a friend.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 24, 2025
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 receipts and requested i go to the dealership 2 hours away instead of theirs thats 30 minutes away No one has inspected it for this because they (my dealership) denied knowing it was an issues but I read articles online stating otherwise This has happened multiple times now that I know its going to continue im genuinely scared for my life and am reaching out for this to be looked into and recalled I dont know the dates it happened but if youd take my car to looking to the codes and the system report or whatever you'd see everything yourself and im more than willing to give it to whoever would be capable
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 26, 2025, crash
Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this has happened to my vehicle in particular. Dealers say the manufacturer doesn’t cover brake line damage or issue even due to factory fault/ defect.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 25, 2025
The AEB - Automatic Emergency Braking sensors are faulty. The system randomly brakes while I am driving with nothing in the cars path to set it off. It happens frequently and without any seemingly reason. It has become very nerve wracking and potentially dangerous. I brought this issue up to a mechanic at the Nissan repair shop and his response was that the car is no longer under warranty and that I am responsible for what would be a costly repair. He suggested taking the car through the car wash frequently. I constantly wipe the front window where the sensors are located, I find this solution to be unacceptable.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 24, 2025
Driving down the road and the camera above on windshield above rearview mirror went out as well as the forward collision braking. Both went out at the same time. The problem was inspected by a certified mechanic shop. It puts people’s lives at risk once each sensors go out limiting the safety features.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 24, 2025
On June 10 2025 the brake sensor malfunctioned for my 2020 Nissan Sentra This was the secound timeThe first time was about one week before..The brake peddle went down , car brakes ,brakes.I was driving speed limit of 20.There were no cars on the street or object.A yellow triangle appeared on the dash board..It scared me ,This is a safety hazard that can cause a accident.The next morning my car didn't start.There were a few symbols on the dashboard..I had it towed to the car dealer.They put a new battery.I just bought it May 04 2025.I was told no sensors were on, Mechanic didn't find anything. As of now I have bot picked up my car from the car dealer. 06/24/2025
Forward collision avoidance, May 18, 2025
Front collision isn't working. Warning on dash
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 23, 2025
Every so often the vehicle’s AEB, FCW, LDW system malfunctions and causes the CEL( Check Engine Light ) to come on. The car also looses Traction Control and begins to sound like the tires are grinding on the pavement. This then puts the motor in a limp mode/ Safe Mode. During this time the vehicle DOES NOT Have power and reduces speed to 50MPH, the vehicle then revs at 2.5-5.5RPM trying to catch/ hold speed. The vehicle begins to shake when this happens. The power windows also don’t work after this happens.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 11, 2024
The electrical system is a nightmare in this vehicle. My automatic emergency braking system was activating while I was going 60mph on the highway with no vehicles or reasons to have this feature activate. It happened on numerous occasions. I had passengers in the car and they witnessed it. It was very alarming to be cruising along at 50+ mph and the braking system jolted the car to a stop. I also had to replace the battery twice. Had to purchase a portable jump starter. Had to replace alternator. None of these things should be an issue with a 36 mo lease I complained numerous times how I felt the car was a death trap. I asked for a loaner if I left car since it’s a safety hazard and I’m sickly and must get to my dr appts. I was told by dealer that’s not their problem. I broke down at night alone at least 5 times. My gas said a quarter tank yet I broke down for no gas. The radio volume knob never worked. The driver rear door never locked. System malfunction wld constantly flash on my screen. The car made a ticking noise inside when shut down. My heater didn’t work. I opened 2 consumer affairs claims. They put me off everyday. The girl Tyler did NOTHING. This car is a death trap. I think the dealer knew it had electrical problems. I kept car past end of lease for legal proof. I continued to pay. Finally I gave up. 5 hrs b4 inspection they sent a tow truck to take vehicle. I lost all belongings in trunk. They were still using my registration and never contacted me or returned calls or sent any letter to get my belongings. They kept new battery and battery jumper. Plz I need help. Nissan has been nasty to me and my [XXX] mom and instead of offering some money back they want to put me in collections for $1500 for mileage. Which I kept paying lease Plz help us. Nissan resold vehicle. Someone is going to die in that car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 22, 2024
Malfunction Brakes from glares on the road (especially in the rain) And now has a Malfunction warning.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 14, 2024
AEB; Forward & Rear Collision Warning indicator light just showed up on Feb 2024. Dashboard message indicating malfunction
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 21, 2024
I got this vehicle pre owned by Carvana. My rear and head lights flicker off and on with any one touching them. My power inside the car like for the radio, heating and cooling will stop working for a few days and randomly come on when it wants. Then local Nissan broke my plastic undercarriage during my recall they didn’t complete and now it’s dragging across the ground.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2024
AEB system has been malfunctioning when driving applying brakes without warning.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 2, 2024
On a few occasions, while driving, the forward collision warning came on causing the car to automatically brake when there were no cars in front of or around the car. Brought the car to dealer and was quoted $2057.50. After that, all 4 automatic door locks stopped working. Brought car to dealer again and was quoted $1375.00 to replace the door actuators for a grand total of $3658.78. Nissan consumer affairs was called and they said they would only cover 50% of the repairs. These items are huge safety issues and Nissan should cover the entire bill.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 22, 2024
The cruise control stopped working and there is a collision/crash malfunction.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 31, 2023
Im filing a complaint iv had more recalls on this car then i ever did on any other brand this is the second recall i had for the tire rod which was already replaced with a new version of the original tire rod then they tell me oh u need a new back up camera and front lights that had recalls as well i do not feel safe driving my car and they sai d there is nothing they can do im furious. When i drive my car the wheel is constantly shaking and thats what the notice said to be weary of. As for the emergency breaking its been happening to often when im going down a road the emergency signal goes off and the breaks engage on my car when there is no other veichles around this should deffinatly be looked into
Steering, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 19, 2023
When driving my sensors are ringing off as if someone is in front of my car. The brakes will be pushed down stopping the car while driving. Also when driving you hear a loud clicking noise which I was told before its my tired rod. I replaced this tired rod once before when it snapped while driving before this recall was put out. I have complained numerous times to my dealership and they are not taking this matter seriously.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 18, 2023
When driving the forward collision avoidance system acts up. It will randomly slam on the breaks when nothing is in front. It also happens when cruise control is on, it will slam the breaks with an empty road ahead. It also thinks that there is something ahead when the road is clear ahead. This needs to be looked at because the number of complaints in regard to this is silly.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 4, 2023
My vehicle randomly slammed on the brakes twice tonight within a 30 minute span. The first time was on a busy highway going about 45 mph at about 7:00 pm. The second time was on a residential street going about 25 mph at about 8:00 pm. Both times, the dashboard lit up red with hazard lights. Nothing was directly in front of me that would have caused the issue. Mileage is less than 20,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 31, 2023, crash
I was driving to pick up some body as Rideshare driver on as part time, and i crashed into a car was parking on the side of the road, I still have no idea why is that happend. But i think the Malfunction Warning that was on dash got something to do with it!
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 29, 2023
The forward collision warning keeps malfunctioning; it has done it a total of three times so far once when I first cranked up the car and was just sitting in it for about 10 minutes and it popped on as soon as I switched into drive and it wouldn’t allow me to move so I had to restart my car, second time was on the interstate and luckily nothing bad happened and third time it just popped on when I cranked my car and then cut off as I was driving
Steering, Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, May 25, 2023
Tie rod end snapped/car will stop out of no where
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 29, 2023
I was traveling on a multi lane road at a speed of approximately 45 mph. There were cars directly behind me. Multiple pedestrian crossings were in front of me but the pedestrians had already crossed the road and were safely on the sidewalk. However, the caution lights from the crosswalk were still illuminated from the pedestrians that had previously crossed. As I reached the pedestrian crossing, the vehicle’s front collision warning system activated and immediately applied heavy brake pressure. There was nothing I could do to override it and since there was nothing in front of my vehicle, the cars behind me were not expecting a sudden stop. The car behind me was able to stop in time but narrowly avoided a collision with the rear of my vehicle as a result.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 18, 2023
I purchased this vehicle new (172 miles) from a dealership that also sells used cars. The vehicle was driven from a dealership about 75 miles away from where I purchased the car. I was told the other miles were from test drives. I think the car salesman switched cars after the test-drive, while I was calling my insurance company (can't prove it). I never returned to that dealership. I took my car to a dealership closer to my home for service several times. The automatic braking system, forward collision warning, the adaptive cruise control all malfunction on a regular basis. The service person told me that Nissan couldn't service these issues without the manufacture of the braking systems approval. The dealership gave me paperwork on my first complaint- no repairs were made. The dealership gave me paperwork on my second visit stating intermittent electrical issues- no repairs were made. I did not receive paperwork on my 3rd visit. My 3year/36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty (that never got used) has expired. I decided to live with these issues because the car runs well- getting a lawyer seems pointless. I took my car to a different dealership (over 45 miles away) because of the steering. I was told that it would cost me $170 for diagnosis. I agreed to the charge. The service person then had me call Nissan to get a work order number ( I found that very odd) Why didn't the service person call Nissan? A mechanic looked at the car and told me that I need a new power steering rack and that it isn't covered under warranty. I asked about the recall on the tie rod ends. I was told the tie rod ends have no bearing (ha,ha) on the power steering rack. I was told the power steering rack would cost $2,800 to have installed. The mechanic said he wouldn't drive the car because a wheel might come off while driving. I wasn't charge for my visit and didn't receive any paperwork. My car is parked in my garage with 47,xxx miles on it and is unsafe to drive.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 26, 2023
Emergency brake applied for no reason