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
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the self-driving feature inadvertently activated, and the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob was not detected while inside the vehicle. The display screen intermittently went blank while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the crash collision sensor and speed limit camera were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Woodhouse Nissan (7801 Nebraska Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005) where the key fob was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Wheels, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 10, 2023
was driving down the highway nothing in front of me my car hit the brakes and flashed warning on the dash and made me come to a stop after this happened my fuel economy decreased over 100 miles per tank other times it just activates and taps the brakes for no reason also every window except the driver window gets stuck several times a week another thing some how one of my rims cracked
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 2, 2023
Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Collision Avoidance system has caused the vehicle to brake when there is nothing in front of vehicle, or show "System Malfunction" on the dash. Dealer unable to duplicate but said it happens to most Nissan Sentra's. Found it happens more frequently when there is rain or bad weather.
Steering, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 18, 2023
My tie rod broke on me 3 days ago
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 23, 2022
At 5:44 on Hwy 50/Elizabeth Ave in Pueblo, CO. The automatic emergency braking system locked up with no reason for it to do so. Thankfully we were not rear ended. I have documented via photograph of this system error alert coming on several times a week while driving this vehicle. It has been to the dealership now twice for this issue and will be making yet another appt to get the car back in again.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 3, 2022, crash
My daughter was driving her 2020 Nissan Sentra the other day and was trying to avoid hitting a dog that ran in front of her car she crashed into a park car. Our Nissan Sentra anti brakes did not stop the car nor make a noise before hitting that parked car. No warning from our car to prevent this head on collision. There is so much damage that our insurance has deemed it a total loss. By the grace of God daughter is physically fine but mentally she is not!! As a parent I felt comfortable with my daughter driving this car at first. I have witness the anti brakes work on our 2020 Nissan Sentra before, when we would get near an object the car would automatically stop! We are now out of a car and I'm still going to owe a balance to my finance company once the insurance pay whatever they're going to pay. This is so unfair and heartbreaking that this important feature on this car failed my daughter when she needed it the most. WHY????????
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 29, 2022
The automatic emergency braking light would continue to flash on and off, signaling it wasn't working correctly. I took it into the dealership to be repaired and two days after receiving my car back the light came back on. I have done research and have concluded that this is an ongoing and common issue throughout particular Nissan models.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently stopped without warning. The contact stated that an audible warning beep was coming from the vehicle during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 19, 2022
I have documented over 2 years of my AEB Failing by photograph and video time stamping the continual occurances of this system failing on my vehicle while driving. The vehicle has self engaged the braking in the middle of driving, thankfully I was draveling on a residential road at aprox 30 mph. It was quite scary to experience. I also now have no back up camera, the screen is completely black when vehicle is in reverse, drive as well as park. I have restarted the vehicle hoping it was just a glitch in the system. I feel like this vehicle has been and continuing to be more insane to operate and I have literally only had it for 2 years, brand new off the lot July 2020.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 12, 2022
My car on two occasions came to a stop while driving . Nothing was in front of me at all. A flashing light came on on the dashboard and my car came to a hault. This was very frightening and now I am afraid to drive the car. The dealership said nothing they can do. This issues needs to be addressed and fixed and a recall needs to be done. This is a huge safety issue!!
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 10, 2022
Car suddenly stops while driving down the road. There were no obstacles or other vehicles in front of the car.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 14, 2022
While driving my 2020 nissan sentra, my car proceeded to brake on its own while i was depressing the accelerator. A red warning light flashed across the dash that looked like 2 cars colliding. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, even though it was acting erratically. The braking occurred abruptly startling me and the drivers around me. Thankfully, the car did not cause a collision. The incidence scared me immensely causing my heart to palpitate and raising my blood pressure. I looked for the indicator light in my manual after I had come to a complete stop and was able to calm down after the scare. The warning was the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection system warning light. The thing was, there were no pedestrians anywhere near my vehicle, nor were there any other vehicles or objects that could've possibly set the system off. It was clear that this system in my car was malfunction. I'm truly scared to drive my car now. I took the car to the dealer to have it looked at and fixed, however, a couple of weeks later, the same incidence occurred. This time I had my child and husband in the car with me they so scared and were immediately tied by the seat belt. They will were able to witness what I had previously experienced. It scared her as well. This malfunction is going to cause unnecessary collisions that will result in harm to someone. This malfunction could easily induce an accident. It is also causing unnecessary wear and tear on vehicle due to the forceful nature of the abrupt braking. My Child and I spend a great deal of time in my car, and I cannot take the risk that this car imposes.please help me!
Forward collision avoidance, May 10, 2022
Today 5/10/2022 was the second time our car is said there was a malfunction with the Emergency Braking system. We believe we depend on our cars safety features and believe all Nissans should be investigated for possible sensor malfunctions. Thank you.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 23, 2022
On three separate occasions, the vehicle stops for no reason. It beeps and flashes the warning and slams on the breaks. There are no vehicles in front of the car when this occurs that would warrant emergency braking to enable. This has occurred when driving at around 30-50 mph.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 2, 2022
I was driving down the highway and my Automatic emergency brakes system decided to kick in. Scared the hell out of me. nobody was hurt thank God! Luckily there was no cars around me. Or im sure i could have been seriously hurt or even killed. I took the vehicle to nissan dealership they kept my car for 3 months and supposedly they fixed the problem. But i have proof of the messages and lights on my dash telling me malfucntion. Like wth?
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 6, 2021
A few times, my car has sensed that there's a car in front of me and suddenly breaked. I find this completely bizarre as there have been no cars in front of me. I took the car to the dealership to see if there was any electrical malfunction. But the dealership did not find anything. However, the issue still appears from time to time. I am concerned because if my car were to suddenly stop again, and there is a car behind me, a car could easily hit me. Aside from this, I have had some issues with the moonroof not closing, and the backup camera freezing too. Both of those issues were solved at the dealership though.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking inadvertently activated. The Automatic Emergency Braking warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on five separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact left a voicemail for the dealer informing them of the failure but had not received a callback. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 30, 2021
I was driving the 60mph speed limit on the highway. The car automatically braked and said an object was on the road. The cruise control was not available due to the error message that popped up. My safety and the safety of my 3 children were at risk because if there were a car behind me, they would have rear ended me, especially going for 60mph to a sudden jerking stop such as that. I was told that some nissan's distance sensors are malfunctioning this way, but my car is not added to the recall, so I will have to save up to get it corrected. I bought this car brand new last year.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 28, 2021
The emergency braking system has gone off on this car 4 times. After the first two we took the car into the dealership and they said that they could not find any problems with it. Yesterday we had two more incidents. I am taking the vehicle in tomorrow. I have asked that they replace the sensors but was told that it is up to Nissan. This is a very dangerous thing especially if you are on the freeway and the brakes go on. On incident 2 I was travelling 45-50 mph. Here is information on incidents 3 and 4 This is the 3rd and 4th incident we have had with the NEB going off while driving our 2020 Nissan Sentra. Documentation on the first two incidents have already been provided to Future Nissan of Folsom. The latest incidents occurred on Sept 27 2021 at approximately 7 pm. Mileage on the vehicle was 2795 at the time of incident 3. Location was zip code 95608- Carmichael CA On both occasions the vehicle was traveling west bound with no traffic in either direction and course driven had no direct sunlight hitting the vehicle. My wife had driven the vehicle approximately 17 miles when the third activation occurred. The maximum speed she had driven the vehicle was 46 mph during the course of the trip. She was on California Ave. and turned right onto Van Alstine. Her speed was between 20 – 25 mph when she encountered a 15mph speed bump. She lowered her speed to 15 mph and just after she crossed the speed bump the NEB went off. I was not jarring but slowed the vehicle down. Approximately 100 feet further a red light went off on the right hand side of the dashboard and there was a beeping but the car did not slow down again. She then stopped at the light on the intersection of Van Alsine and Fair Oaks Blvd. She proceeded west onto El Camino Ave for about 200 yds and reached a speed of approximately 30-35 mph. (Speed limit is 40 mph) when the emergency braking system again went off. She does not recall any light going on.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 9, 2021
Nissan Sentra 2020 automatic emergency braking system engages for no apparent reason and brings car to complete stop while driving. This has happened about 10 times within the past year. Appears AEB sensors are faulty. Luckily was not rear-ended during incidents. Informed dealership where I bought the car and was told there was nothing they could do to fix the problem unless there is a recall for this issue.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 2, 2021
While driving my 2020 nissan sentra, my car proceeded to brake on its own while i was depressing the accelerator. A red warning light flashed across the dash that looked like 2 cars colliding. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, even though it was acting erratically. The braking occurred abruptly startling me and the drivers around me. Thankfully, the car did not cause a collision. The incidence scared me immensely causing my heart to palpitate and raising my blood pressure. I looked for the indicator light in my manual after I had come to a complete stop and was able to calm down after the scare. The warning was the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection system warning light. The thing was, there were no pedestrians anywhere near my vehicle, nor were there any other vehicles or objects that could've possibly set the system off. It was clear that this system in my car was malfunction. I'm truly scared to drive my car now. I took the car to the dealer to have it looked at and fixed, however, a couple of weeks later, the same incidence occurred. This time I had my elderly mother in the car with me. She was able to witness what I had previously experienced. It scared her as well. This malfunction is going to cause unnecessary collisions that will result in harm to someone. This malfunction could easily induce an accident. It is also causing unnecessary wear and tear on vehicle due to the forceful nature of the abrupt braking. I will likely be trading this car in because the dealership cannot seem to remedy the problem. i spend a great deal of time in my car, and I cannot take the risk that this car imposes.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 13, 2021
Purchased car in 2020 and within a couple of weeks of purchase I was thrown on brakes warnings flashing that there was an obstruction. This happened in the middle of traffic and I was almost hit. I returned the car and was told because they could not mimic what happened with me there as nothing wrong. Was I sure that paper or something did not fly into the car. I assured them there was nothing. No resolution.... Again Friday, 7/9/2021 it happened. I was driving at a slow pace because I was in an unfamiliar area, soon to make a right turn. I was the only car on the street, no type objects in or around the street and suddenly my car brakes and lights are flashing. No objects. Once again Sunday, 7/11/2021. Driving and suddenly braking as before. Nothing in sight that could have caused it to brake. No objects, people, no rain....nothing to cause a sudden braking Once again barely missed being hit. There should be a recall for whatever the issue is with the camera. There were no warnings lamps prior to either incident. Only as it is happening does the warning lamps appear.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 4, 2021
Driving 40 mph car for no reason slams on break. Flashing large Red warning across the screen.The car is Unsafe to drive. Can cause a fatal accident. Passenger and driver at risk for injury due to unaware sudden stop on road while driving. When this happened Driver has no control of car. Before the car was purchased I saw a yellow buzzing light. The seller said to leave it over night for repair. The next day I was told by the seller the car was inspected and repaired by manufacturer. The seller said the car was fixed. When I drove it off the lot, the yellow light was still coming on buzzing. Then the car malfunctioned on the road.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the full brake assist radar illuminated independently. The contact mentioned that the emergency brake illuminated and was only able to operate the steering wheel. In addition, once the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they informed the contact that the failure was caused by a bug splatter. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 24,700.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 6, 2021
The car has automatically braked on its own with nothing in front of it, it happened on Sunday, May 30th, took the car to dealership on Saturday June 5th, they ran diagnostics and found nothing wrong and on my way home from the dealership the car unprompted braked on its own again. Causing me to stop short in the middle of a road, and again there was nothing in front or near me to cause this. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE