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: other or unspecified
47 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2024
Recently I discovered that it's impossible for the home mechanic to check the transmission fluid level for the Nissan Sentra 2020 (and newer). No, I'm not talking about the removal of the transmission dipstick. What I am talking about is the fact that Nissan has removed the Overflow Tube that is found within the drain plug housing. The Overflow Tube existed for Sentras up until 2019. However, it was removed in 2020. Without the Overflow Tube it is impossible to verify that the transmission fluid level is correct. I contacted two local Nissan dealerships and they confirmed that the only way to check the transmission fluid level was to visit their service department. This is outrageous and unethical. When people are unable to maintain their transmissions properly, there will certainly be transmission breakdowns and accidents related to transmission problems. Nissan should be held accountable.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2024
Door locks stopped working. First the back two locks, then the driver lock and now none of my door locks lock or unlock on their own. I have read around and many people have this issue. I fear my car will be broken into because the locks won't work. This is unsafe and inconvenient. Please help us this is a widespread issue.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2023
Drivers side door will not open at all on cold mornings. All other doors work properly. Locking mechanism won’t unlock door, manually or with key fob. Classic Nissan of Sanford and Nissan Corporate were made aware and state there is nothing they can or will do. They were informed around 15k miles and said “wait for it to warm up.” But if I have my emergency I literally cannot get out of the car unless I crawl over the center console, which is really hard to do as I have a disability!!! If I were to be in an emergency I would not be able to get out of the car easily and would probably die. I cannot get into the car in the colder mornings but only that door, so it’s not a lock or motor issue.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2023
Backup camera failed. The camera went blank and I was unable to view behind me which could lead to potential injuring of myself or others. Dealer inspected and did not fix.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2023, crash
Car was in a hit and run accident on June 29, 2023 where another car slid up the whole passenger side of the car damaging the front side so car could not be driven. Car was repaired, given back but not performing correctly. Car was taken back and told unsafe to drive. They did more repairs on the car, gave it back and car still not performing correctly. Car taken back for a second time, deemed unsafe, repaired, and given back. Car still didn't seem to be right. On October 21, 2023 daughter was on the way to Nissan to check out a recall on tie rods because we just got a letter in the mail about them. The car started to vibrate. My daughter tried to pull off the road but the steering would not allow her to control the car. The car ended up in the middle median. She was cut out of the car and has hand injuries. Allstate is working on new claim. Car is total loss. Claim # [XXX] Claim agent :Nina Fandaco INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2022
As we were driving on the highway we noticed a sound in the engine very rubbery. The car started to jerk and we were able to move the car to the side of the road. We were not able to easily drive the car anymore and had to get it towed. The engine and brake light turned on at the same time. Once you took it to the dealership they said that the bolt on the alternator pulley was loose and that's why our belt came off. They said they have never experienced this before and if this is a common problem in these cars that has not been reported properly we would like to report it now.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2022
UNKNOWN While switching gears from Park to drive and any other gears my gear shift lifts out of the column. Apparently the pins become loose that hold the gear shift together. This causes the gear shift to completely come out of the gear column and may cause you to accidentally shift gears if the shift is hit by and other objects.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2022
My vehicle is a 2020 Nissan Sentra SV | Vin # [XXX] | I have about 7,200 Miles on my vehicle. It is making a weird noise within the front end or sides of the vehicle. I've reported it to the Nissan Dealership by the name of Joeten Motors here in the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan MP. Where I am residing and they are the Dealership that I've purchased the vehicle. I am still on stand by before anything is being done to help assist figuring out what's wrong with my vehicle. I am afraid that something may happen while driving the vehicle with my kids or just myself. My vehicle is still brand new but I am dealing with this issue. I've brought up the fact that I've reviewed information from the NHTSA but still nothing has been done. I am afraid if I continue to drive my vehicle it may get damaged more or something horrible could happen. Please email me information to provide to them to get this taken care of? My vehicle only has about 7,200 miles on it and all I do is drive from home and work or my kids school. My name is [XXX] or my son as well [XXX]. | address -[XXX] | [M] [XXX] | email. [XXX] Please help us. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 1, 2022
The radio will turn it volume up own its own and the doors will lock you in the car and sometimes will not let you unlock the doors from inside or outside.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 14, 2022
Locks on doors would not work with remote, and to get out keys to get fixed. When to Nissan 2 times for them to fix. Dark at night could not get in car safely. No warning signs Windows would not go up or down, had to get windows fixed, due to rain can hinder my vison while driving. No warnings, Nissan fixed after going back two times Back up Camera had to be replaced or fixed. Car would not start. Said it was a break lamp sensor, which was recalled on 2019 and prior Nissan Sentra's. I have a 2020 no recall yet No incident has happened yet, but could cause grave danger if not fixed! This whole car needs to be recalled!
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.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 28, 2021
Back-up camera display intermittently displays "blue screen" when car in reverse (has been on-going issue since taking delivery of car 3-2020 and, as a result of current pandemic, do not drive as much as I might otherwise have driven - 9,500 miles on car a this point). Have taken to dealership several times for them to diagnose and fix problem - no success. One visit to dealer they witnessed failure and supposedly documented in their tracking system. As mentioned, this is intermittent problem which makes it all the more aggravating as does not fail all the time. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection, if needed. Currently trying to find convenient time to take car back to shop for additional review as requested by Nissan regional team. Thanks,
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2021
When accelerating, the entire vehicle jerks vigorously. Causing the vehicle to temporarily stall. After few seconds it gains control. Big orange error message displays. Saying vehicle malfunction with 6 different error messages.
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 12, 2021
THE CAR BRAKES ON ITS OWN WHEN NOTHING IS AROUND . I WAS ON CITY STREET
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 21, 2021
PURCHASED CAR IN OCTOBER 2020. CAR STARTED BRAKING INVOLUNTARY WHILE DRIVING 10-25 MPH. NO OBJECTS WERE IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. THIS HAPPENED ON MY LAST VEHICLE AND NISSAN HAD A MAJOR RECALL TO CHANGE THE SENSORS/CAMERA. AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO FIX. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN 5 TIMES REGARDING THE 4 TIMES IT HAS BRAKED INVOLUNTARILY. I AM OVER IT. THE A/C ALSO BLEW HOT AIR DUE TO TOO MUCH FREON. MY BATTERY DIED LESS THAN 90 DAYS FROM PURCHASE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE!! I LIVE IN MIAMI AND TRAFFIC IS BAD. I AM WORRIED THAT AN SUV WILL SLAM INTO THE BACK OF ME WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC AND RAIN. (RAINS MOST OF THE YEAR). I HAVE A 7 YEAT OLD.AND FRAR WE WILL GET REAR ENDED.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2021
ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 6, 2020. I LEFT MY PARKING LOT AND PROCEEDED UP WARWICK AVE, TOWARDS FRANKLIN ST AND I SLOWED TO GO OVER A BUMP , WHEN I WENT OVER THE BUMP AS I HAVE MANY TIMES , MY STEERING WHEEL SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT , SENDING ME INTO A PARKED CAR AND EVEN THOUGH I TRIED TO TURN MY WHEEL MY CAR WOULDN'T GO LEFT. WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO LOOK I NOTICED A CLEAN BREAK ON MY INNER OUTER TIE RODS WHICH IS WEIRD BECAUSE THIS IS A 2020 CAR AND I JUST GOT IT IN MARCH 2020. I NEED HELP BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED.
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2020
THE BACK UP CAMERA FAILS TO DISPLAY. THE CAMERA GOES OUT FOR DAYS AT A TIME. WHEN IT COMES BACK ON IT WORKS FOR A WHILE THEN FAILS AGAIN
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2020
BACK CAMERA AND FRONT ONE DOES NOT WORK, IN AUGUST WHEN THE WEATHER WENT TO 122 DEGREES CAMARA WENT BLUE, THE I WENT TOOK IT ON THE SECOND WEE OF 10/16/2020. TORRE NISSAN KEPT THE CAR FOR 5 DAYS AND THEN GAVE IT BACK TO ME SAYING THE ENGEENIERS HAVE FOUND NO SOLUTION FOR THE CAR PART. THE BACK CAMERA SOMETIMES WORKS BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. BUT I CAN NOT SEE THE FRONT OF THE BACK CARS. I CAN CRASH AGAINST THEM.
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2020
CRASH WARNING LIGHT, BLIND SIDE LIGHT, AND LANE DEPARTURE NOT WORKING. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND SYSTEMS NO LONGER OPERATING.. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO GET CAMERA RECALIBRATION. WORKED FOR 2 DRIVING TRIPS, LIGHTS CAME BACK ON FOLLOWING MORNING.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2020
COLLISION ALARM SOUNDS, BRAKES ARE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED CAR ALMOST STOPS WHEN THERE IS NOTHING CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 4 OR 5 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN APRIL 2020. IT HAS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, SOMETIMES IN AN URBAN AREA. THE DEALER TAKES IT ON A TEST DRIVE, AND PROCLAIMS "NO TROUBLE FOUND". THIS HAPPENED AT 45 MPH AND LESS THAN 30. TIME OF DAY DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER, NOR DOES WEATHER. LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS ABOUT 2 OR 3 JUNE. *TR