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
205 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sporadically braked. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact to replace the battery. The battery was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
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
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.
Electrical system, May 12, 2023
car died wont start until jumped has done it 3 times
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.
Steering, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger’s side front wheel bearing and passenger’s side front axle were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power of steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V461000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Mar 28, 2023
Car was on. The original, rear camera display screen, was fully functional when the vehicle was put in reverse previously. The rear camera was always functional/ this is the first time I’ve seen this occur. The car was put in reverse but this time the rear camera screen was completely blue. I put the car in park, waited a few seconds, and then put it back in reverse; only to have the same result. I came out of the car, opened the trunk, and closed the trunk. When I went back into the car, the rear camera was showing on the screen. I made a video as well.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 26, 2023
Emergency brake applied for no reason
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.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2023
My backup camera constantly defaults to a blue screen. I have nearly backed into other cars as a result of this malfunction. I also have a toddler at home. While I do normal safety checks around my vehicle prior to leaving my driveway, there is still a possibility that he could dart out of the home and stand behind my car without my knowledge. I have asked Hyman Brothers Nissan on Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian, Virginia to look at this. The service advisor told me that it was "probably due the multiple cell phones trying to connect to my vehicle". All cell phones associated with my vehicle have been removed as well as all charging cables. I still have this issue. My vehicle is NOT safe at this time. While I do drive it, I am forced to call my house before leaving in the morning to ensure my toddler is being adequately supervised before I put my car in reverse to leave. When parking, I make every attempt to pull through so I do not HAVE to put my car in reverse. Due to the malfunctioning equipment, my vehicle may be breaking the law that states vehicles manufactured after 2018 need to have backup cameras installed. While the law doesn't specify that the backup camera needs to work, it should be assumed.
Steering, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 18, 2023
My tie rod broke on me 3 days ago
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 5, 2023
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT I TOLD THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT HEAR IT. THEY TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT AND THE CAR WAS CHECKED OUT I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TODAY THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THE NOISE SOMEDAYS IT LOUDER THAN OTHERS I TOOK IT AGAIN TO NISSA AND THEY STILL SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR I AM CONCERNED AND DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SERVICE AT NISSAN SOMETHING IS FOR SURE WRONG WITH THE CAR
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2022
The back door lock actuators does not lock automatic or not work at all with fob you have to manual lock the door from the inside button it does not lock when the car reach a certain speed my child open the door going down road and i just happen to see it when he did these need to be looked at before someone child gets hurt the doors does not work at all remotely or when it going certain speed
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????????
Structure, Nov 17, 2022
1) The front passenger door will not open. This is a recurring problem and I have experienced it four times already. 2) CVT Malfunction warning is persistent. CVT resets when the engine is turned off and comes back on after about 10 to 15 minutes after the engine is started again, which creates a problem when you come to a complete stop. The transmission does not immediately get in gear and there is a very slow start-up in moving forward. The "ECO" engaged by itself and this problem started when I disengaged the "ECO" when I was headed up a hill. The problem with the "ECO" is intermittent. I took the car to a private mechanic and they did not have enough information from Nissan to correct this problem. I contacted Kimmel- Silverman, Lemon Law Attorney, and was told that Nissan was aware of the problem and has not issued a recall, as of this moment.
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.
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.
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.