2021 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 131 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 14 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 8 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
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: suspension
6 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Sep 9, 2026
My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the vehicle is moving, which is very concerning because this involves the vehicle’s steering and suspension\. I checked Nissan’s recall information online using my VIN, and it currently states that there are no open recalls\. However, I have only had this issue repaired **once**, under the original recall, and the same problem is happening again\. I am concerned that the original recall repair did not permanently correct the problem, or that the replacement component may have developed the same defect\. I do not believe that simply showing “no open recalls” should prevent Nissan from investigating a recurring safety\-related defect that was previously repaired under a recall\. I am requesting that Nissan: 1. Review my vehicle’s complete recall and repair history\. 2. Investigate why the same tie rod/steering problem has returned after the recall repair\. 3. Determine whether the replacement part or repair procedure is defective or insufficient\. 4. Provide a repair at no cost to me if this is related to the previously recalled defect\. 5. Explain what Nissan recommends to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive\. Because this issue involves the steering system, I consider it a serious safety concern\. I would appreciate having this matter escalated to Nissan’s Customer Relations/Safety department and receiving a written response regarding how Nissan intends to address the recurring problem\. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter\.
Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, May 26, 2026
Several issues since purchasing vehicle. The front collision sensor malfunction. Came to an abrupt stop several times while on the freeway due to failed sensor. Narrowly avoided major collisions. Also, have had to replace batter every year along with brakes and tires. My suspension is awful. The brakes are crap and have consistently had to address worn tires in one side. Electric panel shit off and key fob malfunctions. So many issues and so much unnecessary repairs with no real results
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Lane departure, Oct 8, 2025
The check engine light comes on with a malfunction symbol. The car has delay acceleration, jerks, hard shifts.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 9, 2024
Tie rods have no remedy, I have my car parked because its unsafe to drive and have called dealer hundreds of time and all they say is they're working on it. How long do I have to wait on a car I am making payments, this is awful
Steering, Suspension, Jan 25, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning, causing the steering wheel to become stiff. The vehicle then crashed into another vehicle. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the axle had fractured causing the failure. the axle was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Suspension, Sep 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving in a parking lot and turning the steering wheel, there was a popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the tie rod had fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated that the failure was due to off-road driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company adjuster stated there was no damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V461000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.