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
131 reports, newest first.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 18, 2023
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Koeppel Nissan regarding their refusal to service my vehicle for a factory safety recall (tie rod replacement) and additional services upon request such as; clogged drain(water inside car doors), wheel alignment, evaporator core leakage( water on back seat floor), tire rotation, water in spare wheel well & front door check strap repair. I believe it is imperative to bring this matter to your attention, as it poses a significant risk to public safety and may be in violation of the applicable regulations and guidelines. On September 18, 2023, I visited Koeppel Nissan in Jackson Heights Queens, NY for my scheduled appointment in order to address a safety recall on my vehicle. However, to my astonishment, the dealership's service department declined to service my vehicle, citing reasons that were neither reasonable nor justifiable. Upon explaining that I was being rushed due to time constraints and poorly serviced in the past, the dealership's staff in question displayed a dismissive and unprofessional attitude towards my concerns. Despite my insistence on the urgency of the safety recall, regrettably, the situation escalated to a point where I was asked to leave the premises without having my car serviced. Subsequently, I have preferably decided to no longer do business with this dealership in regards to servicing my vehicle and I wish to seek other alternative solutions at another car dealership location. It is my understanding that as a registered dealership, Koeppel Nissan has an obligation to promptly and adequately address safety recalls on the vehicles they have sold. This obligation is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a moral responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers.
Steering, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and pulling out of a parking lot on a leveled road surface, the vehicle hit a pothole, and upon attempting to make a turn, the vehicle made a popping sound and the front passenger's side wheel seized. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that while a bystander was inspecting the front passenger's side wheel, a piece of the tie rod fell onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tie rod had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer and a second dealer, Kraft Nissan (3277 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308) were contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 69,661.
Steering, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake. The power steering warning light and the collision warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact had not yet been informed of the diagnostic result. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 22, 2023
So while driving my car, no car infront of or anything running out in the road. Going 45 mph my car automatically slammed on brakes by itself. Causing the car behind me to swing around me to avoid hitting me in my rear. A similar situation happened back in May 2023 resulting me to put the car in the shop & was told it was corrected.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 21, 2023
The AEB system will activate sporadically in traffic and open road (I.e interstate) this can cause a serious crash if the car locks it up running 70 mph and tries to emergency stop It has been to the dealer for this issue with no resolve No prior warning when this happens and has been continuously more frequent since 30k miles
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2023
1. Automatic Emergency Braking - System - System Failed /or Malfunctioned Car is available for examination (28,000 miles) 2. Collision alert sounded, with warning indicator (red bar with two white bars below), Emergency braking triggered (no apparent ABS, but driver felt the vehicle decelerate), stopped the vehicle, and turned the vehicle engine off (electrical systems remained on). The vehicle was traveling on a city street at approximately 35 MPH at a slight incline, at dusk. No signs, pedestrians, other vehicles, or signs within visible distance present in front of the vehicle, or on either side of the road. There were no obstruction, debris, speed bumps, trees or pot holes on either side of the road within visible distance in front of the vehicle. Injuries may have occurred if another car was closely following, or could not stop in time. 3. The problem has been reported to the Suntrup Nissan (dealer from whom we purchased the vehicle) and Nissan Consumer Affairs (case [XXX]). The Consumer Affairs representative did not seem to understand the problem (initially thought it was ABS)or safety concern though (she said we should not worry as the vehicle was under waranty). We are awaiting a call back from the dealer though. However, in searching for an explanation we saw similar issues reported by a law firm (LemonLawExperts.com) 4. Vehicle has not been inspected. 5. This was the first such incident we experienced in the car. Other than the warning alert during the incident, there was no indication of this problem. The car had been in for routine service about a month ago though. At the service I mentioned the radio spontaneously turning off while traveling in a parking lot, and then turning back on a minute or two later in the same parking lot. To our knowledge the only repair work was a faulty window switch that was replaced. “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Steering, Aug 2, 2023
I brought this car in January 2023. I was driving on a residential street and after I made a left turn, I loss control of the steering because the tire rods had broke on the right side. I could have gotten into a serious accident; but luckily I only hit the curb. Please the attached picture. This happened on 7/30/23
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 11, 2023
Automatic emergency braking has happened 3 times in the last 2 months without any reason. The 1st time there was a person who stepped off a side walk but I wasn’t to close to them. The last 2 times there was nothing around and all 3 times I was doing 40 or less. What happens if it happens doing 65+ on the highway. I’m worried this is going to cause someone to rear end me because it happens so suddenly with no warning really. I have made an appointment with the dealership.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,382.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
1. My brakes locked up on my and the warning light came on saying I hit something 2.the only windows that works is the drivers identified 3.my warning lights came on and it started smelling inside the car I shut the car off and the warning light went off so I thought it was OK finished driving home and became sick opened the hood and my battery had smoke pouring out of each side my sinuses were burning, my throat was on fire i was sick the rest of the night i called poison control and they told me what to do
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
My car has a recall for 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. I brought the car in two days prior (July 3rd) to get fixed but the dealership wasn’t allotted enough mechanics to be able to get to my car, (july 5th) I turned out of a hotel parking lot and my front left tie rod broke. The recall number for Nissan is PM985 and is supposed to be fixed by Nissan with no cost to me. At the moment it is under review and Nissan is trying to find any way to not fix it for free. I live in atlanta with no family and am a female, my car is my only means for transportation. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 21V461000. With 138,736 already affected, I am number 138,737.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 5, 2023
I brought this car 1/28/2023. The car emergency brake or stop was activated for no reasons at all. There was zero objects in front of my bumper. This happened to me twice. Once in May 2023 and then again on the 4th of July 2023. I called the dealership on 1st incident in May 2023 and I was told that the brakes will be applied if the car thinks it’s getting ready to crash. This is very dangerous and can cause an accident if the emergency braking system is causing the car to stop for no reasons.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 25, 2023
Car emergency stops with no reason. Dangerous. Will cause accident. Needs recalled.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2023
I bought this car and have had issues with the heat not working. The air not working and now the latest the windows not working. A few months ago the windows stopped working when it was 40-45 degrees or colder out. Now today I went to open the windows and at 80 degrees they won't open. This is a major safety concern if a accident occurs and people can't get out. The dealership has looked at all issues and claim nothing is wrong every time.
Service brakes, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, May 16, 2023
For the past two years, an emergency brake has been activated when an object, such as a car, is close to my front bumper. This is excellent, but occasionally the sensor activates when nothing is in front of me, which is risky and causes my brake pads to wear out more quickly than they should. When I took this up with the Nissan dealer two years ago, they claimed to have rectified it, but they didn't. When I went to another dealership because I was dissatisfied with the service at the prior, I brought up the issue and asked if they could turn off this feature. They said that there wasn't much they could do. They gave it a test drive and found nothing, but since this only occasionally occurs, it is difficult to keep track of it without keeping the car for several weeks, which I cannot afford to do. This seems recall worthy.
Structure, May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while approaching a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the contact heard a sound of water in the rear of the vehicle. Once the contact arrived at the residence, the contact examined the rear passenger’s and driver’s side doors and removed the rubber from around the doors and water started draining from the doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 20, 2023
Wiper will not function. Turning car on/off multiple times will not cause wipers to function. Turned off car and removed all plugs, wipers still will not function. I have a video trying to fix the problem and issue is not resolved. This has happened 5 times already. Took car to dealer ship and they could not replicate issue. We are driving car in Oregon where it rains lots, and with wiper not working our visibility is close to none. This can seriously cause an incident due to low visibility.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 6, 2023
Brake system failed. Car brake petal was all the way to the floor and grinding to stop. The car didn’t fully stop. Car has be inspected 3 times by dealership. No warning lights on. The car automatic brake goes off randomly and breaks out of no where and put me at risk with causing an accident it has been inspected by dealer as well and this continues to happen. Car jerks and looses power while drive check engine light comes on and blinks. The car has been seen twice by dealer for this issue nothing resolved. Almost caused a major accident first time on freeway and again on a busy intersection. Car is very unsafe and not reliable
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 26, 2023
Only the driver side window goes up and down. Took it to Nissan dealer and they made it work for that minute and said they were ordering parts, it’s been 3 weeks and haven’t heard of them.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving in a car wash drive-thru line, the brakes applied independently. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated an unknown yellow and black warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was unable to open or start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle jump started. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,765.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 12, 2023
AEB SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON IT'S OWN, 3 TIMES RANDOMLY ,BRAKES SLAM ON FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN BEHIND ME THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. WE JUST TOOK IT TOTHE DEALSHIP TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM.IT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MANUFACTURER OR OTHERS. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO FAILURE. I CAN NO L,ONGER DRIVE THIS CAR WITH CONFIDENCE.
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2023
Vehicle has a inconsistent overnight battery drain. Called Auto Club for a jump start and technician said some Nissans have been experiencing this issue. Drove the vehicle to get the battery and charging system tested, it passed and no problems were found. There is no pattern and it only happens when the vehicle sits overnight. There is enough power to lock and unlock the vehicle but not enough to start the car. Had to purchase a battery booster/jumper so I wont get stranded and not keep calling Auto Club. Once I jumped it twice in a week, and the most has been 5 weeks without the need to jump start it.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 27, 2023
the car continues to turn off and draining the battery, on the audio there is a constant static, and lights keep shorting out.
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2023
My window on the passanger side does not roll back up. It is stuck in the down position. All my windows do not function with the exception of the driver window.