VehicleVerdict

2021 Nissan Sentra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Nissan Sentra sits mid-pack among Sentra years: 209 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 155, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (48), steering (39), and electrical system (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

209

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Sentra years?

Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted871 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 46 complaints1988: 40 complaints1989: 49 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 81 complaints1993: 89 complaints1994: 130 complaints1995: 158 complaints1996: 177 complaints1997: 138 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 74 complaints2000: 236 complaints2001: 307 complaints2002: 388 complaints2003: 240 complaints2004: 235 complaints2005: 224 complaints2006: 155 complaints2007: 215 complaints2008: 233 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 212 complaints2011: 199 complaints2012: 260 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 524 complaints2015: 496 complaints2016: 400 complaints2017: 339 complaints2018: 285 complaints2019: 356 complaints2020: 316 complaints2021: 209 complaints2022: 141 complaints2023: 33 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 42 complaints2026: 13 complaints
Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sentra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Nissan Sentra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance4823%
Steering3919%
Electrical System3818%
Brakes2411%
Other189%
Engine73%
Tires & Wheels63%
Lighting63%
Speed Control63%
Suspension52%
Transmission42%
Body & Structure31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V628000Driver AssistanceSeptember 8, 2023 · 153,376 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

23V581000SteeringAugust 15, 2023 · 236,238 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.

Consequence

A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

21V461000SteeringJune 17, 2021 · 138,736 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.

Consequence

A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Steer rod recall effective as of 6/17/21 yet ignored by enterprise rental car company. Lost control, car hit guard rails. No cooperation from insurance nor rental company. Police got it Towed on 1/26/2022 to alpine automotive, lake Zurich illinois, enterprise holdings picked it up on 1/28/2022. No…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 26, 2022 · crash

“Steer rod recall effective as of 6/17/21 yet ignored by enterprise rental car company. Lost control, car hit guard rails. No cooperation from insurance nor rental company. Police got it Towed on 1/26/2022 to alpine automotive, lake Zurich illinois, enterprise holdings picked it up on 1/28/2022. No…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 26, 2022 · crash

“While driving, car brakes by itself. There were no cars in front or behind. Red light flash on dashboard and then snatched brakes by itself. Another time, someone came close behind me and my car stopped by itself again nearly causing the driver to run into the back of me. Sensor light come on.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2024

“Steer rod recall effective as of 6/17/21 yet ignored by enterprise rental car company. Lost control, car hit guard rails. No cooperation from insurance nor rental company. Police got it Towed on 1/26/2022 to alpine automotive, lake Zurich illinois, enterprise holdings picked it up on 1/28/2022. No…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 26, 2022 · crash

“Vehicle: 2021 Nissan Sentra VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Description: On [XXX], the front tie rod on my 2021 Nissan Sentra suddenly failed while I was driving, causing me to lose control of the vehicle and sideswipe a parked car. This mechanical failure led to an accident, property damage, and a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 5, 2022 · crash

2021 Nissan Sentra — common questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sentra: 209 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 Sentra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (48 complaints), steering (39 complaints), electrical system (38 complaints).

Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Sentra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sentra years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2002, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2001, 2018, 2012, 2003, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2005, 1996, 1995, 2006, 1994. The cleanest record among Sentra years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2021 Nissan Sentra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Nissan Sentra earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.