2021 Nissan Sentra Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Part of Generation 8 — 2020–2025.

20202022
Complaints
201
per 10K Sold
15.7
US Sales
127,862
Crashes
27
Fires
3
Injuries
19
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2021 Nissan Sentra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#137 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:47,930 mi
#235 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:25,047 mi
Crash-related:10
Fires:1
#325 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

Avg mileage:5,791 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Nissan Sentra.

Electrical Faults
37
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
47,930
Steering Defects
35
complaints
Crashes
10
Fires
1
Avg Miles
25,047
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
25
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
5,791
Brakes
23
complaints
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Avg Miles
17,141
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,094
Headlight/Taillight Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Backup Camera
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Assist
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 Nissan Sentra

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~528,350 vehicles.

23V628000Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
~153,376 affected

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."

23V581000Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
~236,238 affected

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

21V461000Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
~138,736 affected

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

Other Nissan Sentra Years

2021 Nissan Sentra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 Nissan Sentra has 201 NHTSA complaints, 27 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 37 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (37 complaints, avg 47,930 mi); Steering Defects (35 complaints, avg 25,047 mi); Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (25 complaints, avg 5,791 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 29,250 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Nissan Sentra include 27 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 19 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 528,350 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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