RoadVitals

2021 Nissan Sentra Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
129
Latest Jul 18, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Nissan Sentra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering4022.2%
  • Electrical3821.1%
  • Brakes2413.3%
  • Engine73.9%
  • Exterior lighting63.3%
  • Suspension52.8%
  • Other / unspecified52.8%
  • Powertrain (other)42.2%
  • Body & structure31.7%
  • Visibility21.1%
  • Seat belts10.6%
  • Interior & seats10.6%
  • Tires & wheels10.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2021 Nissan Sentra has experienced multiple false Automatic Emergency Braking (phantom braking) events where the vehicle suddenly applies the brakes despite there being no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in its path. This issue occurred before and after my vehicle was serviced by AutoNation Nissan Chandler on June 12, 2026. Despite recent dealership service, the problem continues to occur. The unexpected braking creates a serious safety hazard because it can cause the vehicle to slow or stop unexpectedly in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I am also concerned that these repeated sudden braking events may be causing excessive stress or premature wear to vehicle components such as the engine mounts, suspension, and struts. Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Nissan Model: Sentra Mileage: Approximately 139,659 miles I am submitting this complaint because I believe this recurring phantom braking issue is a significant safety concern that should be investigated.

NHTSA ID 11751232 · filed Jul 18, 2026

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.

NHTSA ID 11750579 · filed Jul 15, 2026
All 43 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.

NHTSA ID 11750579 · filed Jul 15, 2026

Hello, I am reporting a steering-related issue involving the inner tie rods on my 2021 Nissan Sentra. Nissan previously issued safety recall campaign PM985 for bent inner tie rods on certain Sentra vehicles from the same model year. Two separate repair facilities inspected my vehicle and confirmed problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system components. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the issue being identified. Although my VIN may not currently be included in the recall population, my vehicle is experiencing a similar issue involving the same steering-related component identified in recall PM985. Because tie rods are directly related to steering control and vehicle stability, this issue raises concerns about driving safety. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be documented and reviewed in case similar failures are occurring outside the current recall population.

NHTSA ID 11739878 · filed May 25, 2026
All 40 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The infotainment/radio system in my 2021 Nissan Sentra intermittently reboots and produces static. When this happens, the backup camera freezes or shuts off completely. This has occurred while I was actively reversing, causing a sudden loss of rear visibility. The screen either goes black or restarts, making the backup camera unavailable. This is a safety concern because the backup camera is required for safe reversing, and the failure happens without warning. The issue occurs repeatedly and is not driver-related. The problem appears to be related to the head unit malfunctioning, which disables the backup camera system.

NHTSA ID 11733950 · filed Apr 27, 2026

The passenger front, and both back windows no longer function. This appears to be a common issue when searching the internet. There is also an issue with the keyless start, as it often does not recognize that the fob is in the vehicle, or gives a low batter warning (with a new battery). As there was already a recall on the sensor for the blind spot warnings and such, there appears to be wide spread electrical and sensor issues with this year/make/model. The windows pose a safety risk if someone is trapped in a vehicle that the doors won't open.

NHTSA ID 11720638 · filed Feb 26, 2026
All 38 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the parking braking independently activated. The failure occurred a second time, and the parking brake unintendedly activated. There was no warning light illuminated. On the third occasion, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the parking brake activated unintendedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,414.

NHTSA ID 11734349 · filed Apr 28, 2026

AEB system is initiating emergency braking at random times. Both on surface street, and the freeway on ramp. With and without weather, and without any obstacles or cars in the way. The vehicle comes it a complete stop when this happens and puts the driver in significant danger. At this point the dealer observed warning code on the dashboard, but it did not engage. Message relating to that the AEB may deploy. When it does happen Emergency Brake is on the dashboard. After it happens vehicle can resume driving. Various indicines happened last year. We took it to Ken Garff Nissan (11155 So. Jordan Gateway in South Jordan, Ut. 84095. They could not find the problem or get the problem reproduced. They recommended turning off the safety features when driving. We have done that for a year. Then on 1-15-26, the safety system was on and the break engaged and brought the car to a stop on the freeway on ramp. The car is now at Ken Garff Nissan (777 So. West Temple SLC, Utah) It has been there for 2 weeks. This is the dealer that saw the code, but the system did not engage.

NHTSA ID 11714211 · filed Jan 29, 2026
All 24 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rattling noise coming from the belt assembly. Tensioner pulley is shaky and alternator had a piece brake off causing metal shavings to fly around.

NHTSA ID 11710130 · filed Jan 10, 2026

While driving down the highway along with other traffic the car went into limp mode and lost power instantly almost causing an accident. Come to find out the engine bearings caused the engine to go on it without any warning signs. This car has been maintenanced and taken care of and had the same issue happen that the other nissans have had that they have the recall out for.

NHTSA ID 11699960 · filed Nov 17, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When the sun is out and there is no clouds obscuring the sunlight my vehicle has night time lights running, dimming the interior of my car making it difficult to see the speed and other dashboard requirements while perfectly bright and sunny outside and 0800AM as well as 1500PM. This has been going on for two months and I took it in to two dealerships. One told me check your manual and the other went further and told me "by Nissan standards it is functioning normally." This doesn't make sense to me as the sun is out, it isn't dark or dim and yet when on automatic lighting my Night lights, not my normal running lights,,are on and causing me unable to see what's on my dash. Also whe. The sun is hitting the front of my car my Nissas blinks the collision indicator showing it won't do it as something is obstructing it but this happens when the sun is directly pointing in certain areas of the sky. More so early morning and late evening just as the sun is rising and falling.

NHTSA ID 11563312 · filed Jan 3, 2024

the car continues to turn off and draining the battery, on the audio there is a constant static, and lights keep shorting out.

NHTSA ID 11509332 · filed Feb 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11739981 · filed May 26, 2026

The check engine light comes on with a malfunction symbol. The car has delay acceleration, jerks, hard shifts.

NHTSA ID 11692007 · filed Oct 8, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The competent that continues to fail is the emergency response breaks. They continue to stop at random times creating a very unsafe environment while I drive daily. I do have this on video and my car is available for inspection at any time. I just recently finally got the emergency break system on video since it is so random and plan on making an appointment with my local Nissan Dealer. I did have a visit recently regarding the recall for the tire rods. My car continues to make odd sounds and I paid over $1000 to get it fixed with all new tires. These problems have began since the day I got my car. I have bought over 10 wheels due to issues with the tire rods. The video we finally were able to get was last night regarding the emergency stop systems, it does not let me add to the complaint but I can send to any email if needed as well as the local Nissan dealer did inspect and work on the car for my tires and tire rods.

NHTSA ID 11687027 · filed Sep 13, 2025

As I was driving home on the highway, something happened with my car where I couldn't control the car. It swerved back and forth on it's own until it finally stopped and cut off on it's own. There were no messages or symptoms prior to the failure. My car has been with Nissan who said they were going to investigate it and I cannot get a call back from Nissan Consumer Affairs.

NHTSA ID 11636294 · filed Jan 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. The message "CVT Warning" was displayed. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced due to the failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID 11610826 · filed Aug 26, 2024

The first week of October my car making a terrible sound. My husband took it to South point Nissan Austin Tx. My brand new car needs a transmission It has trouble shifting gears, Making a loud “jet engine” sound. The dealer promised a loaner and never came through with it. I’m driving it as little as possible. Bumming rides and walking while I await a transmission replacement. Yes you are welcome to inspect No prior warning as I stated it’s a new car with 36,700 miles. I have warranty but this transmission is not safe Will replacement be any better?? It’s same transmission.

NHTSA ID 11550256 · filed Oct 16, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

There is a current open recall Campain ID R23B3 on the tie rods requiring replacement, however there is no current remedy per Nissan. This faulty tie rod can break and cause COMPLETE loss of steering, as there is a STOP SALE on this vehicle it is not safe to drive. Vaden Nissan has my vehicle every 5000 miles during each service/oil change from 2021 until 2024. I also notified the Vaden Nissan dealership again of this open recall issue during my last inspection, they rotated the new tires I had to purchase and sent me on my way. While driving my 2021 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] (a moderately busy highway), I experienced noticeable vibrations through the steering wheel, especially when accelerating and making turns. As I attempted to exit the highway, via a curved off-ramp, the steering wheel became extremely shaky and impossible to turn. I struggled to keep the car within the lane and then completely lost steering control. This caused me to veer off the road and nearly into the shoulder. I experienced such panic and fear as my [XXX] nephew was in the car seat in the back of my vehicle and was also extremely frightened. I am now extremely unsatisfied with Nissan and its lack of commitment to sell safe vehicles, I cannot legally resell this vehicle in the current condition and am left with no option but to drive an unsafe car, under the lemon law I have the right to sue. I pray that IF I absolutely have to drive this Nissan Sentra again there are no injuries, life-altering disabilities or possible death incurred to myself of my passengers. As I have followed all proper protocols and require a rental car that is at minimum safe for transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11595561 · filed Jun 20, 2024

-Rear doors, at separate times, would not lock or unlock either by using the key fob or control located on driver's door. It is available for inspection. -Rear door(s) cannot be opened from the outside of the vehicle using electronic features. Small children, elderly, and handicapped persons' safety are compromised with this restricted access. -Both doors have had this occur at different times. The first occurrence was repaired by the dealership. The second occurrence has yet to be repaired. Therefore, the problem has been confirmed by the dealership. According to the dealership, the Controller-Lock and Actuator failed and was replaced. The part number is 82501-6LEOA. -The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. -No warnings, messages, or other symptoms were observed. This problem first appeared in MAY 2023.

NHTSA ID 11552029 · filed Oct 26, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11518140 · filed Apr 20, 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.

NHTSA ID 11513804 · filed Mar 26, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began to slide, hydroplane, and crash into a cement ditch drain.  There were no warning lights illuminated. The passenger side seat belt failed to lock completely, and the occupant was thrown around in the vehicle. The occupant who was occupying the passenger side front seat was taken to the hospital, and it was confirmed that he sustained right elbow and air bag burns and lower intestines injuries. The air bag was deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who test-drove the vehicle prior to the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (steering). The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 43,177.

NHTSA ID 11547043 · filed Sep 28, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The door swung open while in drive, once was able to pull over and close it never opened back up due to a faulty door actuator. This was the third time the door had been “fixed”.

NHTSA ID 11737180 · filed May 11, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ALL 4 TIRES HANKOOK 215/45R18 89V ARE SHOWING INNER SIDEWALL IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR AND BALDING ON EDGES. THERE ARE RECALLS ON TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FROM 6-16-2021 AND 8-14-2023 I PURCHASED THE CAR 4-2024 AND THE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED TILL 10-2024 TO MY KNOWLEDGE FOR THE FIRST TIME. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH. ONE WITH A HUGE BUBBLE AND INNER SIDEWALL IRREGULAR WEAR COST $285.44 AND THE SECOND SIDEWALL IRREGULAR WEAR THREAD SHOWING AND HOLE TOO CLOSE TO THE SIDEWALL COULD NOT BE REPAIRED COST $274.06 AND A4 WHEEL ALLIGNMENT AT $129.95. PER DEALER RECOMMENDATIONS I MUST REPLACE THE OTHER 2. I RECORDS OF ALL MAINTANCE INCLUDING TIRE ROTATIONS COMPLETED.MAY THIS IRREGULAR WEAR ON THE SIDEWALL BE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF TIME TIE RODS WENT WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED.

NHTSA ID 11633532 · filed Jan 1, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .