2022 Nissan Sentra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 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
- Steering3127.2%
- Electrical2421.1%
- Driver assistance2017.5%
- Other / unspecified87.0%
- Engine76.1%
- Powertrain (other)65.3%
- Suspension54.4%
- Brakes43.5%
- Fuel system21.8%
- Airbags21.8%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Interior & seats10.9%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
- Seat belts10.9%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
In May of 2026, I began experiencing vibration and steering wheel instability while going over bumps and while braking, as well as while changing lanes. This vibration and instability got progressively worse and concerning, therefore, I took the vehicle in to the dealer for diagnostic testing on 6/2/2026. The dealership diagnosed and informed me of the steering assembly failure. The rack and pinion assembly is the defective component. It is currently available for inspection as it has not been replaced yet. It may not be available by the time I receive a response, as the vehicle is deemed "unsafe to drive" by the service advisor, and I need the vehicle repaired. I imagine they will send the part back to the manufacturer to assess the premature failure of the steering assembly. It is a premature failure, as the vehicle's current mileage is 34,303, therefore it is not normal "wear and tear". The dealer service center technician has confirmed that there is "a lot of play" and the entire steering assembly needs to be replaced (see video and photo). To my knowledge, the component has also been inspected by Nissan Corporate Consumer Affairs as part of their Goodwill Assistance Program. However, they will not provide a report/documentation to confirm this, as it is an "internal review" and their policy does not allow them to provide this documentation to the consumer. Additionally, the inner tie rods were inspected due to NHTSA Recall: 23V-581; Nissan ID: R23B3, and replaced by the dealer service center on 1/14/25 as a result of the inspection. In my opinion, the defective inner tie rods contributed to (or were a direct cause of) the premature steering assembly failure, as they were on my vehicle for close to 3 years before being inspected and replaced as a result of the recall. I believe the bent tie rods put strain on the rack and pinion assembly, resulting in premature damage and steering assembly failure.
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering was difficult to maintain as the vehicle drifted and the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was repaired, but the same and additional failures reoccurred less than a year later. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel began pulling and shaking, and she observed a loud noise emanating from under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both wheel bearings, the sway bar, and the front axle were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, as the vehicle still pulled to the right and she observed a bumping noise near the front of the vehicle as if something was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the forward collision assistance sensor independently deactivated and the warning light illuminated. The contact stated electrical failures with the sunroof, radio, the heating and air conditioning. The contact stated that the failures occurred intermittently. In addition, the battery drained unusually faster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
While driving in rush hour traffic, I heard an intermittent vibration/noise that seemed to come and go and became louder when I stopped. As I put my car in park when I got home, I heard a loud clunk and the battery light came on. When I popped the hood, we saw metal shavings flying around. The dealer diagnosed the alternator and provided a quote for replacement. I am concerned the failure could have caused a loss of power while driving and caused an accident in heavy traffic. The vehicle and component are currently at the dealership. I have a video of the metal shavings that I can provide if needed, but I am unable to upload to the website.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the forward collision assistance sensor independently deactivated and the warning light illuminated. The contact stated electrical failures with the sunroof, radio, the heating and air conditioning. The contact stated that the failures occurred intermittently. In addition, the battery drained unusually faster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
1) within three months of vehicle purchase (and in perpetuity to-date ever since), the infotainment system intermittently causes static/crackling when connected to CarPlay. 2) within six months of initial purchase (and in perpetuity to-date ever since), also between each subsequent biannual oil change, electronic system would randomly notify that there was a malfunction with rear collision sensors or front collision sensors. Diagnostics being ran each time found no issues. Dealership workers suggested that it may have to do with the sensors being blocked by light, and that diagnostics found no resolve. 3) May 15, 2026, 3 years and 3 months after purchase, the vehicle suddenly wouldn’t start. I was able to drive home from work, and two hours later when I went to start the vehicle, it would click as if the electrical system was connecting online, but not detecting that I was pressing the brake pedal to turn the vehicle on. All interior lights were operational and stayed lit, suggesting that it likely wasn’t an issue with the battery itself or the starter itself… But potentially a connection issue between the starter and the mechanism that turns the engine. If this issue is also electrical, it suggests that the other intermittent issues may be related - warning signs that it would eventually cause the vehicle to be non-starting. As far as safety concerns with the issue, as it presented itself, not being able to detect vehicles with electronic malfunctions periodically can cause issues while driving; infotainment system failure can make any emergency calls requires a non-starter; and lastly, not being able to start the vehicle could lead to being stranded. 70+ complaints have already been issued regarding electronics specifically. It is noteworthy that I’ve also experienced issues with the CVT as it’s been described by other drivers, namely, that from what I’ve noticed, RPMs fluctuate widely when trying to accelerate between 30-40 and 50+ mph.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
EGR VALVE HAD GONE OUT - WOULD NOT ALLOW CAR TO START / WHEEL BEARINGS HAD GONE OUT BEFORE RECOMMENDED TIME TO REPLACE / WHEN REPLACING WHEEL BEARINGS CVT SHAFTS WERE STRIPPED FROM MANUFACTURER - SO WAS FORCED TO CHANGE THEM ALSO / ALSO HAD TO CHANGE STRUTS / WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THERE IS TOO FEW OF MILES ON CAR TO HAVE TO SPEND THIS MUCH MONEY ON REPAIRS.
I brought my car in to the local dealer in Olympia WA for a routine oil change and inquired about a wobble when driving on the freeway. I was told that my 5 year tires (purchased less than 1 year ago$800 full set) needed replaced on the drivers side ($224) and that my car maybe out of alignment ($119). I inquired about the Sentra recalls and was told there aren’t any. This is concerning to me and I worry that it is a safety issue to be driving. My make model and year of car fall within this recall range and is displaying signs described in as consistent with the recall yet my local dealer dismissed the possibility. I am requesting assistance with this as this is my only vehicle and needed for my employment. Please call me. Thank you. [XXX] text & messages are ok. Thank [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving in rush hour traffic, I heard an intermittent vibration/noise that seemed to come and go and became louder when I stopped. As I put my car in park when I got home, I heard a loud clunk and the battery light came on. When I popped the hood, we saw metal shavings flying around. The dealer diagnosed the alternator and provided a quote for replacement. I am concerned the failure could have caused a loss of power while driving and caused an accident in heavy traffic. The vehicle and component are currently at the dealership. I have a video of the metal shavings that I can provide if needed, but I am unable to upload to the website.
My car would cut off on me and all the lights would turn on and the engine light. It would shake then slow down and cut off. It happened to me while driving on the freeway. I was able to cut it back on before accident happened. I’d randomly try to start my car and right when I do the engine light would turn on the car would rumble nd shake really bad and cut off so I’ll have to wait like three min and the car would start up. I forgot what day it happened but my car still acts weird
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering was difficult to maintain as the vehicle drifted and the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was repaired, but the same and additional failures reoccurred less than a year later. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel began pulling and shaking, and she observed a loud noise emanating from under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both wheel bearings, the sway bar, and the front axle were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, as the vehicle still pulled to the right and she observed a bumping noise near the front of the vehicle as if something was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Any time cruise control is used rear collision and front collision lights come on causing the car to not be able to be driven when using cruise control. Transmission is shifting way harder than it should.. radio sometimes glitches.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering was difficult to maintain as the vehicle drifted and the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was repaired, but the same and additional failures reoccurred less than a year later. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel began pulling and shaking, and she observed a loud noise emanating from under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both wheel bearings, the sway bar, and the front axle were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, as the vehicle still pulled to the right and she observed a bumping noise near the front of the vehicle as if something was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
The tie rods make a popping noise and my car keeps going out of alignment
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I experienced a second brake booster failure within 1300 miles of the replacement. The booster should be available for inspection, but I do not have it. The dealership has it. On May 9, 2025, at 38,349 miles, my booster failed, experiencing a very loud audible boom and insulation hanging under my car. It was taken to a Nissan dealership and they verified it was something they’d never seen before. It was replaced, then on June 23, at 39,630 miles, it failed again. I had my 4 year old daughter in the car the second time and thankfully was able to stop, but it could have been catastrophic in heavier traffic or at higher speeds. It was inspected by a second Nissan dealership. They advised there was oil in my brake fluid, but did not advise how it could have happened. They also said they aren’t sure what caused it and they’ve also never seen this before. One failure is rare, a second within 1300 miles is extremely rare. The symptoms, I feel, began in January. During a warranty strut replacement, I advised that my brakes were doing something strange and I wasn’t sure if it was the brakes or transmission. I was recommended to have a cvt flush and brake fluid change. I feel this was the booster, but the dealership said there are no symptoms of a failing booster. If those were not symptoms of the booster, then the first symptom began around May 5. When I would start my car, I noticed the brake pedal was stiff until I started it. It drove normal until I pressed the brake while idling in my driveway preparing to leave and heard a loud boom, followed by a hissing sound coming from my brake and a very stiff pedal. My brake is still very stiff when I go to start my car (as if I’ve pressed the brake multiple times, but I am pressing it for the first time). This is potentially the first symptom I experienced before the first failure, it’s a symptom that has not gone away since the first failure. The first failure was also reported and the complaint number is: 11663673
On May 9, 2025, my car was idling in my driveway. I put my foot on the brake to leave and heard an explosion so loud it was mentioned in multiple Facebook groups and heard in at least 3 towns. There was insulation hanging from the bottom of my car. It has been towed to the Nissan dealership and they said my brake booster exploded and confirmed that they had never seen that before. I believe this is a safety issue as had I been on the highway it could have caused a fatal accident. It is still at the dealership so I do not yet have documentation or receipts, but I was told to submit a report ASAP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle lunges while trying to stop. In heavy rush hour traffic vehicle nearly lurches a vehicle length while slowly applying the break. For months the dealership claimed it was “functioning as expected” 7 visits later they finally determined it is the election intake valve. Dealership refuses to replace the part and it is a known issue, was sent away 2 times without it being fixed and they are aware I’m still driving it with the malfunctioning part. Huge safety risk! Vehicle other issues have been ERG valve, motor mount, plastic parts coming off, master control switch in the door, electric intake valve, crash detection system failure and throwing codes, many more codes not provided by the dealerships. Death trap vehicle, Nissan will not address issues. Owned for 8 months 15 visits to the dealerships 2 + months out of service and still no resolution! Nissan made a lemon, not a sound vehicle, waste of time and money!
Vehicle idles low when driving and RPMs rev at stops, then almost stalling. When applying the break the vehicle lunges forward. When accelerating vehicle doesn’t want to move. Near misses when making left turns and in heavy traffic. Repeating and ongoing issue. Steering wheel goes limp and fails to respond.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
At approximately 1400 on 08/07/2022 just past the intersection on ayers and the SPID access road, I was driving at about 30 MPH with my grandfather in the front passenger seat and my younger sister in the rear driver's seat in my 2022 Nissan Sentra. When passing the turn-around in the left lane of the access road, I suddenly felt the car lean towards the driver's side and then the airbags deployed on the driver's side, pushing my vehicle into oncoming traffic, towards a truck passing in the right lane of the access road, and I also felt the car drifting towards oncoming traffic as well; at the time I felt the drift of the vehicle, I had not hit any objects or debris in the road and I did not collide with the curb. To avoid getting hit by the truck, I forced the wheel against the airbag and drift of the vehicle, scraping the front-driver's side tire on the curb while the truck passed. I then turned the wheel towards the right lane in an attempt to get put of the road and avoid getting hit or causing an accident. During the maneuver to the right lane, I pulled the vehicle as far onto the curb as I could because there was no marked breakdown lane, and the vehicle would not move anymore. I then assessed to ensure that my passengers were unharmed, but my grandfather complained of pain to his abdomen, my sister complained of a burn injury to her L upper arm and I was suffering from tinnitus. After confirming no one was severely injured, I called my parents and asked them to come and pick up my sister and my grandpa while I tried to figure out what I needed to do about the vehicle. While on the phone with my parents, a bystander came up to my car and asked if we were alright and told us that he had already called 911. We told him no one was badly injured. I also verified with this witness that I did not come into contact with anything; he stated that he heard a loud pop and then saw me swerving and then come to a stop.
Airbag warning light on after purchase. Took vehicle to dealer, repalced an airbag sensor, did not remedy problem. Needs airbag control module, that has an unknown eta for replacment. For issue with auto breaking and foward collision, was merging on freeway, and while accelerating, the dashboard warning lights activated, and the center dash communication area notified me of an error in the system
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Kinergy [XXX] . My tire indicated low air in my passenger side rear tire. When I went to put air in the tire I noticed a huge bulge and or separation of the sidewall of the tire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's son owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the front headlights were independently turning off. The contact had to pull over and turn off and turn on the headlight switch several times before the lights turned on. Additionally, the contact stated that her son stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance, and the back-up sensors were also turning off independently. The contact stated that her son saw warning lights on the instrument cluster indicating that the systems were not activated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for several years. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V421000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,700.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seatbelt is hard to use and difficult to insert, due to the it resting below the seat itself. It is also difficult to release because it is lower than the seat and close close to the center console.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front passenger headlight started to go in and out. After a while it started to burn the connector. Also the back passenger side taillight is out too. The plugs in the car also make the speakers turn scratchy and sometimes the shifter would have some trouble going into gear. I took it to a Nissan dealership and they said that the electrical recall is vin number specifically but it’s happening to my car.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seatbelt is hard to use and difficult to insert, due to the it resting below the seat itself. It is also difficult to release because it is lower than the seat and close close to the center console.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .