Complaint volume
199 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Nissan Sentra Complaints
199 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, grouped by component category.
199 Total complaints
8 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are steering, forward collision avoidance, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 8 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 56 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 30,411 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to steering, forward collision avoidance, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Nissan Sentra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Nissan Sentra complaints?
8 Crash
0 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Sentra complaint categories?
STEERING 37
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
ENGINE 4
BACK OVER PREVENTION 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3
SERVICE BRAKES 3
199 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate above 65 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate violently, prompting the contact to decelerate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the passenger’s side tie rod. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue regarding the recent malfunction of the actuator system in my 2020 Nissan Sentra. As a concerned consumer, I am compelled to report the circumstances that have led to significant safety concerns and financial burden. The details of this case are as follows: Vehicle Information: 2020 Nissan Sentra with approximately 43,000 miles. Initial Observation: It was discovered post-warranty that the car's locking mechanism was not functioning correctly. While I had assumed that the vehicle was locking upon using the key fob, it was only recently brought to my attention that this was not the case. Diagnostic Evaluation: Upon consulting a Nissan dealership, it was determined that the Actuator of the driver's door was defective and required immediate replacement. I consented to the suggested repair, which incurred an unexpected cost of $750. Unforeseen Complications: Following the initial repair, I was informed that the remaining actuators would also require replacement, posing an exorbitant additional financial burden. This development led to a grave concern as the sudden failure of all four actuators within a short span indicates a potential systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. Communication with Nissan: A formal request was made to Nissan for a thorough review of my case, under the reference number #49629281. However, despite the seriousness of the matter, I have yet to receive any substantial response or acknowledgement from Nissan, even after a waiting period of nearly two months. Considering the potential safety hazards and the unjustifiable financial strain imposed on me as a consumer, it is imperative that this matter is investigated further. The concurrent failure of all four actuators in a relatively new vehicle strongly suggests the possibility of an underlying electrical fault or a systemic defect in the manufacturing process. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was play inside the steering column. The dealer performed a complementary alignment check. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,037. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 64,037 |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was a vibration in the steering wheel. The contact stated that while following the roadway in a left or right turn, the front tires started to vibrate, which made steering and controlling the vehicle very difficult. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the vehicle front tie rods needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a recall for the failure. The contact then remembered receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 89,000 |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated his son slowed down the vehicle to make a turn. The contact's son stated he heard a loud noise and the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated his son parked the vehicle and the contact's son noticed that the front passenger side tire was flat. The contact's son replaced the flat tire with the spare tire. The contact's son drove the vehicle to a local tire shop and purchased a replacement tire. The contact stated that three days later, while the contact's son was driving, the tie rod fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured tie rod. The tie rod needs replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair did not apply because the driver had to come in contact with a pothole or a curb to cause the damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 18,500. VIN Tool Confirms Parts Not Available | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,500 |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | My car was taken to Nissan dealership three times and I was told it was safe to drive as they felt it was the recall for tie rod ends that have not been released for replacement at this time. I continued to have issues but was waiting to have tie rod ends replaced. I was turning into my driveway at a low rate of speed when I felt and heard a pop in my front end. After the pop I could move my steering wheel to either side approximately three inches and hear and feel the front end pop. The car is presently at Gateway Nissan in Greeneville TN. I am getting a run around from Nissan at this time as to wether they will pay for the car to be fixed or not. Gateway Nissan has inspected the car and diagnosed the failure of the steering rack. The attached video shows the third time the vibration occurred and the sound is the vibration which did not stop until the car stopped. I was sent out being told it was perfectly safe to drive. This occurred on Sept, 13, 2023 while car was still under warranty. Their phone number is 423-639-5151 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The door locks simultaneously stopped working on the vehicle at the same time. The key fob chimes and the lights flash on the car but nothing happens with the door locks. The fuses all check out and you hear a sound when pushing the lock and unlock button but nothing happens. Faulty actuators seem to be a recurring problem with Nissan that I am hearing from other Sentra owners. This definitely presents a safety hazard because I have to manually lock all doors when I get out of the car. Also, in the event of an emergency I can not enter the car unless I undo the key fob and use the key to unlock it manually. I would hate for something to happen to me or my family while waiting to get in the car with how high crime has gotten with car thefts, car vandalism, and carjackings. Something needs to be done to remedy this problem for all Nissan owners to ensure our safety. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS | Catastrophic failure today. Car was towed with special tow truck to dealer after hours. Will know more tomorrow. While driving Passenger right front tire: upper tie rod broke, lower control arm broke, trans-axel broke, smoke came out of hood. Right before this happened the car experienced a shimmy in the steering wheel and to keep car driving straight I had hold steering wheel at angle to the right (40mph). Next the anti-lock brakes engaged then disengaged. Four or so miles later I got a dashboard warning that had “malfunction” on almost every system (all amber lights). I pulled over at gas station immediately called dealer and was advised to bring in it ASAP. I put the car in reverse attempted to back out of parking spot, got 4 feet out and a horrible clanking/popping noise happened maybe 3 times and smoke came from engine compartment. I tried to put car back in gear to pull back into parking spot - but car would not move forward or backward. Got out and visual inspection showed front right tire had torn away from car and was hanging and car body was sitting imbedded into tire causing a dent in the panel. First tow truck driver said damage was so bad, they had to call a different kind of tow truck. Car then towed to dealer tonight after hours. Don’t know full extent of damage yet, tow truck driver thought transmission damaged when axel pulled away. What happened preceding this: I had just got off I-95 after a 7 hour drive from Myrtle Beach. Was 2-3 miles off freeway when this happed. Had it happed just a few minutes earlier, it would have happened on freeway at 70mph. There would likely have been multiple fatalities. Dealer replaced both left and right trans axels within last 2 months a week apart (car was making clunking sound). Tie rods inspected (told they were fine). Ten days ago clunking again (sounded like it was coming from engine compartment near center console.) took back to dealer they inspected it, changed oil and could not duplicate noise | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V5815000 (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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | When headlights are set to automatic they do not come on when running the wipers. The only way to get them on when raining is to manually select them. The owners manual states that they should turn own automatically with wipers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front passenger's side wheel was wobbling excessively. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod was out of the boot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Sep 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | MY PUSH BUTTON START IS MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN I PUSH THE BUTTON, WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON BUT CAR DOESN'T START. I HAVE TO PUSH THE START BUTTON AGAIN TO GET THE CAR TO START. A COUPLE OF TIMES LAST WEEK THE CAR TURNED OVER ONCE BUT DIDN'T START. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS RIGHT UP THE FIRST TIME I PUSH THE START BUTTON, BUT MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE TO PUSH IT TWICE. BASICALLY, IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF RECALL. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR IN MARCH OR APRIL. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 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. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown diagnostic was made. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, where it remained for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 70,000 |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made clicking sounds while turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loosened tie rod. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,000 |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | At Freeway speeds the vehicle unaccurately reads the lanes and begins steering the vehicle out of the lanes. When this malfunction occurs, the steering wheel becomes entirely loose for a split second then returns back to a solid state causing over steering, lane departure and unstability in steering. After the malfunction occurs the vehicle begins steering like a "ping-pong ball game" between the lines (inaccurately) never allowing you to regain a center of steering. You turn the wheel to correct the inaccurate direction the vehicle is pulling and the steering flips to the opposite side and does this continuously once malfunction occurs until vehicle is parked and restarted. The steering becomes incredibly unsafe and erratic once malfunction occurs and other motor's take notice by providing massive bubble of space even within heavy traffic conditions. When steering malfunction occurs the front wheel feel as though they are falling off the vehicle and the rear end drags outside of turn radius sometimes with the vehicle traveling in a straight line sideways a few degrees. I've attempted to address this major safety concern 7 times now and even had sensors factory warranted when the vehicle was throwing codes pertaining to the issue. The problem is still increasing prevalent, the vehicle feels incredibly unsafe to drive and the dealership is gaslighting the issue with no resolve since there is nothing mechanically wrong and it isn't throwing codes. The vehicle began malfunctioning just outside of lemon law rights so I have no choice but to continue driving this sole means of transportation death trap or accept $10k in loss still owed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When driving my sensors are ringing off as if someone is in front of my car. The brakes will be pushed down stopping the car while driving. Also when driving you hear a loud clicking noise which I was told before its my tired rod. I replaced this tired rod once before when it snapped while driving before this recall was put out. I have complained numerous times to my dealership and they are not taking this matter seriously. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When driving the forward collision avoidance system acts up. It will randomly slam on the breaks when nothing is in front. It also happens when cruise control is on, it will slam the breaks with an empty road ahead. It also thinks that there is something ahead when the road is clear ahead. This needs to be looked at because the number of complaints in regard to this is silly. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My vehicle randomly slammed on the brakes twice tonight within a 30 minute span. The first time was on a busy highway going about 45 mph at about 7:00 pm. The second time was on a residential street going about 25 mph at about 8:00 pm. Both times, the dashboard lit up red with hazard lights. Nothing was directly in front of me that would have caused the issue. Mileage is less than 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sporadically braked. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact to replace the battery. The battery was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Jul 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was driving to pick up some body as Rideshare driver on as part time, and i crashed into a car was parking on the side of the road, I still have no idea why is that happend. But i think the Malfunction Warning that was on dash got something to do with it! | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The forward collision warning keeps malfunctioning; it has done it a total of three times so far once when I first cranked up the car and was just sitting in it for about 10 minutes and it popped on as soon as I switched into drive and it wouldn’t allow me to move so I had to restart my car, second time was on the interstate and luckily nothing bad happened and third time it just popped on when I cranked my car and then cut off as I was driving | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Tie rod end snapped/car will stop out of no where | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | On May 23, 2023, I have parked to pick up a grocery order. I did not shut the engine off. Once the order was loaded, I put my car in reverse. The car started to back up, and then completely shut off. An error message related to the key fob came on. I was able to successfully start the car again. I currently have the car at Hyman Brothers Nissan. Their diagnostics indicate a failure, however, they are unable to determine the source of the failure at this time. My main concern is having this happen again while driving with my 2 year old in his car seat. I previously reported an issue with my back up camera going blue. They have also received a code for that, but again, are unable to determine the source. The dealership's number is 804-378-0266, and Jimi is the service advisor. Since the vehicle is in their possession, I do not have documentation at this time. The contact stated that the only advice given to her by the dealership was to drive the vehicle more but she has concerns about that. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | car died wont start until jumped has done it 3 times | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |