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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was traveling on a multi lane road at a speed of approximately 45 mph. There were cars directly behind me. Multiple pedestrian crossings were in front of me but the pedestrians had already crossed the road and were safely on the sidewalk. However, the caution lights from the crosswalk were still illuminated from the pedestrians that had previously crossed. As I reached the pedestrian crossing, the vehicle’s front collision warning system activated and immediately applied heavy brake pressure. There was nothing I could do to override it and since there was nothing in front of my vehicle, the cars behind me were not expecting a sudden stop. The car behind me was able to stop in time but narrowly avoided a collision with the rear of my vehicle as a result. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I purchased this vehicle new (172 miles) from a dealership that also sells used cars. The vehicle was driven from a dealership about 75 miles away from where I purchased the car. I was told the other miles were from test drives. I think the car salesman switched cars after the test-drive, while I was calling my insurance company (can't prove it). I never returned to that dealership. I took my car to a dealership closer to my home for service several times. The automatic braking system, forward collision warning, the adaptive cruise control all malfunction on a regular basis. The service person told me that Nissan couldn't service these issues without the manufacture of the braking systems approval. The dealership gave me paperwork on my first complaint- no repairs were made. The dealership gave me paperwork on my second visit stating intermittent electrical issues- no repairs were made. I did not receive paperwork on my 3rd visit. My 3year/36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty (that never got used) has expired. I decided to live with these issues because the car runs well- getting a lawyer seems pointless. I took my car to a different dealership (over 45 miles away) because of the steering. I was told that it would cost me $170 for diagnosis. I agreed to the charge. The service person then had me call Nissan to get a work order number ( I found that very odd) Why didn't the service person call Nissan? A mechanic looked at the car and told me that I need a new power steering rack and that it isn't covered under warranty. I asked about the recall on the tie rod ends. I was told the tie rod ends have no bearing (ha,ha) on the power steering rack. I was told the power steering rack would cost $2,800 to have installed. The mechanic said he wouldn't drive the car because a wheel might come off while driving. I wasn't charge for my visit and didn't receive any paperwork. My car is parked in my garage with 47,xxx miles on it and is unsafe to drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger’s side front wheel bearing and passenger’s side front axle were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power of steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V461000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Mar 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Car was on. The original, rear camera display screen, was fully functional when the vehicle was put in reverse previously. The rear camera was always functional/ this is the first time I’ve seen this occur. The car was put in reverse but this time the rear camera screen was completely blue. I put the car in park, waited a few seconds, and then put it back in reverse; only to have the same result. I came out of the car, opened the trunk, and closed the trunk. When I went back into the car, the rear camera was showing on the screen. I made a video as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Emergency brake applied for no reason | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the self-driving feature inadvertently activated, and the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob was not detected while inside the vehicle. The display screen intermittently went blank while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the crash collision sensor and speed limit camera were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Woodhouse Nissan (7801 Nebraska Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005) where the key fob was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Mar 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | was driving down the highway nothing in front of me my car hit the brakes and flashed warning on the dash and made me come to a stop after this happened my fuel economy decreased over 100 miles per tank other times it just activates and taps the brakes for no reason also every window except the driver window gets stuck several times a week another thing some how one of my rims cracked | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Collision Avoidance system has caused the vehicle to brake when there is nothing in front of vehicle, or show "System Malfunction" on the dash. Dealer unable to duplicate but said it happens to most Nissan Sentra's. Found it happens more frequently when there is rain or bad weather. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My backup camera constantly defaults to a blue screen. I have nearly backed into other cars as a result of this malfunction. I also have a toddler at home. While I do normal safety checks around my vehicle prior to leaving my driveway, there is still a possibility that he could dart out of the home and stand behind my car without my knowledge. I have asked Hyman Brothers Nissan on Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian, Virginia to look at this. The service advisor told me that it was "probably due the multiple cell phones trying to connect to my vehicle". All cell phones associated with my vehicle have been removed as well as all charging cables. I still have this issue. My vehicle is NOT safe at this time. While I do drive it, I am forced to call my house before leaving in the morning to ensure my toddler is being adequately supervised before I put my car in reverse to leave. When parking, I make every attempt to pull through so I do not HAVE to put my car in reverse. Due to the malfunctioning equipment, my vehicle may be breaking the law that states vehicles manufactured after 2018 need to have backup cameras installed. While the law doesn't specify that the backup camera needs to work, it should be assumed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My tie rod broke on me 3 days ago | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT I TOLD THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT HEAR IT. THEY TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT AND THE CAR WAS CHECKED OUT I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TODAY THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THE NOISE SOMEDAYS IT LOUDER THAN OTHERS I TOOK IT AGAIN TO NISSA AND THEY STILL SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR I AM CONCERNED AND DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SERVICE AT NISSAN SOMETHING IS FOR SURE WRONG WITH THE CAR | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The back door lock actuators does not lock automatic or not work at all with fob you have to manual lock the door from the inside button it does not lock when the car reach a certain speed my child open the door going down road and i just happen to see it when he did these need to be looked at before someone child gets hurt the doors does not work at all remotely or when it going certain speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | At 5:44 on Hwy 50/Elizabeth Ave in Pueblo, CO. The automatic emergency braking system locked up with no reason for it to do so. Thankfully we were not rear ended. I have documented via photograph of this system error alert coming on several times a week while driving this vehicle. It has been to the dealership now twice for this issue and will be making yet another appt to get the car back in again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My daughter was driving her 2020 Nissan Sentra the other day and was trying to avoid hitting a dog that ran in front of her car she crashed into a park car. Our Nissan Sentra anti brakes did not stop the car nor make a noise before hitting that parked car. No warning from our car to prevent this head on collision. There is so much damage that our insurance has deemed it a total loss. By the grace of God daughter is physically fine but mentally she is not!! As a parent I felt comfortable with my daughter driving this car at first. I have witness the anti brakes work on our 2020 Nissan Sentra before, when we would get near an object the car would automatically stop! We are now out of a car and I'm still going to owe a balance to my finance company once the insurance pay whatever they're going to pay. This is so unfair and heartbreaking that this important feature on this car failed my daughter when she needed it the most. WHY???????? | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | STRUCTURE | 1) The front passenger door will not open. This is a recurring problem and I have experienced it four times already. 2) CVT Malfunction warning is persistent. CVT resets when the engine is turned off and comes back on after about 10 to 15 minutes after the engine is started again, which creates a problem when you come to a complete stop. The transmission does not immediately get in gear and there is a very slow start-up in moving forward. The "ECO" engaged by itself and this problem started when I disengaged the "ECO" when I was headed up a hill. The problem with the "ECO" is intermittent. I took the car to a private mechanic and they did not have enough information from Nissan to correct this problem. I contacted Kimmel- Silverman, Lemon Law Attorney, and was told that Nissan was aware of the problem and has not issued a recall, as of this moment. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The automatic emergency braking light would continue to flash on and off, signaling it wasn't working correctly. I took it into the dealership to be repaired and two days after receiving my car back the light came back on. I have done research and have concluded that this is an ongoing and common issue throughout particular Nissan models. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently stopped without warning. The contact stated that an audible warning beep was coming from the vehicle during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 19,000 |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | As we were driving on the highway we noticed a sound in the engine very rubbery. The car started to jerk and we were able to move the car to the side of the road. We were not able to easily drive the car anymore and had to get it towed. The engine and brake light turned on at the same time. Once you took it to the dealership they said that the bolt on the alternator pulley was loose and that's why our belt came off. They said they have never experienced this before and if this is a common problem in these cars that has not been reported properly we would like to report it now. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I have documented over 2 years of my AEB Failing by photograph and video time stamping the continual occurances of this system failing on my vehicle while driving. The vehicle has self engaged the braking in the middle of driving, thankfully I was draveling on a residential road at aprox 30 mph. It was quite scary to experience. I also now have no back up camera, the screen is completely black when vehicle is in reverse, drive as well as park. I have restarted the vehicle hoping it was just a glitch in the system. I feel like this vehicle has been and continuing to be more insane to operate and I have literally only had it for 2 years, brand new off the lot July 2020. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | UNKNOWN While switching gears from Park to drive and any other gears my gear shift lifts out of the column. Apparently the pins become loose that hold the gear shift together. This causes the gear shift to completely come out of the gear column and may cause you to accidentally shift gears if the shift is hit by and other objects. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | SUSPENSION | Tie road both | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My vehicle is a 2020 Nissan Sentra SV | Vin # [XXX] | I have about 7,200 Miles on my vehicle. It is making a weird noise within the front end or sides of the vehicle. I've reported it to the Nissan Dealership by the name of Joeten Motors here in the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan MP. Where I am residing and they are the Dealership that I've purchased the vehicle. I am still on stand by before anything is being done to help assist figuring out what's wrong with my vehicle. I am afraid that something may happen while driving the vehicle with my kids or just myself. My vehicle is still brand new but I am dealing with this issue. I've brought up the fact that I've reviewed information from the NHTSA but still nothing has been done. I am afraid if I continue to drive my vehicle it may get damaged more or something horrible could happen. Please email me information to provide to them to get this taken care of? My vehicle only has about 7,200 miles on it and all I do is drive from home and work or my kids school. My name is [XXX] or my son as well [XXX]. | address -[XXX] | [M] [XXX] | email. [XXX] Please help us. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My car on two occasions came to a stop while driving . Nothing was in front of me at all. A flashing light came on on the dashboard and my car came to a hault. This was very frightening and now I am afraid to drive the car. The dealership said nothing they can do. This issues needs to be addressed and fixed and a recall needs to be done. This is a huge safety issue!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Car suddenly stops while driving down the road. There were no obstacles or other vehicles in front of the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving my 2020 nissan sentra, my car proceeded to brake on its own while i was depressing the accelerator. A red warning light flashed across the dash that looked like 2 cars colliding. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, even though it was acting erratically. The braking occurred abruptly startling me and the drivers around me. Thankfully, the car did not cause a collision. The incidence scared me immensely causing my heart to palpitate and raising my blood pressure. I looked for the indicator light in my manual after I had come to a complete stop and was able to calm down after the scare. The warning was the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection system warning light. The thing was, there were no pedestrians anywhere near my vehicle, nor were there any other vehicles or objects that could've possibly set the system off. It was clear that this system in my car was malfunction. I'm truly scared to drive my car now. I took the car to the dealer to have it looked at and fixed, however, a couple of weeks later, the same incidence occurred. This time I had my child and husband in the car with me they so scared and were immediately tied by the seat belt. They will were able to witness what I had previously experienced. It scared her as well. This malfunction is going to cause unnecessary collisions that will result in harm to someone. This malfunction could easily induce an accident. It is also causing unnecessary wear and tear on vehicle due to the forceful nature of the abrupt braking. My Child and I spend a great deal of time in my car, and I cannot take the risk that this car imposes.please help me! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |