Complaint volume
126 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
2021 Nissan Sentra Complaints
126 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Nissan Sentra, grouped by component category.
126 Total complaints
14 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
8 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, electrical system, forward collision avoidance. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 14 crash reports, 1 fire report, 8 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 21 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 31,151 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to steering, electrical system, forward collision avoidance?
- 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 2021 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.
2021 Nissan Sentra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Nissan Sentra complaints?
14 Crash
1 Fire
8 Injury
0 Fatality
13 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Sentra complaint categories?
STEERING 22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
SERVICE BRAKES 4
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
ENGINE 3
POWER TRAIN 3
126 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 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”. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | PARKING BRAKE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 13,414 |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Some time while driving on empty roads Fuel Economy warning light beeping and automatically emergency brake . It happened on me more than 5 times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Rattling noise coming from the belt assembly. Tensioner pulley is shaky and alternator had a piece brake off causing metal shavings to fly around. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Purchased brand new with 0 miles. The system malfunction popped up and engine would not turn over after running perfectly fine a hour prior.Had to get towed to dealership and found a faulty battery luckily I still had 100 or so miles left on my warranty.Happened again last month the same exact thing except this time I had to get a jump off after several minutes the engine finally turned over. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I got in the car to start it and it would not start. This happened at the car wash one morning. It didn’t give me any warnings of a bad battery and the only way I started it was to have someone jump it. This has happened 4 times now. It takes several minutes for the battery to charge to start the car. I have been stranded 2 times and could not get to work on time 2 times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STEERING | Electric steering rack has play and causes violent shaking. Huge safety risk as this could have complete failure and cause accidents. Vehicle started showing symptoms at 68,000 miles and after reading separate forums, many others have experienced these same issues. No warning lights appear on the dash and no inspection by safety highway patrol. This is a serious issue especially given I do not appear to be the only person experiencing this. The steering and suspension seem to be a common issue on this call given the recall on the tie rods. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | purchased my 2021 Nissan Sentra brand new with no prior owner. Around 2023, the air conditioning system stopped working. The AC will not turn on at all the switch or control that activates the system is completely unresponsive. I brought the vehicle to a Nissan dealership, where I was quoted $300 just for a diagnostic test, with no warranty coverage or acknowledgment of a known issue. This failure appears to be linked to a potential electrical fault or defective AC component. It compromises both comfort and safety, especially in extreme temperatures. Numerous complaints online suggest this is a recurring issue among Sentra owners, yet Nissan has not issued a recall for the AC system. I am submitting this report to request an investigation into a possible manufacturing defect and to advocate for a formal recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE | The check engine light comes on with a malfunction symbol. The car has delay acceleration, jerks, hard shifts. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Since having my Nissan 2021 Sentra I have for one, had to replace the battery in it twice. On a more serious note, it is now stopping the car at random and unnecessary times stating an object is in front of me. It happens once a while ago and I did not have any other signs, and it was just for a second, so I tried not to stress about it. Now it is happening more often and just this morning happened three times. Causing my car to come to a complete stop, it is very dangerous and I am not sure what I am to do about it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Passenger side power windows and driver side rear window on occasion will stop working. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I and many others have noticed that the 2020+ Nissan Sentra has a very common issue with its window switch where the driver side window works, but all passenger windows get stuck refusing to roll up or down, or do so very slowly. I have had people try to come up to my window where I could not properly shut it, I have had to leave my window partially open over night, and in the rain. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The rear door locks on my vehicle fail to lock and unlock properly, especially using the power lock switches or key fob. This is not an occasional issue — it happens every single day. This is a major safety concern because the back doors often cannot be opened at all, which puts my children at risk of being trapped inside during an emergency or accident. In addition, the rear windows frequently get stuck and will not roll down. This is also a daily occurrence. It makes the problem even more dangerous because the windows cannot be used as an emergency exit if the doors fail. These issues are consistent and ongoing. Because the vehicle is used to transport children, the defective door locks and windows create a significant safety hazard that could prevent occupants from exiting the car quickly in an accident, fire, or similar emergency. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Rear windows and passenger window are malfunctioning. They stay open and will not close. Takes many attempts, and push start car on and off attempts. Takes hours for them to work again. Currently not using rear windows. To be on the safe side. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I've had multiple issues with my vehicle since I purchased the brand new car in 2021. - One year after purchase, I was left stranded when my alternator stopped working. - In 2023, I went i took my car to the Georgesville Nissan dealership in Columbus Ohio to get another key programmed. A process that should of taken one day took several weeks because my Vin# was not properly registered to my vehicle. This is a major safety issue, had something happened to my car (damage, theft, etc.) its possible that it could not have been identified, fixed properly. - I was also just made aware (after being stranded when my battery went out) that the wrong manuafacturer batter was installed in my vehicle. It should have been AMG and it was a flooded battery in my car. I had several technicians verify that it was an original battery that should have never been installed. This is a safety issue, I am not fully aware to the extent of how an incorrect battery may have damaged or corroded other compenets of my vehicle prematurely. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The door lock actuators in my 2021 Nissan Sentra have malfunctioned, causing my doors to unexpectedly lock or unlock. Three of the four doors are affected, including the front driver's side door and both back doors. This is a serious safety concern that can potentially lock me inside the car. This can make it difficult to leave the vehicle during an emergency. It has also put my vehicle at risk for theft. No warning lights or messages have occurred indicating there is a problem. There are no recalls for my vehicle due to this problem. I took my car into the local Nissan dealership in Kansas City, and they gave me a price quote of $884.05 to fix the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle: 2021 Nissan Sentra VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Description: On [XXX], the front tie rod on my 2021 Nissan Sentra suddenly failed while I was driving, causing me to lose control of the vehicle and sideswipe a parked car. This mechanical failure led to an accident, property damage, and a traffic citation for careless operation. My insurance premiums have since increased and the citation remains on my driving record. In August 2023, Nissan issued a recall for this exact defect. I believe this failure directly matches the safety defect now acknowledged in the recall. Had I been notified earlier, the accident and its consequences could have been prevented. I am requesting this complaint be added to the case record for the ongoing recall investigation. Documentation is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| May 2025 | STEERING | The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) through mail and email and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |