Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

131 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
5

Most reports here involve transmission slipping.

transmission slipping 3sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11699960 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
30

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 9sudden stalling 3
A recent report: Drivers of the car pulled out of a plaza without blinker and almost ran into our vehicle. Passenger and driver continued to harass and make rude comments whenever they pass by us. And we felt very…
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Drivers of the car pulled out of a plaza without blinker and almost ran into our vehicle. Passenger and driver continued to harass and make rude comments whenever they pass by us. And we felt very offended.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760768 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
34

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 3 mention a crash.

software faults 21loss of braking 6
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751232 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
40

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 10 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.

loss of steering 30premature wear 1
A recent report: My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the…
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My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the vehicle is moving, which is very concerning because this involves the vehicle’s steering and suspension\. I checked Nissan’s recall information online using my VIN, and it currently states that there are no open recalls\. However, I have only had this issue repaired **once**, under the original recall, and the same problem is happening again\. I am concerned that the original recall repair did not permanently correct the problem, or that the replacement component may have developed the same defect\. I do not believe that simply showing “no open recalls” should prevent Nissan from investigating a recurring safety\-related defect that was previously repaired under a recall\. I am requesting that Nissan: 1. Review my vehicle’s complete recall and repair history\. 2. Investigate why the same tie rod/steering problem has returned after the recall repair\. 3. Determine whether the replacement part or repair procedure is defective or insufficient\. 4. Provide a repair at no cost to me if this is related to the previously recalled defect\. 5. Explain what Nissan recommends to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive\. Because this issue involves the steering system, I consider it a serious safety concern\. I would appreciate having this matter escalated to Nissan’s Customer Relations/Safety department and receiving a written response regarding how Nissan intends to address the recurring problem\. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter\.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763094 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
16

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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”.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11737180 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

other issues 6
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11698858 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 131 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 25 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.