NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera harness can become damaged, causing the rearview camera display to show a distorted or lost image.
This page covers 9 recalls, 198 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Nissan Sentra.
33 mpg combined
7.1 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2020 Nissan Sentra center most heavily on the automatic emergency braking and forward collision avoidance system, with owners frequently describing unintended activations, the system braking or alerting without an actual obstacle present. Steering is the second most-reported area, where owners describe noises, imprecise feel, and handling that doesn't seem right, sometimes appearing within the first year of ownership. Electrical complaints come up across a range of components: backup cameras displaying a blank or blue screen, door lock actuators failing early, and key fob remote functions stopping reliably. The backup camera issue shows up in multiple reports, with owners noting the problem recurs after dealer visits without a lasting fix.
198
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Nissan Sentra has 9 recalls, the most serious being a tie rod defect where one or both front tie rods can bend or break, causing partial or complete loss of steering control.
The tie rod issue appears across multiple filings covering slightly different model year ranges, but the core danger is the same: a bent or broken tie rod can make the steering wheel pull off-center, produce vibration while driving, and ultimately leave the driver unable to steer. A manual transmission concern also carries serious crash risk on certain Sentras equipped with a manual gearbox, where the gear selector cable can work loose and either prevent the driver from shifting into gear or cause an unintended gear change, producing sudden and unexpected vehicle movement.
On the visibility side, Sentras equipped with LED headlights have two separate concerns. The right-hand headlight can be misaimed from the factory, reducing how far the driver can see ahead at night and potentially directing light into oncoming traffic rather than down the road. Separately, damage to the rearview camera wiring harness can distort or blank the backup camera image, limiting what the driver can see when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera harness can become damaged, causing the rearview camera display to show a distorted or lost image.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness, replacing them if damaged. If undamaged, protective tape will be applied and the harness rerouted.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and/or right tie rod may not be strong enough. Hitting a curb or pothole could bend or break it, causing partial loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Nissan will replace both tie rods at a dealership. Initially, visit only if you notice steering wheel vibration or off-center steering. Nissan will send a second notice when parts are available for the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and/or right tie rod may bend, which can cause an off-center steering wheel or vibration.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace bent or broken tie rods. Once new parts are available, both tie rods will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right headlamp is misaligned from the factory on certain vehicles with LED headlamps, reducing visibility when driving at night.
What the fix does
Nissan will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, where they will replace the right headlamp.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right-hand LED headlight may be aimed incorrectly, causing improper light distribution on the road.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One or both front tie rods may be bent from manufacturing, causing the steering wheel to sit off-center, creating vibration while driving, or potentially breaking and reducing steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front tie rods and replace any that are bent.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and/or right tie rod may be bent, which connects the steering mechanism to the front wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both tie rods and replace any that are bent at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The gear selector cable can loosen on manual transmission vehicles, preventing you from shifting into gear or causing unintended shifts to the wrong gear, which could result in sudden unexpected vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Nissan will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the transmission control assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right headlamp was misaligned during assembly on certain vehicles with LED headlamps, reducing nighttime visibility.
What the fix does
Nissan will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace your right headlamp.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
