This page covers 3 recalls, 124 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 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
The 2021 Sentra draws the most complaints around its automatic emergency braking and steering systems, with electrical issues close behind. Owners frequently report the automatic emergency braking activating on its own, triggering unexpectedly on open roads or at low speeds with no obstacle present. Some also describe the parking brake engaging without driver input and without any warning light. Steering complaints center on the electric power steering feeling loose, pulling to one side, or requiring repeated recalibration. On the electrical side, owners report infotainment screens rebooting mid-drive, the backup camera cutting out or freezing during reversals, power windows failing across multiple doors at once, and the keyless entry system intermittently failing to recognize the key fob even with a fresh battery.
124
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Nissan Sentra has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the tie rods, which can bend and then break, causing a complete loss of steering control while driving.
Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the tie rod issue, which is why it appears across more than one recall campaign. The tie rods are the links that translate steering wheel input into front wheel movement, so a break means the driver loses the ability to steer the car. There is also a rearview camera concern: damage to the camera's wiring harness can distort or blank the image entirely when reversing, leaving the driver without a clear view of what is behind the vehicle.
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.
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.
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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 →
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 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.
