2020 Nissan Sentra
Common Problems
Ranked from 77 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
14complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing unintended braking and false warnings.
- 2
Automatic Emergency Braking System Malfunctions
10complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe automatic emergency braking system engages unexpectedly, causing the car to brake suddenly without any objects in front of the vehicle.
- 3
Power Steering Assist Failure
10complaintsHigh severitySteeringPower steering assist fails, leading to difficulty in steering and increased physical effort.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V461000, 23V581000
- 4
Steering Rack Issues
10complaintsHigh severitySteeringSteering wheel shakes and makes loud noises during driving, posing a safety hazard.
$900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V461000, 23V581000
- 5
Backup Camera Malfunction
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalBackup camera intermittently displays a blue screen or fails to work properly.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Door Lock Actuator Failure
8complaintsHigh severityElectricalMultiple door locks fail to operate properly, requiring manual intervention.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Electrical System Issues
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical systems, including backup cameras and door locks, fail, leading to potential safety hazards.
- 8
Tie Rod End Issues
6complaintsHigh severitySteeringTie rod ends break or become loose, leading to steering instability and potential accidents.
$200–$550est. tie rod replacement + alignment · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V461000, 23V581000
- 9
Tie Rod Issues
5complaintsMedium severitySuspensionTie rods require replacement despite no visible signs of wear, leading to improper steering.
$200–$550est. tie rod replacement + alignment · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Passenger Side Tie Rod Failure
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe passenger side tie rod has failed, causing loss of control and potential accidents.
$200–$550est. tie rod replacement + alignment · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V461000, 23V581000
- 11
Steering Wheel Vibrations
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheel vibrates abnormally at various speeds, affecting handling and potentially causing loss of control.
Related recalls: 21V461000, 23V581000
- 12
Vehicle Speed Control Issues
3complaintsMedium severityOtherVehicle speed control systems malfunction, causing unintended acceleration or deceleration.
- 13
Battery Drain Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalMultiple battery drain issues occur, leading to unexpected shutdowns and requiring frequent charging.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Faulty Back-Up Camera Display
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe back-up camera intermittently fails to display properly, reducing visibility when reversing.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Random Brake Engagement Without Obstruction
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe car brakes unexpectedly without any objects in front of it, posing a risk of collision.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.