Nissan Sentra Complaints (2021)

133 consumer complaints on file.

#11773155October 23, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, a yellow triangle warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently applied the brakes forcefully and made a sharp left turn. The vehicle then rolled over twice and landed upside down in a ditch. The driver crawled out through broken glass. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. The contact arrived at the scene and transported the driver to the hospital. The contact's son sustained lap belt bruises on the lower stomach and upper legs, a cut arm, neck, back, and rib pain, a neck contusion, and slightly forward-displaced C2 and C3 vertebrae. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, inspected, and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle might have experienced phantom braking. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that a fee was required for a third-party investigator to retrieve data from the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11768165September 30, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2021. Since then, I have experienced a very concerning safety issue on multiple occasions involving the automatic emergency braking system. While driving normally, with the vehicle operating without any apparent problems, the emergency braking system has suddenly activated and warning lights have appeared on the dashboard, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, object, or other obstruction in front of me that would have required emergency braking. This has happened to me several times and is extremely frightening. During the most recent incident, the vehicle behind me had to quickly go around my car to avoid rear-ending me after my vehicle unexpectedly braked. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other owners describing what appears to be the same or a very similar problem. This makes me extremely concerned that this may be a widespread safety issue with this vehicle. Fortunately, when these incidents occurred, I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH. I am very concerned about what could happen if the emergency braking system were to activate unexpectedly while traveling on the freeway at 65 MPH or higher. Unexpected braking at highway speeds could potentially result in a serious rear-end collision, injuries, or fatalities. Given the number of similar complaints from other owners, I believe this issue warrants a thorough investigation. I strongly urge Nissan and NHTSA to investigate these reports and determine whether a safety recall is necessary before someone is seriously injured or killed. This is not simply an inconvenience or a minor mechanical problem. Unexpected emergency braking without an obstacle in the vehicle’s path presents a serious safety concern for the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763094September 9, 2026
SUSPENSION
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\.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760768August 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751232July 18, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750579July 15, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742845June 8, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Alternator needed replacement Front windshield needed replacement Unfortunately this kicked off the malfunction warning. All Nissan can say is it’s the ADAS 2 controller. They are unable to determine part numbers. However the alternator and windshield replacement kicked off the malfunction warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739981May 26, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, SUSPENSION
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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739878May 25, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737180May 11, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734349April 28, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733950April 27, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722302March 5, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720638February 26, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714211January 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710130January 10, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703182December 5, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700324November 19, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699960November 17, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699032November 12, 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
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Nissan Sentra