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2020 Nissan Sentra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Sentra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 116.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

57 reports with mileage · 147 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Forward Collision Avoidance complaints

60 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2025
Back Over PreventionForward Collision Avoidance

While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will engage my brakes while reversing …

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While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will engage my brakes while reversing unexpectedly without obstacles in the way. This causes whiplash, panic, to the driver and sudden stops causing a hazard to other drivers while wearing out my braking system I've had to replace brake pads and roaders due to warping more frequently than normal function. While driving the forward collision warning will display a malfunction warning on my dash and sometimes engages my brakes unexpectedly with no object in front of me. This has led to sudden stops in the middle of the road causing other cars to slam their brakes so they don't rear-end me. I have reported this to a local mechanic while we replaced my shocks, he stated there was wires loose and he secured them causing my backup camera to work for a short time after. It soon went back to being a blue screen or having an altered fuzzy image when reversing. These has been a reoccurring issue but I am in Germany so I have yet to find a dealership willing to inspect the vehicle. I believe the first issues started in March 2024 after I purchased the car from a friend.

NHTSA ODI #11700654

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2025
Forward Collision Avoidance

My ABS has messed up multiple times often after traction control is lost I have been lucky enough to not be injured YET this is my daily driver and im self employed and am currently paying almost 1k a month for this car so im forced to drive it even with the car randomly slamming my breaks I took it to the dealership I boug…

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My ABS has messed up multiple times often after traction control is lost I have been lucky enough to not be injured YET this is my daily driver and im self employed and am currently paying almost 1k a month for this car so im forced to drive it even with the car randomly slamming my breaks I took it to the dealership I bought it from after the first incident and they denied knowing anything Im terrified to drive my car if anyone is taling me and im stuck behind a slow driver im at risk of a pile up Every time it rains or snows or is foggy my traction control flashes that its not working Every time the abs has messed up the traction has flashed it wasnt working before Im at a loss on what to do ive reached out to everyone but I guess I just have to drive it until it kills me The dealership and I are not on good terms They lied to me about a previous recalled part breaking being my fault and had me pay out of pocket to fix it there Then They failed to provide the receipts and requested i go to the dealership 2 hours away instead of theirs thats 30 minutes away No one has inspected it for this because they (my dealership) denied knowing it was an issues but I read articles online stating otherwise This has happened multiple times now that I know its going to continue im genuinely scared for my life and am reaching out for this to be looked into and recalled I dont know the dates it happened but if youd take my car to looking to the codes and the system report or whatever you'd see everything yourself and im more than willing to give it to whoever would be capable

NHTSA ODI #11695478

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2025
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesCrash

Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this…

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Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this has happened to my vehicle in particular. Dealers say the manufacturer doesn’t cover brake line damage or issue even due to factory fault/ defect.

NHTSA ODI #11669440

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other

The AEB - Automatic Emergency Braking sensors are faulty. The system randomly brakes while I am driving with nothing in the cars path to set it off. It happens frequently and without any seemingly reason. It has become very nerve wracking and potentially dangerous. I brought this issue up to a mechanic at the Nissan repair shop …

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The AEB - Automatic Emergency Braking sensors are faulty. The system randomly brakes while I am driving with nothing in the cars path to set it off. It happens frequently and without any seemingly reason. It has become very nerve wracking and potentially dangerous. I brought this issue up to a mechanic at the Nissan repair shop and his response was that the car is no longer under warranty and that I am responsible for what would be a costly repair. He suggested taking the car through the car wash frequently. I constantly wipe the front window where the sensors are located, I find this solution to be unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI #11669231

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

Driving down the road and the camera above on windshield above rearview mirror went out as well as the forward collision braking. Both went out at the same time. The problem was inspected by a certified mechanic shop. It puts people’s lives at risk once each sensors go out limiting the safety features.

NHTSA ODI #11669018

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

On June 10 2025 the brake sensor malfunctioned for my 2020 Nissan Sentra This was the secound timeThe first time was about one week before..The brake peddle went down , car brakes ,brakes.I was driving speed limit of 20.There were no cars on the street or object.A yellow triangle appeared on the dash board..It scared me ,This is…

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On June 10 2025 the brake sensor malfunctioned for my 2020 Nissan Sentra This was the secound timeThe first time was about one week before..The brake peddle went down , car brakes ,brakes.I was driving speed limit of 20.There were no cars on the street or object.A yellow triangle appeared on the dash board..It scared me ,This is a safety hazard that can cause a accident.The next morning my car didn't start.There were a few symbols on the dashboard..I had it towed to the car dealer.They put a new battery.I just bought it May 04 2025.I was told no sensors were on, Mechanic didn't find anything. As of now I have bot picked up my car from the car dealer. 06/24/2025

NHTSA ODI #11668938

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2025
Forward Collision Avoidance

Front collision isn't working. Warning on dash

NHTSA ODI #11661732

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

Every so often the vehicle’s AEB, FCW, LDW system malfunctions and causes the CEL( Check Engine Light ) to come on. The car also looses Traction Control and begins to sound like the tires are grinding on the pavement. This then puts the motor in a limp mode/ Safe Mode. During this time the vehicle DOES NOT Have power and reduces…

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Every so often the vehicle’s AEB, FCW, LDW system malfunctions and causes the CEL( Check Engine Light ) to come on. The car also looses Traction Control and begins to sound like the tires are grinding on the pavement. This then puts the motor in a limp mode/ Safe Mode. During this time the vehicle DOES NOT Have power and reduces speed to 50MPH, the vehicle then revs at 2.5-5.5RPM trying to catch/ hold speed. The vehicle begins to shake when this happens. The power windows also don’t work after this happens.

NHTSA ODI #11656211

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceSteering

The electrical system is a nightmare in this vehicle. My automatic emergency braking system was activating while I was going 60mph on the highway with no vehicles or reasons to have this feature activate. It happened on numerous occasions. I had passengers in the car and they witnessed it. It was very alarming to be cruising …

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The electrical system is a nightmare in this vehicle. My automatic emergency braking system was activating while I was going 60mph on the highway with no vehicles or reasons to have this feature activate. It happened on numerous occasions. I had passengers in the car and they witnessed it. It was very alarming to be cruising along at 50+ mph and the braking system jolted the car to a stop. I also had to replace the battery twice. Had to purchase a portable jump starter. Had to replace alternator. None of these things should be an issue with a 36 mo lease I complained numerous times how I felt the car was a death trap. I asked for a loaner if I left car since it’s a safety hazard and I’m sickly and must get to my dr appts. I was told by dealer that’s not their problem. I broke down at night alone at least 5 times. My gas said a quarter tank yet I broke down for no gas. The radio volume knob never worked. The driver rear door never locked. System malfunction wld constantly flash on my screen. The car made a ticking noise inside when shut down. My heater didn’t work. I opened 2 consumer affairs claims. They put me off everyday. The girl Tyler did NOTHING. This car is a death trap. I think the dealer knew it had electrical problems. I kept car past end of lease for legal proof. I continued to pay. Finally I gave up. 5 hrs b4 inspection they sent a tow truck to take vehicle. I lost all belongings in trunk. They were still using my registration and never contacted me or returned calls or sent any letter to get my belongings. They kept new battery and battery jumper. Plz I need help. Nissan has been nasty to me and my [XXX] mom and instead of offering some money back they want to put me in collections for $1500 for mileage. Which I kept paying lease Plz help us. Nissan resold vehicle. Someone is going to die in that car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11601273

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2024
Forward Collision Avoidance

Malfunction Brakes from glares on the road (especially in the rain) And now has a Malfunction warning.

NHTSA ODI #11595844

Official recalls

4

23V628000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 8, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.

23V581000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Aug 15, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport assistance if they are experiencing an off-center steering wheel or vibration. As an interim repair, dealers will inspect and replace any bent or broken tie rods, free of charge. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23B3. This recall replaces and expands recall number 21V-461. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-461 will need to have the new remedy completed.

22V244000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Apr 13, 2022

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R20B4.

21V461000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jun 17, 2021

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.