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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

204 reports
28,879 miles · Jul 21, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…

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The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,879.

NHTSA ODI #11675028

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2025
Electrical System

Driver side front and rear door locks will not respond to key fob. Rear door won’t lock and front door won’t unlock.

NHTSA ODI #11672958

80,000 miles · Jul 9, 2025
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w…

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11672316

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2025
Back Over PreventionLane Departure

After taking my car to the dealership for recall repairs, the backup camera, on multiple occasions has given me a blue screen. I have never had this issue prior to recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11672295

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I was trapped in my vehicle when my door would not open. I attempted to unlock the door with the key fab, manually, and from reaching through the window and trying from the outside. Despite the lock mechanism showing that the door was unlocked, the door would not open. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but that did not help…

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I was trapped in my vehicle when my door would not open. I attempted to unlock the door with the key fab, manually, and from reaching through the window and trying from the outside. Despite the lock mechanism showing that the door was unlocked, the door would not open. I attempted to restart the vehicle, but that did not help. I tried several combinations of tactics with no success. I finally had to climb out of the passenger side. I took the car to the dealer where I was informed that the door actuators on both driver's side doors were faulty. All I can think of is what would have happened if the car was on fire or in rising water, and worse, if my children were in the back seat. Or what if I was disabled in some way or elderly? This situation could've been much, much worse. When I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, they refused to take any responsibility for this dangerous design flaw, and I was stuck with a $1500 repair. I hope they are urged to issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11672169

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2025
Electrical System

I purchased m 2020 Nissan Sentra brand new off the showroom floor from Modern Nissan of Winston Salem in April. On [XXX] (in examining the first invoice, the date is incorrect) with only 28, 778 miles my car would not start however, an engine malfunction light, ABS indicator light, forward emergency braking system warning icon, …

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I purchased m 2020 Nissan Sentra brand new off the showroom floor from Modern Nissan of Winston Salem in April. On [XXX] (in examining the first invoice, the date is incorrect) with only 28, 778 miles my car would not start however, an engine malfunction light, ABS indicator light, forward emergency braking system warning icon, rear automatic braking warning icon and a caution light showed up on and over the dash- board. I called my warranty dept., Nissan, explained the situation as best I could and had the car towed. Upon getting transportation there was told problem was not factory warranty but was chewed by rodents or some small animal; not warranty covered since not Nissan's fault, paid $1194. However, not 24 hours later and after putting down rodent and small animal deterrent had to take car back. Was told they missed something which added to my cost totaling $630. Totally, keeping my car 6 days. Afterwards, getting my car back again on 06/16 the second time I have taken my car back twice. The same malfunction light has come back on with the same indicator icon as forward braking system and the seat belt indicator comes on and the buzzer goes on and off whether the seat belt is on and fastened or not. After researching problems with the 2020 Nissan Sentra, I do not believe any small animal or rodent has done any damage to the electrical system on my car as I have had cars in my driveway for over 25 years with no such damage ever before. I believe Nissan should be held accountable, or my bumper to bumper 110,000-mile 2029 warranty should take care of this, and I should be reimbursed! This type of existing problem can be life threatening to me, any passengers I may have and other drivers on the road! With today's economy, my being [XXX] I cannot continue to pay such huge amounts for a factory malfunction when I have a warranty in place or try to buy another car especially when this one is not paid for!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11669825

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
Unknown Or Other

Sometimes the driver door doesn’t lock even after clicking the lock button either on the key fob or on the actual door. The car is five years old and has 60,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11669021

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

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.