2020 Nissan Sentra
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 38 |
| 1989 | 42 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 64 |
| 1992 | 64 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 103 |
| 1995 | 118 |
| 1996 | 141 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 59 |
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 236 |
| 2002 | 318 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 142 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 351 |
| 2016 | 268 |
| 2017 | 230 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 221 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 76 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH27% of complaints: steering — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car was in a hit and run accident on June 29, 2023 where another car slid up the whole passenger side of the car damaging the front side so car could not be driven. Car was repaired, given back but not performing correctly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231031
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact's daughter owned a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving the vehicle at an unknown rate of speed, she lost control of the vehicle without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210719
22% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing autonomous/self driving.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS SWITCHING LANES AND THE CAR BLIND SPOT SENSOR USUALLY TELLS ME WHEN SOMEONE IS IN MY BLIND SPOT BUT WHEN I WAS SWITCHING LANES TODAY IT FAILED TO TELL ME, THEREFORE RESULTING IN ME GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20200508
3/4 doors will not lock/unlock using fob, or the door controllers. This increases risk of theft, car jacking, and safety as the locks do not engage while driving. Very dangerous.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
12% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH6% of complaints: back over prevention — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rearview system braking and warnings.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was reversing from a driveway, a Springfield Public School bus crashed into the rear of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240418
SAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
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.
Campaign 21V461000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned.
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.
Campaign 22V244000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V628000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
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.
Campaign 23V581000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (76 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V461000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V244000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V628000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V581000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.