Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Sentra is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Sentra?

The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Nissan Sentra

● Typical for this model

2021 Nissan Sentra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:59:43.534Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 132
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Forward collision avoidance

Complaints per year

2021: 132 complaints

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	352
2016	269
2017	231
2018	184
2019	223
2020	207
2021	132
2022	81
2023	20
2024	41
2025	31
2026	19

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Forward collision avoidance

35% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-30

Also filed under Service brakes

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicleâs ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15

Also filed under Steering

Steering

30% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began to slide, hydroplane, and crash into a cement ditch drain.Â There were no warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28

Also filed under Seat belts

Out of control

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-02-03

Also filed under Service brakes

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated their daughter was driving at 30 mph, when the driver was merging into a lane when the driver heard an unidentified noise and lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a telephone pole.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-27

Electrical system

29% · 38 reports

INJURY

Service brakes

18% · 24 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

5% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-08-05Steering21V461000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-10-19Back over prevention23V628000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-11-27Steering23V581000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Forward collision avoidance: 46 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 40 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 38 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V461000 · Steering
Recall 23V628000 · Back over prevention
Recall 23V581000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Sentra is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Sentra?: The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.