Avoid: 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 31 model years, the Nissan Sentra has 6,238 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 133 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2013 drew the most complaints (638), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (20).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Sentra vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,385–$18,397.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2020 | 206 |
| 2019 | 626 |
| 2018 | 529 |
| 2017 | 232 |
| 2016 | 270 |
| 2015 | 351 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2011 | 142 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2001 | 249 |
| 2000 | 182 |
| 1999 | 70 |
| 1998 | 64 |
| 1997 | 121 |
| 1996 | 162 |
Highest: 2013 (638 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (20).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by transmission history.
Catastrophic failure often between 75k-115k miles, characterized by shuddering, loss of acceleration, inability to move forward, loud whining, and complete breakdown. Repair costs cited from $3,000 to over $8,500.
Shuddering during acceleration, jerking when shifting between drive and reverse, rubber band effect, whining noise, and laggy throttle response.
Problems include cars that won't start (often related to brake pedal sensor/switch), random stalling while driving, and audio/power mirror systems failing intermittently with an audible click from the fuse box.
Specific mentions of faulty EGR valves (2021 model), repeated failure of the brake pedal switch/sensor (2019 model), and failing starters.
Complaints include paint fading prematurely, windshield glass quality described as subpar, and various interior rattles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sentra. Individual model years are broken down above.
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