How many electrical system complaints does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?

NHTSA lists 44 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Sentra, which is 24% of the 185 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to the electrical issues?

Yes. Recall 21V135000 covers a brake light switch on 2016-2019 Sentra models that can become contaminated and prevent brake lights from illuminating; Nissan will replace the switch and add a protective grommet free of charge.

At what mileage do these electrical problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Sentra is 40,000 miles.

Have these electrical issues caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 1 injury associated with Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Sentra.

Is the 2018 Sentra worse than other Sentra years for electrical complaints?

The 2018 Sentra's electrical complaints make up 24% of its total complaints, similar to 2016 and 2017 (both 20%), but lower than 2019's 39% share.

2018 Nissan Sentra Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 44 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Nissan Sentra, 24% of its 185 total complaints, with 4 crashes and 1 injury reported. A related recall (21V135000) covers a brake light switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating, at a median failure mileage of 40,000.

Electrical System complaints: 44; 24% of 185
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Brake lights fail to illuminate, which owners say led to being rear-ended or side-swiped by other vehicles.
Vehicles fail to start or stall unexpectedly, sometimes leaving drivers stranded due to a brake or ignition switch sensor malfunction.
Front radar/collision warning system throws an 'obstruction' error and disables automatic emergency braking and cruise control.
Headlamps fail without warning, in one case diagnosed as an electrical failure by an independent mechanic.
Owners who received recall notice 21V135000 report the replacement part was unavailable for an extended period, leaving the brake light defect unrepaired.
Some owners describe the air conditioning overheating, the fuel gauge reading incorrectly, and erratic RPM behavior alongside other electrical faults.

When 2018 Nissan Sentra electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 30, 2018, latest Aug 25, 2026.

44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2019 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Nissan Sentra

NHTSA 21V135000Mar 3, 2021Electrical System807,376 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.

Electrical System complaints by Sentra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200517 (10%)
200612 (10%)
200711 (7%)
200811 (7%)
20097 (13%)
201052 (36%)
201134 (24%)
201214 (8%)
201345 (7%)
201435 (9%)
201527 (8%)
201653 (20%)
201746 (20%)
201844 (24%)
201987 (39%)
202050 (24%)
202140 (31%)
202225 (31%)
20238 (40%)
202411 (28%)
20254 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?: NHTSA lists 44 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Sentra, which is 24% of the 185 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to the electrical issues?: Yes. Recall 21V135000 covers a brake light switch on 2016-2019 Sentra models that can become contaminated and prevent brake lights from illuminating; Nissan will replace the switch and add a protective grommet free of charge.
At what mileage do these electrical problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Sentra is 40,000 miles.
Have these electrical issues caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 1 injury associated with Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Sentra.
Is the 2018 Sentra worse than other Sentra years for electrical complaints?: The 2018 Sentra's electrical complaints make up 24% of its total complaints, similar to 2016 and 2017 (both 20%), but lower than 2019's 39% share.