YearToAvoid

2019 Nissan Sentra Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 87 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Nissan Sentra, 39% of its 222 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,000 miles. A related recall (21V135000) covers a brake light switch that can prevent brake lights from working.

Electrical System complaints
87
39% of 222
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
36,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Brake lights fail to illuminate even though the pedal is depressed, sometimes with no dashboard warning, leading to rear-end collisions.
  • Vehicles fail to start after multiple attempts, with owners reporting the battery draining even when the car is parked and off.
  • The radio or infotainment system turns on by itself while the car is off, which some owners link to the battery drain and no-start issues.
  • Owners who received recall 21V135000 notices report the replacement part was unavailable for an extended period.
  • The climate control display screen randomly shuts off while the underlying heat/air settings continue operating in the background.
  • The SRS airbag warning light stays on continuously despite resets of the radio and key fob.

When 2019 Nissan Sentra electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 12, 2018, latest Jul 11, 2026.

2019 Nissan Sentra electrical system complaints: complaints filed per quarter72018 Q42020 Q22021 Q22022 Q22023 Q22024 Q22025 Q22026 Q3
87 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q2 (7).

Electrical System recalls for the 2019 Nissan Sentra

  1. 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.

  1. 200517 (10%)
  2. 200612 (10%)
  3. 200711 (7%)
  4. 200811 (7%)
  5. 20097 (13%)
  6. 201052 (36%)
  7. 201134 (24%)
  8. 201214 (8%)
  9. 201345 (7%)
  10. 201435 (9%)
  11. 201527 (8%)
  12. 201653 (20%)
  13. 201746 (20%)
  14. 201844 (24%)
  15. 201987 (39%)
  16. 202050 (24%)
  17. 202140 (31%)
  18. 202225 (31%)
  19. 20238 (40%)
  20. 202411 (28%)
  21. 20254 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

Are 2019 Nissan Sentra electrical problems common?
NHTSA records 87 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Sentra, which is 39% of all 222 complaints filed for that model year, one of the higher shares among Sentra years listed.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Nissan Sentra brake lights?
Yes. Recall 21V135000 covers a brake light switch that can become contaminated and prevent the brake lights from illuminating; the remedy is a free switch replacement and grommet installation.
At what mileage do 2019 Sentra electrical failures typically occur?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 36,000 miles at the time electrical failures were reported.
Do 2019 Sentra electrical issues cause crashes?
NHTSA logs 4 crashes and 1 fire associated with electrical system complaints on the 2019 Sentra, with no reported injuries.
Is the 2019 Sentra worse than other years for electrical complaints?
Its 39% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is higher than most other Sentra model years listed, which range from 7% to 40%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.