2020 Nissan Sentra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#6 most-complained of 21 Sentra years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Nissan Sentra has 205 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #6 highest of 21 Sentra model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is collision avoidance & cameras (70 complaints, 34% of the total). Complaints report 8 crashes and 2 injuries.
- Complaints
- 205
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 28.5 city / 38 hwy
Top 2020 Nissan Sentra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras70 (34%)
- Steering55 (27%)
- Electrical System50 (24%)
- Other47 (23%)
- Brakes25 (12%)
- Engine14 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (4%)
- Lane Departure6 (3%)
- Structure & Body6 (3%)
2020 Nissan Sentra recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V628000Sep 8, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras153,376 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
- NHTSA 23V581000Aug 15, 2023Steering236,238 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23B3. This recall replaces and expands recall number 21V-461. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-461 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 22V244000Apr 13, 2022Electrical System5,520 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2020 Nissan Sentra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 32.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Nissan Sentra ranks #6 of 21 among Sentra model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 205 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
- The most reported problem areas are collision avoidance & cameras (70 complaints), steering (55 complaints), and electrical system (50 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 28,879 miles.
- Does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, most recently reported 2023, covering collision avoidance & cameras, steering, and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
- EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Sentra at 32.5 MPG combined (28.5 city / 38 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.