2021 Nissan Sentra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Nissan Sentra has a complaint index of 65 and ranks 8th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its top problem area is the electrical system, with steering tie rod recalls also a major concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Sentra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 131
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 14
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 28.5 city / 38 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2021 Nissan Sentra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System40 (31%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras40 (31%)
- Steering40 (31%)
- Brakes24 (18%)
- Other19 (15%)
- Engine12 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (9%)
- Structure & Body4 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (3%)
- Lane Departure3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel goes stiff or loses power assist suddenly at low speed, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Tie rods can bend, causing loss of steering control while merging or turning.
- Brakes reportedly engage on their own while cruise control is active, with dashboard ABS and check engine lights coming on.
- Emergency brake warning light illuminates and the vehicle fails to stop fully, resulting in a collision.
- Battery drains unexpectedly, sometimes leaving the car unable to start days or weeks after purchase.
- Interior lights dim and brighten with acceleration, accompanied by an unexplained rattling noise.
2021 Nissan Sentra recalls
3 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 21V461000Jun 17, 2021Steering138,736 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.
2021 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.
2021 compared with other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Sentra a complaint index of 65, ranking it 8th worst among 21 model years, which places it in the Caution category relative to other Sentra years.
- What problems does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have?
- Owners most often reported issues with the electrical system, steering, and collision avoidance cameras, each accounting for 31% of complaints. Brakes account for another 18% of complaints.
- Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 21V461000 covers bent tie rods on 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles, and a related recall 23V581000 was issued later for the same issue on 2020-2022 models.
- How many complaints and recalls does the 2021 Sentra have?
- NHTSA lists 131 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2021 Sentra, including 14 crashes, 1 fire, and 8 injuries reported.
- What is the median mileage for failures in the 2021 Sentra?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure was 23,000 miles, though steering issues showed a median of 33,000 miles and electrical issues 47,929.5 miles.