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2019 Nissan Sentra VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (53), Power Train (50), Unknown Or Other (25).

Sentra reliability snapshot

75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$491
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#14/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 61% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Nissan Sentra before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 Nissan Sentra issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System53
  • Power Train50
  • Unknown Or Other25
  • Exterior Lighting19
  • Service Brakes13
  • Air Bags13

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Nissan Sentra

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect transmission for shuddering or slipping during a test drive
  • Test the push-button start system multiple times to ensure it starts reliably
  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to the AEB system
  • Verify the brake lights function correctly when the brake pedal is pressed
  • Ensure the radio and infotainment system do not turn on/off unexpectedly
  • Confirm the vehicle accelerates smoothly without jerking or hesitation

What owners reported

2019 Nissan Sentra owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 16 crashes, 1 fire and 18 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints53

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the brake light switch and radio. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start due to the brake not registering, radios turning on and off independently, and battery drainage. These problems often appear in vehicles with mileage around 44,000 and above. Safety implications are noted, as one complaint involves a crash due to unintended Automatic Emergency Braking activation, and multiple reports mention being stranded due to starting failures. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their potential impact on vehicle functionality and safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints50

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report transmission failures, with symptoms including jerking, slipping, and an inability to accelerate or shift gears properly. Many complaints note these issues emerging between 100,000 and 168,000 miles, with some cases occurring under 100,000 miles. Multiple owners describe situations where the vehicle unexpectedly downshifts or stalls, sometimes requiring a restart to continue driving. Safety implications are highlighted by reports of one crash and three injuries, with loss of power and control being a concern. Used car buyers should be aware of these transmission issues, as they might necessitate costly repairs or replacements.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints25

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues related to starting the vehicle, often linked to malfunctioning brake switches or sensors. Complaints describe difficulty starting the car, with some mentioning a stiff brake pedal and the need for multiple brake switch replacements. Additionally, throttle response problems are reported, particularly in wet conditions, where drivers experience a temporary loss of acceleration. Another common issue involves the car's radio and stereo system, which can turn on or reboot unexpectedly, even when the vehicle is off, potentially leading to battery drainage. Safety concerns include reports of malfunctioning collision sensors and automatic emergency braking systems, though no crashes are noted. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some appearing soon after purchase.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints19

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the stop lamp switch, leading to brake lights failing to illuminate and intermittent starting problems. Complaints often describe the vehicle not starting unless the brake pedal is pressed multiple times or the car is jump-started. Many reports involve unresolved issues despite recall notifications, with parts being unavailable for extended periods. Approximate failure mileages vary, with some cases occurring as early as 3,200 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three crashes reported due to brake light failures or related issues, and one incident involving a fire due to a wiring harness problem. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety concerns.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints14

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which unexpectedly engages or malfunctions, sometimes bringing the car to a sudden stop without any obstruction present. This problem is often linked to a faulty front radar sensor and is described in situations such as driving at highway speeds or encountering minor road bumps. Brake pedal issues are also noted, where excessive pressure is required to start the vehicle or the pedal goes to the floor during use. Complaints suggest these problems can occur at varying mileages, with one report noting a failure around 38,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a crash, and others describe near-miss situations due to sudden braking. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly concerning the AEB system's reliability.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints13

AIR BAGS

Owners report recurring issues with the airbag system in the 2019 Nissan Sentra, particularly noting failures to deploy during crashes and unexpected deployments without collisions. Complaints frequently mention airbag non-deployment in crashes, sometimes resulting in injuries, with incidents occurring at various speeds and situations, including rear-end and side impacts. Additionally, some owners describe airbags deploying randomly while driving, leading to injuries from the deployment itself. The reported mileage at the time of these incidents varies, with some vehicles having as low as 24 miles and others around 53,000 miles. These issues present significant safety implications, as non-deployment during a crash can increase the risk of injury, while unintended deployment can cause harm and obstruct the driver's view.

Severity signals: 9 crash, 0 fire, 13 injury reports

Owner complaints8

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report several issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system in the 2019 Nissan Sentra, particularly with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems. Complaints frequently mention the AEB failing to engage when necessary, or conversely, activating suddenly without apparent cause, sometimes causing abrupt stops. Some owners describe malfunction indicators, such as warning lights and beeping sounds, with instances of the system engaging unexpectedly at highway speeds, leading to potential safety risks like fishtailing or loss of control. Several reports indicate these problems occur around 56,000 miles or earlier. Additionally, issues with sensor calibration, often attributed to the physical design of the sensor bracket, are noted as contributing to the unreliability of the system. These factors could pose safety concerns for potential buyers considering a used model.

Owner complaints5

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control related to the front radar sensor and automatic braking system. Common symptoms include the activation of warning lights, unexpected loss of acceleration, and malfunctioning collision detection systems, often triggered by minor road bumps. Complaints indicate these issues can persist shortly after purchase or repair, with some owners experiencing repeated problems within a few months. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated in a drive-thru, resulting in a collision and the car being declared totaled. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially concerning the radar sensor's influence on speed and braking systems.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints3

ENGINE

Owners report recurring transmission issues with the 2019 Nissan Sentra, often before reaching 100,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle shaking, jerking, slow acceleration, and jumpy RPMs, with one owner noting specific issues when shifting into third gear. The problems are sometimes accompanied by a complete loss of acceleration, which in one case led to the vehicle rolling backward on an incline, indicating potential safety risks. Multiple owners describe having these issues persist over several years, with some experiencing them within the first few months of ownership. These patterns suggest potential transmission defects in vehicles manufactured during this period, which may be relevant for those considering purchasing a used model.

Owner complaints3

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the steering wheel controls and dashboard electronics. Common symptoms include steering wheel buttons functioning intermittently and the dashboard screen freezing, which affects Bluetooth and radio functions. Complaints often describe these issues occurring after extended driving periods, typically over an hour, and mention multiple service visits without resolution. Some owners also note the malfunction warning light and steering wheel misalignment, which they find concerning. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the recurring nature of these problems and the related safety warnings could be important for potential buyers to consider.

2019 Sentra recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Sentra. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V135000Mar 3, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  2. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 19V654000Sep 12, 2019

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Used-market value

2019 Nissan Sentra resale snapshot

73.7%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$15,943median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 Nissan Sentra on the road

184,618 2019 Nissan Sentra units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 Nissan Sentra stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Nissan Sentra

With an 84/100 reliability score against an 81/100 segment average, the 2019 Nissan Sentra lands slightly above the class norm. That points to generally solid reliability rather than standout durability, with buyer expectations best set around “better than average” performance instead of exceptional.

Complaint patterns are not evenly spread. Reports cluster most heavily around the electrical system and power train, while the remaining issues fall off into smaller buckets such as exterior lighting and service brakes, plus a meaningful share logged as unknown or other. That concentration suggests a few systems drive most of the ownership friction rather than a broad, vehicle-wide pattern. Recall activity is limited, with only a small number of campaigns recorded.

Overall risk level: moderate-to-low for the segment.

What you get in a 2019 Nissan Sentra report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Nissan Sentra — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Nissan Sentra reliable?

With an 84/100 reliability score against an 81/100 segment average, the 2019 Nissan Sentra lands slightly above the class norm. That points to generally solid reliability rather than standout durability, with buyer expectations best set around “better than average” performance instead of exceptional.

How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Sentra have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Nissan Sentra problems?

The most-reported 2019 Nissan Sentra problem areas are: Electrical System (53), Power Train (50), Unknown Or Other (25).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Nissan Sentra?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Nissan Sentra, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.