Owners have reported 14 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints38
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the steering, including vibrations, shaking, and difficulty steering, particularly noticeable during acceleration and turning. Complaints often describe abnormal vibrations and steering wheel shaking, with some reports indicating these symptoms begin around 50,000 to 68,000 miles. Several reports involve crashes, some resulting in injuries, and one instance mentions a fire. A recall related to the steering tie rods is noted, but owners express frustration over parts not being available for repairs, which may contribute to continued safety risks such as loss of control while driving. This information is critical for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability and safety.
Severity signals: 11 crash, 1 fire, 7 injury reports
Owner complaints35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report recurring issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Nissan Sentra, primarily involving window malfunctions and battery problems. Complaints frequently mention that passenger and rear windows intermittently fail to operate, with symptoms including windows getting stuck open or closed, particularly in colder weather. Battery-related issues include vehicles not starting without a jump, with some owners experiencing repeated occurrences of this problem. These issues often arise within the first few years of ownership. Safety implications are noted with automatic emergency braking engaging unexpectedly, potentially causing dangerous situations on the road. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report multiple issues with the 2021 Nissan Sentra's braking systems, particularly the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and related sensors. Complaints frequently mention the AEB system activating unexpectedly without obstacles, sometimes causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, which could pose a safety risk. Two incidents involve crashes where the brakes failed to engage properly, leading to collisions at approximately 25 to 35 MPH. Symptoms often appear at mileages ranging from 5,800 to 50,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe electrical issues linked to brake system warnings, such as the ABS light illuminating without cause. These patterns suggest potential reliability and safety concerns for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system, which activates unexpectedly without any apparent obstacles, sometimes causing abrupt stops that could lead to rear-end collisions. Complaints also describe electrical problems, such as windows failing to operate and intermittent starting issues, with some owners noting these occur regardless of temperature or after the car has been parked. Additionally, a recall-related failure of a front tie rod has resulted in at least one reported crash. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges and are often unresolved after dealership visits, suggesting potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra report recurring issues with the automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention that the system activates without any vehicles or obstructions present, leading to sudden deceleration or braking. This issue is reported at various mileages, including as low as 200 miles and as high as 28,000 miles. Several owners express concerns about safety, noting that unexpected braking could pose a risk of rear-end collisions if a vehicle is following closely. These reports indicate that potential buyers should be aware of these braking system malfunctions when considering a used 2021 Nissan Sentra.
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners report issues with the 2021 Nissan Sentra's power train, particularly related to the transmission. Complaints frequently mention hesitation in acceleration and a loud whining or "jet engine" sound, often accompanied by a "CVT Warning" message. These symptoms are noted at varying mileages, with one case at approximately 36,700 miles and another at 118,000 miles, suggesting potential recurring issues. Safety implications are highlighted by concerns over the vehicle's ability to shift gears properly, with one owner expressing unease about the transmission's reliability despite it being a new car. Prospective buyers should be aware of these transmission-related complaints and the possibility of repeated issues even after replacement.
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra report issues related to the engine, with specific mentions of alternator pulley failures and engine bearings causing power loss. Symptoms frequently include the vehicle entering limp mode and losing power suddenly, which has been noted to nearly cause accidents. Additionally, one owner reports persistent engine problems that were initially dismissed by a dealership, later discovering sludge buildup in the engine. These issues appear to occur without warning, and while specific mileage ranges are not provided, the complaints suggest ongoing problems from early ownership. Safety implications are evident as the sudden power loss could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra report issues related to vehicle speed control, including a rattling noise from the belt assembly and a shaky tensioner pulley, with one instance involving metal shavings from a damaged alternator. Another owner describes a potential security breach, suggesting that the vehicle's brakes and RPMs are being manipulated, leading to resistance during acceleration. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, such as unintended acceleration or braking, though no specific mileage range or timeline is consistently noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering a used model.
Owner complaints2
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra report issues related to the suspension, with one complaint specifically mentioning a popping sound when turning the steering wheel, which was attributed to a fractured tie rod. This issue occurred at approximately 23,000 miles and was linked by the owner to a steering recall. No warning lights were indicated in this case. Safety implications include the potential for loss of steering control, though no crashes or injuries were reported. Buyers should be aware of these symptoms and consider checking for any unresolved recalls or repairs related to the steering and suspension components.
Owner complaints2
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Sentra report issues with the rear door locks and water drainage. Multiple complaints describe rear doors failing to lock or unlock using the key fob or driver's door controls, with one owner noting that the dealership confirmed a failure in the Controller-Lock and Actuator, requiring replacement. Another owner reports hearing water sloshing in the rear of the vehicle and discovering water accumulation in the rear doors, which drained upon removing the door seals. These issues are noted at mileage around 14,000 miles and may pose safety risks, especially concerning restricted access to the rear doors during emergencies.
