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2020 Nissan Sentra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Sentra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 116.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

57 reports with mileage · 147 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

9 reports
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28,879 miles · Jul 21, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…

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The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,879.

NHTSA ODI #11675028

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2025
Engine

Tensioner pulley broke

NHTSA ODI #11661731

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I was at a stop light in a busy area and I got a message saying critical engine malfunction warning, engine power reduced. I had to floor the car to get it to 5 mph, then when I got it in the only minimally safe area I could the emergency braking system was the only thing that stopped it. My brakes failed too. My car has only…

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I was at a stop light in a busy area and I got a message saying critical engine malfunction warning, engine power reduced. I had to floor the car to get it to 5 mph, then when I got it in the only minimally safe area I could the emergency braking system was the only thing that stopped it. My brakes failed too. My car has only 71K miles and is not quite 5 years old. It's been meticulously maintained as well. This is NOT acceptable.

NHTSA ODI #11644377

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2024
EnginePower TrainStructure

This Vehicle was bought back in Jun of this year. Since purchasing the vehicle with only 49,933 miles this Sentra has broken down 4 times, been in the shop for 1Month 2weeks consecutively. The first incident was 4.5 hrs after purchase. The Passenger side Tide Rod snapped in half on the highway causing the jam and slow down along…

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This Vehicle was bought back in Jun of this year. Since purchasing the vehicle with only 49,933 miles this Sentra has broken down 4 times, been in the shop for 1Month 2weeks consecutively. The first incident was 4.5 hrs after purchase. The Passenger side Tide Rod snapped in half on the highway causing the jam and slow down along with leaving me in fear for my life. The passenger rim was inverted facing the driver. The second time happened to be the same issue but at a different dealership. The car went to Moss Bros San Bernardino where it was bought and was there for about 25days .Later it was sent to Nissan of San Bernardino and was there for 2weeks. The same day It got picked up from Nissan it was taken back the same day. Had same Bumpy and shaking throughout the car. When the tie rod snapped in half it had destroyed the durability of the belt and pulley systems as the vehicle weight was slammed abruptly onto the passenger side of the car leaving it slanted and slid for 2-3 mins on the freeway this caused the engine to become weak which led up to the defective parts breaking over time of driving regularly. The Alternator Pulley, Serpentine Belt, Axle, and balance to become uneven. So as of 09/10 this vehicle has broke down 4-5 times. Been in the shop since. The vehicle has Powertrain warranty but as usual they denied coverage. Total cost is around $2,700 in damages due to the original recall. This Tie rod recall has destroyed the vehicle. Congratulation to me cause I still owe 22K. This hazardous, and dangerous vehicle has also been deemed unsafe by CHP as of 06/11/2024. This particularly Sentra is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI #11615120

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2024
Engine

Vehicle is burning oil too fast. First 2 oil changes seems normal but after the next few oil change seem to last a shorter time. Know it’s only lasting 6 weeks.keep getting service know message even though it just went threw service a few days ago Getting check engine light on for lost of power in engine and hearing load nosies…

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Vehicle is burning oil too fast. First 2 oil changes seems normal but after the next few oil change seem to last a shorter time. Know it’s only lasting 6 weeks.keep getting service know message even though it just went threw service a few days ago Getting check engine light on for lost of power in engine and hearing load nosies coming from engine like cracking loses burned oil buildup even thought this car goes threw regular oil change maintenance. Oil is burning to quick within weeks. Radio loses power when driveing restarts its self as if I turned the car on and off. Car window also loses power the windows won’t go down with the buttons even off car is fully on as if it had child lock on it when it doesn’t happens for a few days goes away then happens again it’s an on and off problem with the windows.

NHTSA ODI #11569631

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2024
Engine

Engine malfunction when milage at 37000 miles. The service only update computer system of the car and could not address the problem at all.

NHTSA ODI #11568092

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

On May 23, 2023, I have parked to pick up a grocery order. I did not shut the engine off. Once the order was loaded, I put my car in reverse. The car started to back up, and then completely shut off. An error message related to the key fob came on. I was able to successfully start the car again. I currently have the car at Hym…

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On May 23, 2023, I have parked to pick up a grocery order. I did not shut the engine off. Once the order was loaded, I put my car in reverse. The car started to back up, and then completely shut off. An error message related to the key fob came on. I was able to successfully start the car again. I currently have the car at Hyman Brothers Nissan. Their diagnostics indicate a failure, however, they are unable to determine the source of the failure at this time. My main concern is having this happen again while driving with my 2 year old in his car seat. I previously reported an issue with my back up camera going blue. They have also received a code for that, but again, are unable to determine the source. The dealership's number is 804-378-0266, and Jimi is the service advisor. Since the vehicle is in their possession, I do not have documentation at this time. The contact stated that the only advice given to her by the dealership was to drive the vehicle more but she has concerns about that.

NHTSA ODI #11523696

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2021
EngineUnknown Or OtherWheelsCrash

I had brought my car up to the dealership for an oil change, and they said there was a recall on the tie rods. They said they checked them out, but never gave me paperwork for it. And I’ve looked it up and it said no recall have been serviced on. A week or two later me and another passenger got in my car and put it in reverse, a…

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I had brought my car up to the dealership for an oil change, and they said there was a recall on the tie rods. They said they checked them out, but never gave me paperwork for it. And I’ve looked it up and it said no recall have been serviced on. A week or two later me and another passenger got in my car and put it in reverse, and heard a small pop as I turned the wheel I didn’t think anything of it at first. Then we started heading down the road we got to a stop light and my car was stalling the transmission didn’t sound right for a little while. And then we where going about 35 mph and started slowing down to about 10-15 mph to make a turn, as I started turning the wheel we heard a loud pop. All of a sudden I had lost control of the car, the right front side tire had broke off and barely holding only by the wires and piece of metal. Then we hit the curb almost hitting another car and smoke started coming out of the A/C vents. And also no warning for anything ever came up. the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The dealership has inspected it.

NHTSA ODI #11438576

2,710 miles · Jul 22, 2020
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

THIS CAR'S EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSORS HAVE GONE OFF TWICE NOW IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THERE IS NO CAR OR ANY OBJECT IN FRONT OF ME AND THE SENSOR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. ALSO, WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP AT CITY SPEEDS THE CAR JERKS AND/OR SURGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARDER OTHERWISE THE CAR CONTINUES …

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THIS CAR'S EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSORS HAVE GONE OFF TWICE NOW IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THERE IS NO CAR OR ANY OBJECT IN FRONT OF ME AND THE SENSOR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. ALSO, WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP AT CITY SPEEDS THE CAR JERKS AND/OR SURGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARDER OTHERWISE THE CAR CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD.

NHTSA ODI #11340801

Official recalls

4

23V628000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 8, 2023

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V581000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Aug 15, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V244000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Apr 13, 2022

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V461000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Jun 17, 2021

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.