Nissan Sentra 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Nissan Sentra 2021 and 132 complaints filed by owners. It has 7% fewer complaints than the average Nissan Sentra from 2016–2025 (142 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Nissan Sentra 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Nissan Sentra 2021
Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 23V628000 · 2023-09-08
What happens
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
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 23V581000 · 2023-08-15
What happens
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 21V461000 · 2021-06-17
What happens
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
132 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
14 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 8 injuries
Most reported problems on the Nissan Sentra 2021
- Steering: 40 (30% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 39 (30% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 38 (29% of complaints)
- Brakes: 24 (18% of complaints)
- Engine: 7 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Nissan Sentra 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Nissan Sentra recalls by year
- 2016 : 6 recalls · 270 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 231 complaints
- 2018 : 2 recalls · 185 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 222 complaints
- 2020 : 4 recalls · 206 complaints
- 2021 : 3 recalls · 132 complaints
- 2022 : 2 recalls · 81 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recalls · 20 complaints
- 2024 : 3 recalls · 41 complaints
- 2025 : 4 recalls · 30 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Nissan Sentra 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Nissan Sentra 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Nissan Sentra 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: steering (40 of 132 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).