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2021 Nissan Sentra problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Nissan Sentra is driver assistance and stability, typically around 11,382 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sentra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
79/100
Owner complaints
133
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
133
Worst area
Driver assistance
Fuel economy
32-33mpg

The worst 2021 Nissan Sentra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Nissan Sentra

Ball joint 17Phantom braking 6Won't start 5

Recalls 3

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 8, 2023 · 153,376 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 23V628000 · Recall details

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported August 15, 2023 · 236,238 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 23V581000 · Recall details

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported June 17, 2021 · 138,736 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V461000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Sentra

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Nissan Sentra 133

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 133 bulletins for the 2021 Nissan Sentra

2021 Nissan Sentra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD28-2937-3932-33

What 2021 Nissan Sentra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Driver assistance · 75,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, a yellow triangle warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently applied the brakes forcefully and made a sharp left turn. The vehicle then rolled over twice and landed upside down in a ditch. The driver crawled out through broken glass. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. The contact arrived at the scene and transported the driver to the hospital. The contact's son sustained lap belt bruises on the lower stomach and upper legs, a cut arm, neck, back, and rib pain, a neck contusion, and slightly forward-displaced C2 and C3 vertebrae. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, inspected, and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle might have experienced phantom braking. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that a fee was required for a third-party investigator to retrieve data from the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2021. Since then, I have experienced a very concerning safety issue on multiple occasions involving the automatic emergency braking system. While driving normally, with the vehicle operating without any apparent problems, the emergency braking system has suddenly activated and warning lights have appeared on the dashboard, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, object, or other obstruction in front of me that would have required emergency braking. This has happened to me several times and is extremely frightening. During the most recent incident, the vehicle behind me had to quickly go around my car to avoid rear-ending me after my vehicle unexpectedly braked. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other owners describing what appears to be the same or a very similar problem. This makes me extremely concerned that this may be a widespread safety issue with this vehicle. Fortunately, when these incidents occurred, I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH. I am very concerned about what could happen if the emergency braking system were to activate unexpectedly while traveling on the freeway at 65 MPH or higher. Unexpected braking at highway speeds could potentially result in a serious rear-end collision, injuries, or fatalities. Given the number of similar complaints from other owners, I believe this issue warrants a thorough investigation. I strongly urge Nissan and the federal safety agency to investigate these reports and determine whether a safety recall is necessary before someone is seriously injured or killed. This is not simply an inconvenience or a minor mechanical problem. Unexpected emergency braking without an obstacle in the vehicle’s path presents a serious safety concern for the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Suspension · GA

My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the vehicle is moving, which is very concerning because this involves the vehicle’s steering and suspension\. I checked Nissan’s recall information online using my VIN, and it currently states that there are no open recalls\. However, I have only had this issue repaired **once**, under the original recall, and the same problem is happening again\. I am concerned that the original recall repair did not permanently correct the problem, or that the replacement component may have developed the same defect\. I do not believe that simply showing “no open recalls” should prevent Nissan from investigating a recurring safety\-related defect that was previously repaired under a recall\. I am requesting that Nissan: 1. Review my vehicle’s complete recall and repair history\. 2. Investigate why the same tie rod/steering problem has returned after the recall repair\. 3. Determine whether the replacement part or repair procedure is defective or insufficient\. 4. Provide a repair at no cost to me if this is related to the previously recalled defect\. 5. Explain what Nissan recommends to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive\. Because this issue involves the steering system, I consider it a serious safety concern\. I would appreciate having this matter escalated to Nissan’s Customer Relations/Safety department and receiving a written response regarding how Nissan intends to address the recurring problem\. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter\.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · CA

Drivers of the car pulled out of a plaza without blinker and almost ran into our vehicle. Passenger and driver continued to harass and make rude comments whenever they pass by us. And we felt very offended.

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Driver assistance · AZ

My 2021 Nissan Sentra has experienced multiple false Automatic Emergency Braking (phantom braking) events where the vehicle suddenly applies the brakes despite there being no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in its path. This issue occurred before and after my vehicle was serviced by AutoNation Nissan Chandler on June 12, 2026. Despite recent dealership service, the problem continues to occur. The unexpected braking creates a serious safety hazard because it can cause the vehicle to slow or stop unexpectedly in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I am also concerned that these repeated sudden braking events may be causing excessive stress or premature wear to vehicle components such as the engine mounts, suspension, and struts. Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Nissan Model: Sentra Mileage: Approximately 139,659 miles I am submitting this complaint because I believe this recurring phantom braking issue is a significant safety concern that should be investigated.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · IL

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Driver assistance · AK

Alternator needed replacement Front windshield needed replacement Unfortunately this kicked off the malfunction warning. All Nissan can say is it’s the ADAS 2 controller. They are unable to determine part numbers. However the alternator and windshield replacement kicked off the malfunction warning.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Driver assistance, Suspension · TX

Several issues since purchasing vehicle. The front collision sensor malfunction. Came to an abrupt stop several times while on the freeway due to failed sensor. Narrowly avoided major collisions. Also, have had to replace batter every year along with brakes and tires. My suspension is awful. The brakes are crap and have consistently had to address worn tires in one side. Electric panel shit off and key fob malfunctions. So many issues and so much unnecessary repairs with no real results

Filed May 25, 2026 · Steering · NJ

Hello, I am reporting a steering-related issue involving the inner tie rods on my 2021 Nissan Sentra. Nissan previously issued safety recall campaign PM985 for bent inner tie rods on certain Sentra vehicles from the same model year. Two separate repair facilities inspected my vehicle and confirmed problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system components. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the issue being identified. Although my VIN may not currently be included in the recall population, my vehicle is experiencing a similar issue involving the same steering-related component identified in recall PM985. Because tie rods are directly related to steering control and vehicle stability, this issue raises concerns about driving safety. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be documented and reviewed in case similar failures are occurring outside the current recall population.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Locks · MI

The door swung open while in drive, once was able to pull over and close it never opened back up due to a faulty door actuator. This was the third time the door had been “fixed”.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Nissan Sentra before you buy

Compare the 2021 Nissan Sentra

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2021 Nissan Sentra

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners have filed 133 complaints about the 2021 Nissan Sentra, fewer than a typical Sentra model year.

What is the 2021 Nissan Sentra year score?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Sentra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Nissan Sentra?

Driver assistance and stability, with 44 complaints, typically around 11,382 miles. Next is steering (40).

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have?

3 recalls, covering back over prevention and steering.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Nissan Sentra driver assistance?

Yes, 1 recall: 23V628000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Sentra have the most driver assistance problems?

The Nissan Sentra model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2020 (71 complaints), 2021 (44 complaints) and 2019 (43 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Sentra get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Nissan Sentra range from 32 to 33 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 28-29 city and 37-39 highway.

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