2021 Nissan Sentra: brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking)

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 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 Jan 22, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

While driving, car brakes by itself. There were no cars in front or behind. Red light flash on dashboard and then snatched brakes by itself. Another time, someone came close behind me and my car stopped by itself again nearly causing the driver to run into the back of me. Sensor light come on. Doesn't recognize my key. It's been reset but same problem.

Filed Aug 22, 2023 · Driver assistance · GA

So while driving my car, no car infront of or anything running out in the road. Going 45 mph my car automatically slammed on brakes by itself. Causing the car behind me to swing around me to avoid hitting me in my rear. A similar situation happened back in May 2023 resulting me to put the car in the shop & was told it was corrected.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Driver assistance · 11,382 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,382.

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · Driver assistance · IL

I brought this car 1/28/2023. The car emergency brake or stop was activated for no reasons at all. There was zero objects in front of my bumper. This happened to me twice. Once in May 2023 and then again on the 4th of July 2023. I called the dealership on 1st incident in May 2023 and I was told that the brakes will be applied if the car thinks it’s getting ready to crash. This is very dangerous and can cause an accident if the emergency braking system is causing the car to stop for no reasons.