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.
Nissan Sentra phantom braking problems
17 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking), most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical mileage
- 40,000
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the self-driving feature inadvertently activated, and the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The traction control warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the key fob was not detected while inside the vehicle. The display screen intermittently went blank while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the crash collision sensor and speed limit camera were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Woodhouse Nissan (7801 Nebraska Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005) where the key fob was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
was driving down the highway nothing in front of me my car hit the brakes and flashed warning on the dash and made me come to a stop after this happened my fuel economy decreased over 100 miles per tank other times it just activates and taps the brakes for no reason also every window except the driver window gets stuck several times a week another thing some how one of my rims cracked
The car applied automatic emergency braking for no reason. The speed at the time was about 20-25mph. This is around the fourth time this has happened since purchasing the vehicle about 10 months ago.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The emergency braking system malfunction message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,510.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped with bosch master cylinders. Brake fluid may leak from the master cylinder. If the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate as designed and the brakes will not function properly.
- Risk
- If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder brake booster assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 14, 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 09V431000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling 169,202 my 2007-2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped robert bosch master cylinder. Due to the machining irregularity by the supplier, the internal seal groove in the body of some brake master cylinders may allow for a gap in the groove contact area of the seal. This may result in brake fluid slowly leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster assembly, causing the brake warning light to illuminate.
- Risk
- If the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the master cylinder/brake booster assembly and if brake fluid leakage is detected, the master cylinder will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The recall began on august 20, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 08V311000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- The anti-lock braking system (ABS) hydraulic actuator was not properly purged of all air during the fill and evacuation process causing air bubbles to get into the brake system.
- Risk
- This condition can cause increased brake pedal travel and stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will bleed the ABS hydraulic actuator to remove any air bubbles in the brake system.
Recall number 95V028000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Sentra phantom braking
Which Nissan Sentra years have brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking) problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (6 complaints), 2021 (6 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).
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