2021 Nissan Sentra recalls and problems

The 2021 Nissan Sentra has 3 safety recalls and 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

133

Crashes / fires

15 / 1

Injuries / deaths

9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Nissan Sentra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Nissan Sentra recalls

Recall 23V-628: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 8, 2023 · 153,376 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 23V-581: Steering

Reported Aug 15, 2023 · 236,238 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 21V-461: Steering

Reported Jun 17, 2021 · 138,736 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2021 Nissan Sentra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Forward Collision Avoidance	47
Steering	40
Electrical System	38
Service Brakes	24
Unknown or Other	19
Engine	7
Exterior Lighting	6
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Suspension	6
Wheels	5
Lane Departure	4
Power Train	4

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 30
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 15
Lane Departure › Warning — 3
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 2
Structure › Body — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Lane Departure › Assist — 1
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Nissan Sentra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Forward Collision Avoidance · at 75,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2026

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…

Service Brakes · reported Sep 30, 2026

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…

Suspension · reported Sep 9, 2026

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 vehicleâs steering and suspension\. I checked Nissanâs 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…

Unknown or Other · reported Aug 30, 2026

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.

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Jul 18, 2026

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…

Other Nissan Sentra years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Sentra: 23V-628 (back over prevention), 23V-581 (steering), 21V-461 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (47 reports), followed by steering (40). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.