NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2020 Nissan Sentra recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Sentra and 206 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (60), steering (55), unknown or other (47). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 32–33 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 4

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Nissan Sentra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Back over prevention · sensing system · cameraNHTSA #23V628000 · 09/08/2023

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.

Steering · linkages · tie rod assemblyNHTSA #23V581000 · 08/15/2023

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.

Exterior lighting · headlightsNHTSA #22V244000 · 04/13/2022

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R20B4.

Steering · linkages · tie rod assemblyNHTSA #21V461000 · 06/17/2021

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.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Forward collision avoidance60
Steering55
Unknown or other47
Electrical system45
Service brakes25
Back over prevention11
Power train10
Suspension10

By the numbers

206owner complaints filed
8involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported

Recent owner reports

10/02/2026 · Power train,vehicle speed control,fuel/propulsion system

2020 Nissan Sentra , had been affected, Fuel system and or transmission has been affected , I also communicated this with Nissan Consumers affairs on 9/1, case number(57016532) they didn’t bother to help. I also went to the dealer twice . They also were unbothered and monotone . It’s a safety issue since the car stalls in low speeds. CVT transmission is expensive and they don’t…

09/21/2026 · Electrical system

The back up camera frequently goes blank when the car is put in reverse. This is a safety hazard as I can't see what is behind me when I am backing up. Upon further research, this is common in Nissan Sentras around this time but my specific car was not under the recall. There were multiple reports of faulty wiring causing the same issues. There were no warnings prior to this fa…

07/23/2026 · Electrical system

3/4 doors will not lock/unlock using fob, or the door controllers. This increases risk of theft, car jacking, and safety as the locks do not engage while driving. Very dangerous. Windows do not roll up/down, which when paired with the doors needing to be locked/unlocked manually can cause one to become trapped, especially with passengers. Dealership charged me $200 to tell me t…

Safety ratings

2020 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Nissan Sentra.

Sentra

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L

29city
39hwy
33combined

Regular

Sentra SR

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L

28city
37hwy
32combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Nissan Sentra year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, most recently for back over prevention · sensing system · camera (09/08/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Sentra?

Based on 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (60), steering (55), unknown or other (47).

Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2020 Nissan Sentra earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2020 a good year for the Nissan Sentra?

The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Sentra get?

EPA ratings for the 2020 Nissan Sentra range from 32 to 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2020 Nissan Sentra in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SENTRA, Sentra.

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