2021 Nissan Sentra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Sentra and 132 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (40), forward collision avoidance (39), electrical system (38). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 32–33 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 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 · camera
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 assembly
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.
Steering · linkages · tie rod assembly
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
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 ther…
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 st…
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.
Safety ratings
2021 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
Sentra
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Sentra SR
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Based on 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (40), forward collision avoidance (39), electrical system (38).
Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Nissan Sentra?
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Nissan Sentra range from 32 to 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 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.