Owners have filed 360 complaints
about the 2019 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Nissan Sentra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
13.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
2342.6%
Warnings
2037.0%
Speedometer/Odometer
23.7%
Adaptive Cruise Control
23.7%
Brake Lights
23.7%
Body
23.7%
Automatic Transmission
23.7%
Key/Sender
11.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
96.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3425.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2216.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2720.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2115.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
86.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
53.8%
150,000+ miles
64.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2018peak 12Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2019 Nissan Sentra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V135000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V654000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202111446,737 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch could fail. If this happens, the brake lights may not turn on when the brakes are applied and it may not be possible to start the engine. Safety Risk: Brake lights that do not work properly could result in road users being confused of the driver's intentions, and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the stop lamp switch. The dealer will also install a grommet to protect the switch.
Recall 2019459126,195 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on. Safety Risk: Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Birdsnest, VACrash
AIR BAGS
Brake felt like it was sticking. Dealership looked at it and changed rubber piece. 10/16/2023 accident occurred. Air bags did not deplore. Car was totalled.
NHTSA complaint #11551116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birdsnest, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake felt like it was sticking. Dealership looked at it and changed rubber piece. 10/16/2023 accident occurred. Air bags did not deplore. Car was totalled.
NHTSA complaint #11551116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
There was a warning sign for the front lights like something was blocking it or something I honestly don't know but I brought it to enterprise attention and they told me don't worry about it. Then later I was in a wreck my car made no warning sign nor did the air bags deploy
NHTSA complaint #11506815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was a warning sign for the front lights like something was blocking it or something I honestly don't know but I brought it to enterprise attention and they told me don't worry about it. Then later I was in a wreck my car made no warning sign nor did the air bags deploy
NHTSA complaint #11506815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MOCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
There was a warning sign for the front lights like something was blocking it or something I honestly don't know but I brought it to enterprise attention and they told me don't worry about it. Then later I was in a wreck my car made no warning sign nor did the air bags deploy
NHTSA complaint #11506815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The chrome foil on the interior door handle is peeling off slightly at the top. The edge of the foil is thin and sharp. While the vehicle was parked, I cut my finger while opening the door handle on the edge of the peeling foil.
NHTSA complaint #11491327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kansas City, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission slipping
NHTSA complaint #11752668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heflin, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Collision warning sound happens randomly for no reason
NHTSA complaint #11749705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heflin, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Collision warning sound happens randomly for no reason
NHTSA complaint #11749705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heflin, AL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Collision warning sound happens randomly for no reason
NHTSA complaint #11749705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,545 milesLaredo, TX
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Failure of drive train Acknowledged by Dealer Inspection by Dealer No warning signs prior to failure
NHTSA complaint #11738925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,545 milesLaredo, TX
SUSPENSION
Transmission Failure of drive train Acknowledged by Dealer Inspection by Dealer No warning signs prior to failure
NHTSA complaint #11738925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,545 milesLaredo, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission Failure of drive train Acknowledged by Dealer Inspection by Dealer No warning signs prior to failure
NHTSA complaint #11738925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesAnderson, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter attempted to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact's daughter pressed the engine Auto Start/Stop button again, the vehicle restarted. The contact had AAA test that the battery, which had no failure, and it was determined that the brake light switch had failed. The cruise control later failed to operate as needed, and the message "Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11738494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesAnderson, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter attempted to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact's daughter pressed the engine Auto Start/Stop button again, the vehicle restarted. The contact had AAA test that the battery, which had no failure, and it was determined that the brake light switch had failed. The cruise control later failed to operate as needed, and the message "Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11738494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Streamwood, IL
POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint against Nissan North America due to a recurring transmission failure in my 2019 Nissan Sentra VIN#: [XXX] . Timeline of Events: Initial Purchase: November 2022 (61,000 miles). First Failure: September 2023 (~75,000 miles). Nissan replaced the transmission under the extended CVT warranty (84 months/84,000 miles) established by the Martinez v. Nissan class action settlement. Second Failure: March 2026 (109, 497 miles). The replacement unit has failed after only 31,000 miles of use. Nissan will not cover the repairs due to the mileage being out of warranty. The estimated cost per McGrath Nissan Dealer is $8,000, I am unable to afford this service so the car was towed back to my home until able to get resolution. Issues with Nissan’s Resolution Process: Premature Part Failure: The transmission installed by Nissan in 2023 should have a reasonable life expectancy beyond 31,000 miles. A secondary failure this soon suggests a defective replacement part or improper initial repair. Safety: Luckily, my husband was stopped at a traffic light when the transmission failed. However, had to receive help to push the vehicle out of the busy intersection. There was no warning message displayed on the dashboard prior to this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It’s heisitant when excelerating gas pedal. The back up camera display blanks out , when backing up .
NHTSA complaint #11732280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It’s heisitant when excelerating gas pedal. The back up camera display blanks out , when backing up .
NHTSA complaint #11732280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 78,129. It was later discovered from a Carfax Report that the mileage was 86,239.
NHTSA complaint #11731291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dothan, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Drivers side Door Lock Actuator could not open the door from the inside handle or outside handle. In 2025 I replaced the part, Feb 2026 had to take the car to the dealership because could not open the door again. Dealership told me the Actuator failed internally. The part was only looked at by the dealership. There were no warning lamp, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11718645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recently, purchased this vehicle for my daughter & on her 2nd day driving it, a warning indicator light with a yellow triangle around an exclamation symbol & malfunction, see owner's manual message. We hade it checked by the purchased dealer who stated that it was probably a faulty sensor that the rain/moisture may be the problem. The owner's manual said this could be a braking/traction warning issue. This warning has happen a few times when it rains & we are concern it may effect steering or stopping during a emergency. Has there been any other complaints or alerts on this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11713433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact was attempting to purchase a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was advertised for sale by a local dealer on Facebook Marketplace with a photo of the odometer reading of 72,000 miles. After obtaining a Carfax report for the vehicle, the contact discovered that the mileage was 196,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Orange, NJ
ENGINE
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report an ongoing and serious issue regarding the transmission in my Nissan vehicle and to request assistance from Nissan North America. This is my third Nissan Sentra Sport, and unfortunately, I have experienced the same transmission failure in all three vehicles, each occurring before the vehicle reached 100,000 miles. In the two previous vehicles, I replaced the transmission, only to have the same problem occur again. At this time, I am having the same transmission issue with my current vehicle, which I purchased in 2022. I recently took the car to an authorized Nissan dealer for routine maintenance. However, the mechanic informed me that they were unable to flush the transmission and advised against it, stating that they could not guarantee the transmission would continue to function afterward. The vehicle currently has approximately 88,000 miles, and the transmission is already failing. This is extremely concerning, especially because: The car is still under 100,000 miles, I have maintained the vehicle properly, I have not yet finished paying off the loan, and This has happened repeatedly with the same Nissan model. Below are the details of my current vehicle: Model: Nissan Sentra Sport Year Purchased: 2022 Mileage: Approximately 88,000 miles VIN: [XXX] As a loyal Nissan customer, I am requesting that Nissan Manufacturing provide explanation, resolution, and assistance regarding this repeated defect. I believe this represents a manufacturing issue rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully ask Nissan to review my case and advise on next steps. I am requesting one or more of the following: A full inspection and diagnosis at Nissan’s expense, A transmission repair or replacement, Financial assistance or reimbursement, Or a goodwill settlement or alternative resolution. Please contact me as soon as possible so this issue can be resolved before the vehicle becomes completely inoperable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11701964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hanson, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver side door lock is malfunctioning. Not unlocking or locking consistently from either the keyfob (Changed battery) or when in car. It is a safety issue that I can not lock doors with door lock when in car. Initially driver door effected and now both driver and passenger doors are effected. I am having difficult time getting it fixed. The mechanic is having difficulty fixing the safety problem. He believes its a nissan defect
NHTSA complaint #11698979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hanson, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The driver side door lock is malfunctioning. Not unlocking or locking consistently from either the keyfob (Changed battery) or when in car. It is a safety issue that I can not lock doors with door lock when in car. Initially driver door effected and now both driver and passenger doors are effected. I am having difficult time getting it fixed. The mechanic is having difficulty fixing the safety problem. He believes its a nissan defect
NHTSA complaint #11698979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Park, CA
POWER TRAIN
My car just started to have transmission problems. It started to forced especially on hills and the transmission started to force itself and the at 115000 miles the transmission stopped working since it gave us the P 2767. It is just absolutely ridiculous that a new car would not last more than 4 to 5 years without having to replace a vital part of the vehicle. It’s just a shame to find out that issues like this happen to a lot of people with the same type of car as mine and that this issue the manufacturers can’t take responsibility and do the right thing and address this issue . We made an effort to get a new car thinking that it would give us a pease of mind for at least 10 years since it was not a pocket change price tag. We believed it was an investment or reassurance of not having issues since it was a brand new car.
NHTSA complaint #11698461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Park, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My car just started to have transmission problems. It started to forced especially on hills and the transmission started to force itself and the at 115000 miles the transmission stopped working since it gave us the P 2767. It is just absolutely ridiculous that a new car would not last more than 4 to 5 years without having to replace a vital part of the vehicle. It’s just a shame to find out that issues like this happen to a lot of people with the same type of car as mine and that this issue the manufacturers can’t take responsibility and do the right thing and address this issue . We made an effort to get a new car thinking that it would give us a pease of mind for at least 10 years since it was not a pocket change price tag. We believed it was an investment or reassurance of not having issues since it was a brand new car.
NHTSA complaint #11698461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Haverstraw, NY
POWER TRAIN
No warner went out to head to work. Car moved very rough. Stopped parked car. Had car towed to a mechanic to be told Transmission was shot. 102,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11693554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wildwood, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally report a safety-related defect in my 2019 Nissan Sentra and to request reimbursement for repair costs associated with this issue. My vehicle experienced a failure of the brake light switch, which prevented the car from starting and disabled the brake lights—posing a serious safety hazard. Although I have been informed that my vehicle is not currently included in Recall Campaign PM971, the symptoms and defective part match the recall description precisely. I have verified my VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool, and I am concerned that the recall scope may be too narrow, excluding vehicles that are clearly affected. This defect required immediate repair to restore basic vehicle functionality and ensure safety. I have attached documentation of the repair, including the invoice and diagnostic notes, for your review. I respectfully request the following: Reimbursement for the cost of the brake light switch repair. A formal review of my vehicle’s eligibility for Recall PM971. Consideration for expanding the recall to include additional affected vehicles, including mine. I am submitting this complaint in the interest of safety and fairness—not only for myself but for other Nissan owners who may be facing the same issue without recourse. I trust that Nissan will take this matter seriously and respond with the integrity and customer care that your brand represents. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
NHTSA complaint #11688621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wildwood, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally report a safety-related defect in my 2019 Nissan Sentra and to request reimbursement for repair costs associated with this issue. My vehicle experienced a failure of the brake light switch, which prevented the car from starting and disabled the brake lights—posing a serious safety hazard. Although I have been informed that my vehicle is not currently included in Recall Campaign PM971, the symptoms and defective part match the recall description precisely. I have verified my VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool, and I am concerned that the recall scope may be too narrow, excluding vehicles that are clearly affected. This defect required immediate repair to restore basic vehicle functionality and ensure safety. I have attached documentation of the repair, including the invoice and diagnostic notes, for your review. I respectfully request the following: Reimbursement for the cost of the brake light switch repair. A formal review of my vehicle’s eligibility for Recall PM971. Consideration for expanding the recall to include additional affected vehicles, including mine. I am submitting this complaint in the interest of safety and fairness—not only for myself but for other Nissan owners who may be facing the same issue without recourse. I trust that Nissan will take this matter seriously and respond with the integrity and customer care that your brand represents. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
NHTSA complaint #11688621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.