621 of the
8,300 complaints filed about the Nissan Sentra
are about the braking system —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
My 2017 Sentra is suffering from the exact silicone outgassing defect detailed in Recall 21V135000. My replacement switches keep failing because the car requires the updated protective grommet, but Nissan is excluding my VIN from receiving the campaign kit.
NHTSA complaint #11752475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Complaint Regarding Greenacres Nissan – Sale of Vehicle With Immediate Safety Issue and Failure to Provide Resolution I am submitting this complaint regarding Greenacres Nissan and the handling of my vehicle purchase. I purchased a vehicle from Greenacres Nissan and took delivery on 7/3/26. Within five days of delivery, the vehicle developed a serious safety-related issue that made it unsafe to operate. I immediately contacted the dealership and returned the vehicle. The dealership currently has possession of the vehicle because it is unsafe to drive. I was informed that the repair requires a part that is on backorder, with no estimated arrival date. I was advised the repair could take months or longer. Despite the vehicle being unavailable and unsafe, I remain responsible for my loan payments. I requested that the dealership provide a reasonable resolution, including replacing the vehicle, assisting with a financing solution, or providing another option that would allow me to have safe transportation. The dealership has refused to provide a practical resolution and continues to tell me that I must wait indefinitely for the repair part. My complaint is not that a repair is needed. My concern is that a newly purchased vehicle became unsafe almost immediately after delivery and I have been left financially responsible for a vehicle I cannot use. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed and that Greenacres Nissan be encouraged to provide a fair resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11752264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I discovered the car was not stopping after depressing the peddle and the brake light was coming on. I checked the fluid level and fluid was needed. I topped the fluid level off and it did not solve the problem. I then took it to a mechanic and ask to have the brakes checked. he then replaced the front pads. Once they were replaced he bled the system according to the mfg. recommendations. I now have a solid peddle but still do not have brakes. The peddle moves less than an inch when applied. He checked on line @ NHTSA for a recall and discovered the Recall number PM813 for the Master Cylinder and the car's VIN number had an Unrepaired Recall. I would like to get this recall taking care to keep my family safe.
NHTSA complaint #11743900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the parking braking independently activated. The failure occurred a second time, and the parking brake unintendedly activated. There was no warning light illuminated. On the third occasion, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the parking brake activated unintendedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,414.
NHTSA complaint #11734349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on. There was a recall on this issue with this year and model, but my VIN number was not included regardless of the symptoms all being there. We had a master mechanic look and diagnose it as a brake light switch issue. The vehicle has been brought to a local Nissan center for similar issues a couple months ago, but it failed several times
NHTSA complaint #11716070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AEB system is initiating emergency braking at random times. Both on surface street, and the freeway on ramp. With and without weather, and without any obstacles or cars in the way. The vehicle comes it a complete stop when this happens and puts the driver in significant danger. At this point the dealer observed warning code on the dashboard, but it did not engage. Message relating to that the AEB may deploy. When it does happen Emergency Brake is on the dashboard. After it happens vehicle can resume driving. Various indicines happened last year. We took it to Ken Garff Nissan (11155 So. Jordan Gateway in South Jordan, Ut. 84095. They could not find the problem or get the problem reproduced. They recommended turning off the safety features when driving. We have done that for a year. Then on 1-15-26, the safety system was on and the break engaged and brought the car to a stop on the freeway on ramp. The car is now at Ken Garff Nissan (777 So. West Temple SLC, Utah) It has been there for 2 weeks. This is the dealer that saw the code, but the system did not engage.
NHTSA complaint #11714211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that the message "Put Foot on Brake Pedal" was displayed. While standing on the brake pedal, the vehicle started. The failure recurred while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that after investigating the failure online, the contact learned that the failure was a common failure and could be related to a sensor malfunction. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, the contact was later referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done within 30-60 days of purchase. The dealer replaced the front driver side caliper and brake, but I had to replace them a second time, and the dealership also replaced the sensor that he thought needed to be replaced, but the check engine light is still on. I was driving to and from work with my grandchildren and the brakes, calipers, rotors would start to malfunction. My daughter and myself were driving when the front driver side and passenger brake hose malfunctioned. The dealership confirmed that both front calipers and brake pads needed to be replaced and he claimed to have fixed them both when he came to my house. The dealership also knew that both front brake hoses needed to be repaired and told me to have them replaced by the guy who was repairing the front passenger side caliper and brake that he allegedly fixed. The other problems were confirmed and resolved by my friends who work on cars. The front driver side brakes started to make a squeaking noise on September 2nd 2025 and I took the vehicle to my friend who works on cars. and he stated that the front passenger side brakes and caliper was not functioning properly. The car has not been inspected by anyone. The check engine light was on when I purchased the vehicle. The dealership worker, Wesley, stated that the check engine light might be related to the car needing a new gas cap. Wesley also stated prior to me purchasing the car that the car runs good, "I only need to change both brake pads and calipers". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11695823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the contact's foot slid off onto the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the space between the pedals was too small. The contact stated that the pedals were too close together. The mechanic completed an unknown partial repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 8.
NHTSA complaint #11695734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since having my Nissan 2021 Sentra I have for one, had to replace the battery in it twice. On a more serious note, it is now stopping the car at random and unnecessary times stating an object is in front of me. It happens once a while ago and I did not have any other signs, and it was just for a second, so I tried not to stress about it. Now it is happening more often and just this morning happened three times. Causing my car to come to a complete stop, it is very dangerous and I am not sure what I am to do about it.
NHTSA complaint #11691787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I recently bought a 2024 nissan sentra sv premium used with 9,000 miles previous owner before me stated car would not accelerate at time after coming to a complete stop and dealership fixed the issue which was the brake switch I recently had the same issue around 15,000 miles and they said it the brake switch again, So I started searching online for similar incidents and it seems pretty common in older models but no one seems to state anything about the brake switch so I dont know if it is just a temporary fix as it happened to the previous owner 6-7k miles ago on my car and now happening again on a brand new car. please look into this
NHTSA complaint #11688016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The competent that continues to fail is the emergency response breaks. They continue to stop at random times creating a very unsafe environment while I drive daily. I do have this on video and my car is available for inspection at any time. I just recently finally got the emergency break system on video since it is so random and plan on making an appointment with my local Nissan Dealer. I did have a visit recently regarding the recall for the tire rods. My car continues to make odd sounds and I paid over $1000 to get it fixed with all new tires. These problems have began since the day I got my car. I have bought over 10 wheels due to issues with the tire rods. The video we finally were able to get was last night regarding the emergency stop systems, it does not let me add to the complaint but I can send to any email if needed as well as the local Nissan dealer did inspect and work on the car for my tires and tire rods.
NHTSA complaint #11687027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
while actively pressing on brake at a stop sign, car started moving. car only stopped when it bumped into car in front and had to be completely turned off. even with hand brake and in park, car kept moving.
NHTSA complaint #11683277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 35-65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond and to stop. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oxygen sensor, rotors, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle started to stall. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced a second brake booster failure within 1300 miles of the replacement. The booster should be available for inspection, but I do not have it. The dealership has it. On May 9, 2025, at 38,349 miles, my booster failed, experiencing a very loud audible boom and insulation hanging under my car. It was taken to a Nissan dealership and they verified it was something they’d never seen before. It was replaced, then on June 23, at 39,630 miles, it failed again. I had my 4 year old daughter in the car the second time and thankfully was able to stop, but it could have been catastrophic in heavier traffic or at higher speeds. It was inspected by a second Nissan dealership. They advised there was oil in my brake fluid, but did not advise how it could have happened. They also said they aren’t sure what caused it and they’ve also never seen this before. One failure is rare, a second within 1300 miles is extremely rare. The symptoms, I feel, began in January. During a warranty strut replacement, I advised that my brakes were doing something strange and I wasn’t sure if it was the brakes or transmission. I was recommended to have a cvt flush and brake fluid change. I feel this was the booster, but the dealership said there are no symptoms of a failing booster. If those were not symptoms of the booster, then the first symptom began around May 5. When I would start my car, I noticed the brake pedal was stiff until I started it. It drove normal until I pressed the brake while idling in my driveway preparing to leave and heard a loud boom, followed by a hissing sound coming from my brake and a very stiff pedal. My brake is still very stiff when I go to start my car (as if I’ve pressed the brake multiple times, but I am pressing it for the first time). This is potentially the first symptom I experienced before the first failure, it’s a symptom that has not gone away since the first failure. The first failure was also reported and the complaint number is: 11663673
NHTSA complaint #11672907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle had AEB System malfunctioning. The brakes did NOT work. The emergency brake barely worked. We were driving on Fathers Day to a family gathering and the system and brakes malfunctioned, yes we collided with the Curb and debris on the side of the road cause curb rash to the rims. No major damage. This would be the 3rd this has happened to my vehicle in particular. Dealers say the manufacturer doesn’t cover brake line damage or issue even due to factory fault/ defect.
NHTSA complaint #11669440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On June 10 2025 the brake sensor malfunctioned for my 2020 Nissan Sentra This was the secound timeThe first time was about one week before..The brake peddle went down , car brakes ,brakes.I was driving speed limit of 20.There were no cars on the street or object.A yellow triangle appeared on the dash board..It scared me ,This is a safety hazard that can cause a accident.The next morning my car didn't start.There were a few symbols on the dashboard..I had it towed to the car dealer.They put a new battery.I just bought it May 04 2025.I was told no sensors were on, Mechanic didn't find anything. As of now I have bot picked up my car from the car dealer. 06/24/2025
NHTSA complaint #11668938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2019 Nissan Sentra SR (VIN: [XXX] ) as a certified pre-owned vehicle from Star Nissan in Bayside, NY on [XXX]. Since the day of purchase, I have experienced repeated failures when trying to start the vehicle using the push-button ignition. Specifically, when pressing the brake pedal to start the car, nothing happens — the brake does not register, and the engine will not start. This issue directly matches the symptoms outlined in NHTSA Recall 21V135 (Nissan Campaign PM971), which addresses a known brake lamp switch defect in 2016–2019 Nissan Sentra models. I was not the original owner and was never notified of this recall. The selling dealership, who had custody of the car when the recall was issued, did not confirm or perform the required repair before reselling the vehicle to me. Nissan Consumer Affairs now claims there are “no open recalls” on my VIN, but the part in question — the brake switch — has never been replaced, and my Nissan service history confirms that it was not repaired. Instead, unrelated components like the brake booster were replaced multiple times, which did not resolve the issue. This defect has created multiple unsafe situations where I was stranded with my child in unsafe areas due to the car failing to start. The car’s brake system is critical to safe operation and starting function, and failure of this component puts both myself and my child at risk. I believe the recall was never performed and was falsely marked as completed or was never properly associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate why this VIN is not being flagged for an active recall, despite clear matching symptoms and lack of documented repair. I also request that Nissan be required to fulfill the safety repair free of charge under the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11668768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.