Nissan Sentra: Common Problems You Might Experience

Mar 5, 2021

Blue 2021 Nissan Sentra From Front-Driver Side

A Nissan Sentra is a fantastic small car that is great for commuters and families alike. This vehicle has fantastic crash test ratings, it is good on gas, and more. That being said, there are some issues that you do need to keep in mind with the Sentra that might sway your decision to buy one.

What are some common Nissan Sentra Problems?

Airbags deployed without warning and without collision
Electrical system, trouble with sensors and with the remote
Electronic Stability Control, car shuts off or does not allow for acceleration
Brake system defect, brakes do not work or apply automatically

About the Nissan Sentra

The first Nissan Sentra was released in 1982 and was a response to the need for commuter-friendly vehicles that were going to be good on gas and easy to drive. As the Sentra gained popularity, it began to have more and more features. The Nissan Sentra is now one of the most popular vehicles when it comes to commuter cars and is known for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles for those drivers that want a vehicle that is going to last for years to come.

Air Bags Deployed Without Warning

The first issue that we see with the 2019 Sentra is that several drivers stated that the airbags deployed at random without any collision and without any real reason for the deployment. In a few cases, the drivers stated that they sustained injuries from the airbags hitting them or their passengers while they were driving. One driver stated that they sustained a busted eardrum and their passenger had bruising. This is a serious safety issue as it can cause accidents if it goes off while you are driving and causes loss of control of the vehicle.

Electrical System Issues

There are several drivers that have reported that they had trouble with the electrical system within the vehicle. They stated that when they were driving, various sensors would get disabled like the radar sensor, the collision sensor, and even the screen inside the car. This makes it difficult to drive and unsafe as it does affect things like cruise control. Others have stated that they had trouble with the remote and with getting into the car, also that they have trouble with the radio turning on and off, and other problems with the electrical system just shutting down while the car is in use.

Electronic Stability Control

Several drivers stated that their electronic stability control went out and that they were unable to maintain control of the vehicle. In one instance, this loss of control caused the driver to rear-end another driver which then totaled the car. Related to the electronic stability control, some drivers reported that their car would not accelerate or that when they did accelerate their car swayed or made noise that alarmed them and caused them to then slow back down.

Braking System Issues

Many drivers reported that their brakes either did not work, were not responsive enough, or that they were too responsive. One driver stated that the vehicle’s sensors were not working properly and that this caused the car to automatically brake when it should not have. This same driver said that when the brakes are automatically applied, they are applied very hard and that they hear a grinding noise. Other drivers stated that their brakes did not work when they pressed them, making it impossible to brake and stop. This resulted in an accident in one instance which caused the car to be totaled.

Sensor Failure

In many other cases, drivers reported that several of their sensors stopped working or did not work properly. One driver stated that their lane departure sensor did not work, another reported that their cruise control sometimes stops working which causes the car to abruptly brake. Still another driver stated that they have trouble with the airbag sensor in the passenger seat, and others stated that their front collision sensor did not work. These were all categorized as problems to do with the electrical system in the car.

What to do Before You Buy

The best thing to do before you buy any vehicle is to do your research. Taking the time to find out about common issues can help you determine which vehicle is going to work best for you. Vehicle History is a great resource for those that are looking for information from other drivers about potential issues that you might find with your Nissan Sentra. Research is a great way to find the vehicle that is going to work for you and to get prepared for your new car.

Owner Reviews

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Katie W on June 17, 2021

2006 White Nissan Sentra

I have had a Nissan Sentra since 2006 and I quite like it. It is small and very easy to drive and park. Problems started a few years after I bought it- the first of which was an ongoing issue with the starter- it does not always work right away but I have literally never had it fixed and my car always starts eventually. Radio and speakers went after probably 5-6 years. Comfortable to drive if you are smaller (my 6 foot tall husband cannot drive it comfortably). But I love this car and wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

Terayn A on April 3, 2021

I own a silver 2010 Nissan Sentra.

The only complaints I really have about the car itself is mostly wiring issues and defective switches. I have had my drivers side and my passengers side windows switches replaced because they stopped working. It was kind of expensive and I figured that I wouldn't have the problem anymore. A few years later my front passenger switch went out again. Then not too long after my drivers side window switch started acting up. Sometimes I can't unroll my window. I fear if I roll it down I won't be able to roll it back up.

Gunner V on July 23, 2021

2010 Nissan Sentra Pros and Cons

Being a compact car means finding parking anywhere is very easy. The vehicle has over 125,000 miles at the moment and still has not had a major issue to date. Maintenance is highly recommended to ensure the vehicle stays running at its top performance. Biggest issue so far has been the rear wheel cylinders were leaking causing the drum brakes to seize on one side. This was preventable as the brake light had come on intermittently beforehand but timing was not the best to get it inspected.

Steven S on March 28, 2021

2004 Sentra is an all around good dependable car.

I have a lot of problems with brakes. With the brake shoes and drums. And I've had issues with the front drivers side electric window motor, and the front passenger electric window motor. And I have problems with the engine turning over and starting on the first turn of the key. Always takes at two turns. The car has decent power and doesn't overheat. Car is very dependable. For a small four door car very comfortable.

Eric S on March 25, 2021

Nissan Sentra 2009--Reliable

Very reliable car. Always starts up and have never had any engine problems. The only problems I have ever had with the car have been when the computer system on board thought something was wrong and put the car into "safe mode" where I couldn't drive any faster than 25mph. All I had to do was turn the car on or off or take into a shop and have them clear the error code and the car was good to go.

Cami C on July 6, 2021

I like that the 2006 Nissan Sentra is a small compact car yet is comfortable

For a car that is over 10 years old and just over 100, 000 miles it is still running really well. I hope we can keep this car for another several years. We really haven't had any engine problems. The only persistent issue has been with car batteries leaking, even new ones and we don't know why. I think we will look a Nissan again in the future though as a possible car.

Jasmine C on September 11, 2021

Pre-owned 2008 Nissan sentra.

I brought the vehicle used. I do not particularly care for the vehicle. It has electrical issues. The car cuts off often. It is always in need of oil. The body is spacious, power locks and windows. The interior is cloth and was damaged by previous owner was unable to get clean. It is reliable even with all the issues. I would not purchase another pre-owned vehicle.

Rebecca P on August 23, 2021

2012 Nissan Sentra overview.

Fuel sensor button, different fuses such as windows, the ac blower and mainly things that are electrical seem to go out the most. Other than that I have not had anything else go out on me besides the motor mounts. It is a 2012 and I think it is doing pretty good for being 8 years old. Like I said, just mainly has problems with the electrical things.

MIGUEL NIEVES on January 19, 2022

Mikesnow1002@yahoo.com

I bought a 2021 Nissa n Sentra SV it started with a real bad noise under the car passenger side in the back after realizing it was bad they traded in a gave me a 2022 nissan sentra so guess what the noise started again after 2 weeks of having it and plus it has a weird noise in the dash when you take bumps in the road very disappointed

Dale A on July 27, 2021

2004 Nissan Sentra: a car that stands the test of time.

My vehicle has minor problems due to age and high mileage, but it is a very reliable car overall. It currently has minor problems starting every once in a while and shakes slightly when stopped in traffic. It has a comfortable ride with decent handling. Features are lacking but basic comforts (power windows, a/c, etc.) are included.

Jayme L on July 16, 2021

2012 Nissan sentra, reliable, sturdy. 150,000 and it still runs like brand new!

I have had very minor problems with my car. I have had to change the transmission which was a big issue but not a manufacturer issue. Other than that just very basic, normal car upkeep such as changing filters, rotating tires, taking care of rust spots. For being 150,000 mi it runs like brand new!

Charles E on September 19, 2021

Great gas mileages, great appearances, and we love the 2005 Sentra.

Had this car for 13 years, only had a problems once fuel pump. Over 200,000 on it now and still runs great. Not afraid to take it on any trip in the united states. My kids say's get a new one but this one is great and me and my wife are happy with it. My next car will be a Nissan Sentra also.

Dustin K on August 2, 2021

The life of my 2006 Nissan Sentra.

I have a 2006 Nissan Sentra it seems that it has had some issues with the fan for blowing cold air but probably due to age. I like Nissans especially because they get great gas mileage for the Sentra as I only drive about 25 miles a day to go to work and a full tank last me about 12 days.

Harriet S on June 29, 2021

2004 Sentra is a great little car that runs extremely well despite its high mileage.

Over 102, 000 miles on it and it still runs extremely well. No major repairs have been needed on it and it starts right up without any problems. It does have some rust on the front left fender and in the rear, and the radio no longer works but, other than that, it is a great car.

Keith W on April 7, 2021

Old reliable: 2006 Nissan Sentra will get you from a to be safely and affordably.

My 4 door Nissan Sentra is reliable, has had no major problems at 157k miles. It still gets 33 mpg on the freeway and is a safe car for s family. I have only had to fix a power window motor, some electrical work on sensors, rear springs and 2 exhaust systems In the cars lifetime.

Isaac A on August 18, 2021

2005 Sentra is a small car that has good acceleration. It has lasted over 12 years.

I have only ever had issues with the check engine light coming on. But turned off after oil changes. I had an issue where when I'd step on the breaks the entire car would shake. But it has been a quick fix changing the coils and the spark plugs solved the issue.

Sean on April 24, 2021

2017 Nissan sentra is the worst car i ever bought including used ones

Problems since i have owned it new in 2017. Every sensor went out in it, then cvt transmission failed, then the exhaust manifold cracked. And now it jumped timing. And out of all this the only thing Nissan fixed that didnt come out of my pocket was the sensors.

Katie M on June 19, 2021

2006 Nissan Sentra a great little car!

I bought my car in 2009 when it was 3 years old with 60,000 miles on it. I have had it for 9 years now with very minimal problems, such as the A/C went out in 2012. Minimal maintenance, regular oil changes but that's about it. It has been a great little car.

Jason S on March 18, 2021

Car troubles starring me and my 2004 Sentra

Every time I turn around, another problem emerges. The tires are not stable, the tail lights keeps breaking, and the heating/ cooling system is not functioning properly. That's just few of the problems with my car that I can't afford to fix.

Remigio Araya on August 2, 2021

Wingsof10193@gmail.com

Just want to add that nissan sentras have air conditioning problems too, specifically with the compressors

Lauren K