2021 Nissan SENTRA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
130 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
23,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 38 of 130 complaints (29.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 37 | 28.5% |
| Steering behavior | 29 | 22.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 16 | 12.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 1.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 38 |
| Steering | 37 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 28 |
| Service Brakes | 23 |
| Unknown Or Other | 19 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 15 |
| Engine | 7 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
Electrical System: 38; Steering: 37; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 28; Service Brakes: 23; Unknown Or Other: 19; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 15; Engine: 7; Exterior Lighting: 6
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 11 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 11; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 109 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 13 |
2021: 13; 2022: 15; 2023: 42; 2024: 26; 2025: 21; 2026: 13
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 37 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 29 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 16 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11430701 · 2021-08-27 (August 27, 2021)
I was driving at 55 mph this morning while taking my child to the bus stop when the emergency braking system kicked on out of nowhere almost causing me to lose control of the car. There were no vehicles in front of me or any obstruction that would have caused this to occur. The recall for the blind spot sensors has already occurred on this vehicle as well. It is a danger to not only myself but potentially other vehicles that could have been following me to have a vehicle abruptly stop like it did which in then endangered myself and my children.…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11430701 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11436124 · 2021-10-09 (October 9, 2021)
10/5/21-FIRST NOTICED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHILE BACKING UP VEH. WARNING SIGNAL GOING OFF SHOWING DRIVER SIDE REAR NOTHING BEHIND ME AT THE TIME ALL CLEAR FIGURED IT WAS JUST ? I REVERSED ANYWAY AND TOOK OFF TO STORE WHILE ON MY WAY HOME AROUND 2:30ISH WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30-40MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACTIVATED THE AUTOMATICE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM RED LIGHTS ON DASH INDICATING IT WAS ACTIVATED AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME! I WAS APPROACHING A RAILROAD CROSSING AT THE TIME I HAD MY SON IN THE FRONT SEAT AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE V…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11436124 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11430761 · 2021-08-27 (August 27, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, she heard an abnormal bumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, causing the contact to almost lose control of the vehicle. The contact did not recall whether there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and replaced the flat tire with the assistance of the towing company. Then, the contact drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diag…
Owner-reported narrative. 474 miles reported. Look up ODI 11430761 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11433086 · 2021-09-15 (September 15, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from underneath the steering wheel. The contact then lost control of the vehicle momentarily during a rainstorm. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the AEB warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The fail…
Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11433086 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11422409 · 2021-06-26 (June 26, 2021)
Car will not start. Unexplained battery depletion. Trunk will not close when car is not on. Awful customer service at ORR Nissan in Shreveport Louisiana Address: 1240 E Bert Kouns, Shreveport Louisiana, 71105 Their entire operations need to be shut down. Bunch of incompetent druggies.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11422409 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11424172 · 2021-07-10 (July 10, 2021)
Suddenly the battery ran out on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 18 days after I bought the car. The car did not want to start from the beeper. When I got into the car to start it, my battery was completely drained. A roadside service technician starts the car with a battery booster. On the way to the auto dealership shop, the vehicle would not accept cruise control. I arrive at the auto dealership workshop and they verify the unit. And according to them it did not duplicate any of the problems that the vehicle presented. Claiming that the chargin…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11424172 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11550256 · 2023-10-16 (October 16, 2023)
The first week of October my car making a terrible sound. My husband took it to South point Nissan Austin Tx. My brand new car needs a transmission It has trouble shifting gears, Making a loud “jet engine” sound. The dealer promised a loaner and never came through with it. I’m driving it as little as possible. Bumming rides and walking while I await a transmission replacement. Yes you are welcome to inspect No prior warning as I stated it’s a new car with 36,700 miles. I have warranty but this transmission is not safe Will replacement be any…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11550256 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11610826 · 2024-08-26 (August 26, 2024)
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. The message "CVT Warning" was displayed. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced due to the failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle w…
Owner-reported narrative. 118,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11610826 at NHTSA ↗