2019 Nissan Sentra Safety Report

The 2019 Nissan Sentra presents a mixed safety picture. While its crash test performance is generally strong, achieving an overall 4-star rating from NHTSA with a 5-star side impact rating, there are significant concerns regarding component reliability and potential safety defects. With 213 total complaints, including 16 crashes and 18 injuries, the vehicle has a notable number of reported issues. A primary concern is the POWER TRAIN, specifically the CVT transmission, which accounts for 30 complaints and is frequently described as failing prematurely, slipping, or causing stalling. This is a critical safety issue as it can lead to loss of power or control while driving. Beyond the transmission, electrical system issues are prevalent, with 19 complaints for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and an additional 7 for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER'. These complaints often relate to the vehicle not starting, battery drain, or the infotainment system malfunctioning, which can be a nuisance but also a safety concern if it affects critical functions like starting the car or exterior lighting. The 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' component has 17 complaints, directly correlating with one of the two recalls issued for this model year: a brake light switch contamination issue that could prevent brake lights from illuminating, increasing crash risk. The 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system also has 8 complaints, indicating potential issues with this safety feature. The two recalls address significant safety concerns. The first recall (NHTSA ID: 19V803000) for 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH' directly impacts the ability of brake lights to illuminate, a clear crash risk. The second recall (NHTSA ID: 19V654000) for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' addresses the lack of a back-up camera display, which increases the risk of a crash when reversing. Despite these recalls and the strong crash test ratings, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning the transmission and electrical system, suggests that owners may encounter reliability and safety challenges not fully captured by crash tests alone. The 16 reported crashes and 18 injuries underscore the real-world impact of these issues.

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test performance but prevalent and severe complaints regarding the CVT transmission and electrical system, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the powertrain and electrical components, and verify that all recalls have been addressed.