2021 Nissan Sentra Safety Report
2021 Nissan Sentra: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Recurring Steering and AEB Malfunctions, Subject to Multiple Tie Rod Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Nissan Sentra
Reliability Score
The 2021 Nissan Sentra receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Nissan Sentra
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Sentra:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunctions The AEB system frequently engages without cause, leading to sudden, unexpected stops on highways and surface streets, significantly increasing crash risk. This is a major pattern in 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' complaints. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Steering Tie Rod Bending/Failure Multiple recalls (23V581000, 21V461000) address bent tie rods that can lead to loss of steering control. Owner complaints also describe steering wheel vibrations and difficulty steering, with one complaint directly referencing a front tie rod failure causing an accident. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Electrical System Failures (Windows, Battery, Alternator) Numerous complaints detail non-functional power windows (passenger front, both rear), issues with keyless start not recognizing the fob, repeated battery failures (requiring multiple replacements or jumps), and alternator malfunctions. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Engine/Power Train Issues (Limp Mode, Bearings, Acceleration Delay) Some owners report the vehicle entering 'limp mode' and losing power instantly, engine bearing failures without warning, and delayed acceleration with jerking/hard shifts, indicating potential powertrain reliability concerns. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Door Lock Actuator Malfunctions Rear and sometimes front door locks fail to lock or unlock properly, posing a safety risk, especially for occupants needing to exit the vehicle in an emergency. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Nissan Sentra:
The most frequent complaint category, with 21 reports, often related to tie rod issues, vibrations, and loss of control, directly correlating with recall campaigns.
With 16 standalone complaints, plus others combined with AEB, this category includes issues like non-functional power windows, battery drain, alternator failure, and key fob recognition problems.
9 standalone complaints, plus 5 combined with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and 4 with SERVICE BRAKES, highlight the prevalent issue of the AEB system engaging without actual obstacles, leading to dangerous sudden stops.
4 standalone complaints, plus 4 combined with FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, indicate issues with braking, often tied to the malfunctioning AEB system.
3 complaints specifically mention engine issues such as limp mode, bearing failure, and rattling noises from the belt assembly.
3 complaints related to power train, often manifesting as delayed acceleration, jerking, and hard shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Nissan Sentra
Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Nissan Sentra achieved excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, 5-star side/rollover, 4-star frontal), suggesting good passive safety. However, it has 121 owner complaints, including 14 crashes and 8 injuries, with recurring issues in active safety systems like the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and critical components like steering tie rods, which have been subject to multiple recalls. These active safety and component failures pose significant risks despite strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Sentra are related to the STEERING system (21 complaints), often involving tie rod bending or failure, and the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16 complaints), which includes problems with power windows, batteries, and alternators. A significant safety concern is the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (9 complaints), where the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) engages without cause, leading to sudden stops. Engine and power train issues, though fewer, also appear.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has 3 recalls. Two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 23V581000 and 21V461000) address the STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, where a bent tie rod can cause a loss of steering control. The third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V316000) is for BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, where damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
How does the 2021 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It received 5 stars for both Side Crash and Rollover tests, and 4 stars for the Frontal Crash test. This indicates strong occupant protection in various collision scenarios.
Is the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system reliable in the 2021 Sentra?
Based on owner complaints, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in the 2021 Nissan Sentra appears to have significant reliability issues. There are numerous reports of the system engaging randomly and without an actual obstruction, causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop unexpectedly, which is a serious safety hazard on both surface streets and highways.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2021 Nissan Sentra boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with the AEB system, steering components (especially tie rods due to multiple recalls), and electrical failures. Thoroughly check if all recalls have been addressed and consider an extended test drive to observe AEB behavior.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Nissan Sentra
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. The data includes 121 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Nissan Sentra an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.