2022 Nissan Sentra Safety Report

The 2022 Nissan Sentra presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side and rollover protection, and 4 stars for frontal impact, there are significant concerns regarding steering and electrical system reliability. The vehicle has accumulated 75 complaints, with 8 resulting in injuries, highlighting real-world safety issues. A major concern is the 'STEERING' component, which accounts for 16 complaints and is directly linked to a critical recall (NHTSA #23V-581) concerning potentially bent tie rods that can lead to a loss of steering control. Several complaints describe the steering independently veering the vehicle or making loud popping noises, consistent with the recall's description. Beyond steering, the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' is another prominent area of concern, with 9 complaints. These range from headlights intermittently failing, causing visibility issues, to more severe problems like the vehicle cutting off while driving on the freeway, displaying various warning lights, and issues with the forward collision avoidance system. Another recall (NHTSA #22V-881) addresses a missing or improper seal in the driver's side cowl area, which can lead to water leaks and subsequent corrosion of electrical components, potentially causing failures in systems like wipers or exterior lighting. This recall directly correlates with complaints of water seepage and electrical malfunctions. The complaint data also reveals issues with the CVT transmission, with reports of it failing and making weird noises, although this is not as frequent as steering or electrical problems. Forward collision avoidance systems also show up in complaints, with sensors malfunctioning and causing the car to 'slam brakes' unexpectedly. The presence of two significant safety recalls, particularly the steering recall which has been open for an extended period with parts unavailable, indicates a proactive but slow response to critical safety defects. Despite strong crash test ratings, the high number of complaints for a relatively new model, especially concerning steering and electrical systems, suggests potential reliability and safety shortcomings that buyers should be aware of.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant safety recalls and numerous complaints regarding steering and electrical system reliability; ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase and consider an independent inspection.