Nissan Sentra Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Nissan Sentra across 25 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “brakes failed” (12% of reports).
- 168service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 48mention a crash
- 23mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 17%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 20 of 168 complaints (12%)
- Master cylinder: mentioned in 15 of 168 complaints (9%)
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 10 of 168 complaints (6%)
- Brake pads: mentioned in 10 of 168 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 60 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 168 complaints, 48 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 23 an injury.
Nissan Sentra service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sentra | 1 | 3% | 8 |
| 2019 Sentra | 1 | 0% | 5 |
| 2018 Sentra | 2 | 1% | 66,000 |
| 2017 Sentra | 1 | 0% | 44,000 |
| 2016 Sentra | 3 | 1% | 24,500 |
| 2015 Sentra | 1 | 0% | 1,600 |
| 2014 Sentra | 3 | 1% | 52,084 |
| 2013 Sentra | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2012 Sentra | 2 | 1% | 650 |
| 2011 Sentra | 5 | 4% | 10,100 |
| 2009 Sentra | 3 | 5% | 8,200 |
| 2008 Sentra | 13 | 8% | 16,000 |
| 2007 Sentra | 10 | 6% | 16,500 |
| 2006 Sentra | 2 | 2% | 13,861 |
| 2005 Sentra | 8 | 5% | 11,950 |
| 2004 Sentra | 6 | 3% | 2,800 |
| 2003 Sentra | 7 | 4% | 52,647 |
| 2002 Sentra | 5 | 2% | 41,000 |
| 2001 Sentra | 22 | 9% | 30,000 |
| 2000 Sentra | 10 | 6% | — |
| 1999 Sentra | 6 | 10% | 90,048 |
| 1998 Sentra | 6 | 10% | 102,000 |
| 1997 Sentra | 15 | 14% | 120,907 |
| 1996 Sentra | 10 | 7% | — |
| 1995 Sentra | 24 | 21% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2008
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped with bosch master cylinders. Brake fluid may leak from the master cylinder. If the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate as designed and the brakes will not function properly.
Risk: If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder brake booster assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 14, 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2007, 2008
Problem: Nissan is recalling 169,202 my 2007-2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped robert bosch master cylinder. Due to the machining irregularity by the supplier, the internal seal groove in the body of some brake master cylinders may allow for a gap in the groove contact area of the seal. This may result in brake fluid slowly leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster assembly, causing the brake warning light to illuminate.
Risk: If the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the master cylinder/brake booster assembly and if brake fluid leakage is detected, the master cylinder will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The recall began on august 20, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 1995
Problem: The anti-lock braking system (abs) hydraulic actuator was not properly purged of all air during the fill and evacuation process causing air bubbles to get into the brake system.
Risk: This condition can cause increased brake pedal travel and stopping distances.
Fix: Dealers will bleed the abs hydraulic actuator to remove any air bubbles in the brake system.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that the message "Put Foot on Brake Pedal" was displayed. While standing on the…
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the contact's foot slid off onto the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the space between the pedals was too…
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 35-65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond and to stop. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were…
The contact owns a 2015 Nisan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact also stated that while slowing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. No…
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, the mechanic informed her that during the test drive, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, and was depressed to the floorboard. The contact…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Sentras have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 168 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Nissan Sentra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Nissan Sentra service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Nissan Sentra?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes failed”, in 20 of 168 complaints, followed by “master cylinder” (15).
Other Nissan Sentra problems
- Power Train problems (1,238)
- Electrical System problems (790)
- Air Bags problems (760)
- Engine problems (677)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (581)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (409)
- Service Brakes problems (372)
- Steering problems (327)
See all Nissan Sentra problems.