Nissan Sentra Structure Problems
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Nissan Sentra across 30 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (17). The words owners use most often: “door handle” (6% of reports).
- 156structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 45mention a crash
- 27mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 28%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.
- Door handle: mentioned in 9 of 156 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 90 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 156 complaints, 45 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 27 an injury.
Nissan Sentra structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sentra | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2024 Sentra | 4 | 10% | — |
| 2022 Sentra | 1 | 1% | 30,700 |
| 2021 Sentra | 3 | 2% | 14,000 |
| 2020 Sentra | 4 | 2% | 38,047 |
| 2019 Sentra | 5 | 2% | 60,400 |
| 2018 Sentra | 3 | 2% | 24,599 |
| 2017 Sentra | 9 | 4% | 25,000 |
| 2016 Sentra | 10 | 4% | 56,000 |
| 2015 Sentra | 14 | 4% | 43,500 |
| 2014 Sentra | 5 | 1% | 1,200 |
| 2013 Sentra | 5 | 1% | 490 |
| 2012 Sentra | 17 | 9% | 7,500 |
| 2011 Sentra | 7 | 5% | 47,000 |
| 2010 Sentra | 2 | 1% | 103,000 |
| 2009 Sentra | 6 | 11% | 40,794 |
| 2008 Sentra | 3 | 2% | 105,677 |
| 2007 Sentra | 5 | 3% | 94,350 |
| 2006 Sentra | 4 | 3% | 31,850 |
| 2005 Sentra | 3 | 2% | 82,500 |
| 2004 Sentra | 4 | 2% | 73,000 |
| 2003 Sentra | 7 | 4% | 30,400 |
| 2002 Sentra | 10 | 3% | 9,077 |
| 2001 Sentra | 7 | 3% | 78,185 |
| 2000 Sentra | 2 | 1% | 24,000 |
| 1999 Sentra | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1998 Sentra | 3 | 5% | 168,000 |
| 1997 Sentra | 3 | 3% | 20,000 |
| 1996 Sentra | 4 | 3% | — |
| 1995 Sentra | 2 | 2% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:body
Model years: 2022
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Sentra vehicles. The driver's side cowl area may have a missing or improper seal, which can allow water to leak inside the vehicle and corrode electrical components.
Risk: Corrosion of the electrical components could result in failure of various electrical systems, such as loss of wiper motor function or exterior lighting, inoperative air bags, or the ability to shift into gear without applying the brake pedal. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reseal the driver's side cowl. If moisture or corrosion is found, the main harness and engine room harness will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Structure:body:door
Model years: 1997
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of three styrofoam pads located in each rear door as part of the design for ensuring compliance with fmvss no. 214, "side door strength," was not installed.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, an occupant would not be properly protected increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will install the missing pad in each rear door.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Following a severe rainstorm, heavy water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle. The rear passenger floorboard and the interior of the trunk were completely saturated with water. Immediately following this water intrusion, the factory backup camera system completely failed and stopped functioning…
While driving on the highway the hood released on its own while driving around 55 to 60 mph. No interior lever was pulled, and the hood still managed to flap open on its own damaging the windshield and denting the exterior of the hood. This is a safety issue please look into this as this could have…
When I was driving through a residential neighborhood going about 30 mph the hood latch assembly snapped right there where it is bolted down to the frame which entailed smashed my windshield and dented my hood so therefore I don't feel I should be held responsible to replace them if it wasn't an…
I am the owner of a 2025 Nissan Sentra with approximately 3,200 miles. The vehicle was purchased new from an authorized Nissan dealership in Columbia, South Carolina. The vehicle is subject to an open safety recall identified as the Door Striker Campaign. As of January 29th, the vehicle has been…
The driver side door lock is malfunctioning. Not unlocking or locking consistently from either the keyfob (Changed battery) or when in car. It is a safety issue that I can not lock doors with door lock when in car. Initially driver door effected and now both driver and passenger doors are effected…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Sentras have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 156 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Nissan Sentra?
The most frequent phrase is “door handle”, in 9 of 156 complaints.
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.