Nissan Sentra 2023: common problems

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Sentra filed 20 complaints with NHTSA, one involving a crash and none involving a fire. The most-reported component is the electrical system with 8 complaints (backup camera, key fob, battery, dashboard and infotainment problems), followed by unknown or other and forward collision avoidance with 5 each. There is 1 official recall, for the driver's air bag inflator. The data comes from the United States, and the same model may differ in other countries.

What owners complain about

• Electrical system8 complaints

  Owners describe backup camera images turning pink or going blank, a key fob showing "Low Battery" after new batteries, and a battery that died at 24,000 miles. Others report static over Apple CarPlay and a dashboard and radio that shut off. One owner reports the car rolling backward in park. These are owner reports, not confirmed defects.

  An OBD2 scanner usually picks this up. Battery and charging problems often set codes a generic scanner can read. Camera, key fob and infotainment faults are often in other modules it cannot read.

• Unknown or other5 complaints

  Owners report static or cutting-out audio with Android Auto over USB, a backup camera turning pink or purple, and a shifter knob that popped off while shifting. One report has the car shuddering at 70 mph.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. These issues involve infotainment, camera and interior parts, which a generic scanner mostly cannot see.

• Forward collision avoidance5 complaints

  Owners report false forward collision and rear parking warnings, including automatic braking when there was enough clearance. Others report an emergency brake warning light that blinks and that the dealer could not reproduce, and intermittent dash and infotainment malfunctions.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Driver-assistance systems use their own modules, which a generic scanner usually cannot read.

• Steering4 complaints

  One owner reports the car jerking right after a turn at 15 mph and hitting a parked car. The dealer diagnosed a fractured tie rod (the part linking the steering to the wheel), and the replacement part was not yet available. Other reports in this group describe clicking sounds and dashboard and infotainment malfunctions.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Mechanical steering parts such as tie rods do not set engine codes, so a generic scanner will not show them.

• Back over prevention3 complaints

  Owners report a rear backup camera that shows vertical lines or no image, leaving them unable to see behind the car. One owner reports false rear parking warnings with automatic braking.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. The camera and parking warning systems are usually outside what a generic scanner can read.

• Engine3 complaints

  One owner reports the car stalled at about 40 mph, then would not restart, with the check engine light on; a mechanic found the engine had seized. Another reports delayed acceleration after idling and incorrect fuel mileage readings, and one reports a battery that died at 24,000 miles.

  An OBD2 scanner usually picks this up. Engine problems usually turn on the check engine light and store codes a generic scanner can read.

• Power train2 complaints

  One owner reports the car slowly rolling backward after being shifted to park, and an injury while trying to stop it. Another reports delayed acceleration after idling.

  An OBD2 scanner sometimes picks this up. Transmission faults sometimes set codes, but mechanical problems like a car rolling in park may not.

• Service brakes2 complaints

  One owner reports a malfunction or ABS (anti-lock brake) light that comes on about once a week, along with a no-start that needed a jump. Another reports the car not moving in bad weather until the brake pedal was pressed.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. ABS and brake systems use their own modules, which a generic scanner mostly cannot read.

Recalls

• 24V154000 · 27/02/2024

  Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator can absorb moisture, which can make the air bag deploy improperly. An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly free of charge. Check your VIN with Nissan or NHTSA to see if your car is included. Nissan customer service is 1-800-867-7669.

Frequently asked questions

Data: owner complaints and recalls published by the US NHTSA, retrieved 2026-11-09. Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects. Summary written with the help of AI.