Last updated: 2026-03-04
Nissan Sentra Reliability by Year
The Nissan Sentra averages 77/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Nissan Sentra Reliability Overview
The Nissan Sentra, covering model years 2018 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating. Common issues reported include power train and electrical system problems, particularly with the CVT transmission and automatic emergency braking system, although recent models show fewer complaints. With an estimated annual repair cost of $491, which is below the compact car average, the Sentra may appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable compact sedan.
Current generation: 8th gen (2020–present).
Best & Worst Nissan Sentra Years
Best Nissan Sentra Years to Buy
The best Nissan Sentra year is 2023 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (79/100) and 2025 (78/100).
Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Sentra year is 2020 with a score of 71/100, primarily due to steering (52) issues.
See full Nissan Sentra years-to-avoid analysis →Nissan Sentra Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Sentra reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 77/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Nissan Sentra
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Nissan Sentra has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Nissan Sentra.
2025 Nissan Sentra
3 recalls · 15 complaints
The 2025 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Wheels (2), Tires (2).
2024 Nissan Sentra
3 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2024 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (7), Power Train (3), Electrical System (3).
2023 Nissan Sentra
1 recalls · 14 complaints
The 2023 Nissan Sentra has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (3), Steering (3).
2022 Nissan Sentra
2 recalls · 72 complaints
The 2022 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 72 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (27), Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (7).
2021 Nissan Sentra
3 recalls · 119 complaints
The 2021 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 119 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (38), Electrical System (35), Service Brakes (9).
2020 Nissan Sentra
4 recalls · 193 complaints
The 2020 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 193 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (52), Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (29).
2019 Nissan Sentra
2 recalls · 212 complaints
The 2019 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 212 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (53), Power Train (50), Unknown Or Other (25).
2018 Nissan Sentra
2 recalls · 181 complaints
The 2018 Nissan Sentra has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 181 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Sentra. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (43), Electrical System (31), Unknown Or Other (26).
Nissan Sentra Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$491
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$35 below the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #14 of 36 among compact cars.
Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Nissan Models
Compare all Nissan models by reliability
Compare Nissan Sentra With Similar Sedans
The Nissan Sentra competes with other compact sedans such as Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.
Honda Civic reliability
9 years tracked · 2921 complaints
Toyota Corolla reliability
9 years tracked · 1274 complaints
Hyundai Elantra reliability
9 years tracked · 1219 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Mazda CX-5 reliability
9 years tracked · 986 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Nissan Sentra reliable?
- The Nissan Sentra has good reliability with an average score of 77/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Sentra?
- The best year for the Nissan Sentra is 2023 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. It has 1 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record. See full 2023 Nissan Sentra analysis →
- What are the Nissan Sentra years to avoid?
- The Nissan Sentra years to avoid include 2020 (71/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Sentra?
- The Nissan Sentra has an estimated annual repair cost of $491, which is $35 below the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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