Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Nissan Sentra Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Nissan Sentra scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 212 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (B17).
Recalls
2
Complaints
212
Complaint Rate
11.5
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$491
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (B17).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2016).
- 7th generation Sentra (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Seventh generation (B17)
Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
The 2019 Nissan Sentra scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is the last model year of the Seventh generation (B17).
With 212 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (53). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Nissan Sentra, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2018 Nissan Sentra for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $35 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Brake light switch and radio (53 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (50 complaints)
Compare 2019 Nissan Sentra With
2019 Honda Civic
Score: 75/100
2019 Toyota Corolla
Score: 77/100
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 78/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 Mazda CX-5
Score: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (53)
- POWER TRAIN (50)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (19)
- SERVICE BRAKES (14)
- AIR BAGS (13)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
- STRUCTURE (5)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- ENGINE (3)
- SUSPENSION (3)
- STEERING (3)
- EQUIPMENT (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- Other/I am not sure (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Nissan Sentra has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 15.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
16
Fires
1
Injuries
18
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Nissan Sentra Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Consequence
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2019 Nissan Sentra NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.8%
Safety Technologies
Nissan Sentra Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$491
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Nissan Sentra
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for shuddering or slipping during a test drive
- Test the push-button start system multiple times to ensure it starts reliably
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to the AEB system
- Verify the brake lights function correctly when the brake pedal is pressed
- Ensure the radio and infotainment system do not turn on/off unexpectedly
- Confirm the vehicle accelerates smoothly without jerking or hesitation
Check Any 2019 Nissan Sentra's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Sentra in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Nissan Sentra with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Nissan Sentra Common Problems by Component
212 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
53 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the brake light switch and radio. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start due to the brake not registering, radios turning on and off independently, and battery drainage. These problems often appear in vehicles with mileage around 44,000 and above. Safety implications are noted, as one complaint involves a crash due to unintended Automatic Emergency Braking activation, and multiple reports mention being stranded due to starting failures. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their potential impact on vehicle functionality and safety.
POWER TRAIN
50 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report transmission failures, with symptoms including jerking, slipping, and an inability to accelerate or shift gears properly. Many complaints note these issues emerging between 100,000 and 168,000 miles, with some cases occurring under 100,000 miles. Multiple owners describe situations where the vehicle unexpectedly downshifts or stalls, sometimes requiring a restart to continue driving. Safety implications are highlighted by reports of one crash and three injuries, with loss of power and control being a concern. Used car buyers should be aware of these transmission issues, as they might necessitate costly repairs or replacements.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues related to starting the vehicle, often linked to malfunctioning brake switches or sensors. Complaints describe difficulty starting the car, with some mentioning a stiff brake pedal and the need for multiple brake switch replacements. Additionally, throttle response problems are reported, particularly in wet conditions, where drivers experience a temporary loss of acceleration. Another common issue involves the car's radio and stereo system, which can turn on or reboot unexpectedly, even when the vehicle is off, potentially leading to battery drainage. Safety concerns include reports of malfunctioning collision sensors and automatic emergency braking systems, though no crashes are noted. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some appearing soon after purchase.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (19 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the stop lamp switch, leading to brake lights failing to illuminate and intermittent starting problems. Complaints often describe the vehicle not starting unless the brake pedal is pressed multiple times or the car is jump-started. Many reports involve unresolved issues despite recall notifications, with parts being unavailable for extended periods. Approximate failure mileages vary, with some cases occurring as early as 3,200 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three crashes reported due to brake light failures or related issues, and one incident involving a fire due to a wiring harness problem. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety concerns.
SERVICE BRAKES (14 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which unexpectedly engages or malfunctions, sometimes bringing the car to a sudden stop without any obstruction present. This problem is often linked to a faulty front radar sensor and is described in situations such as driving at highway speeds or encountering minor road bumps. Brake pedal issues are also noted, where excessive pressure is required to start the vehicle or the pedal goes to the floor during use. Complaints suggest these problems can occur at varying mileages, with one report noting a failure around 38,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a crash, and others describe near-miss situations due to sudden braking. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly concerning the AEB system's reliability.
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)
AIR BAGS
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report recurring issues with the airbag system in the 2019 Nissan Sentra, particularly noting failures to deploy during crashes and unexpected deployments without collisions. Complaints frequently mention airbag non-deployment in crashes, sometimes resulting in injuries, with incidents occurring at various speeds and situations, including rear-end and side impacts. Additionally, some owners describe airbags deploying randomly while driving, leading to injuries from the deployment itself. The reported mileage at the time of these incidents varies, with some vehicles having as low as 24 miles and others around 53,000 miles. These issues present significant safety implications, as non-deployment during a crash can increase the risk of injury, while unintended deployment can cause harm and obstruct the driver's view.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
8 complaintsOwners report several issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system in the 2019 Nissan Sentra, particularly with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems. Complaints frequently mention the AEB failing to engage when necessary, or conversely, activating suddenly without apparent cause, sometimes causing abrupt stops. Some owners describe malfunction indicators, such as warning lights and beeping sounds, with instances of the system engaging unexpectedly at highway speeds, leading to potential safety risks like fishtailing or loss of control. Several reports indicate these problems occur around 56,000 miles or earlier. Additionally, issues with sensor calibration, often attributed to the physical design of the sensor bracket, are noted as contributing to the unreliability of the system. These factors could pose safety concerns for potential buyers considering a used model.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control related to the front radar sensor and automatic braking system. Common symptoms include the activation of warning lights, unexpected loss of acceleration, and malfunctioning collision detection systems, often triggered by minor road bumps. Complaints indicate these issues can persist shortly after purchase or repair, with some owners experiencing repeated problems within a few months. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated in a drive-thru, resulting in a collision and the car being declared totaled. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially concerning the radar sensor's influence on speed and braking systems.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners report recurring transmission issues with the 2019 Nissan Sentra, often before reaching 100,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle shaking, jerking, slow acceleration, and jumpy RPMs, with one owner noting specific issues when shifting into third gear. The problems are sometimes accompanied by a complete loss of acceleration, which in one case led to the vehicle rolling backward on an incline, indicating potential safety risks. Multiple owners describe having these issues persist over several years, with some experiencing them within the first few months of ownership. These patterns suggest potential transmission defects in vehicles manufactured during this period, which may be relevant for those considering purchasing a used model.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Sentra frequently report issues with the steering wheel controls and dashboard electronics. Common symptoms include steering wheel buttons functioning intermittently and the dashboard screen freezing, which affects Bluetooth and radio functions. Complaints often describe these issues occurring after extended driving periods, typically over an hour, and mention multiple service visits without resolution. Some owners also note the malfunction warning light and steering wheel misalignment, which they find concerning. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the recurring nature of these problems and the related safety warnings could be important for potential buyers to consider.
When Do 2019 Nissan Sentra Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Nissan Sentra Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Nissan Sentra reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Sentra have?
Is the 2019 Nissan Sentra expensive to maintain?
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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