Is the 2021 Nissan SENTRA reliable?

The 2021 Nissan SENTRA has 209 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan SENTRA?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (47 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (39 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (38 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Nissan SENTRA?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Nissan SENTRA?

The 2021 Nissan SENTRA gets 33 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1455. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Nissan SENTRA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Nissan SENTRA is approximately $1,733/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Nissan SENTRA

Q: Is the 2021 Nissan SENTRA often stolen?

The Nissan SENTRA was the #21 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 4,800 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Nissan SENTRA has 209 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 285. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving at 55 mph this morning while taking my child to the bus stop when the emergency braking system kicked on out of nowhere almost causing me to lose control of the car. there were no vehicles in front of me or any obstruction that would have caused this to occur. the recall for the blind . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 22 crash reports 17 injuries

209

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

47 complaints

22%

• I was driving at 55 mph this morning while taking my child to the bus stop when the emergency braking system kicked on out of nowhere almost causing me to lose control of the car. There were no vehicles in front of me or any obstruction that would have caused this to occur. The recall for the blind
• 10/5/21-FIRST NOTICED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHILE BACKING UP VEH. WARNING SIGNAL GOING OFF SHOWING DRIVER SIDE REAR NOTHING BEHIND ME AT THE TIME ALL CLEAR FIGURED IT WAS JUST ? I REVERSED ANYWAY AND TOOK OFF TO STORE WHILE ON MY WAY HOME AROUND 2:30ISH WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30-40MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY AC
• My car has been hacked. I know the hacker was able to get my VIN number bec he hacked my computer also (and I had to enter the information to setup autopay etc through my finance company). The hacker has been messing with the brakes which makes me afraid that it will force me into an accident. He

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“I was driving at 55 mph this morning while taking my child to the bus stop when the emergency braking system kicked on out of nowhere almost causing me to lose control of the car. There were no vehicles in front of me or any obstruction that would have caused this to occur. The recall for the blind ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Nissan SENTRA

Based on 27 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY17/06/2021

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.

Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.

Above-average theft risk

#21 most stolen in 2025

The Nissan SENTRA was the #21 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,800 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Common budget sedan

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Nissan SENTRA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,455

Per month

$121

Per mile

12.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,231/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Nissan SENTRA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,733

Full coverage / month

$144

Liability only / year

$601

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1733

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan SENTRA Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2021 SENTRA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 209 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I was driving at 55 mph this morning while taking my child to the bus stop when the emergency braking system kicked on out of nowhere almost causing me to lose control of the car. There were no vehicles in front of me or any obstruction that would have caused this to occur. The recall for the blind
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated their daughter was driving at 30 mph, when the driver was merging into a lane when the driver heard an unidentified noise and lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags did deploy. The driver had a laceratio
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Car will not start. Unexplained battery depletion. Trunk will not close when car is not on. Awful customer service at ORR Nissan in Shreveport Louisiana Address: 1240 E Bert Kouns, Shreveport Louisiana, 71105 Their entire operations need to be shut down. Bunch of incompetent druggies.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: My car has been hacked. I know the hacker was able to get my VIN number bec he hacked my computer also (and I had to enter the information to setup autopay etc through my finance company). The hacker has been messing with the brakes which makes me afraid that it will force me into an accident. He
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)