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2019 Nissan Sentra: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 221 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2021

2
recalls
221
owner complaints
1
fire reports
38,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingOne of the most complained-about Sentra years (#5 of 37, age-adjusted)Weak spot: power train (24%)1 fire reportProblems reported early (median 38,000 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 221 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)24% · 44 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)20% · 37 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)12% · 22 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)11% · 21 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)8% · 15 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)5% · 9 complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 78,129. It was later discovered from a Carfax Report that the mileage was 86,239.Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2026
Drivers side Door Lock Actuator could not open the door from the inside handle or outside handle. In 2025 I replaced the part, Feb 2026 had to take the car to the dealership because could not open the door again. Dealership told me the Actuator failed internally. The part was only looked at by the dealership. There were no warning lamp, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
Odometer Fraud. The contact was attempting to purchase a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was advertised for sale by a local dealer on Facebook Marketplace with a photo of the odometer reading of 72,000 miles. After obtaining a Carfax report for the vehicle, the contact discovered that the mileage was 196,000.Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2026
Recently, purchased this vehicle for my daughter & on her 2nd day driving it, a warning indicator light with a yellow triangle around an exclamation symbol & malfunction, see owner's manual message. We hade it checked by the purchased dealer who stated that it was probably a faulty sensor that the rain/moisture may be the problem. The owner's manual said this could be a braking/traction warning issue. This warning has happen a few times when it rains & we are concern it may effect steering or stopping during a emergency. Has there been any other complaints or alerts on this issue?Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
No warner went out to head to work. Car moved very rough. Stopped parked car. Had car towed to a mechanic to be told Transmission was shot. 102,000 milesOwner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
Transmission actively failing. Transmission flush was done at dealership and car began jerking when accelerating and shifting gears. When the transmission flush was done, they did a multipoint inspection and said everything was clear. No lights have come on.Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
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. I am having difficult time getting it fixed. The mechanic is having difficulty fixing the safety problem. He believes its a nissan defectOwner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle stalled. The message to see "Owner's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,145.Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2025
Transmission is slipping when trying to go up hills. Also crash detection sensor malfunction and these items need recalled. Especially the transmission when I see I'm not the only complaint.Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025

When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000 · Sep 2019

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."

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH21V135000 · Mar 2021

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.

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2019 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines1.6L · 1.8L
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact Sentra by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Nissan Sentra reliable?

NHTSA has 221 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2019 Nissan Sentra problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 38,000 miles or less.

Does the 2019 Nissan Sentra have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning back over prevention: sensing system: camera. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.