Nissan · Known Issues
2021 Nissan Sentra Problems: 4 Known Issues
2021 model year · 3,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2021 model year · 3,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E) ($300-$5,000 repair), Tie Rod Bending and Fracture Risk (Recall PM985 / 23V581) and Forward Emergency Braking (AEB) Phantom Activation ($600-$1,400 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E) with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Sentra vehicles. The driver's side cowl area may have a missing or improper seal, which can allow water to leak inside the vehicle and corrode electrical components.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E), Tie Rod Bending and Fracture Risk (Recall PM985 / 23V581), Forward Emergency Braking (AEB) Phantom Activation. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra has 4 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E) and Tie Rod Bending and Fracture Risk (Recall PM985 / 23V581) and Forward Emergency Braking (AEB) Phantom Activation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Sentra issues range from $300 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E), typically costs $300-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 2013-2021 Sentra uses the Jatco CVT7 (JF015E) transmission which is prone to premature failure, shuddering, and overheating. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles under Customer Service Initiative P8242. The transmission can fail as early as 60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $300-$5,000. Severity: high.
NHTSA 23V-581 covers 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles whose left and/or right tie rod can deform after high input such as a curb impact. A bent tie rod can cause an off-center steering wheel or vibration and may fracture, producing partial loss of steering control. The campaign replaces… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Sentras equipped with Nissan's Forward Emergency Braking / Automatic Emergency Braking apply the brakes hard for non-existent obstacles ('phantom braking'). The Bosch radar module behind the front grille (sensor assembly p/n 28438-5UD0A) produces false positives, frequently trigg… Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: high.
The B17 and B18 Sentra with the MR20DD engine is prone to premature catalytic converter failure, often before 100,000 miles. The converter substrate breaks down, triggering P0420 efficiency codes. Contributing factors include the direct injection engine's tendency to produce more… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.