Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Nissan SentraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 380 owner complaints for the 2014 Nissan Sentra. Most complaints involve power train (182) and engine (62). The EPA rates it 30–33 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
30–33mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Apr 2017
Owner complaints
380
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

Air bagsReported Apr 13, 2017NHTSA 17V253000

Air bags: occupant classification

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to incorrectly classify the installed CRS, resulting in the front passenger air bag to not be turned off as designed when a CRS is in the seat.

Air bagsReported Apr 26, 2016NHTSA 16V242000

Air bags: occupant classification

Remedy pending

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Air bagsReported Apr 26, 2016NHTSA 16V244000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

380 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2014 – Jul 2026
  1. Power train182
  2. Engine62
  3. Air bags51
  4. Service brakes33
  5. Electrical system32
  6. Vehicle speed control31
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)14
  8. Fuel/propulsion system12
  9. Steering9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sentra model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2000171
2001245
2002333
2003180
2004197
2005170
2006116
2007154
2008167
200955
2010144
2011142
2012180
2013638
2014380
2015352
2016270
2017231
2018185
2019223
2020207
2021133
202281
202320
202441
202531
202619
Crashes reported
27
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
18
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

182 reports3 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a mass air flow sensor failure under DTC: P0101. The contact was informed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the RPM became elevated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the ECM software needed to be recalibrated. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2026Power trainODI 11709350

Engine

62 reports1 crash2 fires
“While driving, I noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. Within moments, flames appeared in the engine area and spread quickly, causing severe damage to the front portion of the car including the engine, electrical system, and body. No warning lamps, error messages, or unusual behavior were observed prior to the incident. The fire started suddenly without any indication of mechanical or electrical issues. My safety and the safety of others nearby were put at risk as the fire escalated rapidly. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by the manufacturer or dealer yet, but the vehicle was completely disabled and is no longer operable due to the fire damage. Cause of the fire is UNKNOWN at this time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2025Electrical system, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 11683904

Air bags

51 reports15 crashes1 fire
“On 6/22/25, I was in a side-impact collision while turning into a gas station. A driver waved me through, but another car came rushing through the outer lane and hit the front passenger side of my 2014 Nissan Sentra. The impact caused serious damage, but none of the airbags deployed. There were no warning lights before or after. My hip hit the emergency brake during the collision. I felt okay at first, but I’m starting to notice some discomfort now. I also have scoliosis, which makes even small impacts something I have to watch closely. My VIN shows no recalls, but I’ve found this model has had known airbag issues. I’m reporting this as a serious safety failure. If this had happened at higher speeds, it could’ve been fatal.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2025Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11668512
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sentra
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
303833$1,950268
Sentra FE
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
303833$1,950265
Sentra
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, California emission control system · Front-Wheel Drive
293732$2,000274
Sentra
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273530$2,150298
  • Sentra
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    30 city · 38 hwy · $1,950/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
  • Sentra FE
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    30 city · 38 hwy · $1,950/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
  • Sentra
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, California emission control system
    29 city · 37 hwy · $2,000/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Sentra
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
12.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 8094
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Sentra questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Nissan Sentra have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Nissan Sentra problems?

Owners filed 380 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (182), engine (62), air bags (51). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Nissan Sentra get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Nissan Sentra at 30–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Nissan Sentra?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Nissan Sentra 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026