Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Nissan Sentra problems

Owners filed 380 complaints about the 2014 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between May 2014 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is power train (182).

Complaints
380
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
27
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
18
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Suspension9
  11. Seat belts6
  12. Structure5
  13. Exterior lighting5
  14. Visibility4

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201419
201528
201630
201729
201856
201966
202053
202125
202229
202314
20243
202523
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 fire4 related recalls
“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

Service brakes

33 reports7 crashes1 fire
“The tail light on the drivers rear has condensation. Therefore, my brake lights flicker. When putting the parking lights/headlights on, the power to the gas pedal is cut. RPMs go down and the car simply does not have power to accelerate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2025Service brakesODI 11668467

Electrical system

32 reports3 fires1 related recall
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. However, the seller had an LLC. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 96,642. It was later discovered that the mileage on the title was 229,347 on January 6, 2026. When the vehicle was registered in Florida, the mileage was 96,642 on February 2, 2026. The contact discovered the discrepancy from a Carfax Report.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 24, 2026Electrical systemODI 11720229

Vehicle speed control

31 reports2 crashes
“While I’m driving it starts to stall. Especially after I press on the breaks and try to press on the gas again it being ins to like jerk and not want to go. I thought it was my suspension or that it needed a wheel alignment but after paying for those to get renewed it’s still having that problem and the mechanic said it was most likely the transmission.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2025Steering, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11667987
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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