Problems · by component
2021 Nissan Sentra forward collision avoidance problems
40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Nissan Sentra cite forward collision avoidance, 30% of all 133 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
40
30% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
What owners say about the forward collision avoidance
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, a yellow triangle warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently applied the brakes forcefully and made a sharp left turn. The vehicle then rolled over twice and landed upside down in a ditch. The driver crawled out through broken glass. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. The contact arrived at the scene and transported the driver to the hospital. The contact's son sustained lap belt bruises on the lower stomach and upper legs, a cut arm, neck, back, and rib pain, a neck contusion, and slightly forward-displaced C2 and C3 vertebrae. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, inspected, and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle might have experienced phantom braking. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that a fee was required for a third-party investigator to retrieve data from the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
“I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2021. Since then, I have experienced a very concerning safety issue on multiple occasions involving the automatic emergency braking system. While driving normally, with the vehicle operating without any apparent problems, the emergency braking system has suddenly activated and warning lights have appeared on the dashboard, even though there was no vehicle, pedestrian, object, or other obstruction in front of me that would have required emergency braking. This has happened to me several times and is extremely frightening. During the most recent incident, the vehicle behind me had to quickly go around my car to avoid rear-ending me after my vehicle unexpectedly braked. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other owners describing what appears to be the same or a very similar problem. This makes me extremely concerned that this may be a widespread safety issue with this vehicle. Fortunately, when these incidents occurred, I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH. I am very concerned about what could happen if the emergency braking system were to activate unexpectedly while traveling on the freeway at 65…”
“My 2021 Nissan Sentra has experienced multiple false Automatic Emergency Braking (phantom braking) events where the vehicle suddenly applies the brakes despite there being no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in its path. This issue occurred before and after my vehicle was serviced by AutoNation Nissan Chandler on June 12, 2026. Despite recent dealership service, the problem continues to occur. The unexpected braking creates a serious safety hazard because it can cause the vehicle to slow or stop unexpectedly in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I am also concerned that these repeated sudden braking events may be causing excessive stress or premature wear to vehicle components such as the engine mounts, suspension, and struts. Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Nissan Model: Sentra Mileage: Approximately 139,659 miles I am submitting this complaint because I believe this recurring phantom braking issue is a significant safety concern that should be investigated.”
“The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.”
“Alternator needed replacement Front windshield needed replacement Unfortunately this kicked off the malfunction warning. All Nissan can say is it’s the ADAS 2 controller. They are unable to determine part numbers. However the alternator and windshield replacement kicked off the malfunction warning.”
“Several issues since purchasing vehicle. The front collision sensor malfunction. Came to an abrupt stop several times while on the freeway due to failed sensor. Narrowly avoided major collisions. Also, have had to replace batter every year along with brakes and tires. My suspension is awful. The brakes are crap and have consistently had to address worn tires in one side. Electric panel shit off and key fob malfunctions. So many issues and so much unnecessary repairs with no real results”
Showing 6 of 40 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.