MODEL
Nissan Sentra Safety
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Sentra model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Nissan Sentra we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 78. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan aimed squarely at budget-conscious commuters and first-time buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient car without a premium price tag. Competing in one of the most crowded segments in the American market, the Sentra has undergone a significant generational refresh that brought updated styling and a more composed driving character, making it a genuine contender for shoppers prioritizing everyday value and safety.
The 2023 Sentra achieves an Exceptional rating with a Safety Index score of 93 out of 100, marking a high point for the nameplate within the 2019 to 2025 model years. This model year demonstrates strong performance in crash testing, earning 5 out of 5 stars for both side impact and rollover protection. Frontal crash protection, however, received 4 out of 5 stars, a result that stands out when compared to compact class competitors that have achieved full marks in all categories. Across the seven model years examined, the Sentra has accumulated 18 recalls. While not catastrophic for a mainstream sedan, this figure warrants scrutiny from prospective buyers, who should confirm the completion status of any open recalls via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Owner complaints total 699 over the same period, with 50 alleged crash incidents and 45 reported injuries. No fatalities have been reported in this dataset. The volume of complaints is not alarming for a vehicle of this sales volume, but the injury-related figures underscore the necessity of verifying recall remedies.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Sentra as a competent, sensibly priced compact sedan that punches above its weight in interior refinement and everyday usability for the segment. Most acknowledge it is not a driver's car, but they tend to appreciate its composed ride and improved cabin quality in the post-refresh generations. Safety technology availability on higher trims earns consistent praise.
- Safety scores vary meaningfully by model year: the 2023 Sentra reached a 93 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Exceptional band, but other years in the 2019 to 2025 range land in the Strong or Average bands, so confirm the specific year's rating before buying.
- The Sentra earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side-impact and rollover crash testing, but frontal protection scores 4 out of 5, which is a gap worth considering if highway commuting or head-on risk scenarios are a priority for your household.
- Eighteen recalls across seven model years is a higher-than-ideal count for a mainstream compact. Always run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm that all open recalls have been completed before purchase.
- Owner complaints include 50 alleged crash incidents and 45 reported injuries across the covered years. These are unverified allegations, but the numbers are a reminder to review the complaint database for your specific model year to spot any patterns relevant to your decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Nissan Sentra with 4 recalls.