NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
The 2019 Nissan Sentra scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 219 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Nissan Sentra achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, landing it in the Average band. While its crash protection scores are solid, the vehicle is hampered by a weak avoidance technology score and a modest defect record, preventing a stronger overall safety rating.
The 2019 Nissan Sentra holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Sentra ranks 89 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 219 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 89 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
The 2019 Nissan Sentra achieves an Average band result in MotorCaliber's analysis, with a Safety Index of 78 out of 100. This score is significantly bolstered by its strong crash protection, which contributes 61 out of 70 points. The Sentra earned a 5-star rating for side impact protection, alongside consistent 4-star ratings in both frontal crash and rollover resistance tests. Where the 2019 Sentra demonstrably loses ground is in its avoidance technology. It scores only 4.5 out of a possible 10 in this category. The inclusion of forward collision warning as an optional feature, rather than standard, and the complete absence of lane departure warning, place this model year behind many segment competitors that had already standardized such systems. The defect record also impacts the overall score, earning 12 out of 20 points. This reflects two recall campaigns impacting the 2019 Sentra. One recall addresses the brake light switch, affecting four model years of Sentra vehicles. The second recall is a broader campaign across the 2018-2019 Nissan lineup, concerning camera-based back-over prevention systems. The 219 owner complaints reported to NHTSA, primarily citing electrical and powertrain issues, further inform this defect assessment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Nissan Sentra achieves a 4 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both registered 4 out of 5 stars, with the latter reflecting a 12 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic tip test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13418
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Sentra. The first targets the brake light switch, which may become contaminated, potentially affecting brake signal output. The second addresses the back-over prevention camera system across a broad range of 2018-2019 Nissan models. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH21V135000
Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Reported 2021-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
A total of 219 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including alleged 16 crashes and 18 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Electrical System, Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Exterior Lighting.
219 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
The 2019 Sentra presents a critical safety concern regarding two active recalls. One addresses a brake light switch malfunction, the other a back-over camera defect. Buyers of used models are responsible for ensuring these recalls have been remedied; the VIN should be checked against the NHTSA database.
- The 2019 Sentra's side-impact rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the single strongest crash-test result for this model year, while frontal and rollover both landed at 4 stars.
- Two active recall campaigns specifically cover this model year: one for a potentially contaminated brake light switch and one for the back-over prevention camera system shared across multiple 2018-2019 Nissan models.
- Forward collision warning was only optional on this model year, and lane departure warning was not available, contributing to a low avoidance technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 in the Safety Index.
- A total of 219 unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Electrical System and Power Train allegations appearing most frequently among reported concerns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Sentra places
The 2019 Nissan Sentra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Nissan Sentra safety questions
Was the 2019 Nissan Sentra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Sentra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Nissan Sentra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Sentra earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Sentra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 219 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Sentra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sentra years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13418), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Sentra 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 89 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.