MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Nissan Sentra

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Nissan Sentra

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
219Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE NISSAN SENTRA

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.

VERDICT

The 2019 Nissan Sentra earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13418

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record12/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

219 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

16reported crash
1reported fire
18reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 63Power Train 54Unknown Or Other 43Service Brakes 38Forward Collision Avoidance 34Exterior Lighting 28

Other Sentra years

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13418), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Nissan Sentra 2019. Class rank 89 of 119 in Sedan 2019. Methodology · Disclosure