NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Sentra scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 200 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Sentra achieved an 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, positioning it in the Strong band. This score represents a notable 6-point increase over the 2019 model, primarily due to improvements in its NHTSA crash-test performance. However, four open recall campaigns are on record for this model year, which prospective owners should review.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Sentra ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 200 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
The 2020 Sentra marks a meaningful safety inflection point for this nameplate. The NHTSA Safety Index jumped from 78 in 2019 to 84 in 2020, a 6-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. The crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 anchors that improvement, reflecting the 5-star overall NHTSA result. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, though the absence of lane departure warning as standard equipment holds that component back. The defect-record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 is the softest segment of the index, consistent with four recall campaigns that accumulated across three separate calendar windows. Two of those campaigns target tie rod integrity, a steering-critical component, and the complaint data shows Steering as the second-highest alleged problem area with 53 unverified reports. The 200 total complaints, including 8 alleged crash events and 2 alleged injuries, underscore why the defect-record score trails the otherwise strong crash-protection result. For a used-market vehicle now six years old, the gap between excellent crash-test stars and a middling defect sub-score is the defining tension of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Sentra achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for side and rollover protection, with a commendably low 10 percent rollover risk and a "no-tip" dynamic test result. This strong performance contributed to an overall 5 out of 5 star rating from NHTSA. Frontal protection, while still solid, was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, marking the single area where the vehicle did not reach the maximum rating in crash testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14493
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2020 Sentra. Two address tie rod assembly bending in the steering linkage. A third targets potential right-hand LED headlight misaim on LED-equipped trims. A fourth involves possible camera harness damage that could impair the backup camera system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but all four campaigns remain worth verifying by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this r
Reported 2023-09-08
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY23V581000
Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport assistance if they are experiencing an off-center steering wheel or vibration. As an interim repair, dealers will inspect and replace any bent or broken tie rods, free of charge. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may
Reported 2023-08-15
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS22V244000
Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-hand headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R20B4.
Reported 2022-04-13
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V461000
Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.
Reported 2021-06-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Owners have filed 200 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 60 reports and Steering with 53, followed by Electrical System at 42. Those are consumer allegations only and have not been independently verified.
200 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Sentra must prioritize recall remediation. Four campaigns have been issued, with tie rod and camera harness repairs being particularly critical. Verifying completion of these safety-related fixes via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool is an essential pre-purchase step.
- The 2020 model year is the first Sentra generation to earn a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, making this year a distinct upgrade over the prior generation in crash protection.
- Two separate tie rod recall campaigns cover the 2020 Sentra, one issued in 2021 and a second in 2023, meaning some vehicles may have received only the earlier remedy and still require the later repair.
- Forward Collision Avoidance tops the complaint list with 60 unverified NHTSA reports, a pattern that aligns with the backup camera recall and warrants a hands-on check of all active safety features before finalizing a purchase.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on the 2020 Sentra, which directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 and is a year-specific gap buyers should factor into any trim-level comparison.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Sentra places
The 2020 Nissan Sentra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Sentra safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Sentra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Sentra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Nissan Sentra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Sentra earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Sentra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 200 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Sentra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sentra years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14493), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Sentra 2020.
- 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 67 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.