NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Sentra scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 127 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Sentra achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This assessment reflects its capable performance in crash testing and a comprehensive array of standard crash avoidance technologies. However, the Sentra's defect record prevents it from reaching the highest tier of safety scores.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Sentra ranks 56 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 127 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
The 2021 Sentra holds an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This top federal crash-test rating is a headline strength for the model year. The car's NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 reflects this, placing it within the Strong band and marking a two-point increase from the 2020 model's 84. This incremental gain derives from robust crash protection, scoring 65 out of a possible 70 points. Avoidance technology also received a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all equipped as standard features. However, the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 pulled the overall index down. This score reflects three recall campaigns and 127 reported owner complaints. Two separate recalls, one in 2021 and another in 2023, specifically addressed the steering linkage tie rods, indicating a persistent concern with this component across multiple campaign cycles for the generation. Furthermore, while the forward collision avoidance system earned full credit for avoidance technology, it is also the subject of 36 unverified owner complaints, making it the third most frequently cited component in owner allegations. This discrepancy warrants consideration when assessing real-world system confidence.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Sentra achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, a strong performance driven by its side and rollover protection. Both of these categories earned 5 stars, with the Sentra exhibiting a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip in testing. Its frontal protection rating of 4 out of 5 stars was the single factor preventing a perfect individual star rating across all assessed categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15524
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2021 Sentra. Two address the tie rod assembly, where the left or right tie rod may be bent or may bend, a steering-linkage concern. A third campaign covers a back-over prevention camera harness that can fail. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
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
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 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Owners have filed 127 unverified allegations with NHTSA for the 2021 Sentra. The most frequently reported components are Steering (39 reports), Electrical System (38), and Forward Collision Avoidance (36), followed by Service Brakes (23). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
127 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
Three recall campaigns affect the 2021 Nissan Sentra, two addressing the tie rod assembly and one concerning the backup camera harness. Used car buyers should always verify open recall status via the VIN with a Nissan dealer; this is especially important for the 2021 Sentra.
- Two separate NHTSA recall campaigns target the 2021 Sentra's tie rod assembly, one from 2021 and a follow-on from 2023, making steering-linkage remedy verification a priority for any used-market purchase.
- The forward collision avoidance system earned the full 10-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score, yet it is also the third most alleged problem component with 36 unverified owner reports to NHTSA, a notable contrast within this specific model year.
- The 2021 index of 86 represents a two-point gain over the 2020 Sentra's 84, but the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the single largest gap between this vehicle's performance and a higher tier.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment for this model year recorded a 10 percent risk and a no-tip result on the dynamic test, contributing to the 5-star rollover rating that anchors the vehicle's overall 5-star score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Sentra places
The 2021 Nissan Sentra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Sentra safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Sentra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Sentra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2021 Nissan Sentra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Sentra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Sentra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 127 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15524), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Sentra 2021.
- 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 56 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.