NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
The 2022 Nissan Sentra scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 80 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Nissan Sentra earned an overall five-star crash rating from NHTSA, a key factor in its Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index score of 91/100. This compact sedan further benefits from standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims.
The 2022 Nissan Sentra received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Nissan Sentra ranks 42 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 80 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 42 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Sentra?
The 2022 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Sentra in safety terms. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed five points to 91/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band that the 2021 model occupied into the Exceptional band. That gain was driven largely by crash protection, which scored 65 out of a possible 70 points, supported by a perfect 10/10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year. The defect record component contributed 15.5 out of 20, accounting for the two recall campaigns issued. Those two recalls, one addressing potential tie rod bending across 2020-2022 Sentras and one addressing a cowl-area sealing issue unique to the 2022 model year, are the defining defect story for this vintage. The 80 owner complaints on file, with steering and electrical system allegations leading the count, are worth monitoring but do not by themselves alter the overall safety picture established by the federal crash-test data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Sentra achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a strong performance driven by its perfect scores in side and rollover protection. The rollover risk was assessed at a low 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming "No Tip." Frontal crash protection earned four out of five stars, presenting the sole exception to an otherwise top-tier evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16803
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Two recalls were issued for the 2022 Sentra. The first targets the tie rod assembly: the left and/or right tie rod may bend, a steering-linkage concern shared with 2020-2021 Sentra models. The second is specific to 2022 Sentra vehicles and involves the body structure, specifically a missing or improper seal in the driver-side cowl area. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data.
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
STRUCTURE:BODY23V421000
Risk: Corrosion of the electrical components could result in failure of various electrical systems, such as loss of wiper motor function or exterior lighting, inoperative air bags, or the ability to shift into gear without applying the brake pedal. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short-circuit may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reseal the driver's side cowl. If moisture or corrosion is found, the main harness and engine room harness will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2023-06-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Nissan Sentra?
Eighty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged reports of one crash and eight injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering with 31 reports, followed by the Electrical System with 24, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 13. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations.
80 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Sentra?
The 2022 Sentra's recall record warrants careful attention from prospective owners. Two distinct recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. Before purchasing, it is imperative to verify the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to ascertain if either or both campaigns remain open for a specific vehicle. Written confirmation from a Nissan dealership, detailing the completion of all applicable recall repairs, is strongly advised.
- The 2022 Sentra is the specific model year subject to a cowl-area body structure recall involving a missing or improper seal, a campaign that does not extend to 2020 or 2021 Sentras.
- The tie rod assembly recall covers 2020 through 2022 Sentras, meaning a used 2022 example may share an unresolved steering-linkage remedy with older model years in the same generation.
- The Safety Index jumped five points year-over-year from 86 in 2021 to 91 in 2022, the single largest driver being the crash protection sub-score of 65/70 tied to the NHTSA five-star overall rating.
- Forward collision avoidance is among the top complaint categories with 13 unverified allegations, a notable detail given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Sentra places
The 2022 Nissan Sentra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Nissan Sentra safety questions
Was the 2022 Nissan Sentra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Sentra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Nissan Sentra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Sentra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Sentra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Nissan Sentra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 80 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16803), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Sentra 2022.
- 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 42 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.