MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Nissan Sentra

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Nissan Sentra

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

4Recalls
25Complaints
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 2025 Nissan Sentra earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • 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 9.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20742

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record12.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT26V410000

Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a driveshaft that is not fully engaged can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA68. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 30,

Reported 2026-06-26

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH26V023000

Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.

Reported 2026-01-21

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD25V807000

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA58. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 21, 2025.

Reported 2025-11-21

SEATS25V153000

Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's side lower seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA45.

Reported 2025-03-11

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

5reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 5Tires 4Engine 4Seat Belts 3Power Train 3Electrical System 3

Other Sentra years

Rivals in Sedan (2025)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20742), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Nissan Sentra 2025. Class rank 58 of 90 in Sedan 2025. Methodology · Disclosure