2020 Nissan Sentra Problems & Complaints - The Lemon Law Experts (2024)

Legally reviewed by:Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

One of Nissan’s more popular models, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is a sedan-sized vehicle with many of the niceties that modern vehicles typically offer.

However, no vehicle is perfect, and the 2020 Nissan Sentra is no exception. Consumers have reported experiencing a number of problems with their vehicles and have put these reports online for others to read and learn from.

This article will summarize those reports and provide a short summary of the most common problems so that you can be better informed about the 2020 Nissan Sentra.

Then, we will provide a step-by-step summary of the lemon law process so that you can be compensated for purchasing a defective warrantied vehicle!

Common 2020 Nissan Sentra Problems

• Forward Collision Avoidance Issues: Unexpected and unwanted emergency brake activation, faulty sensors, false reports of vehicles
• Electrical System Issues: Faulty door and window locks, radio randomly turns on and off, infotainment screen flickers, rearview camera shuts off
• Suspension Problems: Tie rod snapping
• Steering Problems: Total steering failure, steering wheel vibration, vehicle shuddering while driving, tie rod problems

2020 Nissan Sentra Collision Avoidance Issues

Plaguing many of Nissan’s newer vehicles are problems with the collision avoidance system. This system includes things like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and cruise control, and generally functions (when working properly) to prevent collisions in the front of the vehicle by detecting other vehicles and applying the brakes accordingly.

When this system malfunctions, consumers report sudden and unexpected braking and general false reports of vehicles being in front of the Nissan Sentra. These issues can be dangerous and should result in a trip to an authorized repair center if they are discovered by a consumer.

2020 Nissan Sentra Electrical Issues

Almost all modern cars house a collection of electronic systems that are responsible for controlling many processes around the vehicle. Consumers typically interface with many of these processes and systems, including the infotainment system and the cars and windows of the vehicle.

In the case of the 2020 Nissan Sentra, consumers report the infotainment system screen having problems with staying on, and the rearview camera (displayed on this screen) turning off randomly. Many consumers also report the vehicle doors randomly locking and either trapping passengers in the vehicle or keeping them out of it.

Nissan issued a recall in September 2023 for their rearview cameras not displaying an image. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall ID is 23V628000, and the remedy is inspection and replacement, if necessary, by an authorized dealer.

2020 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems

Steering problems are some of the most dangerous a vehicle can experience because they so severely impact the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.

In the 2020 Nissan Sentra, consumers report the steering system having problems like vibrating, shuddering while driving, and total steering failure. The latter issue is likely caused by faulty tie rods, which are the pieces that allow the vehicle to be steered in the first place.

Nissan has issued a recall for these tie rods twice, first in June 2021 and then again in August 2023. The remedy for this problem is inspection and replacement, and the NHTSA Recall IDs are 21V461000 and 23V581000 respectively.

Example Complaints from Real Nissan Sentra Owners

• NHTSA Complaint

“On a few occasions, while driving, the forward collision warning came on causing the car to automatically brake when there were no cars in front of or around the car. Brought the car to dealer and was quoted $2057.50. After that, all 4 automatic door locks stopped working. Brought car to dealer again and was quoted $1375.00 to replace the door actuators for a grand total of $3658.78. Nissan consumer affairs was called and they said they would only cover 50% of the repairs. These items are huge safety issues and Nissan should cover the entire bill.”

• Cars.com Complaint

“I went from a Honda Civic to a 2020 Sentra and I wish I hadn’t. I live in Nova Scotia and the backup camera is exposed so I can barely use it as the lens is always dirty. Even when the camera lens is clean the view is not nearly as clear as the view I have with my 2020 Ford Ranger. The sensors go off without reason and lock the brakes up and sometimes the radio won’t even turn on. The car is beautiful to look at, inside and out, but I’ll definitely not be buying another. My Step Daughter bought a 2020 Civic a week after I bought my Sentra and she got much more value for the money than I did and we paid the same price!!”

• Kelley Blue Book Complaint

“Where do I start? I bought this car thinking yes I have a brand new car that I can drive out of town whenever I want. NOPE! Not the case, I’m actually nervous. The noise coming from the engine when driving that you try to drown out with your music, so you won’t be annoyed. The features of the backup sensors are the worse. Mind you I only have 21000 miles and I have been to the dealership already for 3 different sensors that have gone bad. Note: If any one of your backup sensors goes out for any apparent reason, you will not be able to back up and THIS IS A BIG INCONVIENCE. I have driven down the highway, yes the highway with nothing in front of me, and the front sensor stopped my car while driving. This car can be very dangerous stopping you in the middle of driving. I can keep going, but WHY?”

How the Lemon Law Could Help with Your 2020 Nissan Sentra Issues

The lemon law in California offers a way for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles that have been repeatedly repaired under the manufacturer’s original warranty to receive compensation, either through a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Under California law, your reasonable attorney’s fees and costs will be covered if you win the lemon law case, so the legal representation comes at no cost to you.

The lemon law process starts when you discover a defect in your vehicle and take it to an authorized manufacturer dealer for repairs. It’s important to document this repair and keep organized records of all subsequent repairs.

If the defect persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts (usually between two and four), the vehicle is likely considered a lemon.

Once you determine your vehicle is likely a lemon, you should consider to hire a lemon law attorney who will begin your lemon law claim. While hiring a lemon law attorney is not mandatory, it is highly beneficial.

An experienced attorney can help you organize your documentation, negotiate with the manufacturer, keep track of deadlines, and represent you in court if you choose to take that route.

If the manufacturer agrees that your vehicle is a lemon, you will receive either a refund or a replacement. A refund includes the reimbursem*nt of all the money you spent on the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and interest, and sometimes incidental fees like rental car costs and the registration renewal.

A replacement involves receiving a vehicle of similar make and model, often a current model year car, though not necessarily. In either case, a usage fee is deducted, representing the time the vehicle was driven without problems that lead it to be a lemon.

Work with a California Lemon Law Lawyer

If you have been experiencing problems with your 2020 Nissan Sentra, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help! Lemon law claims, like other legal claims, can quickly become stressful and overwhelming without knowing where to go or what to do.

Hiring one of our skilled lemon law lawyers arms you with a strong advocate and source of legal guidance.

We will assist you in organizing and bringing your claim, giving you the best chance at receiving compensation for your defective vehicle.

Join our thousands of satisfied clients today by contacting us for a free case evaluation! Call today at (877) 885-5366 or fill out a form online to be contacted!