NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Nissan Sentra Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Nissan Sentra has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 170 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Nissan dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Nissan Sentra, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2005 Nissan Sentra owner complaints

Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Nissan Sentra, describing incidents dated December 21, 2004 to September 2, 2025.

Most-cited components

Engine 78 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 37 complaints
Air Bags 21 complaints
Electrical System 17 complaints
Service Brakes 12 complaints
Power Train 10 complaints

Of the 170 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 170 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11695823 · Filed October 27, 2025
I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done…
ODI #11509719 · Filed March 1, 2023
Nissan Dealer locally will not repair my vehicle as per the recall for my air bags. Have driven out of town to a Nissan dealer and they said they did not have the part in stock and could not fix it. I would like to have my car fixed before the passenger air bag EXPLODES.
ODI #11426687 · Filed July 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle revved up and accelerated without warning. The contact downshifted to slow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…

Read all 170 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Nissan Sentra mileage at failure

123 of the 170 complaints on file for the 2005 Nissan Sentra give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–110,000 miles	Based on 62 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–140,000 miles	Based on 30 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Nissan Sentra in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021
Engineering Analysis EA15-001: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since February 24, 2015
- Recall 14V-668
- Recall 15V-284
- Recall 15V-285
- Recall 15V-286
- Recall 15V-287
- Recall 15V-312
- and 188 more on the investigation page
Preliminary Evaluation PE14-016: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Closed March 2, 2015
- Recall 13V-172
- Recall 14V-428
- Recall 14V-700
- Recall 14V-763
- Recall 14V-770
- Recall 14V-787
- and 3 more on the investigation page

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Replacement Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #22E066000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported August 9, 2022 · Nissan North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 375 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 23, 2022

Defect description

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V747000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported December 1, 2020 · Nissan North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 3,930 vehicles

Repair completion: 27.25% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Nissan campaign PM964 · Owners notified January 22, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Nissan dealer immediately.

Defect description

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V008000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 9, 2020 · Nissan North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 307,962 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.81% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 12, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #15V287000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported May 15, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,090,569 vehicles

Repair completion: 39.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 15, 2015 · Vehicles built July 30, 2001 – August 26, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE/ENGINE STALL

NHTSA #07V527000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 2007 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 653,910 vehicles

Owners notified December 31, 2007 · Vehicles built July 13, 2004 – July 29, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Safety consequence

IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (06V223).CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL TANK VAPOR HOSE

NHTSA #05V269000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice

Reported June 7, 2005 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 44,000 vehicles

Owners notified August 15, 2005 · Vehicles built November 3, 2004 – March 7, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A VAPOR HOSE LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FORMED CORRECTLY DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH A FULL FUEL TANK, FUEL MAY FLOW INTO THE VAPOR HOSE, WHICH IS CONNECTED TO A VAPOR CANISTER.

Safety consequence

THE VAPOR CANISTER COULD BECOME FULL, AND EXCESS FUEL COULD SPILL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VAPOR HOSE CONNECTIONS IN THE FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF A POOR SEAL EXISTS. IF A POOR SEAL IS IDENTIFIED, A NEW FUEL TANK WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Nissan Sentra 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 2, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

170 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Nissan Sentra.

Suspension; Unknown or Other; Service Brakes

ODI #11695823

Incident: September 2, 2025 · Filed: October 27, 2025

I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done within 30-60 days of purchase. The dealer replaced the front driver side caliper and brake, but I had to replace them a second time, and the dealership also replaced the sensor that he thought needed to be replaced, but the check engine light is still on. I was driving to and from work with my grandchildren and the brakes, calipers, rotors would start to malfunction. My daughter and myself were driving when the front driver side and passenger brake hose malfunctioned. The dealership confirmed that both front calipers and brake pads needed to be replaced and he claimed to have fixed them both when he came to my house. The dealership also knew that both front brake hoses needed to be repaired and told me to have them replaced by the guy who was repairing the front passenger side caliper and brake that he allegedly fixed. The other problems were confirmed and resolved by my friends who work on cars. The front driver side brakes started to make a squeaking noise on September 2nd 2025 and I took the vehicle to my friend who works on cars. and he stated that the front passenger side brakes and caliper was not functioning properly. The car has not been inspected by anyone. The check engine light was on when I purchased the vehicle. The dealership worker, Wesley, stated that the check engine light might be related to the car needing a new gas cap. Wesley also stated prior to me purchasing the car that the car runs good, "I only need to change both brake pads and calipers". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags

ODI #11509719

Incident: March 1, 2023 · Filed: March 1, 2023

Nissan Dealer locally will not repair my vehicle as per the recall for my air bags. Have driven out of town to a Nissan dealer and they said they did not have the part in stock and could not fix it. I would like to have my car fixed before the passenger air bag EXPLODES.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11426687

Incident: July 18, 2021 · Filed: July 27, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle revved up and accelerated without warning. The contact downshifted to slow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11425136

Incident: July 16, 2021 · Filed: July 16, 2021

I had an appointment for 10am I called ahead to confirm the estimated amount of time I was told it would take 2-4 hours. When I arrived they refused to service my vehicle they claimed they we're busy and refused to service my recall and treated me like a nuisance and with little respect. I spoke to the Nissan representative of San Leandro on Marina Blvd.

Air Bags

ODI #11414660

Crash Fire 2 injuries

Incident: January 20, 2021 · Filed: April 30, 2021

I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR BUT HAD STOPPED TO LET TRAFFIC BY (IN A TURN LANE) WHEN AN ONCOMING TRUCK BARRELLED TOWARD ME & HIT ME HEAD-ON, GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. HIS TRUCK BENT IN THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY SENTRA BUT MY NEITHER MY DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF TO PROTECT ME & MY DAUGHTER! THERE IS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS, CITING THEY COULD ERUPT & ARE DANGEROUS, SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S GOOD OR BAD THAT THEY DIDN'T DEPLOY?? WE WERE STOPPED & STILL IN A TURN LANE ON A CITY STREET. MY CAR WAS TOTALLED & WRECKER GOT IT. FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS SENT TO SALVAGE/AUCTION COMPANY. I AM DISABLED &CAN'T UPLOAD PICTURES ETC BUT CAN SEND YOU EMAIL W OF MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER & POLICE REPORT IF YOU TELL WHERE TO SEND IT. BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THINGS, ETC. I JUST THINK THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT DIDN'T. HOWEVER I HADN'T BEEN ABLE TO TAKE CAR IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL YET, AS TOLD TO DO BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT.

Engine

ODI #11407138

Incident: February 9, 2021 · Filed: April 8, 2021

DO NOT PASS SMOG. UNKNOWN REASON.

Engine

ODI #11397360

Incident: February 21, 2021 · Filed: February 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER NISSAN OF VACAVILLE (671 ORANGE DR, VACAVILLE, CA 95687, (707) 474-4846) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V527000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDING IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11318504

Incident: February 25, 2020 · Filed: March 17, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V008000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED DUBLIN NISSAN LOCATED AT 2046 VETERANS BLVD, DUBLIN, GA 31021 EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags; Seat Belts; Service Brakes

ODI #11257476

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: September 23, 2019 · Filed: September 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH SHE AND THE PASSENGER HEADS COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS TO THE HEAD AND BACK PAINS. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD, NECK AND BACK PAINS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE OTHER VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS AWAITING INSPECTION BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS) AT FONTANA NISSAN (16444 S HIGHLAND AVE, FONTANA, CA 92336 (909) 574-2288) SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS AFTER THE COLLISON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11255696

Incident: September 13, 2019 · Filed: September 16, 2019

I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND THEY SAID IT HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET.THEY ALSO SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $2500 AND THIS CAR ONLY HAS 64000 MILES ON IT.THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 NISSAN SENTRA 1.8 ENGINE.

Other Nissan Sentra model years

Check your 2005 Nissan Sentra VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Nissan Sentra at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Nissan VIN