2020 Nissan Sentra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Nissan Sentra, 2% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After purchasing the 2020 Nissan Sentra. I noticed the LED headlights were not bright at projecting on the road correctly. Compared to traditional bulbs and other sedans of year 2020 models. I complained to Nissan was told that it was a recall for the left headlight due to misalignment. After they replaced it, they both were not aligned. Took it back to the dealership to mention it. They could not perform any tests because it daylight and told me that there is no way since the dealer hours are in daylight hours and to self diagnose and correct it myself showing my how to align it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396140, filed 2021-02, 1,275 miles“During the day when raining or snowing & windshield wipers are used, headlights are supposed to come on automatically after several wipers swishes. I'm having to turn the headlights on manually (state law lights must be on when wipers on). There's no consumer note that says 2020 Sentra is exempted from this. I believe they put wrong module in all new models & it doesn't function properly, so instead of a recall they just tell everyone they're not supposed to have that particular feature. Most drivers won't realize they don't have it. It was perfect storm of events for me to discover. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413564, filed 2021-04, 6,000 miles“Extremely poor lighting condition. It only illuminates approximately 10 feet ahead. Would have to manually use high beams to make night time driving even possible. Extremely poor design and not even sure how it passed safety tests and ratings. I have been warning Nissan since I purchased the car. Now I have learned that the 2021 is improved because of this major defect. This will definitely cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11417550, filed 2021-05“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the word Malfunction was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11599299, filed 2024-07, 41,000 miles“When headlights are set to automatic they do not come on when running the wipers. The only way to get them on when raining is to manually select them. The owners manual states that they should turn own automatically with wipers.”
NHTSA complaint #11546055, filed 2023-09Related recalls
- 22V244000Apr 13, 2022Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned…Covers: Nissan Sentra 2020
Related service bulletins
- 10235698Apr 5, 2023HEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10185478Dec 22, 2020Fog Lamp Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Campaign Summary: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Body Control Module (BCM) on certain 2020 model…
- 10185474Dec 21, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BCM REPROGRAM TO DISABLE FOG LAMP OPERATION DURING HIGH BEAM OPERATION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 28 | 13% |
| 2018 | 15 | 8% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 4% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2020 Nissan Sentra
60 complaintsSteering
55 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsLane departure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology