Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Nissan Sentra
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $19,553–$24,325, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Sentra sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2020 Nissan Sentra sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2020 Nissan Sentra ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $19,553 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 29%.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Sentra Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Nissan Sentra scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.2 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Nissan Sentra (4 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Steering / Linkages / Tie rod assembly 17/06/2021 · 21V461000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Sentra vehicles, equipped with LED headlights. The right-hand headlight aim may be misaligned. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
Steering / Linkages / Tie rod assembly 15/08/2023 · 23V581000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 08/09/2023 · 23V628000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Nissan Sentra that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Nissan Sentra
Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra reliable?
We rate the 2020 Nissan Sentra's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Sentra cost?
The 2020 Nissan Sentra starts at $19,553 and ranges up to $24,325 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Sentra years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Sentra years we've rated are 2018 (7.0/10), 2016 (7.0/10), 2015 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.5/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Nissan Sentra are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Steering, Exterior lighting, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Nissan Sentra
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Nissan Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year