SERVICE INFORMATION If one of the APPLIED VEHICLES has DTC P2100 for “ETC MOT PWR-B1” or P2101 for “ETC FNCTN/CIRC-B1” stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) with a customer complaint of loss of power, Perform the revised Electronic Service Manual (ESM) procedure noted on page 2 for "PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE." HINT: This revised procedure will be added to the ESM in a future update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Nissan Sentra engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Nissan Sentra have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Sentra | 11 |
| 2017 Sentra | 15 |
| 2018 Sentra | 9 |
| 2019 Sentra | 3 |
| 2020 Sentra (this page) | 4 |
| 2021 Sentra | 3 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
ENGINE SUPPORT TOOLS APPLIED VEHICLES: 2020-2024 Sentra (B18) SERVICE INFORMATION A new Engine Support Bracket is now available to allow the CVT to be removed from the APPLIED VEHICLES without having to remove the engine. The procedure in this bulletin is different from the procedure currently in the ESM, which will be updated with this information at a later date. Please refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin for information on how to use these new tools.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE NOISE, AND/OR BATTERY LIGHT ON IF YOU CONFIRM The customer describes one, or more, of the following: ï· Loss of power ï· Loud noise from the front of vehicle/engine area while running ï· The battery light is ON AND ï· It is confirmed that the noise is coming from the generator (alternator) ACTION Replace the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner, the Alternator, and the associated Drive Belt listed in the PARTS INFORMATION on the last page.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL ON WITH DTC P0401 AND/OR P0404 STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL ON WITH DTC P0401 AND/OR P0404 STORED IN THE ECM IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON and DTC P0401 (EGR A FLOW INSUFFICIENT) and/or P0404 (EGR A CONTROL) is stored in the ECM. AND There are no drivability concerns. ACTION 1. Confirm the current ECM part number. 2. Reprogram the ECM, if applicable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2020 Nissan Sentra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 28,879 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Nissan/Sentra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.