NissanSentra2021Overview/nissan/sentra/2021/base/

2021 Nissan Sentra

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Sentra.

Transmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Defined by an Automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission and requiring

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.33 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy29/39/33 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 510 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 510 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size205/60R16 92HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter165466LA0A
Spark plug224016LD1C
Front wiper blades288906LB0A discontinued · alt 288906LB1A
Serpentine belt117205TU0A
Thermostat21049ET01A alt 21200ET01A
Cabin air filterH72775NA0J

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase106.7 in
Curb weight3053 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined29 / 39 / 33 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sentra of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.90 sec — 2021 SR
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021SR 2.0L I-48.90 sec17.00 sec149 hpFWD
2020SR 2.0L I-48.00 sec16.20 sec149 hpFWD
2020SV 2.0L I-48.60 sec16.60 sec149 hpFWD
2020SR 2.0L I-48.80 sec16.80 sec149 hpFWD
2020SR 2.0L I-49.10 sec17.00 sec149 hpFWD
2020SR 2.0L I-49.20 sec17.00 sec149 hpFWD
2022SR 2.0L I-49.70 sec17.30 sec149 hpFWD
2024SR 2.0L I-48.40 sec16.60 sec149 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.33 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to Use a new washer: 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidNissan CVT NS-3 Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.8 qt
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantNissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity7.5 qt
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity4.33 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts80.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts80.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new washer: 25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs62.0 Inch lbs. ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)Setting Speed: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)Checking Speed: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNissan
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque14.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity.99 lbs
Oil Capacity3.0 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance510 cca

Brakes

Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
117.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 52.0 inch lbs., Step 3: 84.0 inch lbs.17 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen all bolts., Step 3: 14.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 60-65°20 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen all Bolts., Step 3: 14.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 60-65°20 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 100°, Step 3: Loosen all bolts in reverse order of tightening. Step 4: 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 5: 100°, Step 6: 100°30 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
125.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60°25 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
125.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60°25 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 105,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 105,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Keyless Entry Remote Battery (replace)
Every 20,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Steering Gear Box Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra arrives late in a generation whose federal record peaked at 638 complaints and 6 recalls in 2013, then trended broadly downward through 2020. With 128 complaints, 3 recalls, 0 investigations, and 132 TSBs, the 2021 model marks a notable drop from 2020's 203 complaints and 4 recalls, while TSB activity actually rose from 115. The decline continued afterward, with 2022 falling to 80 complaints and 2 recalls, placing 2021 on the downslope rather than at the trough. Reported issues clustered in steering (22 complaints), electrical system (17), forward collision avoidance (10), and unknown/other (6), alongside 14 crash-related and 1 fire complaint; the data does not specify root causes. For a used-car shopper, 2021 looks like a comparatively settled year in this generation, but a pre-purchase recall and TSB check—particularly around steering and electrical systems—is prudent.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
132
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
128
Owner complaints
14 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 128 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering22
Electrical System17
Forward Collision Avoidance10
Unknown Or Other6
Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance5
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance4
Service Brakes4
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V461000Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod AssemblyReported 17/06/2021

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan…

23V581000Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod AssemblyReported 15/08/2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend. Remedy: Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport assistance if they are experiencing an off-center steering wheel or vibration. As an interim repair, dealers will inspect…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 132 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB19-042F2025-02-20Electrical SystemAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped…
NTB19-033G2025-02-20Forward Collision AvoidanceINTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION…
NTB25-0052025-01-13EngineSERVICE INFORMATION If one of the APPLIED VEHICLES has DTC P2100 for “ETC MOT PWR-B1” or…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sentra. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Sentra take?

4.33 qt of Nissan SN 0W-20 Motor Oil, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Sentra have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Sentra get?

EPA figures are 29 city / 39 highway / 33 combined mpg.