Nissan Sentra Window & Wiper Problems

Owners have filed 136 complaints about windows, wipers & sunroof problems with the Nissan Sentra — 2% of all Sentra complaints. The worst model years are 1997 (23), 1996 (14) and 1998 (13). Problems typically start around 64,000 miles. 3 related recalls have been issued.

136complaints
1997worst year
64ktypical miles
3related recalls
4crashes
0fires

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2611142313313521322336106334224232
Window & Wiper complaints per model year, Nissan Sentra.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2026211%—
2025310%—
202122%—
202042%6,000 miles
201921%—
201721%95,000 miles
201641%142,000 miles
201531%43,000 miles
201431%88,000 miles
201361%7,000 miles
2012106%15,000 miles
201164%34,000 miles
201032%49,000 miles
200832%84,000 miles
200721%20,000 miles
200622%100,000 miles
200532%87,000 miles
200411%—
200321%4,000 miles
200252%26,000 miles
200131%70,000 miles
200011%—
199935%—
19981322%102,000 miles
19972321%121,000 miles
19961410%70,000 miles
1995119%138,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
    23
  • Windshield wiper/washer
    21
  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    15
  • Power window devices and controls
    15
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
    7
  • Glass, side/rear
    6
  • Windshield
    5
  • Rearview mirrors/devices
    2

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2436%
  • 25k–50k
    1218%
  • 50k–75k
    69%
  • 75k–100k
    1015%
  • 100k–150k
    1421%
  • 150k+
    11%

What owners report

Summary: I am reporting two significant defects on my 2025 Nissan Sentra that pose safety risks. 1. Suspension/Steering: During low-speed maneuvers (approx. 20mph) such as navigating roundabouts, there is a persistent mechanical creaking/squealing noise from the front passenger side. The dealership technician verified the noise but provided a physically impossible diagnosis, claiming "tires were slipping," despite the vehicle being brand new with tires in perfect condition. This suggests a defect in the control arm bushings or strut mounts which affects steering predictability. 2. Power Window/Electrical: The driver-side window produces a loud, piercing screech when operated. More critically, the window switch has experienced intermittent functional failure where it becomes unresponsive. This is a safety hazard as it could prevent emergency egress or cabin ventilation. …

2025 Sentra · Glass, side/rear · Apr 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact had stopped at a State Office to register the vehicle. While at the registration office, the contact was informed that there was an open recall associated with the vehicle. The contact checked the NHTSA website and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V807000 (VISIBILITY). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was provided with documentation supporting the statement. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the recall listed on the NHTSA website was in error. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2025 Sentra · Dec 2025

Car was on. The original, rear camera display screen, was fully functional when the vehicle was put in reverse previously. The rear camera was always functional/ this is the first time I've seen this occur. The car was put in reverse but this time the rear camera screen was completely blue. I put the car in park, waited a few seconds, and then put it back in reverse; only to have the same result. I came out of the car, opened the trunk, and closed the trunk. When I went back into the car, the rear camera was showing on the screen. I made a video as well.

2020 Sentra · Mar 2023

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.

2020 Sentra · Dec 2020

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the sunroof exploded and shattered without impact. The contact exited the highway, pulled over to the side of the road, and took pictures of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

2016 Sentra · Sun/moon roof assembly · 142,000 miles · Mar 2026

When the combination switch is used to actuate the windshield washer, the fluid continues to spray after it is released. Only pulling the switch down, and back up, will cause it to stop. This happens regardless of whether the vehicle is parked, or in motion. Occasionally the washers will spray upon starting the vehicle, only stopping with manipulation of the combination switch.

2016 Sentra · 42,000 miles · Aug 2019

The vehicle has so many defects!! That I don't know where to begin?!?; but firstly I want my money back for the exorbitant expensive interest rate they charged me...!!! Then they added my deposit into the total cost instead it subtracting it from my total!!!?? The upholstery inside us coming up from the floor almost months into the purchase. The defrost doesn't work..the electronic part that affects the automatic door on the driver's side; the door wont open from the inside passenger! The pedal area where the carpet is coming up. .is exposing the underneath of car same with other areas but flooring carpet is extremely loose, and exposing wires. The driving electronic feature for winding roads it keeps coming on and won't shut off; I could have been killed!!!! …

2015 Sentra · 78,000 miles · May 2019

My sunroof exploded randomly as I was driving home from taking my daughter to school at about 7:30 am on 10/23/2018. I was driving straight on a local highway going about 55 MPH. I heard an extremely loud boom above my head. I pulled over in shock thinking that a bomb had gone off near me. I was confused and alarmed to find that my sunroof had completely shattered. There is no evidence of anything hitting my car.

2015 Sentra · 43,000 miles · Oct 2018

Related recalls (3)

Visibility › Windshield

NHTSA recall 25V-807 · Nov 20, 2025 · 41,797 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Sentra vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Visibility › Windshield

NHTSA recall 24V-498 · Jul 1, 2024 · 1,608 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The windshield may have air bubbles on the front lower driver's side, which can obscure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

NHTSA recall 98V-093 · May 5, 1998 · 512,387 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Water can enter and displace the grease in the wiper arm linkage ball joint where the wiper linkage attaches to the wiper motor linkage.

Remedy: To prevent grease from being washed out of the joint, the dealers will modify by adding a water diversion seal that will prevent water from entering the windshield wiper linkage ball joint area.

Frequently asked questions

Which Nissan Sentra years have window & wiper problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (23), 1996 (14), 1998 (13), 1995 (11) and 2012 (10) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 1997.

Is there a recall for Nissan Sentra window & wiper problems?

Yes — 3 recalls, including 25V-807 (windshield, Nov 20, 2025); 24V-498 (windshield, Jul 1, 2024); 98V-093 (linkages, May 5, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Nissan Sentra window & wiper problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer › linkages (23 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (21).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.