2018 Nissan Sentra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 185 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
40,000 milesMedian miles at failure

96 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train43
000
Service Brakes36
321
Unknown or Other20
301
Electrical System17
000
Exterior Lighting10
201
Engine10
011
Air Bags8
604
Vehicle Speed Control6
100
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking6
000
Steering4
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch21V135000
Filed Mar 3, 2021807,376 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

Risk. The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera19V654000
Filed Sep 12, 20191,228,830 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 25, 202675,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start one day after several attempts and was accompanied by the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) sensor and check engine warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and brake light switch due to a suspected battery drain caused by a faulty switch. Despite the repair, the failure reoccurred shortly after the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) and linked the recall to the failure. The manufacturer had not yet been notified of the specific failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 2026IL

On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect caused an immediate and total loss of vehicle propulsion in active traffic, forcing following vehicles to brake aggressively to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. With zero throttle response or engine acceleration, my safety was severely compromised as I was forced to blindly coast across active lanes of traffic to reach a gas station with barely enough power to get into the station lot to escape the hazard. This is a highly busy area and gas station, making it even harder. The vehicle is currently sitting at an authorized Nissan dealership service department, where technicians formally inspected the vehicle, confirmed a total internal failure of the CVT unit, and issued a $5,800 replacement quote. The vehicle and the failed transmission component remain fully available for inspection upon request.

Power Train
Filed Apr 29, 2026KY

At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when I went to accelerate from a stop light. The car would only work in reverse at that point. I'm being told that the CVT needs to be replaced. The car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 12, 2026TX

My vehicle stalled. I had to get someone to help me move it out if a busy traffic thoroughfare. It was making odd noises then was stuck in reverse only. I took it to my mechanic who informed me the transmission had failed and that I needed a new one. I work from home and do not drive my vehicle consistently.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2026CA

My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on. There was a recall on this issue with this year and model, but my VIN number was not included regardless of the symptoms all being there. We had a master mechanic look and diagnose it as a brake light switch issue. The vehicle has been brought to a local Nissan center for similar issues a couple months ago, but it failed several times

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2025NE

The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal. I took it to the Nissan dealership and they told me it needed a new stop lamp switch which is EXACTLY what the recall for other Nissans during this time frame is for: Make: Nissan Number: PM971 Title: Stop Lamp Switch Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Date: 3/3/2021 Models: 2016-2019 Sentra Summary: Nissan is issuing a Voluntary Safety Recall on specific 2016-2019 Sentra (B17) vehicles identified in Service Comm to address a stop lamp switch concern. The stop lamp switch on the subject vehicles may become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components (HVAC and brake booster clevis pin) in close proximity. Oxidation may occur at the switch contact surface due to electric arcing, resulting in silicon dioxide build-up. This build-up may lead to open circuit issues and an inoperative stop lamp switch. If this condition occurs, the customer may notice illumination of the Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) or Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lamp(s), the rear stop lamps may not illuminate and/or the engine may not start. Rear stop lamps not illuminating could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Power Train
Filed Nov 19, 2025ME

Transmission Replacement - The transmission system requires replacement due to issues identified during inspection, including judder in the CVT and auxiliary gearbox. Replacing the transmission can help address these concerns and improve the smoothn

Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2025VA

The horn does not work when pressing the steering wheel, even though the horn itself and the fuse are functional. I got my car inspected yesterday, and the initial diagnosis points to a faulty clock spring.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 14, 2025KY

I have ALL lights on in the dashboard. I had 2 diagnostic checks. one from Byerly Ford and the other from Jeff Wyler in Louisville, KY. Byerly says RF wheel speed sensor C1103. I had it done by someone else, and they said LF sensor C1104. Got both done by the same person still ABS, Skid icon, Warning, Brake Icon. Second diagnostic check done by Jeff Wyler which is closer to my home. Still All lights on AFTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, can't drive because it stays on. I'm afraid it may lock up and crash me. I have spent $150 to Byerly for diagnostic [XXX] TRAN JOHNSON INVOICE#[XXX] I have spent $160, 555, with daughters' mechanic ALONZO [XX] INVOICE #[XXX] I have spent $216 to Jeff Wyler's for diagnostic. [XXX] [XXX] REBECCA ZUKANOVIC INVOICE #[XXX] No Recall done, may need recall for Brake Switch the car but it was told to me No recalls but 2 Recall for 3/3/2021 and 9/12/2019 not sure if done. I'm afraid to drive and out of $1,080. ON FIXED INCOME. HELP!! I'm [XXX] AND DONT HAVE A WAY TO GET AROUND ASIDE FROM MY CAR. MY CHILDREN AND GRANDKIDS HELP WHEN THEY CAN OR WANT TO. CAN SOMEONE INVESTIGATE AND HELP ME GET MY CAR RUNNING SO I CAN GO TO MY APPTS? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 23, 2025NC

When I first get in the car and hit the gas it's OK a if I'm trying to move it but if I'm trying to leave my driveway and I hit the gas it will stall and the rpm will go up to a 5 , and this happens exiting the interstate, it's almost caused me to wreck because I can't pick up the speed it is like it's stuck . The same thing happens at a stop light and trying to move forward, extremely dangerous when you can't judge your distance if you're turning if another car will hit you .I try to only take back roads because I don't want my family, or someone else's family hurt .Sometimes all of the lights pop up on my dashboard like a Christmas tree, but when I take it to auto zone they say that it's nothing, days later it will turn off .Sometimes my car will warn me that I'm about to hit a car, yet no car in front of me , but there's times I've almost hit a car and it never warned me , this to is extremely dangerous. I understand that the car is having some sort of technical issues, but I can't seem to find the answers as to why , and this causes me anxiety every day that I drive because I don't know what to expect from it .I feel like the Nissan Sentra needs to be further investigated so that it's safe to drive without putting the driver or someone driving by in danger .I just paid this off , and have kept up with oil changes , yet I feel like this car has more issues than what I can fix and that's why I'm writing this to inform you of the dangers that this kinda car has while out on

Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2025114,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in both directions, with an audible beeping alarm activated. Additionally, the message "Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the failure was self-corrected. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2025TN

Transmission has already been replaced with a new CVT transmission and the Nissan dealership has also had to put something back in the transmission because it came out and then last night when driving I went to turn and it wouldn't go and now it won't go into gear and it rolls even in park

Power Train
Filed Jul 30, 2025TX

Driving down the road with a lot of traffic then my car didn't want to shift into gear the it went into gear real hard then I hear load noise under the the car then I was no longer moving. So me and some friends push it out of the road and I call tow truck to take to my house I know a lot of people have the same issue with cvt transmission

Power Train
Filed Apr 28, 2025CA

Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 27, 2025MD

On [XXX], my 2018 Nissan Sentra was involved in a severe accident on [XXX] in Maryland. Despite the high-impact nature of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. The driver’s seat collapsed completely, causing total loss of control, and the seatbelt system applied excessive pressure, restricting movement dangerously. Nissan North America refused to inspect the vehicle and redirected responsibility to the insurance company without addressing the obvious technical failures. Additionally, I have provided video footage and photographs documenting the extent of the damage. My son, the driver, suffered serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss due to post-accident disability. I respectfully request an immediate investigation into the safety defects of the 2018 Nissan Sentra regarding airbags, seat structure, and seatbelt system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 2025CA

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the transmission issues in my 2018 Nissan Sentra. It is widely known, including to the past recalls of similar models that Nissan has an ongoing problems with its continually very reliable transmission CVT. Despite this, no recall has been issued for 2018 Sentra, even though the many customers myself include our experienced significant transmission problems. I had my transmission replaced in 2023 not knowing it was already a problem with Nissan. It was covered through my extended warranty. Now 2 years later I am having the same problem again.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 17, 2025KS

I was in the city at red light waiting the green turn on My gas gauge said i have 108 miles to continued driving, then I ran out of gas with no warning, no check engine light and no gas light, in the middle of the street. I was not able to wheel it to the side as I was going on flat street it happens to three time, then i get road assistance, the assistant he thought is the battery problem i told him i have new battery, then car would not start at all , he went to get gas we poured 6 gallon then car started , it happen to me several time now i cannot start to travel long distance ,this it happen me more than 3 times

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 13, 202566,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service, the mechanic diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 14, 2025MO

Unknown, ICC module is out on Sentra is known issue from Nissan, needs to be recalled as it can cause some cars to brake on there own from what I’ve seen online. Nissan wants over 2000 to make repair on a part they know from the factory is likely to fail

Power Train
Filed Jan 26, 2025KS

When I connect an OBD 2 meter. It cannot read the powertrain and it’s not the first time that I haven’t been able to diagnosed the car. I’ve taken it to a dealership. I’ve been used scan tools from a dealership and mechanics shop. The powertrain isn’t readable it spiders when I drive as in like it feels like the transmission is skipping or going out. It stopped while I was driving by itself like the car brake, and then kept going like it was skipping a gear or had a hard time going to the next gear as well as when we were pulling into a driveway, the wheel on the passenger side went underneath the car like it was only attached by the upper control arm because the lower arm came out of the joint. I’m a driver side a tire is at an angle. The tire is about to fall off or the lower control arm is about to come out of socket impacts the safety of my children and myself when driving down the road is not safe or structurally stable to go down a highway even.

20 of 185 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202615110Routine
202530400Routine
202438300Routine
202319100Routine
202281200Routine
2021131310Routine
2020204400Above average
2019222210Above average
2018 — this page185231Fatalities reported
2017230360Above average
2016270620Above average
2015351330Above average
2014380560Above average
2013638641Fatalities reported
2012180040Routine
2011142260Routine
2010144340Routine
200955101Fatalities reported
2008167330Routine
20071541102Fatalities reported
2006116610Do not drive
2005170640Do not drive
2004197501Do not drive
20031801010Do not drive
20023181480Do not drive
2001236820Above average
2000171740Routine
199959300Routine
199858521Fatalities reported
1997108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 3, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.