2018 Nissan Sentra Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11749670

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11734517

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11730705

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11716070

Incident

Oct 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11702193

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11700442

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11696615

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11693409

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

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 the roads .I hope that someone takes a deeper look at any type of reports from everyday people and make it easier for someone to find out how to report things like this ,because honestly I was looking for recalls about my car when I came across this, otherwise I wouldn't have ever known that this is even exists.. Thanks for having a space for people to express thier concerns and I'll be sure to share this site with others so that everyone on the road is safe

NHTSA ID

11689298

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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.

NHTSA ID

11685680

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

Mileage

114,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11681354

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11677383

Incident

Jul 26, 2025

Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.

NHTSA ID

11657375

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11657020

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11656651

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11655179

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11648202

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

Mileage

66,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11642737

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11638615

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

I am having problems with my vent control valve. I recently took my car in to get an engine light looked at Rand they told me that the vehicle was have problems with the control valve assembly and they replaced the part and fixed the problem temporarily. That incident occurred on October the seventh of 2024 and now I’m facing another problem with the vent control valve again only 3 months later. I am unsure if the issue is a recall but I would definitely like it to be checked out.

NHTSA ID

11637875

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

‏ incident I would like to report involves the crash of a 2018 Nissan Sentra (VIN: [XXX] ) that occurred on the morning of [XXX], coinciding with [XXX] on [XXX] at the [XXX] location. It is very concerning and puzzling how, in rainy conditions, after the vehicle collided with the highway barrier, the airbag of the Sentra failed to deploy, resulting in the driver’s head hitting the steering wheel and the driver’s neck colliding with the seat. Furthermore, the driver’s seat shifted from its normal position to a horizontal one, making it impossible for the driver to control the car. After two complete spins of the car, it crashed again into the highway barrier from the rear. The failure of the airbag to deploy resulted in severe bruising and pain in the driver’s head, neck, and back. Despite the driver being an athlete with a strong physique, this led to a minimum of one month of being bedridden and unable to work. Additionally, despite undergoing physiotherapy, pain remains in the head and neck area. The car was declared a total loss and could not be repaired after the crash. Do you not think that if the airbag, which is designed for the driver’s safety, does not deploy in such situations, then when will it deploy? If the driver’s seat, in such situations, bends and turns horizontal, depriving the driver of control over the car, how can one drive safely? Aren’t these instances indicative of a malfunction in the vehicle’s safety system? Does this not raise questions about the safety standards and build quality of a brand like Nissan, which is an international company? If the airbags or other safety systems fail to operate in emergency situations, this could jeopardize people’s lives. These safety features are designed to protect drivers and passengers, and it is expected that they function correctly in all circumstances. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11633783

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

I put my foot in gas pedal, goes all the way down, won't drive now.

NHTSA ID

11631147

Incident

Nov 17, 2024

The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed, preventing the vehicle from driving forward. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The transmission failure caused the vehicle to lose power while driving, which could have led to a serious accident if it had happened on a busy road. This failure compromised my control over the vehicle, especially at higher speeds and I was stuck on the road till an officer helped me push the car off the road. Naples nissan service center has confirmed that the CVT transmission requires replacement. Nissan Consumer Affairs has been contacted, and a mechanic has inspected the vehicle. However, Nissan has declined to provide any financial assistance or coverage for the repair. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. The transmission gave out suddenly, accompanied by a loud noise while driving. The issue began immediately after this event.

NHTSA ID

11623265

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

The center overhead light compartment falling out of interior roof

NHTSA ID

11620657

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

CVT Transmission is giving up on Sentra.

NHTSA ID

11614338

Incident

Sep 8, 2024