What 228 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Car just lost power in highway. Car starts but will barely move as pushing down on gas.

NHTSA ODI 11706984

The contact owned a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and coasting to the right around a curve, after completing the maneuver, the accelerator was depressed, the cruise control was set at 48 MPH, and the steering wheel was turned to the left but independently turned all the way to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure with the steering position sensor. The contact let go of the steering when and the vehicle left the road and ran into a pile of leaves. The vehicle struck an unknown object on the ground, the vehicle then went airborne, and the roof of the vehicle struck a tree. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around and ended up in the South bound lane with the passenger’s side quarter panel still on the roadway. The vehicle flipped over approximately six times and ended up on the road where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact recalled seven impacts before the vehicle came to a rest. The seat belt failed to function as intended; the contact struck the driver’s side air bag several times that by the time the vehicle came to a stop, the air bag had deflated. The contact stated that the side curtain air bags deployed, preventing his head from striking the window and exiting the vehicle. All the other air bags were also deployed. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact sustained injuries. The contact had a broken nose, fractured ribs, and a traumatic brain injury. The contact also lost the ability to speak but has since regained partial ability to speak. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact stated that he was neglectfully released from the first hospital he was transferred to but then checked himself back into the ER of another hospital, where most of the injuries were discovered. There were no other passengers in the vehicle. A Police report was filed but was not available. The vehicle was towed to a Copart location in Shreveport, Louisiana. The insurance company was notified of the failures, inspected the vehicle and declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that several days before the accident, the steering wheel and vehicle was vibrating abnormally, and the tires were rotated and that was why the vehicle was being test driven when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vibration stopped for several days prior to the crash but returned excessively on the day of the crash. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11704674

My transmission on my 2017 Nissan Sentra failed not once but twice. I got it repaired to the tune of $4500 and then it failed again a year later and they wanted $7000. I am a single mother working very hard and this set me back TREMENDOUSLY! I have been struggling financially to keep a roof over my head because i no longer have a vehicle to get back and forth to work i am at risk of losing my job due to attendance. I was paying a car note at the time and i paid the car off in full only to have this happen to me. I am truly at a loss for words and this is beyond unfair. No one seems to be able to help. It stopped on me in the middle of driving down the expressway. Transmission shuttered and my car lost acceleration. Worst experience of my life.

NHTSA ODI 11671202

While driving home from work. Transmission started hesitating and not pulling up a hill. I was almost hit on the interstate due to the malfunction of the transmission. Now vehicle is parked and I can no longer drive it.

NHTSA ODI 11666955

My car is an automatic 2017 with 58,000 miles. The car is having trouble shifting gears, trouble accelerating (it jerks and doesn’t speed up), leaks every fluid possible (oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant), etc. I have taken it to two different mechanics to have a diagnostic performed (one specializing in transmission issues), both which said it was an internal transmission issue. The codes: P0846 - transmission fluid pressure sensor / switch B, C1130 - engine signal 1, and C1116 - stop lamp switch show up. I had an oil change performed and the very next day a leak was under my car (it was oil and a mix of another fluid - probably coolant). I also have had the O2 sensor fixed twice and the check engine light still throws the code that that sensor is not working. My transmission among with other internal systems are failing with only 58,000 miles. My car doesn’t accelerating and not shifting correctly is a danger because it could potentially stop on the middle of the road or highway while driving. Prior to this failure, the check engine light appeared but for the O2 sensor that had been replaced twice previously and a tail light out. Only took it in to get looked at because the jerking and lack of acceleration got so bad it was worrisome. The photo attached of the leak is the day after the oil had been changed. I can submit additional evidence as soon as the other diagnostics are available in writing.

NHTSA ODI 11663513

I have called nissan usa and the nissan in newburgh to schedule an appointment for lamp switch recall and have not recieved any calls or communication back. At this point im scared that the lamp switch is affecting my transmission and I'm just getting the runaround from nissan so they don't have to take care of it. My car has episodes where is now doesn't start and I need to get a jump. My car also shifts out of gear while driving which is incredibly dangerous especially since I take the highway to work. Please let me know how to proceed

NHTSA ODI 11661634

I was driving on the highway and saw that my RPM was fluctuating a lot even though on cruise control, it was losing its power. It started slowing down and even though cruise control was off, I was indeed in drive and not neutral. when I fully pressed the gas it did absolutely nothing. I was close to home 10 minutes so I had to just put emergency lights on and keep going but at the stop signs and lights sometimes it would stop completely and get stuck at 0 even though i was pressing the gas pedal all the way. Once I was going - it let me go, seemed like it allowed it. Then but never past 25 But anytime I slowed it almost shut off or did shut off. This is a safety issue since I am not able to drive the speed limit. I risk getting rear ended. There were no warning messages on my dash when this happened. I took the car to a mechanic, who stated I needed a new transmission. I bought a transmission and the mechanic replaced it. It was fine for a couple days then started having the same problem. I took it to Nissan to get it diagnosed and they stated that it was due to the transmission. Nissan stated the recall expired so they could not help me

NHTSA ODI 11651401

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in my vehicle failed prematurely, leading to significant safety concerns. The car experienced severe jerking, hesitation, and loss of power while driving, especially at highway speeds. Eventually, the transmission stopped functioning properly, making it unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators to alert me of any issues before the failure. A dealership confirmed that the transmission fluid was burnt, contaminated with metal shavings, and the internal components had failed. However, due to the vehicle’s design, the CVT fluid is sealed and inaccessible to consumers for routine checks or maintenance, meaning the issue was undetectable until complete failure occurred. This defect poses a serious risk, as many drivers have reported sudden power loss, delayed acceleration, and unexpected breakdowns in traffic. Nissan has had a history of CVT failures in previous models, leading to warranty extensions, but similar issues persist in newer models without proper acknowledgment. If left unaddressed, this could lead to more drivers experiencing dangerous situations on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11642622

When I go up hill my car doesn't Want to automatically shift, my rpms start revving, and the car won't go over 50 mph. It's been an on going issue since I purchased the vehicle in 2020. Ive taken it to nissan on more than a couple occasions and the assured me there was no issues. Now as of last week after I brake my car loses driving power but doesn't lose actual power. Now my check engine light is on.

NHTSA ODI 11637176

Car lost power, pressing down on accelerator does not move car.

NHTSA ODI 11607321

To Whom it May Concern, I am writing because there has been transmission issues that my 2017 Nissan Sentra SV has been experiencing since I purchased the car brand new on 04/22/2017. I have documentation of me taking it back to Nissan within the first year due to shaking, overheating and a problem accelerating. Nissan has continued to put a bandaid on the cause and has not addressed the real issue in which is the transmission. There are many articles and court documentation of the Nissan CVT Transmission giving people problems in which have bought their cars from 2013-2017/2018. I have taken my car to Nissan and they refuse to address the faulty transmission or pay for any of the repairs. I have documentation over the years from accredited mechanics in which report that the transmission needs. They are trying to charge me over $7,000 for a transmission repair when they are the reason in which it went out to begin with. My car continuted to jerk while driving and stopped while driving in which put myself and others at risk. The dealer acknowledged the recall on CVT transmission and their faulty parts but did not fix it. There was NO warning light or lamos that went off prior to this going out and leaving me stranded on the side of the road. My car was looked at in April of 2024 at Nissan and was told there was no Transmission issues then i come in and all of a sudden they state it needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11605885

I took my car into the dealership for a recall repair and the following day, I started having situations where the I push the pedal down and the car would not initially move but then would "catch" and begin driving again. What is happening now however is that while I am driving, the car appears to shut off (headlights turn off and all of the lights come on the dash) and then all of the lights on the dash go off, headlights turn back on, and then the car "restarts" and continues to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11597855

My 2017 Nissan Sentra S has a very serious problem whenever my RPM reach 3.5 to 4.It starts jerking and I can't accelerate anymore,in one occasion after the jerking stop I couldn't drive no more than 5 miles per hour.i have checked for any visible issues but none. No warning lights come on, I carry a scanner with me OBD2 but it doesn't have any codes. I have gone online to find a solution but I'm coming across hundreds of people with the same issue but no solution.i called the dealer and I was told that since the car is salvaged there is nothing they can do The car still jerking I just to keep it under or at 3rpm but I can never get on the freeway due to this issue

NHTSA ODI 11592567

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the instrument panel was displayed properly; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was instructed by the mechanic to replace the key fob battery, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,401.

NHTSA ODI 11589286

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH coming off the highway and coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle was shifted into park to adjust the clock. After shifting to drive and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. However, the contact stated that the fuel pump and accelerator pedal sensor were previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,087.

NHTSA ODI 11565062

The CVT seems to shudder uncontrollably when accelerating from zero and also when driving at 60mph on the interstate. The RPMs fluctuate erratically and spontaneously when traveling at 60mph or higher. Yes, the car can be inspected upon request-it does the shuddering every time it accelerates from zero. My safety and the passengers safety is at risk if the car were to stop functioning while driving on interstate. Yes, the problem has been reproduced by a local service center. No, the problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. Would like to have the car inspected by the above if it were at no cost to me since it's a Nissan CVT issue. No, warning lamps or messages are on the dash. Problems began to appear in 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11559698

Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a safe place. This has happen about 5-8 times this year. Nissan replaced the IPDM and has continue to failed multiple times after. They have not been able to detect the cause. I have records of each time it has happen and one of those times was while driving on highway. My life and others have been at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11554450

The car experienced sudden lack of power in the middle gears and was unable to accelerate. At the same time it displayed the sliding car icon indicating a brake issue. It came and went for a couple of weeks and then just would not pick up speed in the middle gears. The car is a 6 speed manual. The code thrown was for a manifold control valve failure. We could not get Nissan to schedule a repair so we took it to an independent who had to replace the entire manifold as no service parts were otherwise available. They could find no reason for the sliding car icon to have kept coming on. Even after the manifold replacement it continues to do so at random times. It causes concern over the brakes which is disconcerting at the least. The sudden loss of acceleration while the problem was going on also caused a few scary moments. Nissan was contacted and declined to reimburse us nor did they offer to check the car. This car has been serviced by the dealer exclusively except for the manifold replacement and the service schedule was adhered to. It is a 2017 model and now has under 45,000 miles. It had about 41,000 when the problem occurred. No reason for such an early failure. It is a relatively rare model so no information was available.

NHTSA ODI 11549679

The CVT has failed in my car causing multiple issues with jerking, shaking, stuttering. When i was making a left turn, my car hesitated and almost caused an accident because I didnt have the power to pull out when I should have. Now the repair is being quoted over $5k because they are saying I need an all new transmission. No warning lamps, messages have been indicated on my dash

NHTSA ODI 11543762

CONCERN: This is the second time the engine does not shut off. All warning lights go off, unsteady steering wheel and odometer/odograph failed. This is not just a malfunction issue it is a severe safety concern. Back in January of 2023 it happen for the first time and was told Control Unit IPDM, Engine Room needed to be replaced and it was. But once again while driving the steering wheel went unsteady, all warning lights went off, odometer/odograph failed while on the road. This is an extremely safety concern. I bought the car brand new and as of now it has not been in any car accidents.

NHTSA ODI 11537746

The car refuses to shift from park to drive or even reverse. Mechanic can’t figure out why. And I never got the recall information for the car that had a lawsuit against it.

NHTSA ODI 11534385

Transmission stalled out when I was on the Rt 30 bypass. I was traveling at 55 miles per hour in rush hour and the car suddenly would not go forward. Causing sudden traffic issues. This is a known problem with 2017 sentras. Exton Nissan sold me this vehicle knowing it's unsafe. I've trying to get in touch with them for a month about this. I'm seeking for them to buy back this unsafe and dangerous car

NHTSA ODI 11500396

My car just randomly dies . The engine was knocking and I only could reverse . I had to leave car and it don’t move at all and might get towed

NHTSA ODI 11487550

My vehicle is a part of the 21v-135 recall and Nissan hasn't be able to repair the problem. I called the toll free number for Nissan because the local dealers were unable to repair the issue, adhering to the notice I received, and they weren't helpful. The next step on the notice was to come here and submit a complaint. I would just like to get my vehicle repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11479673

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown alarm engaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000

NHTSA ODI 11458146