What 172 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Sentra Nismo

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 ODI 11677383

Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11657375

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 ODI 11657020

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 ODI 11656651

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 ODI 11648202

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 ODI 11642737

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 ODI 11638615

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 ODI 11637875

‏ incident I would like to report involves the crash of a 2018 Nissan Sentra (VIN: 3N1AB7APXJY277851) that occurred on the morning of November 28, 2024, coinciding with Thanksgiving Day on Highway 270 at the Eisenhower Memorial (IS-270) 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.

NHTSA ODI 11633783

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

NHTSA ODI 11631147

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 ODI 11623265

The center overhead light compartment falling out of interior roof

NHTSA ODI 11620657

CVT Transmission is giving up on Sentra.

NHTSA ODI 11614338

Car won't start, stranded in parking lots, on road. Have seen hundreds of complaints about the same thing ,saying it's either a brake switch or ignition switch.Very scary to be stranded somewhere.Nissan is aware and said it's common problem? Hard to believe Nissan or the nhtsa does not believe this to be a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11607682

My 2018 Nissan Sentra has under 60,000 miles on it and is on its 3rd set of brake rotors, as well as had both front and rear brake pads replaced 2 times. The vehicle has always given the warning , front radar not detected alert, until the last 12 months where I began receiving a malfunction warning. My car has been brought to 2 different Nissan dealerships to work on this issue. The current one stating my front sensor is failing & will need to be replaced however there is no warranty on it. I am the only owner of my vehicle and it has not been in any forward collisions. As for the power train/transmission, I received a transmission flush in May of 2023, and now 15 months later was told by a different Nissan dealership it needed a flush as it appeared the transmission was going bad. The vehicle has stalled several times, continuously has a high RMP when accelerating and the AC has gone out a couple of months ago.

NHTSA ODI 11607148

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that when moving the vehicle from park to drive the vehicle would display a jerking sensation. When attempting to accelerate there would be a hesitation before doing so. There were no warning lights. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer code S indicating transmission failure. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired with a rebuilt transmission. The failure reoccurred 60,000 miles after receiving the repair. The vehicle had been returned to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired again. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605420

My 2018 nissan sentra has 118.5k miles and have been experiencing slight slippage with the CVT since buying it in 2020 with 26k on the odometer. The vehicle had work done by a local mechanic to pass NYS inspection. No warning lamps have been illuminated. The vehicle now, drives under its own power but shakes, bangs and slips into "gear". I have called a local Nissan dealership and they have quoted me of roughly $6500.00 for a replacement. This has not been taken to confirm that the CVT is the problem but, given all the class action lawsuits against Nissan, it pretty safe to assume its a bad CVT. This can potentially cause a safety risk to driver, occupants and other motorists due to inability to gain speed up to local speed limits or causing issues if the CVT fails at speed. As a consumer of a Nissan product, I have received the warranty extension but, that does not cover my vehicle because they sent out the extension when my vehicle had 115k. Reading the class action lawsuits against Nissan of North America, it states, Nissan has not fixed the issue, they only offer to install a known bad transmission back into the vehicles. This shows gross negligence on Nissan of North America's part and unwilling to make it right to the consumer base. Nissan should recall and replace any CVT equipped vehicle in the owner fleet at no cost to the consumer.

NHTSA ODI 11595506

Transmission went in my 2018 Nissan Sentra, haven’t had it long

NHTSA ODI 11594751

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately, and the contact had to depress the brake pedal several times before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that the start time varied. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592548

The sensor just abruptly went out and is a known issue on these cars yet Nissan refuses to issues a recall instead they want to charge you $2000 to get it fixed, and it’s a safety concern being since it’s supposed to alert you and help brake if you approach a car to quickly

NHTSA ODI 11588268

My 2018 Sentra recently stop driving in forward gear. It only drive in reverse and I’m over the mileage and Nissan refuses to fix it. I need help

NHTSA ODI 11585608

nothing is wrong with the car

NHTSA ODI 11584822

The CVT can cause the car to shake, judder, stall during sudden acceleration, or completely lose power. My car jurked and stop completely while at a turning signal in the middle of the street . This was cause by the recall on their cvt. I’ve called a Nissan dealer and they said they can’t fix the recall problem for free because my car is over 80,000 miles. No it hasn’t been inspected . Yes my car has been jurking for the last past month . I’ve been called Nissan about it but they said i had to pay $210 for diagnostic even tho the problem was the transmission recall . The car will not drive foward or backwards . It’ll start up but that’s just about it. Now I have no transportation to go to work or doctors appointments.

NHTSA ODI 11584106

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the transmission was slipping. The RPM revved up. While at a stop, upon acceleration, the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission slipped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 159,500.

NHTSA ODI 11574827

Unknown, lights and loud beep just appeared one day

NHTSA ODI 11572505