Home · 2018 Nissan Sentra Turbo · Complaints

What 172 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Sentra Turbo

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (172)Crash / fire / injury (20)Transmission & drivetrain (42)Brakes (39)Electrical system (32)Driver assistance (24)Engine (21)Speed control (18)Lights (14)Airbags (9)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (7)Fuel system (5)

Newest first · 172 complaints · page 4 of 7

Feb 1, 2022AirbagsBrakesCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she depressed the brake pedal and pressed the push start button but the vehicle failed to start. The warning message "Malfunction Indicator Light" illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to depress the brake pedal and squeezed an unknown wire under the steering wheel, she was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the brake pedal would make abnormal loud sounds and would intermittently hesitate to respond while driving. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she continued to depress the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was about to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead of her, she veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries on the shoulder and her friend who was in the front passenger seat did not sustain any injuries. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her friend's residence. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact received the recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as her vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11449812

Feb 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle loss power no check engine light while at a street light on highway 111 in El Centro California. Light turn green I pressed on gas pedal and vehicle would not move, RPM remained at zero even with gas pedal pressed all the way. Vehicle coming higher speeds behind me since it's a freeway placed my emergency flashers to avoid getting hit and slowly pulled to side since Vehicle would not got more than 3 to 4 miles per hour. Got to safe side street at this speed off the freeway and than a check engine light appear. Codes related to transmission. I had been traveling that day from Palm Desert CA heading to Calexico CA and had no warning or issue till I stop at that red light was also not the 1st stop I made on this trip. Very scary experience and could have been deadly with a semi truck behind us.

NHTSA ODI 11449719

Jan 26, 2022Transmission & drivetrainBrakesDriver assistance

I purchased this car October 10th of 2021 and 2 days after I purchased it I called my service department because I was driving on the highway at 65 miles an hour and the malfunction warning light came on for the automatic braking system and it also depressed my brakes so it scared the crap out of me. I was told that because of the weather it was raining that day that that sometimes happens. I didn't think anything of it on December 10th my son got into a car accident with the car and he did some damage to the front axle and the front end of the car it has since been repaired and now everyday several times a day the same thing happens and it is messing with my brakes and it's scaring me and I don't know what to do.

NHTSA ODI 11448944

Jan 13, 2022Electrical systemLightsBrakes

UNKNOWN. however there has been a safety recall about the brake lights not illuminating. I have tried three times to make an appointment with nissan dealership to get this problem fixed but i have had no luck with them helping. Im worrried about my daughters safety. She is not even two years old yet, i dont want her or anyone else on the road getting hurt because of a faulty safety feature.

NHTSA ODI 11447374

Nov 29, 2021Driver assistance

The automatic emergency braking system is not working and the dash says “forward collision malfunctioning” with the master warning light on. The car did not brake however the aeb is not functioning.

NHTSA ODI 11441993

Oct 18, 2021Engine

I have a cvt transmission and sometimes it’s hard for me to even start to move my vehicle because of this sputtering. I’ve seen so many complaints on this cvt and it’s really starting to hinder me from getting back and forth.

NHTSA ODI 11437135

Oct 6, 2021Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH in the rain, the vehicle in front of him splashed water, and the Forward Collision sensors activated the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, and the vehicle inadvertently stalled while hydroplaning. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the nearest dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated he contact a second dealer - West Herr Nissan of Lockport (6069 S. Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094) several times to schedule an appointment but no one returned his phone calls. The contact was able to schedule an appointment with the first dealer when he returned to Florida. The contact also stated that the sensing and radar system was malfunctioning, sending faulty messages to the vehicle whenever a bug or water would fall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test, then they would determine whether they should cover the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. The consumer stated even if the sensor is maintained and cleaned, it's still malfunctioning. The consumer provided a link showing the defect.

NHTSA ODI 11435671

Sep 20, 2021Brakes

I received a recall notice (PM971) (21V-135) on May 4, 2021. I went twice to the dealership to have my car fixed. I called several times asking what to do to get the recall completed. One person said they needed to look at it to get the part. I went to the dealership on May 24, 2021 and I am still waiting for them to call me telling me that they have the part. Meanwhile, I am having lots of trouble stepping on the brake to start the car. Frequently it takes me up to 10 minutes before I can get the car started. Yesterday (9/19), I gave up trying to start the car. Today, (9/20) I had problems each time I tried to use the car, taking 5-10 minutes each time. The first time I went to the dealership, the technician said he didn't know why the notice was sent out because they didn't have the parts. The dealership is Ray Brandt Nissan 4000 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072. I could not evacuate for Hurricane Ida because I could not be sure that I would be able to start my car or that my brake lights would work in stop an go traffice. My car is my only means of getting to work and accomplishing other tasks. I cannot continue to hope that my car will eventually start and hoping that my brake lights continue to work. Your help is appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11433689

Jul 20, 2021Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the hood latch independently released without warning and failed to close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the hood lever needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Green Nissan (4801 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62711) where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the hood release system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,388. The vin was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11425700

Jul 16, 2021Lights

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11425132

Jul 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

When passing someone it will not go over 80 it will shift down, rpms will jump back and forth until it shifts correctly and then it will accelerate. This is an issue for several nissans since 2003 that they will not fix.

NHTSA ODI 11423947

Jun 29, 2021Driver assistance

The AEB light came on and message appeared saying "Front Radar Unavailable Due to Obstruction"

NHTSA ODI 11422798

Jun 28, 2021BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle stopped after the brake pedal was depressed, and the emergency brakes was engaged. The vehicle eventually stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the brakes needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall associated with the VIN, which would cover the repair cost for the ABS, rear stop lamp switch, Engine and Cruise Control. The failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11422672

Jun 21, 2021BrakesEngineFire

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the push to start button and brake pedal was depressed but the engine failed to start. The contact also stated that the RPM's would go to 5 when she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle had a burning smell when driving. The contact stated the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) on June 11, 2021, at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,127.

NHTSA ODI 11421729

Jun 14, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My Sentra at around 75mph starts shifting back and forth abnormally between gears. The only thing that releases it is letting go of gas, forcing to drop speed, which also forces a shift to higher gear. You feel a jerk when it's jumping gears, but the RPM arrow also jerks between, started around 30k miles and getting worse.

NHTSA ODI 11420918

May 28, 2021Brakes

When I push the brakes and start button, all lights come on, navi starts, but Car Does NOT start. I am stranded for 6th or 7th time and waiting on tow truck. According to this link, this is a recurrent problem Nissan is aware of, and they do nothing to fix it. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c27227_ds963428 Being stranded is dangerous-PERIOD. I am enduring a homeless man yelling at me while I sit in my car with doors locked. Nissan should recall this car. 2018 Sentra SV with push start is Not safe.

NHTSA ODI 11418846

May 14, 2021Electrical systemBrakesEngine

A TIMELY FIX FOR THIS RECALL HAS NO BEEN ISSUED.

NHTSA ODI 11416632

May 13, 2021Electrical systemBrakes

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS F AS FAILING MAKING MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT GLOW

NHTSA ODI 11416392

May 11, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PERFORM AS NEEDED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER AVOIDED A NEAR CRASH. THE VEHICLE COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO UNITED NISSAN IMPERIAL (2361 HWY 86, IMPERIAL, CA 92251, (760) 352-2900) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11416184

May 3, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR ANY OTHER GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

NHTSA ODI 11415028

Apr 17, 2021LightsSpeed controlBrakesCrash

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR MY FRONT COLLISION SENSOR LIGHT WAS ON I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS AFFECTED NOW THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND IT'S AFFECTING MY BRAKES MY LIGHTING AND MY SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE I CAN'T BREAK AND THEY HAVE NOT SENT ME A RECALL OR SEND ANY INFORMATION TO ME I FOUND THIS OUT ON MY CARFAX REPORT

NHTSA ODI 11408582

Mar 21, 2021Engine

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.

NHTSA ODI 11404134

Mar 14, 2021Brakes

THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO FLUID BUILD UP THAT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE BRAKES IN THE CAR I JUST BOUGHT FROM CARVANA. THANK GOD I RESEARCHED THE VIN BECAUSE IT WASN'T DISCLOSED TO ME FROM CARVANA. I COULD HAVE DIED IN AN ACCIDENT IF I NEVER WOULD HAVE DID A VIN SEARCH SO SEE IF ANY RECALLS EVER HAPPENED. HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED IMMEDIATELY?

NHTSA ODI 11402939

Mar 6, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

I BOUGHT THIS FROM A NISSAN DEALER NOVEMBER 2018. A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE A WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASH STATING "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" FOLLOWED BY THE DEACTIVATED RADAR SYMBOL THAT REMAINS ON THE DASH. I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS WE'RE OUT FOR THE COLLISION WARNING SENSOR. THEY SAID NO. I KNOW THAT THE NISSAN MURANOS HAVE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THIS SENSOR. IT STARTED GOING OFF ABOUT ONCE A DAY, NOW IT DEACTIVATES NEARLY SIX OR MORE TIMES A DAY AND I DRIVING ME CRAZY. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THIS ISSUE WITH THE MURANO, THEY MENTIONED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE "AUTO BRAKE" FEATURE WOULD ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING AFTER SEEING THIS MESSAGE AND I AM AFRAID MY VEHICLE WILL DO THE SAME.

NHTSA ODI 11399452

Mar 4, 2021Suspension

IN SEPTEMBER 2020 I PURCHASE A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA SV 1.8LITER CAR FROM A SMALL DEALERSHIP. EVERYTHING IS GOING GOOD, I KEEP UP ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CAR. ON 02/25/2021 I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL THE REAR SHOCKS ARE LEAKING BAD AND THE FRONT SHOCKS LEAKING AS WELL. FOR A 3 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD THESE PARTS BE LEAKING LIKE THIS ALREADY? THE MILAGE ON MY CAR IS UNDER 70,000 AND THEY ALL NEED TO REPLACE ALREADY.I JUST WANTED TO KNOW HOW LONG SHOULD SHOCKS LAST FOR ON A CAR. I JUST BELIEVED THIS CALLS FOR A SAFETY RISK. THERE IS NO ACCIDENT OF ANY SORT ONLY THE REPORT FROM THE MECHANIC SHOP.

NHTSA ODI 11399168

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Working with the data? Download all 172 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Nissan Sentra Turbo verdict →