Power Train Problems of Nissan Sentra - part 1

Nissan Sentra owners have reported 878 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Nissan Sentra based on all problems reported for the Sentra.

1 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/06/2026

I am writing to report a life-threatening, sudden-onset mechanical defect in my vehicle’s continuously variable transmission (cvt).  while driving in heavy traffic, my son experienced a complete and sudden loss of motive power without any warning or dashboard lights. The vehicle abruptly stopped accelerating in a live lane, nearly causing a catastrophic rear-end collision.  at just 70,000 miles, far below the expected lifespan of a major powertrain component, a certified technician at b&k transmission confirmed a total internal cvt failure, requiring a $6,000 replacement. Nissan customer care refused any goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is beyond its warranty and the temporary extensions granted by previous class-action settlements.  however, the expiration of a settlement window does not eliminate an ongoing safety crisis. A transmission failure at 70,000 miles is a systemic defect, not standard wear and tear. Thousands of these defective vehicles remain on public roads, putting unsuspecting drivers at risk of sudden, lethal highway failures.  I urge NHTSA to immediately open an investigation into Nissan cvt failures and issue a mandatory safety recall. Automakers must not escape accountability for severe roadway hazards simply because a warranty has lapsed.

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2 Power Train problem of the 2001 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 07/12/2026

Well thankfully it did not happened while driving I stopped it one day to replace the engine (a lil more info I am a mobile mechanic registered with the state of CA) with some year make and model and sub model I finish replacing and next thing later I have no spark I did my diagnostics check wiring fuses relays sensors and still no spark I qent to carfax and notice it as 2 recalls related to my no spark issue regading ckp sensor and cmp sensors and the other recall about a internal problem with ecm I tried calling dealership they know its a incomplete repair but seems like they dont want fix or do something about it now I do need my car to go and repair my customers vehicles and my car dont want to start due to the recalls and from what I read about on NHTSA said that the manufacturer by law is required to assist with a refund, temporory vehicle borrowed or funds for transportation if they cant fix, or shortesh in parts in the mean time or something like that I called about 3 times today first tried to make an appointment and they said no reponse with parts depertment okay we hang up so I call again right away but this time I went directly to parts department and asked for the related parts they said they had them in stock then I commented about my recalls and then they transfer me to appointment department and they told me parts department aint answering I told her I just got transfered feom parts department they said they have the parts in stock so whats the problem she didnt said nothing and only said we will give u a call back for ur appointment I never got a call back 5 hours later I called again something just covering up lie after lie.

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3 Power Train problem of the 2018 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 07/08/2026

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.

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4 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 06/17/2026

Transmission failed on major highway out of no where would not accelerate above 5 mph.

5 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 05/31/2026

I have been experiencing the cvt transmission slipping the last two weeks. I contacted Nissan so see if my VIN was a vehicle affected by 2017 cvt transmission recalls. They advised me it was not affected because my VIN did not match their systems affected vehicles. Today my vehicle transmission broke down completely on my way home and had to get towed home. This could have been prevented had Nissan honored my vehicle cvt transmisson recall since it is a 2017 model as the ones affected. Now I have a vehicle I cant drive.

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6 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 05/18/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he could tell the vehicle gears were slipping, on a different occasion the vehicle downshifted on its own suddenly almost causing a crash. The contact stated there were times where the vehicle would downshift suddenly and would slow all the way down causing the vehicle to come to a stop, having to shift into neutral then back into drive, and the contact stated he could hear very loud grinding noise from the gears. The vehicle was towed to a residence, and the dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,600.

7 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 05/14/2026

The cvt transmission on my 2016 Nissan Sentra is failing. This seems to be an ongoing issue with Nissans cvt that I have researched. Dealerships are saying they are not replacing the transmissions because it is outside the warranty. The cvt issues started shortly after the warranty ended. Funny. The fact that the failure of transmission is causing potential life threatening accidents and nothing is being done to resolve the issue. My car will stop accelerating while on an interstate where traffic is traveling 70-80mph. Nissan is an 8 billion dollar company and is building and selling cars risking the safety of families. To get the transmission replaced would cost more than the value of my car currently. My 2016 Nissan Sentra has right under 120,000 miles. I do hope that Nissan company has a tad bit of integrity and helps their customers resolve these issues.

8 Power Train problem of the 2018 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 04/20/2026

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.

9 Power Train problem of the 2019 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 03/30/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

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10 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 03/27/2026

My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.

11 Power Train problem of the 2023 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 03/06/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and shifted to park(p), the vehicle started to slowly roll backwards unexpectedly. While attempting to re-enter the vehicle to stop the vehicle, the contact was knocked to the floor by the driver’s side door. The contact sustained injuries to the knees, back, thighs, and a concussion. The contact received medical treatment and an appointment for an mri was scheduled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.

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12 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 03/03/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(r), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(d), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loose bearing inside the transmission. While completing a road test, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was offered a partial refund and warranty. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

13 Power Train problem of the 2016 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 03/02/2026

The cvt transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, etc. Very dangerous situation with no warning signs.

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14 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/26/2026

Cvt failed after only 94k miles.

15 Power Train problem of the 2025 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/25/2026

I purchased this car around January 2025 & around August 2025 I started having battery issues. It’s currently March 2026. I have to keep having the battery jumped at. When he battery wasn’t jumping I had to get it sent to a Nissan where they said nothing was wrong with the car so the next day the battery failed again. . And again each day . I have to keep calling aaa to come have the car jumped which I ended up just getting a portable battery jumper which works sometimes but other times I would have to call aaa of course, or if it doesn’t start at all, I will have to get it told to Nissan. Certain times the car would start up and then when you pull out the parking space it’ll start shaking and then you’re driving in the car will slowly turn off. You’ll just be sitting there and that’s the main time you’ll have to get it towed to the dealership. Recently it happened on the side of the road from me, leaving the dealership and the police ended up, towing the car because triple aaa didn’t come fast enough which I had to pay 300 something dollars to get it out of the tow yard. System malfunction pops up, the engine light blinking , battery light pops up.

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16 Power Train problem of the 2019 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/19/2026

I am filing this complaint against Nissan north America due to a recurring transmission failure in my 2019 Nissan Sentra VIN#: [xxx] . Timeline of events: initial purchase: November 2022 (61,000 miles). First failure: September 2023 (~75,000 miles). Nissan replaced the transmission under the extended cvt warranty (84 months/84,000 miles) established by the martinez v. Nissan class action settlement. Second failure: March 2026 (109, 497 miles). The replacement unit has failed after only 31,000 miles of use. Nissan will not cover the repairs due to the mileage being out of warranty. The estimated cost per mcgrath Nissan dealer is $8,000, I am unable to afford this service so the car was towed back to my home until able to get resolution. Issues with Nissan’s resolution process: premature part failure: the transmission installed by Nissan in 2023 should have a reasonable life expectancy beyond 31,000 miles. A secondary failure this soon suggests a defective replacement part or improper initial repair. Safety: luckily, my husband was stopped at a traffic light when the transmission failed. However, had to receive help to push the vehicle out of the busy intersection. There was no warning message displayed on the dashboard prior to this incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

17 Power Train problem of the 2024 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/18/2026

Front axel damaged. Loud clicking, popping noise in both directions. Damaged axles are very dangerous. My car is now at Nissan for the 2nd time in less than a week. The front axle was replaced last week. It is now being replaced again. The active grille shutter also had to be replaced last week.

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18 Power Train problem of the 2024 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/09/2026

The front left axle was replaced twice and the right axle replaced twice. Both have broken consistently. They were replaced by Nissan dealer all times. My safety was put at risk by having to drive the vehicle with broken axles. There were no warning signs u til the axles started clicking and popping upon turning. The vehicle is available for inspection even though it is temporarily fixed.

19 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 02/01/2026

My 2017 Nissan Sentra is experiencing cvt transmission problems. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating, slips between gears, and sometimes loses power while driving. This creates a dangerous situation when entering traffic or driving at highway speeds. I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, but they stated there was nothing they could do because the vehicle is slightly over the 84,000-mile extended cvt warranty. Many owners are reporting the same cvt transmission failures with this model. This issue creates a safety risk because the vehicle struggles to accelerate properly and may unexpectedly lose power while driving. I believe this cvt transmission defect should be investigated for a potential recall.

20 Power Train problem of the 2025 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 01/10/2026

I am submitting a vehicle defect complaint pursuant to 49 u. S. C. Chapter 301 regarding a potential safety related defect involving engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle experienced early engine and electrical malfunction at relatively low mileage, requiring replacement of the engine wiring harness and removal and reinstallation of the engine and transaxle assembly. These are major powertrain and electrical repairs not reasonably expected on a nearly new vehicle and raise concerns regarding vehicle reliability and safe operation. The vehicle displayed a malfunction indicator light warning indicating an engine and emissions system malfunction, with warnings that continued operation could cause additional damage. Such warnings and failures create a risk of reduced power, drivability issues, or further system failure while operating the vehicle. Insurance repair documentation reflects the selection of a recycled lkq drivetrain related component, including a recycled engine, transaxle, or cvt related component, which raises additional concerns about durability and safety when installed in a nearly new vehicle. Early powertrain and electrical failures involving engine management and emissions systems may implicate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and warrant review under NHTSA defect monitoring authority. I am requesting that NHTSA log, track, and evaluate this complaint for defect trend analysis, potential noncompliance, or further investigation under 49 u. S. C. Chapter 301 to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles of the same make and model.

21 Power Train problem of the 2014 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 12/19/2025

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a mass air flow sensor failure under dtc: p0101. The contact was informed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the rpm became elevated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the ecm software needed to be recalibrated. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

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22 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/28/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the transmission failed to operate properly. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle jerks when shifting gears and upshifts on its own, causing unpredictable changes in speed and loss of smooth acceleration. This creates a risk of sudden acceleration or hesitation, especially in traffic, increasing the potential for a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no, the problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? no, the vehicle and transmission have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? prior to the failure, the vehicle began jerking during gear shifts. The transmission does not properly shift gears in relation to engine upshifting and will upshift by itself. These symptoms appeared before the failure and have continued since.

23 Power Train problem of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/26/2025

The transmission has failed with hardly any warning. Stops without warning, while driving down the road. The car will start just fine but will not rev. Or respond to the accelerator. When it stops will driving, it will rev way up but will not have any power to move.

24 Power Train problem of the 2016 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/13/2025

I purchased this vehicle from capital auto auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives. ” however, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these warnings were not disclosed at the auction listing. The car became unable to drive and created a hazardous situation in traffic. I had to call aaa roadside assistance, and the vehicle had to be towed. A Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and documented that it has serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering. When attempting to diagnose the vehicle, the obd2 diagnostic port would not power on, which indicates a potential electrical wiring issue or fuse failure. I also discovered signs that the electrical system may have been tampered with prior to the sale, including a blown fuse and wiring abnormalities. The vehicle shows multiple unsafe conditions: * loss of acceleration in traffic * sudden transmission failure * electrical malfunction * dashboard warning lights not previously disclosed * diagnostic port not functioning * battery warning light activation * car becoming undriveable within minutes of use these issues were not disclosed at the time of purchase and present clear safety hazards, as the vehicle could not accelerate or maintain speed in traffic. I am filing this complaint to report the unsafe condition of the vehicle and the immediate failure that occurred right after purchase. This poses a danger not only to the driver but to other motorists on the road.

25 Power Train problem of the 2024 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/11/2025

Upon recent discovery Tuesday evening 11. 11. 2025; I placed the vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back up and then put into drive, upon taking off my vehicle jerked and made a loud grinding/struggling noise. I could hear the machinery. During my commute, this would happen intermittently until reaching my destination. My car felt as if it was going to stall and cut off. The noise is loud and very noticeable. I could feel the vibrations underneath me. Today is Thursday and the issue persists. I've placed a called to the local dealership to have my vehicle inspected.

26 Power Train problem of the 2018 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/10/2025

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.

27 Power Train problem of the 2004 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

Hard shifting and occasional uncertainty in gear selected.

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28 Power Train problem of the 2019 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

My car just started to have transmission problems. It started to forced especially on hills and the transmission started to force itself and the at 115000 miles the transmission stopped working since it gave us the p 2767. It is just absolutely ridiculous that a new car would not last more than 4 to 5 years without having to replace a vital part of the vehicle. It’s just a shame to find out that issues like this happen to a lot of people with the same type of car as mine and that this issue the manufacturers can’t take responsibility and do the right thing and address this issue . We made an effort to get a new car thinking that it would give us a pease of mind for at least 10 years since it was not a pocket change price tag. We believed it was an investment or reassurance of not having issues since it was a brand new car.

29 Power Train problem of the 2019 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 10/13/2025

No warner went out to head to work. Car moved very rough. Stopped parked car. Had car towed to a mechanic to be told transmission was shot. 102,000 miles.

30 Power Train problem of the 2016 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 09/15/2025

Cvt code p17f4 judder I have not drove 356 miles in the last 2 days.

31 Power Train problem of the 2015 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/26/2025

Car has 72000 miles in it it has given no indication on dash except cruise control went out. The transmission is slipping and both the front passenger and drivers door handles are messed up up.

32 Power Train problem of the 2024 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/18/2025

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several warning lights and messages, including the "check engine" and "cvt malfunction service now" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle either jerked or hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shut off while shifted into park(p) and pressing the start/stop button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, where the contact was repeatedly informed that there was no failure found with the vehicle. On a recent visit, the contact was informed that there was a faulty, unknown sensor that needed to be replaced; however, the part needed for the repair needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

33 Power Train problem of the 2018 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/17/2025

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.

34 Power Train problem of the 2014 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

Cvt problem stopped on highway with kids in car put our life at risk called you all about the extended warranty or help fixing transmission. I was told it’s nothing you all can do because the warranty was expired but there’s a class action lawsuit saying thousands of people are having the same specific problem.

35 Power Train problem of the 2014 Nissan Sentra

Failure Date: 08/08/2025

The cvt transmission on this Nissan Sentra vehicle failed at 100,000 miles. Had it failed before 84,000 miles it would have been covered under a warranty. The VIN shows this is a Nissan vehicle that had a known defective cvt transmission. Is there any way I can get repairs paid for by Nissan even though this transmission lasted longer than most of these defective cvt transmissions due to good maintainance?.



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