2015 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 351 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 23 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to incorrectly classify the installed CRS, resulting in the front passenger air bag to not be turned off as designed when a CRS is in the seat.
If the frontal passenger air bag deploys in the event of a crash when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, there will be an increased risk of injury to the child in the CRS.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016. Owners are warned not to install a CRS in the front seat. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Campaign 16V242000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkagesJul 21, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may not fully latch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
A door that does not fully latch may result in the door opening while the car is moving. The distraction may increase the risk of a crash and/or a vehicle occupant may fall out of the vehicle if they are not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the date, lot number, and cavity code on the left front and rear door latches, and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V453000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
351 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH and the vehicle started coasting. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in park (P) and turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle failed to shift into drive(D) or reverse(R). The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM module on the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,946.
Power train, Jul 24, 2023
The transmission and yes, it is available for inspection. When car stopped, it was in middle of the street and would not move in the drive mode. Only when it was shifted to neutral was it moving.yes, the problem was confirmed by dealer and it was not inspected by insurance or police. No, there were no warning signals.
Power train, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and started overheating. The overheat warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive the vehicle home once the vehicle had cooled down. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
CEL light came on while driving, took car to O'Reilley's who reported a P0101 sensor reading. Assistant manager said that that is a common sensor to fail, however, when I purchased my car at Carmax 2 years ago, they had replaced it.
Power train, Jun 4, 2023
Cvt transmission had to be replaced
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2023
I recently encountered a distressing situation with my Nissan Sentra, where the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) unexpectedly failed, resulting in the need for my car to be towed. This unforeseen incident left me stranded and unable to operate my vehicle. The failure of the CVT transmission not only caused inconvenience but also posed safety concerns as the car became inoperable. Prompt action and attention to this matter are crucial to resolve the issue effectively and ensure the safe and reliable functioning of my Nissan Sentra.
Power train, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, May 10, 2023
The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating while driving 10 mph in heavy traffic. The RPM's do not go above 2,000 and no visible failure lights on dashboard are reported. Vehicle has 109k miles and has always been serviced. Mechanic performed inspection and confirmed CVT failure. Replacing the CVT now costs what the car is worth. Makes no sense to repair. Nissan needs to do better.
Power train, Apr 25, 2023
The problem is that the transmission on this vehicle had to replaced at 108k miles. This I believe is a known issue with the CVT transmission used in this model. Nissan claims that the warranty was extended to 80k miles or 7 years. I filed a complaint with Nissan complaint # 48661785, But they of course didn’t do anything. This vehicle was purchased new and all services were done at a Nissan Dealership. The transmission just stopped while driving.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 1, 2023, crash
We bought this vehicle brand new in 2016, and it seem to be a nice vehicle until it hit 30,000 miles. When we hit 30,000 miles in April 2020, the brake system failed, causing a passenger side collision, however, there were no injuries. Then in November 2020, the transmission went out. At that time we had to have the front brakes replaced as well. Then in May 2021 at 40,000 miles, we had to replace the front brakes again. In September 2021 at 50,000 miles, the front and rear brakes started grinding and needed replaced, which ended up having the ABS system, ABS module, brake lines, brake rotors, brake calipers, brake drums, and pads replaced. In February 2022 at 58,000 miles, while driving home, there was a loud bang from the front of the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered violently, had very little acceleration, and there was a large amount of white smoke coming from the back of the vehicle. Had the vehicle towed into the service shop, where they stated the engine block had thrown a rod through the engine. Had the engine replaced. Four days after the vehicle was returned, the front suspension collapsed on the tires. Had the front suspension replaced at 58,000 miles. August 2022, the transmission failed once again at 69,000 miles, and also had to replace the front brakes again. At 76,000 miles, in March 2023, had to once again replace front brake pads, rotors, and passenger caliper. No rear drums and pads need replaced. Vehicle ABS system is nonresponsive, ABS light is on once again, when, pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle does not stop just like when ABS system and module was replaced prior. Emergency brake does not work as well. I have contacted Nissan several times, to which I was told they would no longer service my vehicle. Now I am wondering what to do at this point.
Power train, Mar 17, 2023
My 2015 Nissan Sentra has received routine maintenance since I had purchased it new as the original owner. The vehicle was taken to Authorized Nissan Dealerships for routine maintenance and transmission diagnostic test 50,220MI. During this time the vehicle was within mileage and time warranty per Nissan settlement of the CVT transmission. At the time, the transmission was experiencing surging and falling RPMs at or around 2900RPM traveling above 70MPH; heavily prevalent at speeds +75MPH. I had also mentioned to the technician the problem seems to worsen after driving for duration's when the transmission gets warmer. At lower speeds it would sometimes jerk or 'downshift' rough during accelerations. The dealership had pulled no codes during the diagnostic test, "test drove and could feel a slight trans slip/judder when going uphill especially. no codes present."(technician) The issues became more prevalent, I felt my safety was definitely at risk on the highway, as well as my car could not be depended upon for longer distant trips especially, became limiting factor. The vehicle was brought back again for routine maintenance and another transmission diagnostic 57,899MI. Surging and jerking issues had worsened. While entering a connecting highway the car had accelerated to 55MPH before 'shifting' and the had risen to 4900RPMs. Following the incident my vehicle would experience rougher 'downshifts' and jerkier acceleration than before. At this visit to the dealership the transmission diagnostic test pulled a code P17F3-Auxillary Gear Box Ratio error. I am currently seeking Nissan Motor Corporation to remedy my claim with the information presented, affecting my safety, cost of transportation and time to visit the dealership, and the significant lost value of my vehicle with its limited power-train life span of only 57,899MI.
Power train, Mar 15, 2023
Car shuts off while driving on the highway was almost killed.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated all four door locks would unlatch independently and the door ajar chime would be activated. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2023
For a while now it jerks or pulls, and it only goes up to 1-2 gears like it doesn't want to accelerate. It doesn't shift gear properly more like transmission issues. There is no power.
Power train, Feb 4, 2023
The CVT (transmission) in the 2015 Nissan Sentra SV failed at 67,000 miles. The vehicle had regular maintenance and had previously had a preventative transmission fluid flush at 45,000 miles. There were no warning lights to indicate a vehicle issue. The car began to hesitate when accelerating and then lost all ability to accelerate while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was not able to accelerate, which would have endangered myself and others if I had not moved the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway quickly.
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2023
This particular year make and model has been known to have transmission issues. Has this been resolved and/or covered by Nissan. The transmission currently is making a very loud whining sound.
Power train, Jan 13, 2023
My 2015 Nissan Sentra with 86,603 miles, was taken to the dealership service department on 12/26/22, because of faulty acceleration, rpms will rise but vehicle will not accelerate properly and hesitates to go, especially on the highway, causing a serious potential for an accident and crash. There were no warning lamps or messages ever displayed in the vehicle. A technician also drove the vehicle and confirmed the faulty acceleration. The service department scanned the vehicle and found NO codes present. I was notified by the service department that an update was available and I was charged $410.00 for the update. With this update, they found a stored code P17F3. I was told that the CVT transmission was shot and needed replaced. I was quoted $5,500.00 and told that this transmission was not under any type of warranty due to mileage and date. I have found multiple articles concerning Nissan extending the warranty on some of the CVT transmissions, as well as Class Action lawsuits against Nissan on the CVT transmissions, and would like to find out how I can be added to the lawsuit. I also contacted Nissan Headquarters and they did agree to a 50/50 split.
Power train, Dec 29, 2022
Transmission clutch Car stop movement in mist of traffic no warning or check engine light. Went in to Nissan Montgomery AL charged a cost of $267 not sure what that was supposed to do vehicle worsened. Went back to be told it was transmission clutch. I’m left stranded in Montgomery AL until it can be repaired and thinking I payed $267 for nothing I explained to the Serviceman what it was doing
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
Have driving issues.. 3 times lose power. Transmission issues. Mileage still low (66.000) Jumping while drivering.. vibration
Power train, Dec 2, 2022
When you first take off in the sentra it hesitates and bogs down while you're going down the road the rpms stay at three to four and it starts jerking And it has lost power and as losing power
Power train, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2022
The CVT in this car is faulty. The transmission has been rebuilt but it still has the same issue. The transmission doesn’t di room properly and although the rpm’s increase the car will not accelerate. I’ve taken the car to Nisan dealerships. They now deny that this issue exists and will not offer a fix. The car is a safety hazard. It loses the ability to accelerate at low and high speeds. While on the highway or in the city the car loses the ability to maintain or increase speed. There is also a known issue with this car related to the brake switch and moisture in the tail light. The dealership knows by way of Nissan corporation sharing an article with them about this issue in other cars and knows that the brake switch is faulty and that the car can brake and accelerate at the same time but no recall has been issued. These issues are ongoing, have been happening since the car was about 3 years old and happen regularly.
Power train, Oct 25, 2022
UNKNOWN TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE - NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED & REPLACED.
Power train, Oct 22, 2022
Car lost power, jerky couldn’t move forward, stopped in the middle of the highway.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2022
Chech engine light came on showed maf sensor bad so replaced it changed spark plugs and ignition coils reset check engine light then warning light came on again cleared it came on several times replaces maf sensor again running fine then sitting at light started idling funny then couple days later check engine light on again getting frustrating don't know what to do now