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.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and slowing down for a traffic sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle and placed the gear shifter in park(P) and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and had been illuminated since owning the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she had experienced failure of the brakes with a metal-on-metal sound while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure with the engine and the brakes. The contact had taken the vehicle to an unauthorized dealer who diagnosed that the gasoline cap and front and rear brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the brakes were replaced; however, the engine stalling failure recurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2022
Vehicle lost transmission power out of nowhere. Would not reverse, nor drive in L gear. I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. I've only had car 45 days. It is at a shop that may or may not fix. I see so many issues and class action stuff. I want and need this fixed
Power train, Aug 28, 2022
My daughter was driving down the highway and the vehicle just stopped pulling and started coasting. The car would just idle from then on. Had it towed to a mechanic and he said it needed a transmission. There was no warning lights or service lights on in the vehicle. Loss of power could have resulted in a accident in the middle of traffic
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and stalled. The engine warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the starter was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
My Vehicles stalled on me on multiple occasions one in particular I was with my family including my two year old daughter. when the car began to violently jerk on the NJ turnpike, total ambarassment ensued and ultimately I had to drive that way for about an hour or so. I had a Mechanic from Nissan come to my home and the diagnosis was the tranny was done. Rip to my baby at 115k miles so sad.
Power train, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure worsened and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Air bags, Jul 21, 2022, crash
The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that her son was driving at an unknown MPH, when he crashed into a concrete structure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. Her son had a concussion but later started driving to his residence; then was assisted by a police officer. The contact was not sure if a police report was filed. The police notified the contact regarding the accident. Her son was sent to the hospital with bruised lungs, and other minor injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the salvage lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Jun 22, 2022
While at a stop sign, the CVT transmission seamed to fail. The car started to shake when I tried to accelerate and then would not move at all while I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. I almost got sandwiched between 2 cars.
Power train, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made loud abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. The contact related the failure to a faulty CVT transmission; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Power train, May 14, 2022
While driving, the vehicle’s rpm’s will bounce up and down. When accelerating the vehicle will stutter, transmission slip, or not go when gas pedal is all the way down. This has left me in the middle of intersections when the light is turning red, it’s has had me on one lane roads being unable to move. The vehicle can be in motion and just stop risking an accident. I have had the codes checked due to check engine light being on. Check engine light has not been accurate with readings. From one day to the next the codes will change. After the transmission went out it finally read codes related to the transmission. After making the suggested fixes it still functions the same. Prior to getting code related to the transmission the vehicle indicated that there was something wrong with the fuel system. I have had a certified mechanic look at my vehicle confirming the above. The codes read on multiple occasions and fixing what was suggested has not made any difference.
Suspension, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road, the vehicle would skip to the passenger's side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side lower control arm ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving 20 MPH on an uneven road surface, the vehicle started shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would make abnormal squeaking sounds while turning to the left. Additionally, the contact stated that the front service brakes, brake rotors, and the rear service brakes were replaced twice within four years; however, the vehicle would emit a metallic grading sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. Diagnostic was done on 4-6-2022 stating that the problem is the same problem as the recall that was put out for 19s26 by Ford.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2022, crash
The transmission quit working in rush our traffic in St. Louis, Missouri. The incident nearly caused a severe accident, if it hadn't been for two alert drivers during rush hour. After sitting for approximate sixty minutes waiting for a tow truck. Just before the the tow truck arrive another tow driver was going to pick up another vehicle "he stop to help." The tow driver was going to tow the vehicle. He was testing to see what the problem. As he started the vehicle he put it in drive and nothing happen. After a few minutes it jump in gear. The vehicle was driven home with loosing power, surging, and RPM going up without acceleration. This happen in late November. The car continued to jerk, stall, and loose power over long trips. The car was taken to the dealership but they could do nothing until they put a device on it to read codes. This was completed December 20, 2021, I was notified to drive the vehicle for several days up to a week and bring it back to them. The vehicle was picked up and drove per dealership instruction. The car was returned after Christmas. The tech perform a TCM update. They tested and drove the vehicle with myself in the car. The manager concluded the car had transmission problems that pointed to the transmission but it would not reveal a code. Until they get a code or approval from Nissan there was nothing they could. On about January 28, 2022, I was instructed to pick up the car. Also, I was instructed the car was unsafe to drive. It was bitter cold (12 degree) fifteen minutes into the drive home the service manger call (note after hours). The vehicle stalled/loss power and a multiple of problems. Approximately twenty miles away the vehicle caused an accident in which I suffer frostbite and damaged to my left hip. With the assistant of the State Trooper I was safe until the tow truck from D and K arrived. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership and remain until present date, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Feb 18, 2022
I bought this car with the understanding that it was in drivable condition with no major problems bought in 2017 now in 2022 there is a problem with the CVT transmission which I have just learned had been in several class action suits I took it to the dealership who only took it for a drive and said they heard a weird noise. Then I was informed it needed the transmission replace at a cost of over $4000 which I don’t have they told me my warranty was expired and the extended warranty given by Nissan was no good either they offered to give me $1000 to buy my car I still owe $9000 on it and then proceeded to try and sell me another car. They didn’t care about me nor my problem. I never got any information about any class action lawsuit. I feel that they were deceptive and hid the truth from me about this defective transmission. I want a replacement with no cost to me. I would not have bought this model if I was told about this major defect.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022
My transmission messed up today, not sure exactly sure what is it yet. From what the into I gathered today, my RPM goes over 1 through 2(+) thousand up while my MPH either barely moves or stays the same. When parking my car in my driveway, I noticed my car moving forward while the gear it's on is Reverse.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 12, 2022
After getting my transmission serviced, my car started jerking often and lagging on speed from 0-35. Once hitting 40 mph, it would create a loud rev up and a rough kick back. It has stalled out and started up numerous times while sitting in freeway traffic and traffic light controlled intersections to the point that I had to move it and park somewhere safe for 10 mins for it to restart then stall out again a few mins later down the road.
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2022
The transmission in my vehicle is not working and I see there has been a known issue on models from 2013-2017. I would like this repaired, please.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2022
My Nissan Sentra is constantly “jerking” and “stalling” when accelerating. It’s not coming to speed and completely stopping in traffic. The vehicle seems like it’s struggle to switch gears and giving problems with the transmission. This is a very dangerous issue that needs to be resolved.
Steering, Jan 14, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the steering wheel was loose and unable to lock into position. The contact stated no warning light was 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 unknown.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jan 7, 2022
DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT, BILLS PAID, WORK COMPLETED AND INFORMATION IS ATTACHED TO THIS DOCUMENT. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
I'm driving my car on the freeway and it's stalls. I barely made it to the shoulder. I waited a few minutes and drove again. Went a few miles, and again, it stalled. I made it to a safe place. Had my car towed to a mechanic. They said it was the CVT transmission.
Power train, Dec 8, 2021
The component which has failed is the CVT Transmission. It can be available and has been inspected upon request. The safety is for myself, my son, and other drivers on the roads because the transmission could cause hesitation as it did previoiusly without warning while in operation causing a possible collision. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer. The component has been inspected by the delaer on behalf of the manufacturer. There were no warning lamps this time because the dealer stated the code found during the diagnostic check indicates the transmission is not communicating with the vehicle computer so that the warning lamp would indicate there is a problem. The transmission was replaced February 2021. However, after only being driven 21, 263 miles this transmission is malfunctioning and is defective.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2021
The airbag sensor fails to register the weight of a grown adult in the passenger seat. I have brought my car into a Nissan dealership to get this issue checked out, but I was told that there is no issue. I first noticed this issue approximately 5 years ago and has occasionally occured since. If the airbag sensor does not light up when there is a passenger (who is over 100 lbs and over 13 y/o) and does not deploy the airbag in the event of an accident, the passenger of my car could be seriously injured or killed.
Power train, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the air flow sensor replaced but soon after repair, the failure returned. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to another independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the driver’s side door inadvertently opened. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road, locked the driver's side door, and continued to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that the driver’s side door would not totally latch upon closing. Additionally, the door handles were fractured, preventing them from easily accessing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the door handles needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V453000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance because the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer opened a case. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
Transmission malfunction. The car will reduced speed putting me on risk of getting hit in the back and someone colliding with me due the reduction of speed and the slowness of the car to start to gain speed. There was some jerking as gas pedal was pressed down and will slow down and then gain speed before it completely slow down to the point it will not go beyond 40 miles per hour. The car was inspected by the Nissan dealership where the car was bought and transmission is failing internally according to their findings. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. There were no warning/message prior to this problem.