2017 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 230 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 29 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMar 3, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Campaign 21V135000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionAug 22, 2018
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Campaign 18V551000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 13, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V253000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2023
found out by someone else about recall on my car about the stop switch and transmission on car then took it to petro nissan and they told me they voided my recall and fixed it but it was never fixed because the situation has started on my car and with the transmssion started messing up with battery being drained with stop switch problem and my airbag light blinking off and on with me surfing the internet i found to where theres a recall on electrical ignition .air bags and with the brake light switch i need this solved asap please and will need a loaner are rental as its being fixed please again because every dealer i have been to and had check it refused to fix it without charging me alot of money
Power train, Feb 9, 2023
The car just started jerking forward on its own when driving. When I turn it off, and then on, it jerks when changing from park to drive or reverse gear. I then decided to take it back to the dealer. Driving from my house to the dealer took me an hour yet it's a distance of 15 Min. The engine light came on and I am not sure that car will be ok. The dealership said the transmission is the issue and they are talking to Nissan. Prior to that, the car had no issues. I've never ben that scared in my life.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 10, 2023
on acceleration to 60 mph or more noted moments of jerky/hesitation as if shifting gears- evaluation by dealership x2- they noted the same thing....could not fix the problem was told to bring back once engine light comes on or sensor code is generated in their computer system which checks the transmission. Awareness that this is a transmission problem. a month later car fails to increase speed to 50mph going up a small incline...driving over a mountainous pass.....then as got to a straightaway it had to shift down to 20-30 mph due to weather conditions and traffic- then the RPM keep wavering would not be steady at this lower mph....then within 10 miles of this....intown at stop lights RPM would acelerate at complete stop and then it didn't want to move- was able to get up to 10 mph yet could not get through the intersection without the traffic light turning red before I could make it through happen multiple times...once it did this I had to drive with my hazard lights on to warn other drivers......such a safety hazard... let it sit for 2 days then. I was able to drive it 25 miles with the RPM constantly wavering between 1.5 and 3 with the cruise set at 60mph....check engine light came .....towed 100 miles. Now at the car dealer/manufacturer for replacement of the CVT Transmission ....this could have been avoided if 1 month earlier the CVT could have been replaced....5 year old car with less than 100k......it is an automatic car
Power train, Engine, Jan 5, 2023
Transmission stalled out when I was on the Rt 30 bypass. I was traveling at 55 miles per hour in rush hour and the car suddenly would not go forward. Causing sudden traffic issues. This is a known problem with 2017 sentras. Exton Nissan sold me this vehicle knowing it's unsafe. I've trying to get in touch with them for a month about this. I'm seeking for them to buy back this unsafe and dangerous car
Power train, Jan 3, 2023
My 16 year old son was stopped at a stop light. When the light turned green, he pressed on the gas but the car would not accelerate. It did start accelerating but would not go over 5 mph and was shaking and knocking. The Check Engine light then came out so he immediately pulled over. He was driving by himself at night. Thankfully it was on a side street without a whole lot of traffic. Had this happened in heavy traffic or on the highway then it could have had serious consequences. This happened without any warning and my 16 year old son was NOT safe. I do not feel safe in this vehicle anymore and I do not feel safe allowing my son to drive it either. The repair shop advised that it is the transmission. Nissans should not be having transmission problems just after 5 years and 100,000 miles. Come to find out this is a common problem with 2017 Nissan Sentras. This should be recalled and fixed by Nissan!!!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2022
My nissan keeps slipping when I try to accelerate. I noticed everyone is having the same problem there needs to be a recall some people don't have money for a new transmission. The dealerships have to take care of this issue and I need a car to get back and forth. I bought this car brand new in 2017. I need this issue addressed
Power train, Nov 29, 2022
TRYING TO MAKE LEFT TURN IN TRAFFIC VEHICLE REVED BUT LOST POWER cvt TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T ENGAGE
Power train, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle rolled forward unintendedly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle responded after shifting into park(P) and then shifting back into drive(D) several times; however, the vehicle would not exceed 5-10 MPH. The contact stated that upon shifting into park and shifting back into drive several times, the vehicle accelerated as needed. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist who diagnosed that the transmission range sensor switch and the transmission control module (TCM) had failed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The dealer replaced the transmission range sensor switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a callback from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the vehicle had a transmission warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Oct 19, 2022
The vehicle has rpms fluctuating when on the highway and will not go above 60mph.
Power train, Sep 20, 2022
After only 6 months of having my vehicle, my transmission has gone out. My vehicle lost acceleration in the middle of an intersection while I had both of my children in the car. Nissan refuses to replace the transmission because all warranties had already expired when I begin financing the vehicle. I am stuck with a balance of over $13,000 and cannot drive the car. There was a class action law suit for this in the recent years which means many customers have had issues. Nissan is aware of this being a problem and they are not offering help. This transmission needs to be recalled. Nissan needs to replace my transmission and I cannot pay for something that they knew is a problem and will affect me. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer themselves and they confirmed it was the transmission.
Power train, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on an inclined surface, the transmission shifter was difficult to shift out of the park(P). The contact stated that there was a loud clunking sound when the gear shifter was shifted out of the park(P). In addition, while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The RPM would raise however, the vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reprogrammed the transmission control module however, the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Power train, Aug 4, 2022
My Nissan has always hesitated to go a person at CarMax told my ex oh it's a Nissan thing well I was like Ive never heard of that it's getting worse and I still owe alit if payments not going to continue paying on a car that has issues like this it's cut off on me in the middle of switching lanes 3 times already just knw someone will be getting sued if something happens to me in this car it has 77,000 Miles I need my car fixed or traded in and get something I want I dnt want a car that's quit on me already
Power train, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally while driving. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started the vehicle failed to move as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact determined that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 6, 2022
While traveling at highway speeds, the rpm’s would rapidly jump. As of the vehicle was confused at what gear it should be in. This would cause unsteady driving and also made it feel like the transmission was about to fail. This has happened multiple times. While using and not using cruise control. I have video evidence of it happening on another occasion.
Power train, Apr 22, 2022
I was with my kids and pregnant fiancé heading to a carnival and I was driving on the highway just fine and got off at my exit. I was a stop sign trying to cross a busy intersection and when I tried to proceed my car wouldn’t go anywhere; my RPMs were climbing but my car wouldn’t get over 20mins causing us to almost get hit. The speed on that street was 45MPH. I have been made aware that CVT transmissions have been a issue especially in Nissans. I took my car to be serviced at Bommarito Nissan dealer and it turned out to be my transmission. My car hasn’t had any issues and has been well maintained these last 4years and this has cost me $5100 a month before my wedding.
Other or unspecified, Power train, Apr 8, 2022
My car would not accelerate or go forward, stalling, shaking and jerking then completely stop in the middle of traffic in NC . I got side swipe and almost rear ended. I received a card in the mail about this bad CVT transmission but now I’m being told it’s too late to do anything. I expect Nissan to stand behind their product!!! I’m not going to keep making payments on a car I can’t drive and I’m sure not able to afford getting it fix myself nor should I have to. [XXX] Thank for help in solving this problem! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Mar 1, 2022
The transmission has been having problems since 2019 with shift delays and shuttering or jumping that pulses and surges. I’ve taken it to Nissan several times prior to warranty going out but they say they have not been able to reproduce it. Now that the warranty is expired they have been able to reproduce all of my complaints related to the transmission at $6000 price tag.
Power train, Jan 18, 2022
After long drive, at highway speeds, transmission starts oscillating between 1k-3k revs and car starts losing power and speed. Can be dangerous as it forces you to drive at slower speeds on highway. Nissan dealership inspected multiple times and said that this is normal for the CVT transmission in these cars. Multiple forums online describe a similar issue with this car. Issue was not fixed even though it is under warranty.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 23, 2021
On Friday October 22, 2021at about 320pm I was driving between the Ca central valley to the San Fernando Valley area over the grapevine. My vehicle began to surge with the rpm's reeving with little to none forward thrust. There were no warning lights, messages, alerts that illuminated. The vehicle seemed to be stuck in a high gear since driving at freeways speeds didn't appear have any issues, however getting up to freeway speed was something else. When I got to my destination in Agoura Hills, I was not able to drive up hill in any forward gear. I will have the vehicle looked at by a certified mechanic or a local dealership. I am aware that there are some Nissan Sentra models have had the same issue and recalls have been made, in reading the cvt recall information I believe my 2017 Sentra has experienced the same issues of the known recall. A search of my VIN only shows the light switch recall.
Power train, Sep 3, 2021
DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD IN DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED AFTER STOPING AT A GAS STATION. I REVERSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL OUT OF THE SPOT AND SWITCHED TO DRIVE. THATS WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. CHECKED THE VEHICLE REVERSE, AND THE REVERSE CONTINUE TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOUSE AND THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THAT ISSUE WAS WELL KNOW AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE AT A COST OF ABOUT $3,750. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 79,258 MILES ONLY. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE.
Power train, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, while depressing on accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to exceed 70 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on July 22, 2021, while making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to roll into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Jul 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or diagnosed for the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Jun 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly started skipping. The contact stated that after coming to a stop and remaining idle the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2021
When trying to accelerate to high speed on freeway, transmission acts up. RPM goes up and down like crazy. Significant lag in acceleration while in motion trying to advance higher speeds. 80 MPH or higher vehicle shakes.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 4, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE CAR WOULD JUST SLOW DOWN OUT OF NOWHERE ON THE HIGHWAY. I COULDN'T GET THE CAR PAST 80 OR IT WOULD SHAKE. IF I STOPPED THE CAR OR EVEN SLOWED DOWN, (ANYWHERE, STREET OR HIGHWAY) THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE AT ALL. I WOULD BE PUSHING THE PEDAL ON THE FLOOR FOR 10 MINUTES JUST TO GET IT TO 5MPH. IF I WOULD GO UP A SMALL INCLINE, THE CAR WOULD ROLL BACK AND BARELY STOP ( ALMOST RESULTING IN SEVERAL POTENTIALLY FATAL COLLISIONS). AT TIMES MY REVERSE WOULDN'T EVEN WORK IF I COULDN'T PRESS THE GAS AND IF IT DID WORK THEN I COULDN'T DRIVE FROWARD. IT WOULD TAKE ME ALMOST 30 MINUTES TO GET HOME FROM WORK AND MY JOB IS EXACTLY 10 MINUTES IN A STRAIGHT LINE FROM MY HOUSE (ON THE STREET. NO HIGHWAY). IF THAT GIVES ANY PERSPECTIVE. ONCE THE CAR WAS PARKED IT WAS FINE. ALL THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.