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: other or unspecified
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2026, crash
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2026
When driving in the highway my hood opened up it hand unhinged on its own.
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2026
CVT transmission losing power
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 28, 2025
My car is an automatic 2017 with 58,000 miles. The car is having trouble shifting gears, trouble accelerating (it jerks and doesn’t speed up), leaks every fluid possible (oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant), etc. I have taken it to two different mechanics to have a diagnostic performed (one specializing in transmission issues), both which said it was an internal transmission issue. The codes: P0846 - transmission fluid pressure sensor / switch B, C1130 - engine signal 1, and C1116 - stop lamp switch show up. I had an oil change performed and the very next day a leak was under my car (it was oil and a mix of another fluid - probably coolant). I also have had the O2 sensor fixed twice and the check engine light still throws the code that that sensor is not working. My transmission among with other internal systems are failing with only 58,000 miles. My car doesn’t accelerating and not shifting correctly is a danger because it could potentially stop on the middle of the road or highway while driving. Prior to this failure, the check engine light appeared but for the O2 sensor that had been replaced twice previously and a tail light out. Only took it in to get looked at because the jerking and lack of acceleration got so bad it was worrisome. The photo attached of the leak is the day after the oil had been changed. I can submit additional evidence as soon as the other diagnostics are available in writing.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 28, 2025
I was driving on the highway and saw that my RPM was fluctuating a lot even though on cruise control, it was losing its power. It started slowing down and even though cruise control was off, I was indeed in drive and not neutral. when I fully pressed the gas it did absolutely nothing. I was close to home 10 minutes so I had to just put emergency lights on and keep going but at the stop signs and lights sometimes it would stop completely and get stuck at 0 even though i was pressing the gas pedal all the way. Once I was going - it let me go, seemed like it allowed it. Then but never past 25 But anytime I slowed it almost shut off or did shut off. This is a safety issue since I am not able to drive the speed limit. I risk getting rear ended. There were no warning messages on my dash when this happened. I took the car to a mechanic, who stated I needed a new transmission. I bought a transmission and the mechanic replaced it. It was fine for a couple days then started having the same problem. I took it to Nissan to get it diagnosed and they stated that it was due to the transmission. Nissan stated the recall expired so they could not help me
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2025
I recently purchased this certified pre owned car at garden state Honda in Clifton NJ, and in less than 4 months the transmission gave up. I called them and i was told its not within warranty. I find this unprofessional. Obviously this transmission had been defective and they still sold it without fixing it. The car is sitting at the shop coz the cost to fix is enormous and my son is having a hard time to go to work and school. Please help me how to go about this legally.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2024
I traveled from Texas to Kentucky last year and the transmission went out 4 hours before reaching my destination. My warranty replaced the transmission. Last month I traveled from Kentucky to Texas and again the transmission went out and this time fluid was spilled everywhere 6 hours from reaching my destination.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2024
My CVT transmission is going out, causing my car to struggle to accelerate. This could potentially cause a safety issue if the car just dies randomly or the transmission does blow and I get hit on a busy road or something. Yes the vehicles been inspected by a couple different shops and both said I need a new transmission which is about $5-6k and I’m a single mother of 2 kids (3 y/o and 3 m/o) and have no reliable transportation as of right now so I can’t work.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2024
My mechanic informed me in 2022 that my transmission was going out on my 2017 Nissan Sentra. I took it to Hawk Nissan in St Charles, IL for a 2nd opinion and they informed me that my transmission was not going out. Fast forward to [XXX] after the check engine light came on now all of a sudden I need a cvt transmission for about $6,000. I contacted Nissan as I did in 2022 and now they tell me because the car is way out of the mileage time frame there is nothing they can do. The amount of the transmission is the same as my pay off amount. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2023
I have a 2017 Nissan Sentra SV Thai is affected by the Stop Lamp Switch recall in 2021. I have had the problem repaired in 6/21 and again in 7/22. The same issue is happening again with the Stop Lamp Switch. The Traction Control Light will light up for no reason whatsoever and stay lit until the car shuts off. The car will end up in a No Start Condition until I wiggle the Stop Lamp Switch. The Stop Lamp Switch has failed for the third time and the recall remedy from Nissan does not work.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2023
My brake light switch has gone off twice since I purchased the car it failed and I had to have it replaced twice and then I just looked at my VIN number about recalls and noticed there is a recall for my vehicle but they have not been able to remedy the situation and I'm still paying 2 years on this vehicle
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2023
Had to replace cvt transmission around 50000 miles the dealership knowingly admitted that has been an ongoing issue with the cvt transmissions
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2023
Transmission problems. When accelerating the car jerks when its starting to go and the RPM jumps above 4. Mechanics have told me it’s a bad transmission. I’ve seen online my year and model is having issues with there’s also. Also steering wheel doesn’t work anymore for radio and phone calls.
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2022, crash
My car has surveillance in it that I did not install or request it to be installed. ( second owner ) I am hearing things in this car of argumentive proportion. I hear things through the radio that identifies what the song is and what it means. Then when i turn it off I hear abusive objection and ordered to exit the car. I am not crazy and my mind is clear !
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 16, 2022
My vehicle is a part of the 21v-135 recall and Nissan hasn't be able to repair the problem. I called the toll free number for Nissan because the local dealers were unable to repair the issue, adhering to the notice I received, and they weren't helpful. The next step on the notice was to come here and submit a complaint. I would just like to get my vehicle repaired.
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).
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 3, 2021
Rpm’s spike up to high levels just to get up to 45/50. I have to let off gas & almost stall out to press gas to try & catch it into higher gear. This happens most the time, but not all. 45/50 but won’t go past 55/60mph, let alone 70-80 on I90/I94. & if it’s really bad then I have to be almost gas to the floor just to maintain any speed once up to 40/45++. Especially higher speeds. & other times O/D kicks in at random times random speeds & then I have to park or EMERGENCY park because reduction of speed won’t stay up, or will not even get to 55/60… I bought this car New March 2017. Maybe 10-20 miles. We had extended warranty. I told them multiple times about the recall & the studdering since a year of owning in 2018. They said they didn’t find anything or that they did the repair. Then during covid we didn’t have funds to have maintenance but about 6 months ago I told them to fix everything do all recalls, do the issues we thought & they agreed & then never did it. Now we aren’t in warranty. We put in 2g of repairs up keep, thought it was low price. But then said ok add in auto start & do the other fluffy stuff. Well… have 9-10 grand left & they wanted to buy it & get us into another 450 car loan. We refused. & repeatedly asked why the recalls & repairs seem to have never been done. & Nissan in crystal lake IL where we have been doing business with for years now claim that the only recall is for the break lights…. & that it’s my fault for doing 60 thousand miles before coming in… during covid… when this has been an issue. Nissan dealership bought, Nissan loan, Nissan warranty. & a solid 6 years at least just to be in a money pit because “no one knows what’s wrong”, it’s the not repairing while I was in warranty telling them the same things. Now I’m not in warranty and they want me to come in to buy a new Nissan from them again, & roll in the remaining balance ️ I don’t feel safe with Nissan, let alone hulling my 2 children at/under 4… plus I use that car to work
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2021
I received notification that my Stop Lamp Switch under my VIN has been recalled, at the beginning of 2021 and to date I have not gotten notice to bring in the car. I took it in back in March 2021 and was told they don't have the part. Since that time I looked under my VIN and found a total of three (3) recalls for this car. I need to have my vehicle FIXED before there's a serious accident or worse. I am paying a car note and have a warranty that isn't being honored.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 13, 2021
Getting a sulfur (egg smell) through vents when air conditioner is on. Not sure if something a fautly with fuel system? Car is only 4 years old with 40+ thousand miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2020
MY GEARS DID NOT APPEAR ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO HOME. THE CAR ALSO WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR (REVERSE OR DRIVE). I KEPT TRYING TO SWITCH THE GEARS AND PRESS THE GAS. THE CAR EVENTUALLY STARTED MOVING FORWARD AND GAINED ENOUGH SPEED FOR ME TO DRIVE HOME. THE NEXT DAY I CRANKED MY CAR, THE GEARS SHOWED UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR MOVED (I WAS HOME IN MY DRIVEWAY). HOWEVER SINCE, THE GEARS HAVE DISAPPEARED AGAIN AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2020
LIGHT GOING ON LOOKS LIKE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING WHEN I DRIVE
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2020
I HAVE A NEW 2017 NISSAN SENTRA SR AND WHEN I PUSH DOWN ON THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR AND THEN PUSH THE START/STOP BUTTON ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED VARIOUS TIMES AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONCE FOR REPAIR, THEY CHANGED THE BRAKE SENSOR, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING ALMOST ONCE EVERY OTHER WEEK.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2020
THE MILEAGE STATED IS IN EXCESS OF THE MECHANICAL LIMITS OF THE ODOMETER THE ODOMETER READING IS NOT THE ACTUAL MILEAGE.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 13, 2020
PURCHASED MY CAR IN AUG. OF 2017. JAN. 2018 WAS THE FIRST OF 7 TIMES I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. CASE IS AT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IN ARBITRATION WHERE THEY WANT TO 'COMPENSATE' ME $1500 TO ESSENTIALLY SHUT MY MOUTH. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LAG IN THE ACCELERATION NOT ONLY FROM A STANDSTILL , BUT ALSO WHILE IN MOTION TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO HIGHER SPEEDS. THE CAR WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN 55 MPH UP A HILL. WHEN THE CAR IS ON SLIGHT INCLINES THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER IN ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB AND THE ENGINE TACHOMETER READINGS CLIMBS WELL ABOVE THE DESIGNED RPM SPECIFICATIONS. THIS HAPPENS ON LEVEL GROUND. WHEN ACCELERATED FROM 45 MPH TO 55 MPH THE TACHOMETER WOULD APPROACH 6000 RPMS PRIOR TO SWITCHING GEAR. IT DOESN'T OCCUR 100% OF THE TIME, THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY REACHES CLOSE TO 6000 RPMS PRIOR TO SHIFTING TO A HIGHER GEAR. AS I DRIVE I ALSO START TO NOTICE A BURNING SMELL. MY CAR IS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE FUEL COMPARED TO ANOTHER 'LOANER' 2019 NISSAN SENTRA SV WHICH HAS THE SAME EXACT SPECIFICS. MY CAR REQUIRES 3 TIMES THE FUEL TO DRIVE A SIMILAR DISTANCE. WHEN TELLING NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS THIS I WAS TOLD 'THIS IS NORMAL BECAUSE MY CAR IS OLDER AND HAS MORE MILEAGE ON IT.' NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OVER A 2 TO 3 YEAR PERIOD WOULD NOT ACCOUNT FOR SUCH A DISPARITY IN FUEL MILEAGE. NISSAN TECH SUPPORT HAS PHYSICALLY GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO FIX MY VEHICLE AND I SINCE TAKEN IT IN ON FEBRUARY 10 FOR THE 7TH TIME. NISSAN CALLED BECAUSE MY ARBITRATION POC DIDN'T CALL THEM LIKE SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO 4 DAYS AGO SO NOW MY VEHICLE SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. . MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON A PUBLIC ROADWAY OR TO TRANSPORT MY 8YO. I HAVE SUBMITTED MY CASE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND BBB AUTO-LINE CLAIM. I JUST WANT TO BE IN A SAFE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE DOCS BUT FILE IS TOO BIG TO ATTACH.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL STREET, MY 2017 SENTRA ACCELERATED FROM 20 TO OVER 100 MPH IN SECONDS. BRAKES NOR EMERGENCY BRAKE WORKED. CAR SPUN OUT AND CAME TO A VIOLENT STOP BEFORE CAREENING INTO A TOWNHOUSE COMMUNITY. WAS TOLD MY TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *DT CONSUMER STATED THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED. SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL. THEY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FINE NOW. YOU HAVE MY APPROVAL TO SPEAK WITH NISSAN REGARDING MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I AM BEING FORCED TO PICK IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP TODAY ALTHOUGH I TOLD THEM I DON'T WANT THE CAR ANYMORE. NISSAN CORPORATION WILL NOT BUY IT BACK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THE FIX IS GOOD. I DID NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THE CAR AS THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR. I HAD TO VISIT URGENT CARE THE DAY OF THE INCIDENCE. I WAS IN SHOCK AFTER WHAT TOOK PLACE ' TERRIBLE HEADACHE, SORE BODY, NAUSEA. I AM CURRENTLY SEEING A PSYCHOLOGIST/PSYCHIATRIST FOR PTSD FROM THE INCIDENT. THAT'S THE REASON I DON'T WANT THE CAR BACK. I FEEL LIKE I WILL HAVE A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN IF I HAVE TO DRIVE IT. IF I MUST TAKE IT HOME TODAY I WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE UNTIL I CAN MAKE ALTERNATIVE PLANS. *JB *TR *DT CONSUMER STATED CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED. SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL. *JB