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
230 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2024
Complaint Information Business Name Conicelli Nissan Person to whom you spoke Gary Rymarowicz Business Address 1200 Ridge Pike Conshohocken, PA 19428 USA Map It Business Phone Number (610) 825-4200 Product or Service Purchased Fuel Pump Date Purchased [XXX] Purchase Price $1078.61 Form of Payment Credit Card Complaint Summary Attached is the documentation proving that I should not have been charged for replacing the recalled part (Fuel Pump) for "PREMATURE FAILURE" on my car. Further, while my 2017 Nissan Sentra was under warranty I had the car serviced by Nissan 309 and then Conicelli Nissan. I informed the Nissan dealers that the car was not running as smoothly as it should and asked them to check for issue(s) with the fuel filter/fuel system. They acted like they had never heard of a problem with the fuel SYSTEM/PUMP and did not check my car for the fuel system issues requested. Instead they told to use Premium Fuel when I noticed the issue. When the car failed to start Conicelli Nissan finally tested the fuel system they said the Fuel Pump needed to be replaced. and I would have to pay, even though there were known problems and Recalls for Nissan Sentra Fuel Pumps for over 20 years!!! The documentation proves that there have problems with Nissan Sentra FUEL PUMP PREMATURE FAILURES for 21 Years including 2017. The Recall Notice states : "If the Fuel Pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a CRASH" If you need any other documentation let me know. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] What would you like the business to do to resolve your complaint? Since there were Nissan Sentra Fuel Pumps problems for over 20 years, and they denied there were any issues with Nissan Sentra Fuel Pumps while the car was under Warranty and Recall, full credit for the fuel pump replacement $1,078.61 is required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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)
Power train, Jan 20, 2024
2017 Nissan Sentra. Car has been taken care of since bought brand new. Oil changes every 3000, to 4000 miles transmission fluid change at 40,000 now the car is surging on highway. We can’t go over 40 mph on 65 mph highway. My be son and wife are in car and we have to pull over on side of highway with vehicles like tractor trailers pass us at 70 mph. The car has been inspected multiple times by Nissan dealership. They said there isn’t anything wrong. No lights in dash on at all.
Engine, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH coming off the highway and coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle was shifted into park to adjust the clock. After shifting to drive and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. However, the contact stated that the fuel pump and accelerator pedal sensor were previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,087.
Exterior lighting, Dec 21, 2023
Low beam headlight failed. It is available for inspection. Drove car with only one low beam headlight. Not safe. Yes. Confirmed by independent service center. Had independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. They advised that my passenger side low beam headlight was out but they they would not be able to repair it quickly because it required removing the front bumper and removing the headlight assembly. Manufacturer, police, insurance not involved. Warning message stated that there was a headlight system error. Here's what I want you to consider. My mechanic advised that the list price for the headlight assembly is $1,100 and the labor to put the headlight in was $300. They said that there is no access to the low beam LED headlight bulb. The assembly had to be replaced. I could afford to pay $1,400 to replace a light bulb, but many people could not afford it and would do without. I only paid $6,500 for this car with 130,000 miles on it. My suggestion is that auto manufacturers should be required to design headlights so that they can be economically maintained. I was able to find an assembly for $342 and install it myself. Not everyone would be able to do that.
Power train, Engine, Dec 12, 2023
The CVT seems to shudder uncontrollably when accelerating from zero and also when driving at 60mph on the interstate. The RPMs fluctuate erratically and spontaneously when traveling at 60mph or higher. Yes, the car can be inspected upon request-it does the shuddering every time it accelerates from zero. My safety and the passengers safety is at risk if the car were to stop functioning while driving on interstate. Yes, the problem has been reproduced by a local service center. No, the problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. Would like to have the car inspected by the above if it were at no cost to me since it's a Nissan CVT issue. No, warning lamps or messages are on the dash. Problems began to appear in 2021.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2023
The manufacturer installed anti-theft measures that became broken. Nissan’s “immobilizer” system can not tell the difference between false theft and real theft. I read many people were locked out of their vehicles because the only way to unlock the anti theft system is by paying Nissan. Now I’m unable to drive my car sometimes because it may locked me or my battery dies due to the lightning blinking for hours.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 9, 2023
Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a safe place. This has happen about 5-8 times this year. Nissan replaced the IPDM and has continue to failed multiple times after. They have not been able to detect the cause. I have records of each time it has happen and one of those times was while driving on highway. My life and others have been at risk.
Air bags, Nov 4, 2023, crash
Car was involved in a pretty substantial accident and not a single airbag deployed!
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 12, 2023
The car experienced sudden lack of power in the middle gears and was unable to accelerate. At the same time it displayed the sliding car icon indicating a brake issue. It came and went for a couple of weeks and then just would not pick up speed in the middle gears. The car is a 6 speed manual. The code thrown was for a manifold control valve failure. We could not get Nissan to schedule a repair so we took it to an independent who had to replace the entire manifold as no service parts were otherwise available. They could find no reason for the sliding car icon to have kept coming on. Even after the manifold replacement it continues to do so at random times. It causes concern over the brakes which is disconcerting at the least. The sudden loss of acceleration while the problem was going on also caused a few scary moments. Nissan was contacted and declined to reimburse us nor did they offer to check the car. This car has been serviced by the dealer exclusively except for the manifold replacement and the service schedule was adhered to. It is a 2017 model and now has under 45,000 miles. It had about 41,000 when the problem occurred. No reason for such an early failure. It is a relatively rare model so no information was available.
Power train, Sep 18, 2023
Was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When it was time to go I stepped to accelerate and it wouldn’t accelerate like it needed to almost causing the car behind me to crash into me. I took it to 3 different shops and they all said the same thing. The year and make all had transmission issues because they were no good and there is a law suit pending now.
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2023
The CVT has failed in my car causing multiple issues with jerking, shaking, stuttering. When i was making a left turn, my car hesitated and almost caused an accident because I didnt have the power to pull out when I should have. Now the repair is being quoted over $5k because they are saying I need an all new transmission. No warning lamps, messages have been indicated on my dash
Seat belts, Structure, Seats, Sep 4, 2023
My driver door opens while i'm driving, the first time it happened in feb 2023 had i not have my seatbelt on I would have fell out of car. It has happened severals more times, it feels like the lock or the pin is not engaging. Now my front passenger door is starting as well. I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs the woman was arrogant with No concern over my safety, maybe it's a defective door or lock or something and the mgr [XXX] said nissan can't help me, I asked a question if this fell under the NJ lemon law and she said no. I also complained that a dealer will not fix my stop light recall PM971 -21V-135 They put me on a waiting list 1 yr ago, I merely asked if this caused an accident what would happen? She sent me an email stating this I should have my attorney contact them. I never even mentioned an attorney and when I asked for the transcript of our conversation she said she cannot release it to me, I asked if she had one and she said yes.. Why wouldn't they release a convo I had with them, can it be used against them? My Life is Not there concern, I have had nissans for over 40 years with no issues, i have an issue now and they merely shrugged it off. I would like help regarding these matters as Nissan refuses to help with the safety of my being and to save a buck!! Please contact me asap the doors are a major concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 10, 2023
CONCERN: This is the second time the engine does not shut off. All warning lights go off, unsteady steering wheel and odometer/odograph failed. This is not just a malfunction issue it is a severe safety concern. Back in January of 2023 it happen for the first time and was told Control Unit IPDM, Engine Room needed to be replaced and it was. But once again while driving the steering wheel went unsteady, all warning lights went off, odometer/odograph failed while on the road. This is an extremely safety concern. I bought the car brand new and as of now it has not been in any car accidents.
Power train, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
The car refuses to shift from park to drive or even reverse. Mechanic can’t figure out why. And I never got the recall information for the car that had a lawsuit against it.
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.
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
CVT transmission failed while driving at highway speed. Mechanic states Nissan CVT are under recall. Warranty will not cover this failure. Happened at 60k miles. Indicator light came on as CVT began slipping. Car went into "limp" mode.
Air bags, Jun 30, 2023, crash
On 12-30-2021 I was at a red light. A car had hit me from behind, which ended up as lost. I ended up with facial damage that took me half of 2020l2 to heal. Three stitches to my face. When I went to retrieve my items from the car it was unrecognizable. The trunk was in the backseat. Tire damage and no airbags deployed . I was wearing a seat belt that lead to buries on my upper arms and back area.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Jun 27, 2023
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked and shuddered while coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts while driving in the lower gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed due to the brake light switch failure. The contacted stated that the brake light switch was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
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.
Suspension, Apr 20, 2023, fire
MY NAME IS [XXX] I HAD A NISSAN SENTRA 2017 MY CAR MALFUCTIONED THE DOORS HAD LOCKED ON MY I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR BUT MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES WAS A TOTAL LOSS. SOMEONE PLEASE CALL ME I NEED ANSWERS AND HELP INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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
Exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure listed in the recall had occurred. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.