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.
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).
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown alarm engaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000
Exterior lighting, Mar 14, 2022
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 not yet 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2022
Car will switch gears without reason at highway speeds. Car also has trouble accelerating, and revs on uphill.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 22, 2022, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Nissan Sentra S. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and the RPM's increased. The brake pedal was depressed however the contact crashed into a curb and then a fire hydrant causing the vehicle to flip. There was smoke and a burning odor present. The contact was unable to exit the vehicle. A police report was filed and the fire department was present. The contact sustained leg injuries from cracking the front windshield in order to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that he received an unknown recall notice and felt that it was related to the failure experienced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2022, crash
i got thiz note couple weeks late you guys dinr warn me its was defective i crashed for this recal reason the lights war having problems when iwas driving and of and on and the emgine started to rev and the saftey to turn steering wheel locked and i crashed veichle turn of while that happen then slamed into side walk and firehidrant frip me over i lost my car becausebof thiz now tjat i got this recal youguys destroid my confort now i panic and lost my car
Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2022
The front of the stop lamp is not working. The lighting of the lamp stopped working.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2022
As I was driving across the railroad tracks, my car just stop. There was no warning or indication that there was a problem, it just stopped and all the lights shut down as well. No brake, head or emergency lights worked.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2022
Over some period of time that I do not remember, months likely, my average fuel mileage started to go down. I started to then notice that I had a faint at first, then stronger, smell of gasoline, after filling up, that would linger for days. It would be inside and outside of my vehicle. I then got a loose fuel cap warning after filling up one day. It wouldn't be immediate but it would come the second time I started my car after filling up. It would keep coming back after each filling up. I just dealt with losing my fuel efficiency and the smell until January 2022, I noticed after a fill up it had actively leaked gasoline. A mechanic looked at my vehicle and says that the gasket at the top of my gas tank was completely flat instead of round and that it was leaking from there and had been for awhile due to the build up off debris he saw.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 8, 2022
On January 29th 2022, we drove the car on the interstate at about 65-70 mph for over two hours when suddenly, the vehicle completely shut off. We were able to navigate safely into the shoulder while the power steering, dashboard, and engine were all completely off. No lights or other errors appeared. We took the car to an auto zone where they checked and cleaned the battery from corrosion. Assuming we were fine, we embarked on the three hour journey home on the same highway the next day. We drove the car for about 45 minutes short distances with no errors. As we got ready to return home, we got on the highway again. About 30 minutes into the drive going the same speed, the car shut down again. No warnings or errors like the last time. We took the car to a Nissan dealership in Monroeville, PA. They held the car for a week doing inspections and say that there are no errors. I'm wary of the safety of the vehicle and nervous to drive a car that unexpectedly shuts down on the highway
Air bags, Jan 30, 2022, crash
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - I was involved in a head on collision while driving approximately 30 mph and hit the side of the other vehicle straight on (not at an angle) and the air bags in my 2017 Nissan Sentra did not deploy. The car was undriveable after the accident and was towed to a tow lot. The insurance adjuster said that it was a total loss. When I went to claim my property from the car, the airbags had not yet deployed which was surprising because the fire rescue squad captain warned me to stay out of the front seat because based on the damage to the front of the car, he was shocked that they had not deployed and warned me that the could go off at any moment and cause me further injury. The car was towed to a lot and may or may not be available for inspection - it was released to my insurance company. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - My safety was put at risk because I banged my head on my steering wheel and suffered whiplash and a concussion. Had my daughter been in the vehicle, she would have been injured too. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? UNKNOWN Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO The system would not allow me to upload pictures even though there were less than 10 and all were under 5.0 MB
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.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2022
When on the highway, my 2017 Nissan Sentra will “lag” when going up hills. The RPMs goes crazy up and down and it’s almost like my vehicle might stall out.
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
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 2, 2021
On several occasions rear brake lights fail to function and car will not start.no warning it just happens on occasion. We understand there is a recall on matter however have not received a recall. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2021, fire
Car caught on fire due to electrical issues
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.
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2021
About 6 months ago I had the brake light switch repaired because my car wouldn’t start due to the brake lights not coming on. So yesterday I’m almost was rear ended due to m break lights not coming on, and then got stranded at midnight , by myself, out of town. Finally I put both of my feet on the break and pushed as hard as I could and it started. Called Nissan in Tracy, CA they stated there’s no fix and to have it towed there if it won’t start. Well what if someone slams into me? They also did not offer to change the switch like the safety recall states they should. This dealership has now put my safety and my children’s safety at risk.
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.
Air bags, Jul 29, 2021, crash
Over a year ago there was a recall on the airbags for the Nissan Sentra S 2017. I took my car in to the Nissan dealership to get that recall fixed. In April 2021 I was in a severe car accident and my airbags did not deploy.
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.