2018 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 185 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 17 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.
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
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 19V654000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
38 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2026
My vehicle stalled. I had to get someone to help me move it out if a busy traffic thoroughfare. It was making odd noises then was stuck in reverse only. I took it to my mechanic who informed me the transmission had failed and that I needed a new one. I work from home and do not drive my vehicle consistently.
Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2025
The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal. I took it to the Nissan dealership and they told me it needed a new stop lamp switch which is EXACTLY what the recall for other Nissans during this time frame is for: Make: Nissan Number: PM971 Title: Stop Lamp Switch Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Date: 3/3/2021 Models: 2016-2019 Sentra Summary: Nissan is issuing a Voluntary Safety Recall on specific 2016-2019 Sentra (B17) vehicles identified in Service Comm to address a stop lamp switch concern. The stop lamp switch on the subject vehicles may become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components (HVAC and brake booster clevis pin) in close proximity. Oxidation may occur at the switch contact surface due to electric arcing, resulting in silicon dioxide build-up. This build-up may lead to open circuit issues and an inoperative stop lamp switch. If this condition occurs, the customer may notice illumination of the Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) or Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lamp(s), the rear stop lamps may not illuminate and/or the engine may not start. Rear stop lamps not illuminating could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2025
I have ALL lights on in the dashboard. I had 2 diagnostic checks. one from Byerly Ford and the other from Jeff Wyler in Louisville, KY. Byerly says RF wheel speed sensor C1103. I had it done by someone else, and they said LF sensor C1104. Got both done by the same person still ABS, Skid icon, Warning, Brake Icon. Second diagnostic check done by Jeff Wyler which is closer to my home. Still All lights on AFTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, can't drive because it stays on. I'm afraid it may lock up and crash me. I have spent $150 to Byerly for diagnostic [XXX] TRAN JOHNSON INVOICE#[XXX] I have spent $160, 555, with daughters' mechanic ALONZO [XX] INVOICE #[XXX] I have spent $216 to Jeff Wyler's for diagnostic. [XXX] [XXX] REBECCA ZUKANOVIC INVOICE #[XXX] No Recall done, may need recall for Brake Switch the car but it was told to me No recalls but 2 Recall for 3/3/2021 and 9/12/2019 not sure if done. I'm afraid to drive and out of $1,080. ON FIXED INCOME. HELP!! I'm [XXX] AND DONT HAVE A WAY TO GET AROUND ASIDE FROM MY CAR. MY CHILDREN AND GRANDKIDS HELP WHEN THEY CAN OR WANT TO. CAN SOMEONE INVESTIGATE AND HELP ME GET MY CAR RUNNING SO I CAN GO TO MY APPTS? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2025
Transmission has already been replaced with a new CVT transmission and the Nissan dealership has also had to put something back in the transmission because it came out and then last night when driving I went to turn and it wouldn't go and now it won't go into gear and it rolls even in park
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2025
When I connect an OBD 2 meter. It cannot read the powertrain and it’s not the first time that I haven’t been able to diagnosed the car. I’ve taken it to a dealership. I’ve been used scan tools from a dealership and mechanics shop. The powertrain isn’t readable it spiders when I drive as in like it feels like the transmission is skipping or going out. It stopped while I was driving by itself like the car brake, and then kept going like it was skipping a gear or had a hard time going to the next gear as well as when we were pulling into a driveway, the wheel on the passenger side went underneath the car like it was only attached by the upper control arm because the lower arm came out of the joint. I’m a driver side a tire is at an angle. The tire is about to fall off or the lower control arm is about to come out of socket impacts the safety of my children and myself when driving down the road is not safe or structurally stable to go down a highway even.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2024
I put my foot in gas pedal, goes all the way down, won't drive now.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2024
Transmission went in my 2018 Nissan Sentra, haven’t had it long
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
nothing is wrong with the car
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2024
After getting my left headlight assembly replaced the high beam went out. Shortly after my horn was no longer working. Other problems I noticed before these issues that seemed electrical but didn’t necessarily catch my attention: oil light doesn’t come on, seatbelt reminder doesn’t make noise, lights inside the car short at times unless turned on a specific way(including screens and overhead lights.)
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2024
1. The transmission is the component that failed/malfunctioned. 2. The car started jerking and hesitating on the highway and then stopped accelerating. 3. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. 4. No, it has only been inspected by a licensed repair shop specializing in transmissions. 5. There were no warning lamps until the issue was happening. The check engine light came on and started flashing.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2023
CVT transmission problem. Car has burning smell and jerks on freeway. Case has been reported to Nissan consumer affairs and has been taken in for repairs at a Nissan service center twice and still have not fixed the problem. https://knightlawgroup.com/nissan-cvt-transmission-problems/
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2023
I would be driving and then the car would not want to pull after I would wait awhile it would start back driving. The most recent incident was I was driving and stopped at a light and accelerated to pull off and the car started moving and then stopped in the middle of the street. After a while it started back driving so I took it to get check and was told my transmission was gone. I did do a check on this site and saw where transmissions were recalled for nissan sentra for the following years 2014 to 2017.I feel if there was an issue with the transmissions in those car why would they not recall all the cars from that year on to have the transmission fix. I spent 3,852 dollars to have a new transmission put in my car which i feel is totally uncalled for.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2022
My 2018 Nissan Sentra is currently in the shop at my local Nissan dealership because it needs a transmission replacement. The car lurched ahead causing me to run into my garage door causing damage. It also while driving loses power, the rpm meter will drop for a few seconds and you will see and feel it re engage a few seconds later. It does this frequently at various speeds.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2022
When I try to start my car all the dash lights and power come on but the vehicle will not start.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 2, 2022
I was accelerating then lost power and car failed to go into gear so no drive or no reverse
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 20, 2021
I received a recall notice (PM971) (21V-135) on May 4, 2021. I went twice to the dealership to have my car fixed. I called several times asking what to do to get the recall completed. One person said they needed to look at it to get the part. I went to the dealership on May 24, 2021 and I am still waiting for them to call me telling me that they have the part. Meanwhile, I am having lots of trouble stepping on the brake to start the car. Frequently it takes me up to 10 minutes before I can get the car started. Yesterday (9/19), I gave up trying to start the car. Today, (9/20) I had problems each time I tried to use the car, taking 5-10 minutes each time. The first time I went to the dealership, the technician said he didn't know why the notice was sent out because they didn't have the parts. The dealership is Ray Brandt Nissan 4000 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072. I could not evacuate for Hurricane Ida because I could not be sure that I would be able to start my car or that my brake lights would work in stop an go traffice. My car is my only means of getting to work and accomplishing other tasks. I cannot continue to hope that my car will eventually start and hoping that my brake lights continue to work. Your help is appreciated.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 28, 2021
When I push the brakes and start button, all lights come on, navi starts, but Car Does NOT start. I am stranded for 6th or 7th time and waiting on tow truck. According to this link, this is a recurrent problem Nissan is aware of, and they do nothing to fix it. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c27227_ds963428 Being stranded is dangerous-PERIOD. I am enduring a homeless man yelling at me while I sit in my car with doors locked. Nissan should recall this car. 2018 Sentra SV with push start is Not safe.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 19, 2020
EBS MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. EVERY DAY. WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2020
CAR PULLS TO RIGHT ON THE EXPRESS WAY MAKING VERY LOUD FUNNY NOISES , RPM SHOOTS TO 2 TO 5 AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED A FEW TIMES TAKING ME OFF OF THE ROAD BUT NOT CRASHING OR INTO A ACCIDENT , THE BRAKES ARE ALSO SOUNDING BAD. ON STREETS THE CARS STEERING DRIFTS LIKE THE CAR WANTS TO DO ITS OWN THING .
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2020
RECIB LA NOTIFICACIN ESTANDO PARQUEADO EN MI CASA.NO HA PASADO NADA.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2020, crash
COLLISION AVOIDANCE FAILED AND ACCERATOR APPEARED TO STICK RESULTING IN ACCIDENT.IN MOTION APPROACHING LOVERS LANE ON NOBLE AVENUE WHEN DRIVER PASSED OUT RESULTING IN MULTIPLE REAREND STATIONARY OBJECT AND SIDE COLLISION.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2020
VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND APPLIES VEHICLE BRAKES IN RANDOM INSTANCES. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE VEHICLE COULD BRAKE SUDDENLY WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND CAUSE A CRASH.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2020
EVERYTIME I DRIVE IN THE RAIN OR SNOW OR ANY WET CONDITIONS MY FRONT SENSOR FOR THE BRAKES SAYS SENSOR UNDETECTED ERROR MESSAGE AND ALSO MY BRAKES LOOK BRAND NEW AND THEY SQUEAK
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 29, 2020
FORWARD COLLISION SENSOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO BRAKE WHEN NOTHING IS FRONT OF ME WHILE I DRIVE. IT HAS HAPPENED ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATED THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF ISSUES BUT IS CHARGING ME $1300 TO FIX BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2020
NISSAN 2018 SENTRA AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB), RELIES ON A RADAR IN THE FRONT GRILLE TO MONITOR A CAR'S PROXIMITY TO THE VEHICLE AHEAD, WARN OF POSSIBLE COLLISIONS, AND HIT THE BRAKES IF THE DRIVER CAN'T. BUT A PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THOSE RADAR MODULES ' A THIRD-PARTY COMPONENT SUPPLIED BY BOSCH ' MAKES THE SENSOR FREQUENTLY DEACTIVATE ITSELF, DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM. A WARNING FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD TO INDICATE THE PROBLEM: 'FRONT RADAR UNAVAILABLE DUE TO OBSTRUCTION.'