CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013-2017 Nissan Sentra has an expensive CVT transmission failure defect that shows up plainly in our complaint data from the earlier model years in this same 7th generation Sentra.

In late 2019, the CVT defect was subject to a class action settlement. However the settlement only covers transmission repairs up to 7 years after purchase or 84,000 miles (whichever occurs first).

Because many owners commonly drive 20,000 miles/year or more, Sentra owners experiencing CVT transmission problems may find they are not covered by this settlement due to the mileage limitation.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,247 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Nissan Sentra drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2015 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #131

May 012023

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I just bought a 2015 Nissan Sentra. I have gotten 2 error codes P0101 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction and C1130 Engine Signal 1 two times in a span of 4 months. Based on my research, the 'C' error code only occurs because of the 'P' error code, meaning once I resolve the 'P' code then the 'C' code will resolve. In both instances my report, that I got from Autozone, suggested to replace my Mass Air Flow Sensor(MAFS). The first time it occurred I bought a brand new MAFS from Autozone and installed it in my car using YouTubes help. After it was installed, I had a mechanic reprogram my cars computer. The mechanic's exact words were that he "relearned the throttle body values". I did this because he advised me to just to be safe. My check engine light came on recently and when I got the codes read at Autozone it was telling me the EXACT same codes as last time. This is four months later from when I installed the brand new MAFS in my car so I highly doubt it is the MAFS that is the problem. In my attached pictures, there is another code regarding my transmission that is unrelated to this issue so please ignore it, I'm getting it fixed on my own. I did research online and found that this exact same issue with the 2 error codes I am having is a very common issue with Nissan Sentras in general. Please help and force Nissan to resolve this ongoing issue that MANY people are having.

- Grand Terrace, CA, USA

problem #130

Jul 202022

Sentra

  • miles
My transmission has went out 3 or 4 times now. Nissan has replaced it and the same issue keeps occurring. I was driving in the middle of the intersection and my car just stopped. I had to have people help me push my car out of the way. Nobody would stop and almost hit me and the people helping. There were no warning lights that came on. My car jerked then my car would not increase speed. It would just rev really high then not move

- San Jacinto, CA, USA

problem #129

Aug 142023

Sentra

  • miles
Transmission. Up and down idling when accelerating, high RPM but not accelerating in speed, jerking, whining sounds while driving, thumping into gears, bad burning smell, no type of warning lights

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #128

Aug 102023

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The CVT transmission failed again. It was replaced in Dec 2021 and now it has failed again. The safety of my 19 year old daughter was put at risk being she was 30 minutes away from home and with no prior warning the transmission failed as she was driving it. The car runs great outside of the transmission issues. We had to have the car towed to our local dealership. They did cfm that the transmission failed again. There were no indications that there was something wrong with the transmission. It was not lagging, it was running great. Nissan is fully aware of all the transmission issues they are having and they are not willing to help with the faulty transmission. This will be the 3rd transmission if we pay $6000 to have it repaired for it to fail again in less then 2 years.

- Elyria, OH, USA

problem #127

Jul 222023

Sentra

  • 149,946 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH and the vehicle started coasting. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in park (P) and turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle failed to shift into drive(D) or reverse(R). The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM module on the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,946.

- Sanford, FL, USA

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problem #126

Jul 202023

Sentra

  • miles
The transmission and yes, it is available for inspection. When car stopped, it was in middle of the street and would not move in the drive mode. Only when it was shifted to neutral was it moving.yes, the problem was confirmed by dealer and it was not inspected by insurance or police. No, there were no warning signals.

- Tonawanda , NY, USA

problem #125

Jun 232023

Sentra

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and started overheating. The overheat warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive the vehicle home once the vehicle had cooled down. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.

- Windsor Mill, MD, USA

problem #124

Dec 272022

Sentra

  • miles
Cvt transmission had to be replaced

- Concord, NC, USA

problem #123

Apr 282023

Sentra

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Orland, CA, USA

problem #122

May 062023

Sentra

  • miles
The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating while driving 10 mph in heavy traffic. The RPM's do not go above 2,000 and no visible failure lights on dashboard are reported. Vehicle has 109k miles and has always been serviced. Mechanic performed inspection and confirmed CVT failure. Replacing the CVT now costs what the car is worth. Makes no sense to repair. Nissan needs to do better.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #121

Apr 102023

Sentra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The problem is that the transmission on this vehicle had to replaced at 108k miles. This I believe is a known issue with the CVT transmission used in this model. Nissan claims that the warranty was extended to 80k miles or 7 years. I filed a complaint with Nissan complaint # 48661785, But they of course didn-??t do anything. This vehicle was purchased new and all services were done at a Nissan Dealership. The transmission just stopped while driving.

- Hope Mills, NC, USA

problem #120

Feb 262023

Sentra

  • miles
My 2015 Nissan Sentra has received routine maintenance since I had purchased it new as the original owner. The vehicle was taken to Authorized Nissan Dealerships for routine maintenance and transmission diagnostic test 50,220MI. During this time the vehicle was within mileage and time warranty per Nissan settlement of the CVT transmission. At the time, the transmission was experiencing surging and falling RPMs at or around 2900RPM traveling above 70MPH; heavily prevalent at speeds +75MPH. I had also mentioned to the technician the problem seems to worsen after driving for duration's when the transmission gets warmer. At lower speeds it would sometimes jerk or 'downshift' rough during accelerations. The dealership had pulled no codes during the diagnostic test, "test drove and could feel a slight trans slip/judder when going uphill especially. no codes present."(technician) The issues became more prevalent, I felt my safety was definitely at risk on the highway, as well as my car could not be depended upon for longer distant trips especially, became limiting factor. The vehicle was brought back again for routine maintenance and another transmission diagnostic 57,899MI. Surging and jerking issues had worsened. While entering a connecting highway the car had accelerated to 55MPH before 'shifting' and the had risen to 4900RPMs. Following the incident my vehicle would experience rougher 'downshifts' and jerkier acceleration than before. At this visit to the dealership the transmission diagnostic test pulled a code P17F3-Auxillary Gear Box Ratio error. I am currently seeking Nissan Motor Corporation to remedy my claim with the information presented, affecting my safety, cost of transportation and time to visit the dealership, and the significant lost value of my vehicle with its limited power-train life span of only 57,899MI.

- Taylors, SC, USA

problem #119

Mar 102023

Sentra

  • miles
Car shuts off while driving on the highway was almost killed.

- Lake Worth , FL, USA

problem #118

Dec 172021

Sentra

  • miles
For a while now it jerks or pulls, and it only goes up to 1-2 gears like it doesn't want to accelerate. It doesn't shift gear properly more like transmission issues. There is no power.

- Horizon City, TX, USA

problem #117

Dec 172022

Sentra

  • miles
The CVT (transmission) in the 2015 Nissan Sentra SV failed at 67,000 miles. The vehicle had regular maintenance and had previously had a preventative transmission fluid flush at 45,000 miles. There were no warning lights to indicate a vehicle issue. The car began to hesitate when accelerating and then lost all ability to accelerate while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was not able to accelerate, which would have endangered myself and others if I had not moved the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway quickly.

- Miles City, MT, USA

problem #116

Dec 262022

Sentra

  • miles
My 2015 Nissan Sentra with 86,603 miles, was taken to the dealership service department on 12/26/22, because of faulty acceleration, rpms will rise but vehicle will not accelerate properly and hesitates to go, especially on the highway, causing a serious potential for an accident and crash. There were no warning lamps or messages ever displayed in the vehicle. A technician also drove the vehicle and confirmed the faulty acceleration. The service department scanned the vehicle and found NO codes present. I was notified by the service department that an update was available and I was charged $410 for the update. With this update, they found a stored code P17F3. I was told that the CVT transmission was shot and needed replaced. I was quoted $5,500 and told that this transmission was not under any type of warranty due to mileage and date. I have found multiple articles concerning Nissan extending the warranty on some of the CVT transmissions, as well as Class Action lawsuits against Nissan on the CVT transmissions, and would like to find out how I can be added to the lawsuit. I also contacted Nissan Headquarters and they did agree to a 50/50 split.

- Villa Ridge, MO, USA

problem #115

Dec 272022

Sentra

  • miles
Transmission clutch Car stop movement in mist of traffic no warning or check engine light. Went in to Nissan Montgomery AL charged a cost of $267 not sure what that was supposed to do vehicle worsened. Went back to be told it was transmission clutch. I-€™m left stranded in Montgomery AL until it can be repaired and thinking I payed $267 for nothing I explained to the Serviceman what it was doing

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #114

Oct 282022

Sentra

  • miles
When you first take off in the sentra it hesitates and bogs down while you're going down the road the rpms stay at three to four and it starts jerking And it has lost power and as losing power

- Cordova, AL, USA

problem #113

Nov 082022

Sentra

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #112

Jan 012019

Sentra

  • miles
The CVT in this car is faulty. The transmission has been rebuilt but it still has the same issue. The transmission doesn-€™t di room properly and although the rpm-€™s increase the car will not accelerate. I-€™ve taken the car to Nisan dealerships. They now deny that this issue exists and will not offer a fix. The car is a safety hazard. It loses the ability to accelerate at low and high speeds. While on the highway or in the city the car loses the ability to maintain or increase speed. There is also a known issue with this car related to the brake switch and moisture in the tail light. The dealership knows by way of Nissan corporation sharing an article with them about this issue in other cars and knows that the brake switch is faulty and that the car can brake and accelerate at the same time but no recall has been issued. These issues are ongoing, have been happening since the car was about 3 years old and happen regularly.

- Niles, OH, USA

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