CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013-2017 Nissan Sentra has an expensive CVT transmission failure defect that shows up plainly in our complaint data.

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.

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$150
Average Mileage:
9,900 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace the brakes (2 reports)
2013 Nissan Sentra brakes problems

brakes problem

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2013 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments

problem #8

Aug 242015

Sentra SL 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 25,000 miles

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

Really LOUD grinding noise on the drivers side Like METAL ON METAL without Pressing on the brakes.

IT STARTED AT AROUND 20,000 MILES AND I TOOK TO NISSAN GARAGE. THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG, Made an adjustment, TYPICAL DEALERSHIP, CHARGED ME 150.00 AND DID NOTHING

Now I have 43,000 miles and it is getting worse.

I replaced the Brakes with new slides and Pads and the old ones were only 1/2 worn. STILL SAME PROBLEM!

I will try changing the Hub and Bearing assembly to see if it quits.

Maybe bearing no good?

- Carl B., Johnson City, NY, US

problem #7

Jul 202013

Sentra SV 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,844 miles

At around 6,000 miles, while braking I could hear a brushing/squeaking sound coming from the rear breaks. It was most noticeable when almost at a complete stop. I brought the car to the dealership closest to my house who told me they could not replicate the problem even though I could hear it both on the way to and from the dealership.

The next weekend I needed an oil change and made the much longer drive to the dealership I bought the car from. This dealership asked after I pulled in if they would be looking at my brakes because they shouldn't be making that sound. I never did find out what the problem was, but Nissan replaced the drum brakes and the sound has not been heard since. Now at 16,000 miles.

- Victoria U., Howell, NJ, US

problem #6

Oct 182013

Sentra 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,500 miles

My 6th Nissan and until now, I have been more than pleased with every vehicle I've driven.

The Sentra, with less than 10,000 miles, now emits a beautiful Sentra serenade for both me and all vehicles that might be within earshot of the car every time I come to a full stop.

It's been back to the Nissan dealer twice, the first time to remove dust from the brakes and the second time, they couldn't hear any noise!!! I am told that a bulletin has been released about a problem with the brakes when the Sentra has a cold start. The music never stops no matter what the temperature.

While I do plan to take the vehicle in again this weekend and drive it with the mechanic in the car, based on what I've read here, it sounds like there might not be a fix to this ridiculous problem yet.

Keep your Sentra, Nissan. I'm very disappointed.

- juulee, Elizabethtown, PA, US

problem #5

Oct 012013

Sentra SV 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,200 miles

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

OK, so this car was our first EVER brand new car purchase. We bought a Brand new 2013 Nissan Sentra Sv. As soon as the car hit about 5,000 miles or so, the rear breaks started to make what appears to be a grinding or creaking sound. In some instances you hear it in the front but for the most part it is definitely the back. The noise can be heard when the car is braking from 25mph or less. At high speeds the noise is not heard.

The car also has trouble braking when it is pressed heavily EX: light turns yellow and you need to stop the car coming from about 45-55, the car has a hard time slowing down. I have had older cars EX: 2001 Expedition which is much heavier then this car and it stopped just fine. The noise now is getting louder and since its our only car we cannot afford a rental in order for them to hold on to it for repairs. The car is currently still being driven and there is nothing I can really do about it until I find a rental car so I can take it to them. I'm very sad to say that this is pretty pathetic on a car with only 6,000 miles and trust me, we baby this damn thing.

Oh well, I guess we shall see what happens.

- Hugo J., Lago Vista, TX, US

problem #4

Sep 272013

Sentra SR

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,800 miles

when coming to a stop the brakes make a grinding noise.

- buffie03, Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #3

Jul 012013

Sentra S 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 7,456 miles

I am based in Montreal Canada and I've bought the car brand new from the dealer January 2013. All went well until now, not even 6 months after at 12.000km the rear drums are making a horrible grinding noise. The issue was reported for the second car maintenance, dealer charged me 39$ for cleaning the brakes dust, however the problem arrived again 2 days after...really guys??? Went back to the dealer asked for a fast resolution as per the issue wasn't fixed. Not sure of the verdict right now, however I think Nissan screwed it up big times with this model and cheap breaks they put on. Really not satisfying for a new car. This model should have a recall pretty fast on the junky break system, otherwise I will turn my back on Nissan for my next car.

Update from Jul 31, 2013: dealer might have found an issue/solution. They said it's a cylinder that needs to be replaced, covered by the warranty, fingers crossed. Good thing to mention if you're having the same issue.

- stefaneanu, Laval, Quebec, canada

problem #2

Jul 072013

Sentra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,011 miles

I have only had the car for 2 months and all of a sudden when stopping the car while only going 10-15mph, the car is making a horrific grinding noise from the back passenger side, as if it is metal to metal or a broken pad. It started all of a sudden and hasn't stopped. I bought this car for my 16 year old daughter am wondering if this is a safety issue????????

Update from Jan 3, 2014: The grinding continued and then as I was driving down a big hill I compressed the brakes and there were no brakes at all. I had to use the emergency brakes in order to stop me before I crashed into homes. I was at a complete stop when I started to go down the hill and there was no brakes. I got up to about 30 mph and the brakes went all the way to the floor.

I took it into Nissan and they have issued me a rental stating that because of the dangers, they will be contacting Nissan for correction. In the meantime, they are replacing the brake cylinder.

FUNNY THING: THE RENTAL THEY GAVE ME (NISSAN SENTRA) HAS THE SAME GRINDING THAT MY CAR DID WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. The rental only has 8k miles on it.

IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM.

- Donna W., San Diego, CA, US

problem #1

Jan 292013

Sentra 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,149 miles

After only 2 weeks of using the 2013 Sentra, it started to make an annoying noise everytime I press the brakes. I took it to Service and they told me that several clients have complaint about the same issue. The told me that they did not know how to fix the problem and that they had to wait on further instructions from Nissan. Three months later and the noise is even worst, they have not fixed it. I have called several times and they don´t have a clue of what they are going to do. Meanwhile, I am paying for a ¨new car¨ that sounds like an old piece of garbage!

- kida, Villalba, PR, US

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