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.

8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,390
Average Mileage:
74,150 miles
Total Complaints:
44 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (27 reports)
  2. not sure (17 reports)
2013 Nissan Sentra transmission problems

transmission problem

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2013 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Dec 212017

Sentra FE 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 45,000 miles

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

Bought car used 1 yr ago, at 19k miles. Noticed it would jerk, rpms bounce...called dealer...they said it was normal...drove the year..decided to take in while warranty was still cover it in Dec 2017.

Service was shown videos, and see that cvt slipping/ rpms bounce when slipping. Nissan replaced cvt.

Pick up car, drive car 4 blocks and attempt to enter freeway...car revs and jerks bad... I call dealer while I'm on interstate...was told to drive and see what happens...drove a week with same slippage as original cvt.

Returned to dealer Jan 2018. Cleared tcm and supposedly updated software for transmission.

Picked up car... seemed ok until about 60 miles from dealer..and cvt slips just as before... usually going up hills.

Called service guy... he goes off saying they have done everything they can, and I must be driving the car wrong..or something...I stop him, listen.. the car is on interstate, cruise on, what could I be doing to make cvt slip?

Drove home, called Nissan support and opened a case...have not heard from anyone as of yet.

Update from Jan 9, 2018: update

returned car to nissan service

nissan reginal rep called, basically said she was the rep for the area

service advisor asked a few question about how long the car has been doing the slipping, and said he was awaiting to hear back from nissan engineers on how to correct problem...

advisor also spoke of this was the first gen of the xtronic cvt, it is in the 2013-14 Sentra's and that they had simular issue in the Altima and they redesigned the cvt valve body to correct the issue in that car, but no redesign was made for the 13-14 sentra, and 15-18 got gen 2 xtronic cvt with updated cvt valve body... awaiting word on what they are going to do...but sounds like nissan is going to say, the cvt is working as designed, not that its working correctly...but will see in a few days!

Update from Jan 15, 2018: Car returned today from Service.. Dealership service explains they drove car 300 miles.. and it was not bad, only moderate jerking and slipping, and they think its the Transmission Control module causing the problem, but while they drove, they atempted to record data to determine failure... nothing was recorded out of the normal ... and then stated on warranty paperwork, Problem cold not be duplicated, Nissan Case Manager calls also, says Dealership could not recreate problem, I play Audio recording of Service advisor stating they DID recreate the problem, and dont know how to fix, Nissan repeats herself saying it dont matter, Its stated on paperwork they could not recreate problem, and they are done with any warranty work

I have all paperwork, Many Video recordings of orginal transmission jerking/slipping, with mileage on video, then when reman transmission was installed by nissan, Video shows same slippage/jerking , returned to Service with Videos, Service preforms additional warranty work of updating the transmission control mondule, I pick car up again, Make it 65 miles from dealer... and transmission slipping/jerking once again... I do many videos to back prove issue still exists, return to nissan... and now Dealer/nissan claims are saying its not happening... so opening up a claim ony with nissan ony got the two on the same page, Nissan will not warranty the issue because the dealer can't create or duplicate... But I have proof that they actually did recreate by recording the service manager explain what they did, results, and now I am on barrowed time, Nissan is waiting me out for the warranty to expire, I will be doing more videos and documenting .....I feel like big nissan has showed they will do what they want, and not back up the warranty by having the service write it up as no problem found or "seems normal to us"

If anyone would like to see videos or paperwork on hw they will do you... I have it all

Update from Nov 13, 2018: I lost the battle..and so will you...so just trade or sell..and be over the nissan cvt

yeah..its not right...

it sucks

but there is no fix, dealer will eventually get rid of you

they cant fix it

the only way out...is to get rid of car

- John B., Byesville, OH, US

problem #23

Oct 182017

Sentra LX 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 76,429 miles

click to see larger images

revving and jerking

Bought the vehicle at 70 000 Km (42 000 Mi). Certified 124 pt inspection by Nissan Dealer. Great Value ! Mostly Highway miles ! Ha! Found transmission jerking and revving started in the 90 000 km range. Went for service at Nissan dealership at 95 K and mentioned the problem : diagnosis all is fine ( I was within Nissan's drivetrain warranty limit). Problem worsened progressively but came to a head in late october 2017. 25 000 km

after the «all fine» diagnosis, I am told I need a new transmission...

Should have bought a Honda or Toyota.

- Georges D., Longueuil, QC, Canada

problem #22

Jun 202017

Sentra SV 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

It's very depressing. Not sure if it stops moving anytime.

- Victor O., los angeles, CA, US

problem #21

Aug 012017

Sentra SV 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 83,000 miles

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

I purchased my vehicle brand new off the lot in 2013. I just paid it off about 3 months ago, which made me very happy. Now to be slapped in the face that the transmission is going to have to be replaced and will cost me another $3700 pisses me off. I hit my 83000 mile mark about the beginning of August 2017 and all of a sudden my car began to jerk as I am driving along of 30 miles per hour, it sometimes will not take off after making a complete stop, or will sometimes not shift to the next gear. I have to stop, place in park, and then back in drive for the vehicle to shift gears. I am just so out done with this issue. It seems these new transmissions are more costly to the client then to the dealer. Just another way to get money. I have always thought of Nissan as a high quality product and have purchased several over the years. Majority of my vehicles are still on the road , the oldest being a 95 Nissan Sentra, with over 200k miles. Now, go with this one with the new CVT transmission ain't worth the money I have spent. I hope that Nissan will consider this to be a defect and make this a recall. Too many issues from different people not to. From my understanding this CVT caused them to warranty the older models because of the same issue, but they did not offer the same on the 2013, I guess thinking all the kinks were out. Well, they are not.

- Teressa S., Winston Salem, NC, US

problem #20

Oct 062017

Sentra SR

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,000 miles

It used to happen every once in a while, now it occurs every morning. For the first 3 starts off a stop sign every morning, you will hear the car rev up, feel it shudder and you can tell the transmission belt slips and grabs repeatedly until it finally grabs hold, revs then come down and the car starts moving again. Now it even does it in SPORT mode, when it would not do it before in this mode. Also whenever I am coasting along and need to accelerate the transmission will skip and jump repeatedly making the car shudder, it doesn't matter if the car is warm or not if I try to accelerate after coasting for a bit. The car is at the dealership now getting diagnosed. I had to pay $120 dollars for the privilege of having Nissan diagnose their crappy transmission that they already know has had issues for years so for know they're making me do the tap dance, but at least now it is documented in their system. There is no reason for a car with 30,000 miles to be doing this. I drove another brand's CVT powered car for two years and that was the peppiest, most responsive car I've ever owned, no issues whatsoever. This car is a slug, the tranny can barely keep up with it. They keep making the cars bigger and heavier but insist on powering them with go cart equipment.

- Saul P., Williamsburg, VA, US

problem #19

Mar 022017

Sentra 3.2L

  • CVT transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I purchased my 2013 Sentra brand new. I just noticed when putting it reverse/drive it shutters. when driving it feels like the transmission is slipping and it revs up and has no power. is there any quick fixes for this.

- bhamblin, Mount Airy, US

problem #18

Jun 022016

Sentra SL 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 56,000 miles

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

I just got my car of the lot on 2013 with 8,000 miles. At first my car wouldn't start. At one point I went to auto zone and they told me it was the battery. The battery in my vehicle was from Mexico, I had to replace it. Now my car jerks when I try to accelerate once I hit 40 mph. Then when I brake its starts to shake. I had my brakes replaced and the noise went out. Now its back but with the jerking when I try to accelerate after a stop. So annoying. I already still owe $10,000 on my vehicle and I'm not going to spend another 4,000 fixing what should of been fixed in the first place. I'm a single mother of 1 working full time and this sh*t is not acceptable. I don't even have food to feed my son right now. nor will I have money to pay this sh*t.

- andradeana, lathrop, CA, US

problem #17

Nov 242016

Sentra SV V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 100,000 miles

AS I WOULD DRIVE OFF FROM THE STOP SIGN MY CAR WOULD JERK, AND THE OTHER PART IS WHEN I DRIVE OVER 60 MPH AND SET IT ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE RPM NEEDLE WOULD MOVE UP AND DOWN. AS THE NEEDLE MOVES DOWN AS DRIVING 70 MPH THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE BACK AND FORTH THEN I WOULD PRESS THE ACCELL BUTTON UPWARDS TO 75 MPH THE RPM HAND WOULD MOVE UP TO 4000 RPMS AND THE HUMMING SOUND WOULD START. AS I STOP THE CRUIZE CONTROL AND STEP HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL THE RPM HAN GOES DOWN TO 3000 RPMS IVE NOTICED AROUND 20 TO 30 MPH AS I DRIVE I WOULD HEAR THE CVT BAND SOUNDS LIKE A PERSON SHAKING A PLASTIC CUP WITH ROKS IN IT AND THE GEAR WHINING NOISE IS THIS NORMAL FOR A 2013 SENTRA?

Update from Apr 15, 2018: LAST WEEK MY CAR WOULD JUDDER AS I STEP ON THE ACCELERATER THE CAR WOULD FEEL LIKE YOUR GOING BACK AND FORTH AS THE RPM HAND GOES UP AND DOWN 3 CENTAMETERS OF AN INCH RAPIDLY AS I SLOW DOWN CAR WOULD SHAKE BAD I THOUGHT WOW!! LAST TIME I WOULD EVER BUY A CAR WITH A CVT

- Rockin R., Greenwood, IN, US

problem #16

Aug 252016

Sentra SV

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

2013 Nissan Sentra SV. Bought new in February 2013. Driven 80 miles round trip daily for work commute. Routine maintenance performed regularly. In May 201, 74k miles, I replaced the original front brakes and four tires. The guys at the shop were impressed on how well the car ran - like new!

On August 25, 2016, with 76K miles, I put the car into drive and at about 10 mph it started bucking and jerking. I turned off the AC, lights, radio, Bluetooth and the car. Waited a few minutes, and drove it with no issues. On Saturday, August 27th I called a local Nissan dealer and brought it in. They had it all day. They thought it was the ECM, but wanted to be sure and asked to keep it through Monday, August 29, 2016, so they could drive it a few times and continue diagnostics. On Monday, August 29 (today) I received a call that it needs a new transmission. I am beside myself. Car is worth $5,600-7,200 on a trade, I owe $9,400, and I'm supposed to put out $3,800 for a transmission? My last Nissan went for 240k miles, and I got $4k cash when I sold it!

I have read hundreds of complaints for this issue. I'm convinced that this is a manufacturer defect that is bound to happen, no matter how well you maintain the car. Nissan should suck it up and address the problem. I've notified Nissan and safercar.gov with this complaint as well. If it wasn't for being in the middle of a mortgage process, I'd let Nissan Motor Credit repossess it. Perhaps I should surrender it? Suggestions and thoughts are appreciated.

- Heidi Z., Phillipsburg, NJ, US

problem #15

Aug 222016

Sentra SR 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

This is the second time the tranny has been replaced. The first was back at 17,000 miles and now this one. This new tranny CVT design is garbage. Once fixed, going to trade it in for a good old gear shifting American model.

- martinjose, 78569, TX, US

problem #14

Feb 142017

Sentra SL 3.2L V4

  • CVT transmission
  • 56,274 miles

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

WTF, Nissan. The car has less than 60,000 miles on it, yet the transmission is dead. I cannot believe it. All these complaints, and no recall. Are you kidding me? So, I am supposed to pay $3500 to repair this problem. I'll never buy another Nissan. That's it!

- Guens P., West Palm Beach, FL, US

problem #13

Dec 292016

Sentra SR

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

Nissan needs to do something about these CVT's. I had to bring my car in for a recall repair about a year ago.They said something in the transmission software needed to be fixed. Now 1 year later and 3,000 miles out of warranty, my transmission needs to be replaced. I've already spent $12,000 on this car in 3 years but with this transmission issue, I'm now $6,000 upside down in this car. Not to mention terrified to drive it. I'm horrified to see so many others in the same situation. This needs some serious attention.

- Carissa K., Decatur, GA, US

problem #12

Dec 142016

Sentra SR 1.8L 4c

  • CVT transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I am disappointed that nissan is aware of the common problem and is doing nothing to correct it.

- Angela P., Hartsville, TN, US

problem #11

Nov 252016

Sentra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Omg! I had to make a profile so I could share my story. As of 11/25/16 randomly in the morning my car starts "jerking and won't accelerate properly, I took it to the Nissan dealership as of today 11/26/16 and I was told that I need a new transmission! I bought my car brand new around the month 3 years ago. I've always kept up with maintence and oil changes. This issue just seemed to randomly happen out of no where. The service guy said he will contact my extended warranty to see if it's covered. Honesty this bull crap 3yrs old 60k miles. That's way too soon for a transmission to blow out. I'm really upset about this.

- Jaless B., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #10

Nov 022016

Sentra SR

  • CVT transmission
  • 124,000 miles

I bought my sentra brand new in 2013. Two weeks ago, I thought I had trash in my gas. There were no warning lights that this was a transmission problem. I called a Nissan dealership & they said if there was an issue with my transmission or engine, there would most definitely be an indicator light. Nothing...Hooked it up to 2 computers & still no sign of a problem...OF ANY KIND!! THIS is a 3 year old car! I have been diligent about this car's maintenance. Now, I've read of this happening with several nissans with a CVT transmission!!! And Nissan isn't doing anything to help!! I have always driven Nissans. This is my 5th! I will never buy another one as long as it has this CVT transmission..

- Laura C., Counce, TN, US

problem #9

Oct 242016

Sentra SL

  • CVT transmission
  • 84,000 miles

The transmission is hard shifting, sometimes no shifting, racing, hesitation when accelerating, and losing power when trying to accelerate. I pulled out of a store and the car would not go.

- Angelique P., Madison, GA, US

problem #8

Jul 022016

Sentra

  • CVT transmission
  • 80,000 miles

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 45 MPH CAR BEGINS TO SPUTTER AND REV, RACING AND THEN JUST CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THANK GOD I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL AND WAS ABLE TO NAVIGATE IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING. WAS ABLE TO TURN CAR BACK ON AND MOVE SHIFTER, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IT TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.

AFTER SITTING AND COOLING FOR A MINUTE CAR WAS ABLE TO AGAIN BE PUT INTO REVERSE BUT NOT INTO DRIVE. CAR SHOWED NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM BUT HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAID THAT CAR CAN BE REPAIRED WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION THAT WILL COST $4000.00, I REPORTED TO NISSAN USA AND REGISTERED A COMPLAINT WITH SAFERCARS.GOV.

ANY PROBLEM WITH ANY CAR SHOULD BE REGISTERED HERE. I WILL TWEET EVERYDAY UNTIL A RECALL OR FIX IS ISSUED. NO CAR SHOULD NEED A TRANSMISSION IN THREE YEARS THIS WAS BRAND NEW CAR OFF THE LOT!!!!

- bernadettewaddell, Swedesboro, NJ, US

problem #7

Jun 262016

Sentra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,190 miles

I've had the car for less than 3 years and I was told that I need a new transmission!! Sounds crazy! Car was revving and skipping. I guess they don't build things like they did in the old days. I'm stuck now because I still owe $10,000. you would think that Nissan would be able to help, I guess not!

- jmargolis, Lowell, MA, US

problem #6

May 312016

Sentra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We bought this car for our daughter, she hasn’t even had it for a year. She noticed the RPMs were running around 3-6 RPM and sometimes the car would hesitant and jerk than it would act like it was going to stall. We took it into the Nissan dealer and they said we needed a new transmission – cost $4,000. So we have a 3 year old car that needs a $4K transmission replacement. Nice Nissan!!!!

- Deby B., Marietta, GA, US

problem #5

Mar 062016

Sentra SV V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Nissan sucks!!! So much for being a VIP!! This car has NO BUSINESS having transmission problems. NOBODY can just pull $3900 out their behinds! My car jerks then decides not to go when accelerating...it stops at the light, then wont go at all or revs up to go slowly then takes off...or not at all. Whats more is Nissan has designed this little piece of sh*t to not being able to be worked on by other mechanics. It was towed to a dealership (Nissan) for this free reset in which a code was given that my mechanic couldn't get. The guy at the dealership was rude, and wanted me to pay $112.00 or so for diagnostics...DID that a few days before!! He insisted it was the transmission, just as the Nissan dealership said before. They need to be held accountable for their faulty transmissions!!!!!! NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!! I have NO CAR!!

- Michele S., Altamonte Springs, FL, US

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