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.

7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
37,700 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace transmission (2 reports)
2016 Nissan Sentra transmission problems

transmission problem

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2016 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments

problem #4

Jul 212019

Sentra SL

  • CVT transmission
  • 78,880 miles

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

Car started acting up and not moving well in gear, jerking. Took it to Nissan dealership to have the transmission flush and belt fixed with codes P0846 and P0965. Dealer told me I needed a new transmission as it all black with shavings inside the transmission. Very upset at this point, my car at the time of service had 88,000 miles and shouldn't need a new transmission. No warranty was given at time of sale. Dealership quoted me $2,100.00 dollars for a new transmission which doesn't include labor. With labor I am looking at $4000.00.

- Jessica B., Rosebud, US

problem #3

Sep 012018

Sentra S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

When going at higher speed, often slightly uphill, car suddenly balks and resists going faster. The tach starts fluctuating wildly from below 2 to way above 3 in an erratic fashion. Feels like the car can't shift up. So, of course, I slow down as I worry something will break. When I slow things seem to settle down. The first guy I went to said I needed a transmission and I should contact the dealer as Nissans had problems. The second guy said it was my sensor and replaced it for $450.00. This worked for one day. Now the second guy says I need a new transmission and that it's a problem with Nissans and I should contact Nissan. That's there are lawsuits. I would like to be included in such a lawsuit. I've been quoted $4000 to have transmission replaced at both dealer and 1st guy. This is ridiculous. It's a young car. 2016 Sentra S. Now about 70,000 miles. And I've read that replacing it may not solve anything as it could mean I'll end up needing another. What's going on. Obviously, Nissan is not a company to be trusted. I've always had Hondas prior to this last car.

- Mary M., Pasadena, US

problem #2

Nov 062016

Sentra SV 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,800 miles

sluggish poor acceleration

This car has pretty sluggish acceleration. It's not really a fixable problem, I think it's just because the car has a small engine that is weak. I will be flooring it, the car is up in 4th gear, and the odometer is not moving. It takes at least a five second stall to go past 30 MPH and the car is just slow and the transition isn't particularly smooth. It's probably just the nature of the car, I did see this in ratings. It could be worse, but it is rather sluggish IMO.

- d91525, Flushing, NY, US

problem #1

Jun 112016

Sentra SV 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 10 miles

I've had a CVT before in an earlier model Nissan Sentra and had no complaints. This 2016 Sentra seems to have very delayed, loud, hard shifting (engine sounds to rev quite loudly) when accelerating, especially from a stop or when merging into highway/interstate traffic. Very noticeable inside the car, not only to driver but to passengers. 2009 Sentra was last car I owned, first time I'd had a CVT, and never (or barely) heard or felt that car shift. I was told at the dealership that this is normal for this vehicle, but I have concerns about long-term reliability. I did not test drive this particular car (work being done on seatbelts) but drove another like it. I noticed it somewhat on the car I drove during the test drive and was reassured that it was normal, but it seems considerably more noticeable on the one I purchased. I have put only 500 miles on it in two months, am choosing to drive the 2009 instead most days. When friends ask how I like the new car, I have to admit I like the old one better. Makes me sad.

- Joyce T., Dublin, VA, US

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