Nissan Sentra Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 1,238 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Nissan Sentra across 30 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (311). The words owners use most often: “cvt transmission” (15% of reports).
- 1,238power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 24mention a crash
- 10mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $5,200typical repair cost reported by owners
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- CVT transmission: mentioned in 180 of 1,238 complaints (15%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Nissan Sentra at $5,200, and half of them between $4,550 and $5,700.
Based on 69 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2008–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 795 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,238 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 10 an injury.
Nissan Sentra power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sentra | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2024 Sentra | 9 | 22% | 28,000 |
| 2023 Sentra | 2 | 10% | 75,300 |
| 2022 Sentra | 6 | 7% | 36,000 |
| 2021 Sentra | 4 | 3% | 118,000 |
| 2020 Sentra | 10 | 5% | 25,500 |
| 2019 Sentra | 54 | 24% | 62,000 |
| 2018 Sentra | 46 | 25% | 75,500 |
| 2017 Sentra | 76 | 33% | 60,000 |
| 2016 Sentra | 127 | 47% | 87,000 |
| 2015 Sentra | 172 | 49% | 75,500 |
| 2014 Sentra | 182 | 48% | 82,000 |
| 2013 Sentra | 311 | 49% | 75,000 |
| 2012 Sentra | 68 | 38% | 71,000 |
| 2011 Sentra | 18 | 13% | 91,458 |
| 2010 Sentra | 18 | 13% | 80,000 |
| 2009 Sentra | 3 | 5% | 90,000 |
| 2008 Sentra | 20 | 12% | 70,000 |
| 2007 Sentra | 17 | 11% | 70,000 |
| 2006 Sentra | 8 | 7% | 140,500 |
| 2005 Sentra | 10 | 6% | 63,141 |
| 2004 Sentra | 7 | 4% | 37,000 |
| 2003 Sentra | 9 | 5% | 70,378 |
| 2002 Sentra | 20 | 7% | 28,000 |
| 2001 Sentra | 9 | 4% | 67,847 |
| 2000 Sentra | 8 | 5% | 44,180 |
| 1999 Sentra | 4 | 7% | 72,900 |
| 1997 Sentra | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1996 Sentra | 11 | 8% | — |
| 1995 Sentra | 4 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2025
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a driveshaft that is not fully engaged can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA68. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 30, 2026.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2024
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA37.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
2020 Nissan Sentra , had been affected, Fuel system and or transmission has been affected , I also communicated this with Nissan Consumers affairs on 9/1, case number(57016532) they didnât bother to help. I also went to the dealer twice . They also were unbothered and monotone . Itâs a safety…
Vehicle is exhibiting the exact CVT/driveshaft fluid leak symptoms described in Recall 24V-304, but my VIN is currently excluded from the campaign scope.
In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed…
The 2025 Nissan Sentra lost control in the steering wheel or driveshaft while driving down hill. The vehicle lost power lost steering and crashed. The vehicle stated "malfunction " when the crash occured. There was a leaking fluid coming from the front left underside of the vehicle after the crash…
The front left axle was replaced twice and the right axle replaced twice. Both have broken consistently. They were replaced by Nissan Dealer all times. My safety was put at risk by having to drive the vehicle with broken axles. There were no warning signs u til the axles started clicking and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Sentras have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,238 owner complaints about power train for the Nissan Sentra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Nissan Sentra power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners report a typical cost of $5,200 (half paid between $4,550 and $5,700), from 69 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Nissan Sentra?
The most frequent phrase is “cvt transmission”, in 180 of 1,238 complaints.
Other Nissan Sentra problems
See all Nissan Sentra problems.