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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 1
Average Mileage:
37,694 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.

2013 Nissan Sentra engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Nissan Sentra:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Dec 012016

Sentra

  • 82,000 miles

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

The transmission has a lot of hesitate and bad vibration while driving. Check engine light came on and it's due to small evap leak but have replaced cap and still stays on once awhile U smell gas fumes.

- Winchester, KY, USA

problem #24

Nov 162016

Sentra

  • 46,000 miles
Purchased a 2013 Nissan Sentra with around 45820 miles on it.2 weeks later the transmission goes out. They replaced because it was still under warranty.received it back with problems. RPM would go up past 5 when acceleraring or passing. Complained and never received a call back was told that was normal.. problem continues. Even had a supervisor test drive and was told nothing was out of order.contact corporate they send me to a new dealer and its gears that are not shifting correctly. Solution another transmission this time they expect me to pay but they are willing to pay half.unacceptable for a problem I been complaining about since receiving the vehicle back.obvious defect in transmission for nisan or in mechanics that work for them

- Selma, AL, USA

problem #23

Oct 272016

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
The transmission on my car has now been replace twice, the car shakes, jolts and shut off. Now for a third time while driving on the street the car shock hard and the transmission and engine fell. The car was unmovable. It was so dangerous I was in morning traffic and 3 cars almost hit me because the car stop in the middle of the street. Had to get the car towed to the dealership and now waiting to see with what excuse the come out with. Car always shakes since I tog it new in 2013.

- Downey, CA, USA

problem #22

Jan 262016

Sentra

  • miles

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

My car dose not accelerate right since a month ago. Car went dealer 3times. 1st time, I go to dealer with recall letter about cvt. Then problem still do it. 3days later, they did test drive and reprogram for transmission, ,,,, still had problem. 2days later, again 3rd time to go dealer. They gave to me car with no problem. That's Nissan told us. It doesn't do every time, yet. But it feels old car. I could not go after stop light, could not go over 2000X while running sometimes. I still have payment, too.they should change car or change something.

- Tamarac, FL, USA

problem #21

Dec 282015

Sentra

  • 14,000 miles
Intelligent key fob intermittent start/stop of vehicle. Went to start my car after dinner and it would not start.no activity when pressing the intelligent key fob. Stranded in a parking lot, called my spouse and then he came with a spare fob, same thing, no start.turned fob around per owners manual and car started but key warning light flashed all the way home. Read manual and made sure all caveats were not the issue. Winter weather night outside, came home and pulled car in the garage, waited an hour and tried to start car, no problem started fine. Went out next morning and car started fine after two stops, at third stop would not start again. Used procedure suggested in owners manual and car started. Drove to final destination and no key warning light flashing. Went online and found many complaints of dealer related issues with replacement of a steering lock switch to cure problem, (at a cost of around 800 - 900 dollars), at the car owners expense. Found some other info online suggesting there is an extended warranty from manufacturer on this item. Have not yet researched that claim. Also some suggestions to inform NHTSA to start a recall process for this as it seems to be widespread with this make and other models of this manufacturer. I am submitting this complaint in the hopes that others will also and get a recall issued for this. Will contact a local dealer for more info on status of manufacturer. Twice in 24 hrs is not a coincidence. There is an issue with this system and it should be looked into by NHTSA.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #20

Nov 052015

Sentra

  • 52,000 miles
With no warning, the vehicle applies brakes while in cruise control. Brake lights on the vehicle remain active continuously after this. Once this has occurred, the cruise control light flashes and the transmission is very limited on power at intermittent intervals. It comes and it goes without reason all the while the brake lights remain fully illuminated. This occurs while the vehicle is in motion. It tends to be while cruise control is enabled, but it has occurred while regularly driving.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #19

Oct 052015

Sentra

  • 36,380 miles

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

My son was driving thru a intersection that is when the car stalled out. I have taken it to the machanic and been told that there is nothing wrong with the car. Two weeks later the same thing happened and once again took it back into the mechanic. I just got it back and what do you know the car keeps acting like it is going to stall out. Don't get me wrong the people at the mechanic shop are nice. But after my google search today I am glad I just hope that with these issues something is done before someone gets hurt. I shouldn't be scared that my son goes places and I have to worry that he may have a car accident.

- Edinburg, TX, USA

problem #18

Feb 232015

Sentra

  • 18,000 miles
While driving the vehicle, the accelerator pedal can suddenly become unresponsive, causing the vehicle to lose speed and the engine to slow or nearly stall. This happens frequently when driving, at all speeds from a standing stop to highway speed. This issue sounds very similar to the recall for 908,000 Nissan vehicles for accelerator pedal problems in early 2013. I think that recall needs to be expanded to Nissan models sold in the usa. I have had the car in for service at my local Nissan dealership twice for this issue so far, and the problem has not been corrected.

- Centreville, VA, USA

problem #17

Apr 222015

Sentra

  • 48,250 miles
After attempting to accelerate from stop at a stop sign, the Sentra would not accelerate higher than about 10 mph. I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, and still no acceleration. After a minute or so, it went back to normal. Over the course of an hour long drive, this happened at least 5 times. ABS indicator also came on when pushing the brake. Vdc and slip lights came on and stayed on for about half an hour. It will perform normally for a day or two. Then start malfunctioned at random. Two attempts have been made at the dealership to fix it according to diagnostic test which indicated the "brake switch code". brake switch replaced and vehicle performed normally for two days the performed worse than before part was changed.

- East Bernstadt, KY, USA

problem #16

Feb 222015

Sentra

  • 33,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving at 45 mph, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle burst into flames and was destroyed. The driver sustained fatal injuries. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #15

Dec 202014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 34,000 miles

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

I previously filed complaint, but was now told by the dealership that after the manifold was replaced, that the transmission also needed to be replaced. More waiting time, more unanswered phone calls, more poor service from the dealership. The Sentra broke down on 12/20/14 and I'll finally be able to pick up my car on 1/24/15. NHTSA id number: 10672846 summary: My wife was driving on interstate 15 as we left san diego, California. In the car was my adult daughter and my two granddaughters, ages 1 1/2 and 10 months. I was ahead of her in our Nissan pathfinder. She called my phone and said that the car RPM's were fluctuating and that the car wasn't going to make it home to twentynine palms. We pulled off the freeway in escondido. I checked the Sentra and found that in idle and park that the engine ran fine. When I drove the car, it was lurching like the transmission wasn't shifting correctly. After checking the engine compartment, I drove to a well lite parking lot and while the family ate, I called aaa and had the Sentra towed to mossy Nissan of escondido. On Monday the 22nd, my wife called mossy Nissan and told them what happened. They called her back saying that it wasn't the transmission, that a sensor had been taken off of the manifold by her husband or our mechanic. She assured them that since the car was only 13 months old and under warranty, no mechanic had worked on the car and that I had only done the oil changes, but had not worked on the engine. Mossy Nissan said that they would not honor the warranty since the sensor in the manifold was removed. They referred me to Nissan usa, which said the same thing; that since the sensor was missing, they had nothing to turn in for warranty, so they would not honor the warranty.

- Twentynine Palms, CA, USA

problem #14

Dec 202014

Sentra

  • 34,000 miles
My wife was driving on interstate 15 as we left san diego, California. In the car was my adult daughter and my two granddaughters, ages 1 1/2 and 10 months. I was ahead of her in our Nissan pathfinder. She called my phone and said that the car RPM's were fluctuating and that the car wasn't going to make it home to twentynine palms. We pulled off the freeway in escondido. I checked the Sentra and found that in idle and park that the engine ran fine. When I drove the car, it was lurching like the transmission wasn't shifting correctly. After checking the engine compartment, I drove to a well lite parking lot and while the family ate, I called aaa and had the Sentra towed to mossy Nissan of escondido. On Monday the 22nd, my wife called mossy Nissan and told them what happened. They called her back saying that it wasn't the transmission, that a sensor had been taken off of the manifold by her husband or our mechanic. She assured them that since the car was only 13 months old and under warranty, no mechanic had worked on the car and that I had only done the oil changes, but had not worked on the engine. Mossy Nissan said that they would not honor the warranty since the sensor in the manifold was removed. I called mossy Nissan and told them that I had not worked on the engine, that no mechanic had worked on the engine and that the sensor had to have fallen off the car while my wife was driving it on the freeway. They referred me to Nissan usa, which said the same thing; that since the sensor was missing, they had nothing to turn in for warranty, so they would not honor the warranty. The price to repair the car was over $700, as they said I needed a complete manifold with the sensor attached. After repeated calls, mossy now said that my car will be repaired by 1/17/15 and the price will be under $500 because I had to wait for a part from the factory.

- Twentynine Palms, CA, USA

problem #13

Nov 152014

Sentra

  • 65 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #12

Nov 242014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 31,000 miles
Vehicle turns off by itself while driving, transmission needs to be replaced, and a lot of issues with the engine.

- Laredo, TX, USA

problem #11

Oct 242014

Sentra

  • 3,700 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, there was a sudden increase in engine rpms as the vehicle shook abnormally and stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times for a diagnosis. The technician was unable to locate a problem and stated that the failures were normal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was 3,700.

- West Newyork, NJ, USA

problem #10

Jun 052014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 8,000 miles
I was turning and drove thru a intersection that is when my car stalled out. I have taken it to the dealer ship and been told that there is nothing wrong with the car. Two weeks later the same thing happened and once again took it back into the dealership. I just got it back on Friday and what do you know the car keeps acting like it is going to stall out. Don't get me wrong the people at the dealership are nice, but after my google search today I am glad (not really glad sad to see this is a problem but I thought I was going to crazy trying to figure out why) to see that others are having the same exact problem so when I go in tomorrow I have several things to talk to Nissan about. I just hope that with these issues something is done before someone gets hurt. I shouldn't be scared to take my kids places in my car.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #9

Jun 152013

Sentra

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. While driving downhill at various speeds, the engine rpms increased excessively. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,000.

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #8

Jan 142014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 70 miles
This vehicle was purchased on 12/31/2013, with 22 miles showing on the odometer. Approximately two weeks later, while at a stop light, the car engine cuts off, I was able to put the car into park and restart without further problem. The engine has stopped three other times since then, the others were while idling and driving at approximately 25-30mph.I should have taken it back to the dealer after the first incident, but thought it was a fluke, but after the fourth time, I'm a bit afraid that this will continue to happen and probably cause an accident.how do I begin to resolve this problem with Nissan?

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #7

Jan 182014

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 100 miles
Engine stalled on the interstate while traveling at 70 mph. Stalled again about an hour later at 30 mph. Went to dealership, they were unable to reproduce the issue. Others have had similar experiences, but Nissan will not recognize engine stalls as a current issue with 2013 Nissan Sentra. However Nissan did send me one months car note for the vehicle being in the shop several times for this problem. According to Nissan there is a suggested repair involving the accelerator on these vehicles, but the company will not authorize the repair unless their technicians can reproduce the issue. After several calls to Nissan they simply say that they understand the problem I am having but the company will not authorize the repair at this time. They more or less left it to me to continue with my own research about a potential recall involving engine stalls.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #6

Dec 282013

Sentra 4-cyl

  • 16,875 miles
I only had my car for about 10 months. I keep my car updated with the maintenance. I drove to las vegas, Nevada Friday afternoon. My car was running great I get to las vegas Nevada I here this loud grinding crinkly noise coming from my engine or transmission. I take it to planet Nissan in las vegas Nevada. They took forever to even take me as a customer. Then they come out and say you are not eligible for a rental and your transmission went out. They proceeded to tell me that I will be responsible for the car as far as picking it up when its fixed. This is the worst experience I had with cars. This is the third time something bad happens to this car and its supposed to be brand new. I bought it with 32 miles on it. Mind you all this was on a trip I took to vegas with my family. My two year old son was drained from this experience having to spend 6 hours at planet Nissan. They even try selling me a another new Sentra.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Read the next 5 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?