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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,208 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.

2016 Nissan Sentra fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2016 Nissan Sentra Owner Comments

problem #15

Aug 092023

Sentra

  • miles

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

2016 NISSAN SENTRA. When accelerating from red light on major multi lane highway, vehicle lost ability to accelerate and stalled in the middle of the road, brake pedal was difficult to press to stop vehicle rolling, and all vehicle dash lights illuminated. The vehicle was put into neutral and pushed across multiple lanes to the side of the highway. The vehicle was then towed to a Nissan dealership in the area. We were told that the fuel pump needed to be replaced at a cost of $1400. Mileage at time of failure was 51,573. Dealership said the fuel pump should last 100,000 miles.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

problem #14

Jul 072023

Sentra

  • miles
When trying to accelerate, the car begin shudders and then couldn't jerks. The RPM fluctuates and jumps spastically and today, I couldn't accelerate at all and lost power completely after trying to accelerate at a green light. Car also slowed itself down on the interstate while traveling at 70 mph for a month straight and then would stall again about 15 minutes later going 15 mph in a parking lot. Checked the code the check engine light gave about an over retarded cam shaft sensor, replaced it, and am still having the same issue.

- Jacksonville , FL, USA

problem #13

Oct 242021

Sentra

  • miles
As my vehicle was exiting a major highway, the vehicle began to shake and putter. I was able to put my vehicle in park within 1 minute of this puttering. Once in park, the vehicle began to shake more rapidly and louder. I assumed something terrible was going to happen and shut the car off. After an hour and a half, I started the vehicle back up and not to my surprise experienced the puttering and shaking once again. I put the vehicle in drive and began to slowly step on the gas while turning into the road and the car shut completely off and slid back toward the curb with the engine light on and battery. I had to call AAA to have me towed home and on their arrival, they were able to back the vehicle up and forward as long as he pushed down full throttle. The AAA representative suggested through his knowledge of mechanics that it seems there is an issue with either the spark plugs or the fuel pump/filter combo. After changing the spark plugs and still having this issue tonight....we are leaning towards the pump as the issue. There were no lights or warnings prior to the shaking that began as stated in this entry.

- South Amboy, NJ, USA

problem #12

May 112021

Sentra

  • miles

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

my fuel pump went out

- Copperas Cove , TX, USA

problem #11

Jan 142021

Sentra

  • 108,000 miles
Vehicle started having issues with rpms going up, but losing power, jerking, and then on 01-14-21 it completely shut down in the middle of a street intersection and I almost got T-boned. I was told by Nissan to take to dealership for diagnostic testing and they would review the warranty issue if it was the transmission failure that they have been sued for. The mileage was 108,000 when it was towed to the dealer because I did not feel safe driving it. Dealership confirmed transmission needs replaced for just under $4000. Called Nissan Corp back who sent the info up for review. On 01-19-21 I received a call from colleen who stated she is the district manager and the vehicle is no longer covered under warranty and they 'have fulfilled their obligation'. each question was answered with the same verbatim response. I asked to have the case be escalated above colleen due to the fact the transmission went bad early due to their faulty cvt system they continue to sell and have not recalled. After being told she does not have a boss, colleen stated they will give me the same answer as she makes the decision and they have met their obligation. I asked she escalate it anyways. I have yet to hear from anyone else at the Nissan Corp.

- Yuma, AZ, USA

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problem #10

Jan 152021

Sentra

  • 92,000 miles
My car has 92,000 miles. As of 3 days it's been acting up I went to a mechanic and they said I needed to replace my transmission. That it wasn't sending enough signal to the engine to have my car run. When I step on the gas it goes around 10mph but 2 days ago it completely stopped. And I got a letter on the mail a while back that it had a recall

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

problem #9

Dec 292019

Sentra

  • 105,000 miles

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

My 2016 Nissan Sentra has always skipped some, acted like it didn't want to go, but the other day, when I pressed the gas, it wouldn't go. This was as I was riding down the road. At times, the gas pedal would accelerate some, but then the car would start jerking. To make it home, I had to accelerate, coast, try the gas pedal again, and coast some more. No engine, or warning lights ever came up on the dash.

- Covington, GA, USA

problem #8

Jul 292019

Sentra

  • 4 miles
Car cvt transmission slipping and shuddering while in motion also stahling while entering freeway, crossing intersections, and while turning.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #7

Mar 302019

Sentra

  • 81 miles
Car not even 24 hours old, the car would not start with pushing the starter button, the rmp would be at 3 at idleing. March 2019, engine light came on, and went to the dealer. Sensor in fuel pump had to be replaced, few weeks power train problems. In the middle of intersection of route 45 in greys lake, il. The car would not shift out of first gear and almost dies in the middle of intersection. Shut the car off, the car would run normal for awhile, then the shifting gears and bogging would start all over again. A week latter the engine is making a whinning noise.

- Bristol, WI, USA

problem #6

Oct 042018

Sentra

  • 55,000 miles
I purchased my car in 2016 with only 10 miles on it from me driving off with it. I've replaced the battery twice. Ive had my transmission replaced which they didn't want to replace due to low noises it made if I drove over 10 mph. They refused to fix my car for three months because the check engine light wouldn't cut on from the noises it made. Now my car cranks but doesn't start. All maintenance is up to date and my car has 55,000 even today! the battery is now and charged. All cables are tight. I have to get it towed to Nissan to have it inspected.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #5

Feb 272018

Sentra

  • 50,000 miles

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

On a recent trip I noticed a surge in RPM's on the car. On cruise at 70 mph the RPM would be around 20,000. It surges to 35,000 or higher. It seems to be getting worse and at lower speeds now.

- Kingston, OK, USA

problem #4

Jul 262017

Sentra

  • 28,000 miles
When I drive on the freeway I lose power, the RPM' S jump around and the car loses speed. Like the car is not shifting gears or is having a hard time finding the right gear given the speed

- Lancaster, CA, USA

problem #3

Mar 252017

Sentra

  • 35 miles
The tranmisson not enough power and seems to me not good gas because the not correctly on city and highway.. need improve.

- Bethel Park, PA, USA

problem #2

Jan 032018

Sentra

  • miles
Takata passenger air bag off light sometimes comes on when there is a passenger of weight where it should not be off. The car also sometimes feels as if it's losing power almost jerks some when stopped & you press the gas especially if heat or air is

- Dover, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jan 052017

Sentra

  • miles
I will do my utmost to describe the problem that I am encountering with my 2016 Nissan Sentra... when I first take-off it began to stall and soon it increase speed and I hardly have my feet on the accelerator and I fear for my safety also other people that I Transport into my vehicle...definitely while making turns on city street and highways and there is an indescribable strange sound that the car is making it appears to be coming from the passage side...this particular car is suppose to be a gas saver, but is burning a right amount of fuel...there is more problems that concern, however I am being told not to include any personal information into my complaint.

- Crawfordville, FL, USA

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