TireKick

Problems to check

2018 Nissan Sentra reported problems

These problems appeared in the records we reviewed. This is not a list of what happens most often, and it does not predict the condition of one car.

What to look for

Airbags owner reports

High severity
Evidence: Medium confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Symptom
5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 30,500 to 52,000 miles.

Based on 3 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER TO STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED TORSO AND RIBS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NECK AND LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (PELTIER NISSAN, 3201 SSW LOOP 323, TYLER, TX) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2018Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“On [XXX], my 2018 Nissan Sentra was involved in a severe accident on [XXX] in Maryland. Despite the high-impact nature of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. The driver’s seat collapsed completely, causing total loss of control, and the seatbelt system applied excessive pressure, restricting movement dangerously. Nissan North America refused to inspect the vehicle and redirected responsibility to the insurance company without addressing the obvious technical failures. Additionally, I have provided video footage and photographs documenting the extent of the damage. My son, the driver, suffered serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss due to post-accident disability. I respectfully request an immediate investigation into the safety defects of the 2018 Nissan Sentra regarding airbags, seat structure, and seatbelt system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“‏ incident I would like to report involves the crash of a 2018 Nissan Sentra (VIN: 3N1AB7APXJY277851) that occurred on the morning of November 28, 2024, coinciding with Thanksgiving Day on Highway 270 at the Eisenhower Memorial (IS-270) location. It is very concerning and puzzling how, in rainy conditions, after the vehicle collided with the highway barrier, the airbag of the Sentra failed to deploy, resulting in the driver’s head hitting the steering wheel and the driver’s neck colliding with the seat. Furthermore, the driver’s seat shifted from its normal position to a horizontal one, making it impossible for the driver to control the car. After two complete spins of the car, it crashed again into the highway barrier from the rear. The failure of the airbag to deploy resulted in severe bruising and pain in the driver’s head, neck, and back. Despite the driver being an athlete with a strong physique, this led to a minimum of one month of being bedridden and unable to work. Additionally, despite undergoing physiotherapy, pain remains in the head and neck area. The car was declared a total loss and could not be repaired after the crash. Do you not think that if the airbag, which is designed for the driver’s safety, does not deploy in such situations, then when will it deploy? If the driver’s seat, in such situations, bends and turns horizontal, depriving the driver of control over the car, how can one drive safely? Aren’t these instances indicative of a malfunction in the vehicle’s safety system? Does this not raise questions about the safety standards and build quality of a brand like Nissan, which is an international company? If the airbags or other safety systems fail to operate in emergency situations, this could jeopardize people’s lives. These safety features are designed to protect drivers and passengers, and it is expected that they function correctly in all circumstances.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she depressed the brake pedal and pressed the push start button but the vehicle failed to start. The warning message "Malfunction Indicator Light" illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to depress the brake pedal and squeezed an unknown wire under the steering wheel, she was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the brake pedal would make abnormal loud sounds and would intermittently hesitate to respond while driving. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she continued to depress the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was about to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead of her, she veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries on the shoulder and her friend who was in the front passenger seat did not sustain any injuries. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her friend's residence. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact received the recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as her vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OUT OF A GAS STATION, HER VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING PAIN IN HER SHOULDERS, BACK AND STOMACH. SHE ALSO HIT HER HEAD BUT DID NOT INITIALLY GO TO THE HOSPITAL UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE OTHER DRIVER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING COMPANY LOT. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WILL DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.*DT*LN*JB *BF*JB”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2020Open source record

Power Train owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Symptom
6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 67,000 to 67,000 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect caused an immediate and total loss of vehicle propulsion in active traffic, forcing following vehicles to brake aggressively to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. With zero throttle response or engine acceleration, my safety was severely compromised as I was forced to blindly coast across active lanes of traffic to reach a gas station with barely enough power to get into the station lot to escape the hazard. This is a highly busy area and gas station, making it even harder. The vehicle is currently sitting at an authorized Nissan dealership service department, where technicians formally inspected the vehicle, confirmed a total internal failure of the CVT unit, and issued a $5,800 replacement quote. The vehicle and the failed transmission component remain fully available for inspection upon request.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when I went to accelerate from a stop light. The car would only work in reverse at that point. I'm being told that the CVT needs to be replaced. The car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Transmission Replacement - The transmission system requires replacement due to issues identified during inspection, including judder in the CVT and auxiliary gearbox. Replacing the transmission can help address these concerns and improve the smoothn”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Transmission has already been replaced with a new CVT transmission and the Nissan dealership has also had to put something back in the transmission because it came out and then last night when driving I went to turn and it wouldn't go and now it won't go into gear and it rolls even in park”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Driving down the road with a lot of traffic then my car didn't want to shift into gear the it went into gear real hard then I hear load noise under the the car then I was no longer moving. So me and some friends push it out of the road and I call tow truck to take to my house I know a lot of people have the same issue with cvt transmission”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2025Open source record

Back Over Prevention recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Symptom
Nissan North America, Inc.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.”
NHTSArecallDec 2019Open source record

Exterior Lighting recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Symptom
Nissan North America, Inc.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 47,500 to 77,000 miles.

Based on 8 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating. The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.”
NHTSArecallMar 2021Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Symptom
CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 47,000 to 65,500 miles.

Based on 11 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on the CVT. The warranty extension includes the CVT assembly and internal CVT components, gaskets, and seals, CVT control valve body, torque converter, cooler kit (if applicable) and reprogramming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), on the vehicles listed in this announcement. The warranty is being extended from its original duration of 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles (whichever occurs first). Coverage of other vehicle components remains unchanged, and all other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of Nissan’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty continue to apply. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. If an owner contacts a dealer with a CVT concern in an owned or leased vehicle, verify warranty coverage for the specific VIN and then inform the customer of any diagnostic charges. NOTE: Some owners may have opted out of the warranty extension by excluding themselves from the class action settlement, thus it is important to check the VIN for each vehicle to verify coverage. 2. Use the appropriate Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and/or Electronic Service Manual (ESM) to diagnose the root cause of the customer concern and identify the correct repair to resolve the customer concerns. NOTE: Dealers will need to follow the warranty process and obtain pre-approval using the VCAT tool. Please reference WBI/21-002. Control valves and CVT belt and pulley kits do not require pre-authorization for repairs made under warranty if they are within the dealer’s DCAL limit. 3. CVT warranty coverage can be confirmed using the warranty extensions/customer service initiatives page in Service Comm or DBS National Service History.”
NHTSAtsbMay 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on the CVT. The warranty extension includes the CVT assembly and internal CVT components, gaskets, and seals, CVT control valve body, torque converter, cooler kit (if applicable) and reprogramming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), on the vehicles listed in this announcement. The warranty is being extended from its original duration of 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles (whichever occurs first). Coverage of other vehicle components remains unchanged, and all other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of Nissan’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty continue to apply. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. If an owner contacts a dealer with a CVT concern in an owned or leased vehicle, verify warranty coverage for the specific VIN and then inform the customer of any diagnostic charges. NOTE: Some owners may have opted out of the warranty extension by excluding themselves from the class action settlement, thus it is important to check the VIN for each vehicle to verify coverage. 2. Use the appropriate Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and/or Electronic Service Manual (ESM) to diagnose the root cause of the customer concern and identify the correct repair to resolve the customer concerns. NOTE: Dealers will need to follow the warranty process and obtain pre-approval using the VCAT tool. Please reference WBI/21-002. Control valves and CVT belt and pulley kits do not require pre-authorization for repairs made under warranty if they are within the dealer’s DCAL limit. 3. CVT warranty coverage can be confirmed using the warranty extensions/customer service initiatives page in Service Comm or DBS National Service History.”
NHTSAtsbMay 2023Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Symptom
CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 47,000 to 65,500 miles.

Based on 11 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from May 23, 2023 has been revised to include the following: • The voucher program has been updated and the program rules and dealer instructions have been added to the FAQ section of this dealer announcement.”
NHTSAtsbNov 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from May 23, 2023 has been revised to include the following: • The voucher program has been updated and the program rules and dealer instructions have been added to the FAQ section of this dealer announcement.”
NHTSAtsbNov 2023Open source record

The records cannot show the service history, repairs, title, accidents, or condition of the car you found.

Check a 2018 Nissan Sentra at its mileage