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Before you buy

2018 Nissan Sentra inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Sentra

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

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

    Airbags owner reports: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall: Nissan North America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch recall: Nissan North America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: 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

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Airbags owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: Nissan North America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: Nissan North America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: 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

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
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: 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: 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
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
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 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 checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage