2015 Nissan Sentra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 6, 2026AZTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to report a life-threatening, sudden-onset mechanical defect in my vehicle’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While driving in heavy traffic, my son experienced a complete and sudden loss of motive power without any warning or dashboard lights. The vehicle abruptly stopped accelerating in a live lane, nearly causing a catastrophic rear-end collision. At just 70,000 miles, far below the expected lifespan of a major powertrain component, a certified…

   NHTSA complaint #11755303 · source
2. Filed Apr 1, 2026171,000 miVAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No…

   NHTSA complaint #11728439 · source
3. Filed Mar 28, 2026LAFireElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.

   NHTSA complaint #11727684 · source
4. Filed Feb 9, 2026OHEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway

   NHTSA complaint #11716629 · source
5. Filed Jan 23, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed to operate properly. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle jerks when shifting gears and upshifts on its own, causing unpredictable changes in speed and loss of smooth acceleration. This creates a risk of sudden acceleration or…

   NHTSA complaint #11712851 · source
6. Filed Aug 28, 2025KYAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car has 72000 miles in it it has given no indication on dash except cruise control went out. The transmission is slipping and both the front passenger and drivers door handles are messed up up.

   NHTSA complaint #11683751 · source
7. Filed Apr 2, 2025MITransmission & Drivetrain

   I took this vehicle to the dealership, and the dealership said that the transmission needs to be replaced. I sold this car to Surburban Chevrolet of Ann Arbor, but they appear to be selling the car without fixing the transmission. It is not safe to drive this car because the vehicle is jerky and may not change the gear properly in the highway.

   NHTSA complaint #11652428 · source
8. Filed Mar 4, 202550,000 miTXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that the engine revved up to high. While driving, the vehicle stopped suddenly, drove, and then stopped again. The contact continuously moved the gear shifter and the vehicle moved forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission solenoids…

   NHTSA complaint #11646183 · source
9. Filed Mar 3, 2025TXAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car had problems with failing to start and failing to accelerate while driving. Check engine light came on and OBD scanner indicated it was the CVT. The car was inspected and repaired in March 2023. In 2025 (the same problem of check engine indicating the CVT) is occurring. CVT sensor was replaced; however, two weeks later the check engine light is back on indicating CVT issues and is now also overheating.

   NHTSA complaint #11645995 · source
10. Filed Feb 13, 2025TNTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle began making a whining noise when starting with car in park, accelerating or decelerating. Didn’t seem to drive like normal. I Immediately took car to my usual mechanic and was notified it was the CVT transmission and it would need to be replaced. I was made aware of the recall by my mechanic. I contacted Nissan and was told they would not cover it. I’ve kept regular maintenance on my car and it only has 131,000 miles. .

    NHTSA complaint #11642509 · source
11. Filed Feb 5, 202583,000 miSCTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11640951 · source
12. Filed Feb 2, 2025MATransmission & Drivetrain

    The transmission failed. The car just stopped moving forward while My son was driving in traffic. It was 12:00 in the afternoon on a Friday so local traffic was a bit heavy. Traffic had to go onto the other side of the road creating a hazard. Luckily the car behind was following at a safe distance and was able to stop. There was no previous warnings that this was going to happen. The car had to be towed to a repair shop. The repair shop called NIssan but they said they could…

    NHTSA complaint #11640226 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology