2016 Nissan Sentra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 21, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the transmission/transaxle was replaced. After the replacement, the vehicle later developed a…

   NHTSA complaint #11758638 · source
2. Filed Aug 5, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, while driving on the parkway at an approximate speed of 65 miles per hour and preparing to merge onto the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled completely. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, once the immediate traffic situation on the highway entrance cleared, I attempted to re-engage the vehicle. While the engine started, it immediately began revving excessively…

   NHTSA complaint #11754961 · source
3. Filed Apr 21, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The CVT transmission, which Nissan has had many issues with per the large number of class action lawsuits, failed while I was driving the vehicle on a main street in San Diego. The vehicle showed no indication (warning light) that there was any engine failure or issue. The CVT transmission just died unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving with traffic. I brought the vehicle to Mossy Nissan in National City and they confirmed the CVT transmission failed. The vehicle only…

   NHTSA complaint #11732826 · source
4. Filed Mar 5, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

   The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11722355 · source
5. Filed Dec 4, 2025163,000 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erratically jerked and the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed an abnormal whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that days later, while attempting…

   NHTSA complaint #11703081 · source
6. Filed Nov 17, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these…

   NHTSA complaint #11699932 · source
7. Filed Aug 28, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failed after used car purchase. Called regarding fluid on driveway and was told normal after oil change. Continued fluid leak past 30 day warranty. Tried to get Nissan dealer to look at it but was told must go back to used dealer (same company) next door as they sold it. Dozens of calls later, no return calls, wrong transfers, etc. then cancelled appts, got to shop and was told bad transmission. Called Nissan Corp. nothing. Back to dealer who has car that can’t…

   NHTSA complaint #11683705 · source
8. Filed Aug 6, 2025116,000 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jolted and shook abnormally before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11678820 · source
9. Filed Jul 21, 202511,000 miNCTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while accelerating on a busy street, the vehicle stalled in front of an approaching tractor-trailer. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was hard to shift into gear. There was an abnormal winding sound was detected. The contact stated that the engine warning light was…

   NHTSA complaint #11674980 · source
10. Filed Jul 5, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain

    CVT Transmission -available upon request to inspect. Safety was at risk as I was in flow of traffic and suddenly lost power to the transmission slowing suddenly, Cars behind me had to swerve to keep from hitting my car. Car has not been inspected at this time, there were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. During normal operation at interstate speed Speed over 60 mph. The cvt transmission slips and experiences a sudden loss of power making it difficult to safely…

    NHTSA complaint #11671330 · source
11. Filed Jun 20, 2025120,000 miCOTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed CVT transmission kit. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made…

    NHTSA complaint #11668116 · source
12. Filed May 13, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

    My 2016 Nissan Sentra SV has had two complete CVT transmission failures. I purchased the vehicle used with somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. The transmission failed shortly after, and was replaced under warranty. Now, at 139,447 miles, the replacement transmission has also failed less than 70,000 miles later. The car lost acceleration and came to a complete halt while driving, stopping on train tracks, I had to quickly put the car in park and back in drive and the car…

    NHTSA complaint #11660782 · 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