2018 Nissan Sentra engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

22 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Nissan Sentra, 14% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 45,400 mi.

Engine complaints
22
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
45,400 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine22

Engine complaints across Nissan Sentra years

220053420072720108920122632201443312016412220181992020772022332024422026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k530k–60k360k–100k100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 23, 2025NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control
    When I first get in the car and hit the gas it's OK a if I'm trying to move it but if I'm trying to leave my driveway and I hit the gas it will stall and the rpm will go up to a 5 , and this happens exiting the interstate, it's almost caused me to wreck because I can't pick up the speed it is like it's stuck . The same thing happens at a stop light and trying to move forward, extremely dangerous when you can't judge your distance if you're turning if another car will hit you…
    NHTSA complaint #11689298 · source
  2. Filed Jan 23, 2025GAEngine
    I am having problems with my vent control valve. I recently took my car in to get an engine light looked at Rand they told me that the vehicle was have problems with the control valve assembly and they replaced the part and fixed the problem temporarily. That incident occurred on October the seventh of 2024 and now I’m facing another problem with the vent control valve again only 3 months later. I am unsure if the issue is a recall but I would definitely like it to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11637875 · source
  3. Filed Nov 2, 2024FLEngine
    The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed, preventing the vehicle from driving forward. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The transmission failure caused the vehicle to lose power while driving, which could have led to a serious accident if it had happened on a busy road. This failure compromised my control over the vehicle, especially at higher speeds and I was stuck on the road till an officer helped me push the car off the road. Naples…
    NHTSA complaint #11623265 · source
  4. Filed Jan 29, 2024AZEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Car abruptly stalled while driving, would restart but fail again upon acceleration. Would only move in reverse. Had this happened two minutes earlier, I would have likely been killed on Interstate 10, luckily I had just exited the freeway. At this point State Farm sent a tow truck, it was brought to the car shop we use nearby. Upon inspection the transmission was diagnosed as failed and exhaust manifold was damaged, possibly due to towing, since car would only move in…
    NHTSA complaint #11568639 · source
  5. Filed Jan 23, 2024FLEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I am writing to express my concerns regarding the performance of the transmission in my Nissan 2018 Nissan Sentra. Recently, I have encountered my car stopped accelerating and only able to drive backwards. I had a few transmission,shifting problems, jerking which has raised concerns about the overall reliability and safety of the vehicle. I understand your concern about Nissan transmissions. If you wish to address this issue with Nissan, I recommend following a formal and…
    NHTSA complaint #11567274 · source
  6. Filed Jan 17, 202450,800 miMEElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle revved roughly before accelerating forward. The contact stated that while driving for approximately 20 minutes at 20-25 MPH accelerating uphill, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving after approximately 5 minutes. The battery failure warning light illuminated, along with the…
    NHTSA complaint #11565934 · source
  7. Filed Dec 19, 2023FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My gas gauge said 60 miles until fill up, I ran out of gas with no warning, no check engine light and no gas light, in the middle of the street. I was not able to wheel it to the side as I was going uphill at the time and the steering went out. Traffic had to avoid hitting me as I was completely locked up. There is nothing previously wrong with the car.
    NHTSA complaint #11560955 · source
  8. Filed Apr 8, 2023KSEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I bought the 2018 Nissan Sentra from Rusty Eck Ford in Wichita around 11 months ago. 2 days later I took it back in because stepping on the gas, it shuddered and had difficulty going into gear. I was told, I needed to relearn how to drive. I received a legal notice that I am in a proposed class action lawsuit (Nissan CVT Litigation Settlement Administrator) because there are known defects in the CVT Transmission. My car is now sitting at Briggs Nissan Service requiring a…
    NHTSA complaint #11516105 · source
  9. Filed Jan 11, 202361,000 miNCTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH and approaching a stop going uphill, there was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The automatic emergency braking (AEB) malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…
    NHTSA complaint #11501199 · source
  10. Filed Jan 8, 2023MOEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSuspension
    My car was hesitant to start i called the recalls line and i let the nissan lot know that my car had recall on the break switch which is connected to my gears, i never received a notice informing me about this issue so when i let the lot know they told me nothing was wrong, after driving it again it wouldnt start i took it to the lot and they said its my transmission and break switch battery ect. I am requesting that my car get repair for free for recall service i dont feel…
    NHTSA complaint #11500661 · source
  11. Filed Apr 19, 2022NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
    Trouble starting car as if there were no gas in engine. Radar warning coming on with no obstruction and, trunk poping open at the same time.
    NHTSA complaint #11461265 · source
  12. Filed Mar 22, 2022TXEngine
    I got no incident, just that my car doesn’t start the engine at all. We already try all the basics like put a new battery and still can start the engine.And I can’t used anymore, I really need it to go to work. Because that’s my primary vehicle use. I want to know when is gonna be available those parts to repair the recall. It’s been almost 2 weeks already
    NHTSA complaint #11457905 · source

Other 2018 Nissan Sentra problem areas

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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