2018 Nissan Sentra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 10, 2026ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11749670 · source
2. Filed Apr 29, 2026KYTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11734517 · source
3. Filed Nov 19, 2025METransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11700442 · source
4. Filed Aug 18, 2025TNOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11681354 · source
5. Filed Jul 30, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11677383 · source
6. Filed Apr 24, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the transmission issues in my 2018 Nissan Sentra. It is widely known, including to the past recalls of similar models that Nissan has an ongoing problems with its continually very reliable transmission CVT. Despite this, no recall has been issued for 2018 Sentra, even though the many customers myself include our experienced significant transmission problems. I had my transmission replaced in 2023 not knowing…

   NHTSA complaint #11656651 · source
7. Filed Jan 26, 2025KSOther / UnknownSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   When I connect an OBD 2 meter. It cannot read the powertrain and it’s not the first time that I haven’t been able to diagnosed the car. I’ve taken it to a dealership. I’ve been used scan tools from a dealership and mechanics shop. The powertrain isn’t readable it spiders when I drive as in like it feels like the transmission is skipping or going out. It stopped while I was driving by itself like the car brake, and then kept going like it was skipping a gear or had a hard…

   NHTSA complaint #11638615 · source
8. Filed Aug 7, 2024MIBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2018 Nissan Sentra has under 60,000 miles on it and is on its 3rd set of brake rotors, as well as had both front and rear brake pads replaced 2 times. The vehicle has always given the warning , front radar not detected alert, until the last 12 months where I began receiving a malfunction warning. My car has been brought to 2 different Nissan dealerships to work on this issue. The current one stating my front sensor is failing & will need to be replaced however there is no…

   NHTSA complaint #11607148 · source
9. Filed Jul 30, 2024133,000 miILTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that when moving the vehicle from park to drive the vehicle would display a jerking sensation. When attempting to accelerate there would be a hesitation before doing so. There were no warning lights. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer code S indicating transmission failure. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired with a rebuilt transmission. The failure reoccurred 60,000 miles after…

   NHTSA complaint #11605420 · source
10. Filed Jun 20, 2024NYTransmission & Drivetrain

    My 2018 nissan sentra has 118.5k miles and have been experiencing slight slippage with the CVT since buying it in 2020 with 26k on the odometer. The vehicle had work done by a local mechanic to pass NYS inspection. No warning lamps have been illuminated. The vehicle now, drives under its own power but shakes, bangs and slips into "gear". I have called a local Nissan dealership and they have quoted me of roughly $6500.00 for a replacement. This has not been taken to confirm…

    NHTSA complaint #11595506 · source
11. Filed Mar 1, 2024159,500 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the transmission was slipping. The RPM revved up. While at a stop, upon acceleration, the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission slipped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11574827 · source
12. 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

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