2018 Nissan Sentra Complaints

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 08/16/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start one day after several attempts and was accompanied by the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) sensor and check engine warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and brake light switch due to a suspected battery drain caused by a faulty switch. Despite the repair, the failure reoccurred shortly after the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) and linked the recall to the failure. The manufacturer had not yet been notified of the specific failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/08/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/20/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/09/2026

My vehicle stalled. I had to get someone to help me move it out if a busy traffic thoroughfare. It was making odd noises then was stuck in reverse only. I took it to my mechanic who informed me the transmission had failed and that I needed a new one. I work from home and do not drive my vehicle consistently.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/20/2025

My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on. There was a recall on this issue with this year and model, but my VIN number was not included regardless of the symptoms all being there. We had a master mechanic look and diagnose it as a brake light switch issue. The vehicle has been brought to a local Nissan center for similar issues a couple months ago, but it failed several times

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS — Filed 11/28/2024

On [XXX], my 2018 Nissan Sentra was involved in a severe accident on [XXX] in Maryland. Despite the high-impact nature of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. The driver’s seat collapsed completely, causing total loss of control, and the seatbelt system applied excessive pressure, restricting movement dangerously. Nissan North America refused to inspect the vehicle and redirected responsibility to the insurance company without addressing the obvious technical failures. Additionally, I have provided video footage and photographs documenting the extent of the damage. My son, the driver, suffered serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss due to post-accident disability. I respectfully request an immediate investigation into the safety defects of the 2018 Nissan Sentra regarding airbags, seat structure, and seatbelt system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS — Filed 11/28/2024

‏ incident I would like to report involves the crash of a 2018 Nissan Sentra (VIN: 3N1AB7APXJY277851) that occurred on the morning of November 28, 2024, coinciding with Thanksgiving Day on Highway 270 at the Eisenhower Memorial (IS-270) location. It is very concerning and puzzling how, in rainy conditions, after the vehicle collided with the highway barrier, the airbag of the Sentra failed to deploy, resulting in the driver’s head hitting the steering wheel and the driver’s neck colliding with the seat. Furthermore, the driver’s seat shifted from its normal position to a horizontal one, making it impossible for the driver to control the car. After two complete spins of the car, it crashed again into the highway barrier from the rear. The failure of the airbag to deploy resulted in severe bruising and pain in the driver’s head, neck, and back. Despite the driver being an athlete with a strong physique, this led to a minimum of one month of being bedridden and unable to work. Additionally, despite undergoing physiotherapy, pain remains in the head and neck area. The car was declared a total loss and could not be repaired after the crash. Do you not think that if the airbag, which is designed for the driver’s safety, does not deploy in such situations, then when will it deploy? If the driver’s seat, in such situations, bends and turns horizontal, depriving the driver of control over the car, how can one drive safely? Aren’t these instances indicative of a malfunction in the vehicle’s safety system? Does this not raise questions about the safety standards and build quality of a brand like Nissan, which is an international company? If the airbags or other safety systems fail to operate in emergency situations, this could jeopardize people’s lives. These safety features are designed to protect drivers and passengers, and it is expected that they function correctly in all circumstances.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/18/2023

Was involved in a front end collision, and the airbags did not deploy

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/30/2023

Car was involved in an accident and the air bags did not deploy.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 05/12/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lightning) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, causing her vehicle to be side-swiped on the front and rear driver's side by another vehicle. Additionally, the driver's and passenger's front tires had to be replaced every month due to damage from the front end of the vehicle. No injury was sustained and no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the suspension, lower control arm, tie rod, tie rod ends, wheel bearing, gas strut, and CV shaft needed to be replaced; however, the mechanic only replaced the suspension. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 09/25/2021

The contact owned a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the exterior brake lights were inoperable which caused another vehicle to rear-end her vehicle. The contact's vehicle then crashed into another vehicle in front of hers. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact suffered a concussion and later received medical treatment at the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lightning). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/01/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she depressed the brake pedal and pressed the push start button but the vehicle failed to start. The warning message "Malfunction Indicator Light" illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to depress the brake pedal and squeezed an unknown wire under the steering wheel, she was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the brake pedal would make abnormal loud sounds and would intermittently hesitate to respond while driving. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she continued to depress the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was about to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead of her, she veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries on the shoulder and her friend who was in the front passenger seat did not sustain any injuries. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her friend's residence. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact received the recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as her vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 06/21/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the push to start button and brake pedal was depressed but the engine failed to start. The contact also stated that the RPM's would go to 5 when she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle had a burning smell when driving. The contact stated the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) on June 11, 2021, at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,127.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/13/2020

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR MY FRONT COLLISION SENSOR LIGHT WAS ON I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS AFFECTED NOW THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND IT'S AFFECTING MY BRAKES MY LIGHTING AND MY SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE I CAN'T BREAK AND THEY HAVE NOT SENT ME A RECALL OR SEND ANY INFORMATION TO ME I FOUND THIS OUT ON MY CARFAX REPORT

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/07/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN HER DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER WAS DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE BRAKE WAS STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE BRAKE PAD FROM THE WHEEL WELL WAS SMOKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SMOKE STARTED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE TWO FRONT TIRES GOT SO HOT THAT THEY MELTED THE WEIGHT THAT WAS ON THE RIMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALSER NISSAN COON RAPIDS, 3300 129TH AVE NW, COON RAPIDS, MN 55448, AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT TWO SENSOR THAT WAS NOT COMMUNICATING CORRECTLY WAS TELLING THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE BRAKE AND STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,972.*DT*JB

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/08/2019

COLLISION AVOIDANCE FAILED AND ACCERATOR APPEARED TO STICK RESULTING IN ACCIDENT.IN MOTION APPROACHING LOVERS LANE ON NOBLE AVENUE WHEN DRIVER PASSED OUT RESULTING IN MULTIPLE REAREND STATIONARY OBJECT AND SIDE COLLISION.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/05/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OUT OF A GAS STATION, HER VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING PAIN IN HER SHOULDERS, BACK AND STOMACH. SHE ALSO HIT HER HEAD BUT DID NOT INITIALLY GO TO THE HOSPITAL UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE OTHER DRIVER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING COMPANY LOT. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WILL DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.*DT*LN*JB *BF*JB

ENGINE — Filed 10/20/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE MAY HAVE SEEN SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE KEPT DRIVING UNTIL SHE SAW FLAMES AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING AS WELL AS THE DOOR LOCKS UNLOCKING AND LOCKING AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT STATED HAD TO KICK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL DAYS LATER SHE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER EAR AND DISCOVERED THAT A PART OF THE AIR BAGS WAS FOUND IN HER EAR AS SHE HAS LOST HEARING IN HER LEFT EAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 40,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/07/2019

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ABOUT 30 MPH, BEFORE I EVEN APPROACHED ANOTHER VEHICLE MY SENSORS BEGAN BEEPING QUICKER AS IF I WERE ABOUT TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. NO VEHICLE NEAR ME CLOSE ENOUGH FOR SENSOR TO BEGIN ALERTING ME. AS I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN , THEY BEGAN BEEPING VERY FAST AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP, I WENT AROUND A CAR THAT WAS SITTING AT THE STOP SIGN TO AVOID REAR ENDING THEM, AND STILL REAR ENDED A PARKED CAR. POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND WITNESSED THE ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/12/2020

WHEN BRAKING, IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL YOUR FOOT MAY BE ON BOTH THE BRAKE AND THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME, MAKING CAR TO EXCELERATE. GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND GO TO BRAKE IS WHEN IT HAPPENS, ANYWHERE.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/19/2019

I HIT A DEER HEAD ON. MY PASSENGER 16YR OLD. HAD HER SEATBELT ON. IT DIDNT LATCH AND KEEP HER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIRBAG WENT OFF AND IT DIDN'T STOP HER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD EITHER. WE WAS ON AN INTERSTATE DOING 70MPH. IN A 70MPH ZONE. SHE HAS ENDED UP WITH A CONCUSSION AND I FEEL LIKE BOTH THESE SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD HAVE STOPPED HER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/09/2018

EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST HAS BEEN ACTING FROM.THE DAY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE...THEN I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT THEN IT GOT WORSE, THEY REPLACED THE BRACKET AND SENSOR AND THEY PROBLEM STILL REMAINS... ACTUALLY I WORSE THEN BEFORE EVERYTIME I USE MY SIGNAL OT GOES OFF WHEN I'M APPROACHING A HILL IT GOES OFF.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/16/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS REAR ENDED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TWO PEDESTRIANS ASSISTED THE CONTACT IN EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR BACK AND RIGHT CHEST AREA THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,887. *DT *DT PHOTOS ATTACHED.*JB *JB

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/08/2019

MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AXSINGKE CAR ACCIDENT THAT COST HER LIFE. THE FRONT END COLLISION SENSORS WERE NOT WORKING AT THE TIME OVATE ACCIDENT. LAST YEAR WHEN THE SENSOR LIGHT WENT ON, WE MADE AN ATTEMPT TO GET IT REPAIRED. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER M'LADY NISSAN IN CRYSTAL LAKE IL THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR HIS PROBLEM YET. ABOUT A MONTH AGO [XXX] AND I TOOK HER CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND I DEMANDED THE FRONT SENSORS GET FIXED. WE RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER AND TOLD WE WOULD RECEIVE A POSTCARD WHEN THE REPAIR WAS MADE. MY DAUGHTER HIT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE AND THE BRAKES WERE NEVER APPLIED. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WOULD HAVE SAVED HER LIFE BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DEFECT THAT MUST BE REPAIRED. I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING MULTI BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY CANNOT COME UP WITH A FIX FOR A $5.00 SENSOR. MY DAUGHTER WAS 28 AND I DO NOT WANT ANY OTHER FAMILY TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH. WHAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WILL NOT BE AN INVESTIGATION BY THE WOODSTOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE POLICE REPORT #[XXX]. PH # 815-338-2131 WOODSTOCK, IL POLICE DEPARTMENT. I DO NOT HAVE A PHOTO OF THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND IT WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE NW HERALD IN CRYSTAL LAKE IL INFORMATION REENACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT *DT *DT *DT*JB *DT*JB POLICE REPORT SUBMITTED.*JB *DT *DT *DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB *DT COMMUNICATION WITH NISSAN ATTACHED.*JB

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/29/2018

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.