Nissan · Sentra · 2018
2
Recalls
182
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Nissan Sentra has 2 recalls and 182 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: power train (33 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
11.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy Status
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
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.
The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal. I took it to the Nissan dealership and they told me it needed a new stop lamp switch which is EXACTLY what the recall for other Nissans during this time frame is for: Make: Nissan Number: PM971 Title: Stop Lamp Switch Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Date: 3/3/2021 Models: 2016-2019 Sentra Summary: Nissan is issuing a Voluntary Safety Recall on specific 2016-2019 Sentra (B17) vehicles identified in Service Comm to address a stop lamp switch concern. The stop lamp switch on the subject vehicles may become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components (HVAC and brake booster clevis pin) in close proximity. Oxidation may occur at the switch contact surface due to electric arcing, resulting in silicon dioxide build-up. This build-up may lead to open circuit issues and an inoperative stop lamp switch. If this condition occurs, the customer may notice illumination of the Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) or Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lamp(s), the rear stop lamps may not illuminate and/or the engine may not start. Rear stop lamps not illuminating could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
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
The horn does not work when pressing the steering wheel, even though the horn itself and the fuse are functional. I got my car inspected yesterday, and the initial diagnosis points to a faulty clock spring.
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
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
I have ALL lights on in the dashboard. I had 2 diagnostic checks. one from Byerly Ford and the other from Jeff Wyler in Louisville, KY. Byerly says RF wheel speed sensor C1103. I had it done by someone else, and they said LF sensor C1104. Got both done by the same person still ABS, Skid icon, Warning, Brake Icon. Second diagnostic check done by Jeff Wyler which is closer to my home. Still All lights on AFTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, can't drive because it stays on. I'm afraid it may lock up and crash me. I have spent $150 to Byerly for diagnostic [XXX] TRAN JOHNSON INVOICE#[XXX] I have spent $160, 555, with daughters' mechanic ALONZO [XX] INVOICE #[XXX] I have spent $216 to Jeff Wyler's for diagnostic. [XXX] [XXX] REBECCA ZUKANOVIC INVOICE #[XXX] No Recall done, may need recall for Brake Switch the car but it was told to me No recalls but 2 Recall for 3/3/2021 and 9/12/2019 not sure if done. I'm afraid to drive and out of $1,080. ON FIXED INCOME. HELP!! I'm [XXX] AND DONT HAVE A WAY TO GET AROUND ASIDE FROM MY CAR. MY CHILDREN AND GRANDKIDS HELP WHEN THEY CAN OR WANT TO. CAN SOMEONE INVESTIGATE AND HELP ME GET MY CAR RUNNING SO I CAN GO TO MY APPTS? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in both directions, with an audible beeping alarm activated. Additionally, the message "Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the failure was self-corrected. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.
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 it was already a problem with Nissan. It was covered through my extended warranty. Now 2 years later I am having the same problem again.
I was in the city at red light waiting the green turn on My gas gauge said i have 108 miles to continued driving, then 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 on flat street it happens to three time, then i get road assistance, the assistant he thought is the battery problem i told him i have new battery, then car would not start at all , he went to get gas we poured 6 gallon then car started , it happen to me several time now i cannot start to travel long distance ,this it happen me more than 3 times
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service, the mechanic diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
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 checked out.
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 time going to the next gear as well as when we were pulling into a driveway, the wheel on the passenger side went underneath the car like it was only attached by the upper control arm because the lower arm came out of the joint. I’m a driver side a tire is at an angle. The tire is about to fall off or the lower control arm is about to come out of socket impacts the safety of my children and myself when driving down the road is not safe or structurally stable to go down a highway even.
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)
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.
I put my foot in gas pedal, goes all the way down, won't drive now.
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 nissan service center has confirmed that the CVT transmission requires replacement. Nissan Consumer Affairs has been contacted, and a mechanic has inspected the vehicle. However, Nissan has declined to provide any financial assistance or coverage for the repair. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. The transmission gave out suddenly, accompanied by a loud noise while driving. The issue began immediately after this event.
The center overhead light compartment falling out of interior roof
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2018 Nissan Sentra has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 182 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Nissan Sentra.
The 2018 Nissan Sentra received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Nissan Sentra are power train (33 reports), unknown or other (20 reports), forward collision avoidance (12 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Nissan Sentra. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.