Nissan Sentra transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2027
322 of the 1,432 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Sentra 2016–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2016 (127), 2017 (76), 2019 (54). Filed under the same heading across these years: 1 manufacturer bulletin, 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Nissan Sentra transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 4 | 13% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2024 | 9 | 22% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2023 | 0 | — | — | 4 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 6 | 7% | — | 7 TSBs | the year → |
| 2021 | 0 | — | — | 9 TSBs | the year → |
| 2020 | 0 | — | — | 11 TSBs | the year → |
| 2019 in depth | 54 | 24% | 62k | 27 TSBs | the record → |
| 2018 | 46 | 25% | 71k | 33 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 76 | 33% | 60k | 58 TSBs | the record → |
| 2016 in depth | 127 | 47% | 89k | 41 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 4 · 2018: 17 · 2019: 29 · 2020: 32 · 2021: 32 · 2022: 53 · 2023: 45 · 2024: 41 · 2025: 47 · 2026: 22
Across the model years, half of the 147 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 45,000 and 105,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. While driving low speeds, the vehicle would not accelerate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000
Transmission is making a whirring noise on acceleration from a green light and is jerking sometimes upon acceleration. Then getting on the interstate it hesitates before it hits 60 MPH I bought this car with 45,000 miles and payment. I made a mistake because form other complaints the CVT is has a ton of issues and needs to be recalled
I have had many issues with this vehicle, and the most problematic one is the transmission. When I accelerate to high speed on highway at a point the transmission starts to act up. The RPM start to go up and down crazy. And the vehicle does not accelerate and I could of had hardcore accidents this happens frequently, but randomly.
01/25/2019 north of indianapolis, in traveling south on I-65, the car appeared to shift into neutral at 70 MPH. Stopped on the inside lane, shut off the car and restarted and seemed to be okay. Got just south of indy and stopped for gas, made it out of the gas station and the car wouldn't go foward but would go in reverse.
TRANSMISSION-shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood. OFF AND SINCE 10/21
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 26V410000 HighJun 26, 2026 · 946 vehicles
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
- 24V304000 HighApr 29, 2024 · 9,645 vehicles
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
1 manufacturer bulletin filed under this heading, any model year
- Jun 7, 2024
- CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Nissan Sentra
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Nissan Sentra problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Nissan Sentra years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2016, 127; 2017, 76; 2019, 54. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (47%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Nissan Sentra?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 26V410000 (2025), 24V304000 (2024). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 77,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 45,000 and 105,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.