2018 Nissan Sentra
Common Problems
Ranked from 85 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Exterior Lighting Failure
27complaintsSafety riskElectricalExterior lighting, including headlights and brake lights, fails to function properly, leading to potential visibility issues.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system malfunctions
23complaintsSafety riskOtherThe AEB system malfunctions, causing the car to brake unexpectedly or not at all.
- 3
Transmission Failure
14complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission system frequently malfunctions, leading to complete failure or erratic shifting.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Brake Sensor Malfunction
10complaintsSafety riskBrakesBrake sensors frequently fail, leading to false warnings and issues with the automatic emergency braking system and cruise control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Brake System Issues
6complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake system experiences issues such as brake lights not working, brake failure, and inconsistent brake performance.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Forward collision sensor malfunctions
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision sensor malfunctions, causing the car to brake unexpectedly or not at all.
- 8
Automatic Emergency Braking System Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe automatic emergency braking system malfunctions, causing false positives and loss of functionality.
- 9
Engine Stall at Idle
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, often due to stop-start system failure, causing difficulty in starting the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Transmission Not Engaging Properly
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission does not engage properly, causing the vehicle to lurch and lose power, increasing the risk of accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Transmission Slipping
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission slips, causing the vehicle to lose power and randomly stop, posing a risk of accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Brake switch failure
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe brake switch fails to allow the push-to-start button to engage, leaving the car unable to start.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Transmission issues
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission malfunctions, leading to jerking, shuddering, and stalling.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Seat Belt Failure
2complaintsSafety riskOtherPassenger seat belts failed to restrain occupants properly during a collision, leading to injuries.
- 15
Vehicle Starting Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalMultiple reports of the car not starting, particularly in cold weather or when the battery is replaced.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.