Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and coasting to the right around a curve, after completing the maneuver, the accelerator was depressed, the cruise control was set at 48 MPH, and the steering wheel was turned to the left but independently turned all the way to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure with the steering position sensor. The contact let go of the steering when and the vehicle left the road and ran into a pile of leaves. The vehicle struck an unknown object on the ground, the vehicle then went airborne, and the roof of the vehicle struck a tree. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around and ended up in the South bound lane with the passenger's side quarter panel still on the roadway. …
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH coming off the highway and coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle was shifted into park to adjust the clock. After shifting to drive and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. However, the contact stated that the fuel pump and accelerator pedal sensor were previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,087.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the instrument panel was displayed properly; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was instructed by the mechanic to replace the key fob battery, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,401.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown alarm engaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000
The car experienced sudden lack of power in the middle gears and was unable to accelerate. At the same time it displayed the sliding car icon indicating a brake issue. It came and went for a couple of weeks and then just would not pick up speed in the middle gears. The car is a 6 speed manual. The code thrown was for a manifold control valve failure. We could not get Nissan to schedule a repair so we took it to an independent who had to replace the entire manifold as no service parts were otherwise available. They could find no reason for the sliding car icon to have kept coming on. Even after the manifold replacement it continues to do so at random times. It causes concern over the brakes which is disconcerting at the least. The sudden loss of acceleration while the problem was going on also caused a few scary moments. …
To Whom it May Concern, I am writing because there has been transmission issues that my 2017 Nissan Sentra SV has been experiencing since I purchased the car brand new on 04/22/2017. I have documentation of me taking it back to Nissan within the first year due to shaking, overheating and a problem accelerating. Nissan has continued to put a bandaid on the cause and has not addressed the real issue in which is the transmission. There are many articles and court documentation of the Nissan CVT Transmission giving people problems in which have bought their cars from 2013-2017/2018. I have taken my car to Nissan and they refuse to address the faulty transmission or pay for any of the repairs. I have documentation over the years from accredited mechanics in which report that the transmission needs. …
My car is an automatic 2017 with 58,000 miles. The car is having trouble shifting gears, trouble accelerating (it jerks and doesn't speed up), leaks every fluid possible (oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant), etc. I have taken it to two different mechanics to have a diagnostic performed (one specializing in transmission issues), both which said it was an internal transmission issue. The codes: P0846 - transmission fluid pressure sensor / switch B, C1130 - engine signal 1, and C1116 - stop lamp switch show up. I had an oil change performed and the very next day a leak was under my car (it was oil and a mix of another fluid - probably coolant). I also have had the O2 sensor fixed twice and the check engine light still throws the code that that sensor is not working. My transmission among with other internal systems are failing with only 58,000 miles. …
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in my vehicle failed prematurely, leading to significant safety concerns. The car experienced severe jerking, hesitation, and loss of power while driving, especially at highway speeds. Eventually, the transmission stopped functioning properly, making it unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators to alert me of any issues before the failure. A dealership confirmed that the transmission fluid was burnt, contaminated with metal shavings, and the internal components had failed. However, due to the vehicle's design, the CVT fluid is sealed and inaccessible to consumers for routine checks or maintenance, meaning the issue was undetectable until complete failure occurred. This defect poses a serious risk, as many drivers have reported sudden power loss, delayed acceleration, and unexpected breakdowns in traffic. …
I was driving on the highway and saw that my RPM was fluctuating a lot even though on cruise control, it was losing its power. It started slowing down and even though cruise control was off, I was indeed in drive and not neutral. when I fully pressed the gas it did absolutely nothing. I was close to home 10 minutes so I had to just put emergency lights on and keep going but at the stop signs and lights sometimes it would stop completely and get stuck at 0 even though i was pressing the gas pedal all the way. Once I was going - it let me go, seemed like it allowed it. Then but never past 25 But anytime I slowed it almost shut off or did shut off. This is a safety issue since I am not able to drive the speed limit. I risk getting rear ended. There were no warning messages on my dash when this happened. I took the car to a mechanic, who stated I needed a new transmission. …
On January 29th 2022, we drove the car on the interstate at about 65-70 mph for over two hours when suddenly, the vehicle completely shut off. We were able to navigate safely into the shoulder while the power steering, dashboard, and engine were all completely off. No lights or other errors appeared. We took the car to an auto zone where they checked and cleaned the battery from corrosion. Assuming we were fine, we embarked on the three hour journey home on the same highway the next day. We drove the car for about 45 minutes short distances with no errors. As we got ready to return home, we got on the highway again. About 30 minutes into the drive going the same speed, the car shut down again. No warnings or errors like the last time. We took the car to a Nissan dealership in Monroeville, PA. They held the car for a week doing inspections and say that there are no errors. …
Engine complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Nissan Sentra, 21% of the model year's 231 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Nissan Sentra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 Nissan Sentra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Sentra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.