2018 Nissan Sentra Electrical Problems

32 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Nissan Sentra to NHTSA — 17% of all 185 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 39,000 miles. That ranks #12 of 32 Sentra model years for electrical complaints (a typical year has 24). No electrical recall has been issued for this model year.

32complaints
39ktypical miles
0related recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    939%
  • 25k–50k
    835%
  • 50k–75k
    417%
  • 75k–100k
    00%
  • 100k–150k
    14%
  • 150k+
    14%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle revved roughly before accelerating forward. The contact stated that while driving for approximately 20 minutes at 20-25 MPH accelerating uphill, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving after approximately 5 minutes. The battery failure warning light illuminated, along with the check engine and oil failure warning lights. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where they had not diagnosed the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,800.

51,000 miles · Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) remained illuminated after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an unknown repair was completed but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The contact stated that the recall remedy had failed to fix the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,816.

106,000 miles · Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately, and the contact had to depress the brake pedal several times before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that the start time varied. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

51,000 miles · Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lightning). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown malfunction warning message was displayed and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

180,000 miles · Feb 2022

After getting my left headlight assembly replaced the high beam went out. Shortly after my horn was no longer working. Other problems I noticed before these issues that seemed electrical but didn't necessarily catch my attention: oil light doesn't come on, seatbelt reminder doesn't make noise, lights inside the car short at times unless turned on a specific way(including screens and overhead lights.)

May 2023

UNKNOWN. however there has been a safety recall about the brake lights not illuminating. I have tried three times to make an appointment with nissan dealership to get this problem fixed but i have had no luck with them helping. Im worrried about my daughters safety. She is not even two years old yet, i dont want her or anyone else on the road getting hurt because of a faulty safety feature.

Apr 2021

My gas gauge said 60 miles until fill up, 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 uphill at the time and the steering went out. Traffic had to avoid hitting me as I was completely locked up. There is nothing previously wrong with the car.

Dec 2023

When I use my air conditioning my car over heats and blows hot air out ,the gas gauge says I have gas and then ran out of gas 3 times when it said I had 120 miles left the rpm's go crazy feels like it's skipping gears I've had nothing but problems since I got the car and I got it to feel safe and I do not at all

May 2023

Car won't start, stranded in parking lots, on road. Have seen hundreds of complaints about the same thing ,saying it's either a brake switch or ignition switch.Very scary to be stranded somewhere.Nissan is aware and said it's common problem? Hard to believe Nissan or the nhtsa does not believe this to be a safety issue.

Aug 2024

Unknown, ICC module is out on Sentra is known issue from Nissan, needs to be recalled as it can cause some cars to brake on there own from what I've seen online. Nissan wants over 2000 to make repair on a part they know from the factory is likely to fail

Feb 2024

Electrical complaints in other Sentra years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’268111031229445435281710111165034134332254533326545382481041
Electrical complaints per model year, Nissan Sentra.

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Nissan Sentra?

NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Nissan Sentra, 17% of the model year's 185 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2018 Nissan Sentra electrical problems?

No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2018 Nissan Sentra, though it has 2 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 2018 Nissan Sentra electrical problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.