Mileage when the problem started
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 while the vehicle was parked, the push to start button and brake pedal was depressed but the engine failed to start. The contact also stated that the RPM's would go to 5 when she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle had a burning smell when driving. The contact stated the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) on June 11, 2021, at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,127.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH and approaching a stop going uphill, there was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The automatic emergency braking (AEB) malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle stopped after the brake pedal was depressed, and the emergency brakes was engaged. The vehicle eventually stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the brakes needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall associated with the VIN, which would cover the repair cost for the ABS, rear stop lamp switch, Engine and Cruise Control. The failure mileage was 66,000.
I bought the 2018 Nissan Sentra from Rusty Eck Ford in Wichita around 11 months ago. 2 days later I took it back in because stepping on the gas, it shuddered and had difficulty going into gear. I was told, I needed to relearn how to drive. I received a legal notice that I am in a proposed class action lawsuit (Nissan CVT Litigation Settlement Administrator) because there are known defects in the CVT Transmission. My car is now sitting at Briggs Nissan Service requiring a full new transmission $5500.00 I have pleaded with Nissan corp, ORR Nissan in Wichita and Briggs Nissan in Manhattan KS,and back to Rusty Eck Ford to help me. These were known defects. My transmission went out on a major highway and I about caused a pileup. I live on a fixed income. …
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. …
Car abruptly stalled while driving, would restart but fail again upon acceleration. Would only move in reverse. Had this happened two minutes earlier, I would have likely been killed on Interstate 10, luckily I had just exited the freeway. At this point State Farm sent a tow truck, it was brought to the car shop we use nearby. Upon inspection the transmission was diagnosed as failed and exhaust manifold was damaged, possibly due to towing, since car would only move in reverse. There were NO warning signs, just abrupt failure. Repairs for transmission cost over $4000, exhaust manifold still being repaired, estimated at another $900. Only owned the car for three years. My only means of getting to work it needed to be immediately repaired. There were NO warning signs, just abrupt failure.
My car was hesitant to start i called the recalls line and i let the nissan lot know that my car had recall on the break switch which is connected to my gears, i never received a notice informing me about this issue so when i let the lot know they told me nothing was wrong, after driving it again it wouldnt start i took it to the lot and they said its my transmission and break switch battery ect. I am requesting that my car get repair for free for recall service i dont feel i should have to pay $8000 for service repair more then one nissan sentra has had transmission problems in the last year
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.
I got no incident, just that my car doesn't start the engine at all. We already try all the basics like put a new battery and still can start the engine.And I can't used anymore, I really need it to go to work. Because that's my primary vehicle use. I want to know when is gonna be available those parts to repair the recall. It's been almost 2 weeks already
Engine complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Nissan Sentra, 12% of the model year's 185 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Nissan Sentra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.