Owners have filed 501 complaints
about the 2015 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Nissan Sentra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1354.2%
Automatic Transmission
312.5%
Accelerator Pedal
28.3%
Latch
28.3%
Compressor
14.2%
CVT
14.2%
Assist
14.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control
14.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
268.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3612.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3110.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5317.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6421.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4515.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3712.4%
150,000+ miles
72.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2015peak 16Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2015 Nissan Sentra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016179257,130 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, a defect in the occupant classification system could allow an adult sitting in the front passenger seat to be classified as a child or an “empty seat”. This would suppress the airbag, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: For affected Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue and Sentra vehicles, dealers will reprogram the airbag control unit and the occupant classification system control unit. For affected Leaf, NV200, Pathfinder, Q50 and JX35/QX60 vehicles, dealers will replace the occupant classification system electronic control unit.
Recall 201617853,774 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, installing a child seat in the front passenger seat could deform the seat belt bracket. This could cause the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor to fail to detect the installed child seat. In the event of a crash, the airbag would not be suppressed which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reinforce the seatbelt bracket and update both the air bag control unit and electronic control unit.
Recall 2015334487 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206 – Door Lock and Door Retention Components. A manufacturing error could cause the left front and/or left rear door latches to fail to fully latch and fail to meet the requirements of the standard. As a result, occupants may be at greater risk of injury in a crash, and unbelted occupants could fall from the vehicle and sustain injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect latches and replace as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 59,000 milesFort Worth, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and the steering wheel turned independently. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into an apartment complex wall. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to her right arm, left elbow, knee, shoulder, and back and burns on the right arm from the air bag deployment. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance to receive medical attention. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in May 2024, and the dealer had performed an unknown repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I used the jack to lift the car, back almost a year ago, the jack failed and fall on me with the car almost killed me, it was rated at 3 ton but it couldn't handle one side of the car which is 1 ton, it made several damages to the car as well I have videos of how it is failed
NHTSA complaint #11749045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
POWER TRAIN
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
STEERING
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
while actively pressing on brake at a stop sign, car started moving. car only stopped when it bumped into car in front and had to be completely turned off. even with hand brake and in park, car kept moving.
NHTSA complaint #11683277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 59,000 milesFort Worth, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and the steering wheel turned independently. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into an apartment complex wall. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to her right arm, left elbow, knee, shoulder, and back and burns on the right arm from the air bag deployment. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance to receive medical attention. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in May 2024, and the dealer had performed an unknown repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to report a life-threatening, sudden-onset mechanical defect in my vehicle’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While driving in heavy traffic, my son experienced a complete and sudden loss of motive power without any warning or dashboard lights. The vehicle abruptly stopped accelerating in a live lane, nearly causing a catastrophic rear-end collision. At just 70,000 miles, far below the expected lifespan of a major powertrain component, a certified technician at B&K Transmission confirmed a total internal CVT failure, requiring a $6,000 replacement. Nissan Customer Care refused any goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is beyond its warranty and the temporary extensions granted by previous class-action settlements. However, the expiration of a settlement window does not eliminate an ongoing safety crisis. A transmission failure at 70,000 miles is a systemic defect, not standard wear and tear. Thousands of these defective vehicles remain on public roads, putting unsuspecting drivers at risk of sudden, lethal highway failures. I urge NHTSA to immediately open an investigation into Nissan CVT failures and issue a mandatory safety recall. Automakers must not escape accountability for severe roadway hazards simply because a warranty has lapsed.
NHTSA complaint #11755303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this item from Temu, took it to the mechanic, the mechanic said it is garbage, the condenser will explode under pressure and the compressor ECV is not working
NHTSA complaint #11751270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
TIRES
This is for the trailer, your system couldn't recognize VIN or license plates ST 205, 75R15
NHTSA complaint #11749587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I used the jack to lift the car, back almost a year ago, the jack failed and fall on me with the car almost killed me, it was rated at 3 ton but it couldn't handle one side of the car which is 1 ton, it made several damages to the car as well I have videos of how it is failed
NHTSA complaint #11749045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bel Air, MD
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed on major highway out of no where would not accelerate above 5 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11744834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Opelika, AL
ENGINE
When driving the transmission it shudders/hesitates when pressing the accelerator.
NHTSA complaint #11732833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesNorfolk, VA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loose bearing inside the transmission. While completing a road test, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was offered a partial refund and warranty. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesNorfolk, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loose bearing inside the transmission. While completing a road test, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was offered a partial refund and warranty. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesNorfolk, VA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loose bearing inside the transmission. While completing a road test, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was offered a partial refund and warranty. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
POWER TRAIN
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
STEERING
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.
NHTSA complaint #11727684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway
NHTSA complaint #11716629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway
NHTSA complaint #11716629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE
Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway
NHTSA complaint #11716629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
POWER TRAIN
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed to operate properly. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle jerks when shifting gears and upshifts on its own, causing unpredictable changes in speed and loss of smooth acceleration. This creates a risk of sudden acceleration or hesitation, especially in traffic, increasing the potential for a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, the problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle and transmission have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to the failure, the vehicle began jerking during gear shifts. The transmission does not properly shift gears in relation to engine upshifting and will upshift by itself. These symptoms appeared before the failure and have continued since.
NHTSA complaint #11712851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Picayune, MS
AIR BAGS
When a passenger sits in the passenger seat it doesn't register them in the seat and doesn't turn passenger airbag on. It always stays off and my air bag light on the dash never turns off. It's been like that since I bought the car in May of 2025. So any additional details are unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11708284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,520 milesLong Beach, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stopped independently. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,520.
NHTSA complaint #11685381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bardwell, KY
POWER TRAIN
Car has 72000 miles in it it has given no indication on dash except cruise control went out. The transmission is slipping and both the front passenger and drivers door handles are messed up up.
NHTSA complaint #11683751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bardwell, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car has 72000 miles in it it has given no indication on dash except cruise control went out. The transmission is slipping and both the front passenger and drivers door handles are messed up up.
NHTSA complaint #11683751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
while actively pressing on brake at a stop sign, car started moving. car only stopped when it bumped into car in front and had to be completely turned off. even with hand brake and in park, car kept moving.
NHTSA complaint #11683277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Chasse, LACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
My wife was rear ended and side collision accident. She was injured with side airbags both arm was severely cut. The steering airbag did not deploy as a result she had head injury and the upper teeth was push up when her head hit the steering wheel. She had to be pry out with a Crowbar tool.
NHTSA complaint #11675400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ENGINE
Between 75-85 miles an hour, the car gets sluggish, acting like it cannot "stay in gear" and the rpms shoot around wildly. It gets worse when it is hotter outside. It feels like it loses power and then shoots up in power erratically, typically in that speed range. My car has only 54620 miles on it
NHTSA complaint #11671256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
On [XXX] I was driving my 2015 Nissan Sentra S (manual transmission) in Los Angeles, CA. While traveling at a moderate speed on a city street, another vehicle crossed into my lane, resulting in a direct, head-on collision. The impact caused severe damage to the entire front end of my vehicle: the hood crumpled, the front bumper and grille detached, and internal components such as the radiator support and crash bar were visibly deformed. The damage was so extensive that vehicle two’s (at-fault driver’s) insurance company declared the car a total loss. Despite the severity of the frontal impact, none of the airbags deployed. This was unexpected, as the collision was strong enough to stop both vehicles instantly—pushing my vehicle backwards until both vehicles came to a halt, resulting in significant structural deformation. There were no warning lamps, error messages, or previous issues with the airbag system prior to the accident. Photographs and video footage of the incident are available. As a direct result of the airbag non-deployment, my head and jaw made contact with the steering wheel, causing chest, jaw, neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as severe headaches. After the accident, the vehicle was inspected by vehicle two’s insurance company and reviewed by Nissan’s Incident Investigation Specialist, Dakota McGregor. Nissan denied my claim for non-deployment of airbags verbally via landline. Nissan’s specialist, Dakota McGregor, refused to provide written documentation, technical justification, or a written denial of my claim, despite my requests. Furthermore, the specialist did not provide or disclose the threshold for airbag deployment in this vehicle, and no crash data or event data was collected or reviewed from the vehicle’s onboard computer. As a result, I am unable to determine the exact cause of the airbag system’s failure to deploy. I am filing this complaint because I believe this incident represents a potential safety defect with the air INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11670434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.