FaultScore

Nissan Sentra acceleration problems

426 of the 8,300 complaints filed about the Nissan Sentra are about the throttle and cruise control — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.

426

Complaints

5%

Share of all complaints

40

Crashes

1

Fires

Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year

1987 Sentra 2 0.5%
1988 Sentra 1 0.2%
1989 Sentra 1 0.2%
1991 Sentra 1 0.2%
1992 Sentra 2 0.5%
1993 Sentra 4 0.9%

Median failure at 110,439 miles

1994 Sentra 6 1.4%
1995 Sentra 7 1.6%
1996 Sentra 9 2.1%
1997 Sentra 9 2.1%

Median failure at 163,429 miles

1998 Sentra 6 1.4%
1999 Sentra 4 0.9%
2000 Sentra 10 2.3%

Median failure at 35,500 miles

2001 Sentra 12 2.8%

Median failure at 36,000 miles

2002 Sentra 20 4.7%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

2003 Sentra 6 1.4%

Median failure at 93,750 miles

2004 Sentra 7 1.6%

Median failure at 109,500 miles

2005 Sentra 5 1.2%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

2006 Sentra 10 2.3%

Median failure at 93,000 miles

2007 Sentra 8 1.9%

Median failure at 93,636 miles

2008 Sentra 13 3.1%

Median failure at 19,500 miles

2009 Sentra 1 0.2%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

2010 Sentra 11 2.6%

Median failure at 11,000 miles

2011 Sentra 6 1.4%

Median failure at 83,729 miles

2012 Sentra 22 5.2%

Median failure at 84,000 miles

2013 Sentra 51 12.0%

Median failure at 68,500 miles

2014 Sentra 31 7.3%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2015 Sentra 49 11.5%

Median failure at 48,520 miles

2016 Sentra 27 6.3%

Median failure at 46,750 miles

2017 Sentra 32 7.5%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

2018 Sentra 19 4.5%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2019 Sentra 12 2.8%

Median failure at 3,400 miles

2020 Sentra 5 1.2%

Median failure at 41,500 miles

2021 Sentra 6 1.4%
2022 Sentra 7 1.6%
2023 Sentra 1 0.2%
2024 Sentra 1 0.2%
2025 Sentra 1 0.2%

Median failure at 8 miles

2026 Sentra 1 0.2%

What owners said

2015 Nissan Sentra at 59,000 miles Fort Worth, TX Crash 1 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.

2026 Nissan Sentra Plantation, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Subject: Complaint Regarding Greenacres Nissan – Sale of Vehicle With Immediate Safety Issue and Failure to Provide Resolution I am submitting this complaint regarding Greenacres Nissan and the handling of my vehicle purchase. I purchased a vehicle from Greenacres Nissan and took delivery on 7/3/26. Within five days of delivery, the vehicle developed a serious safety-related issue that made it unsafe to operate. I immediately contacted the dealership and returned the vehicle. The dealership currently has possession of the vehicle because it is unsafe to drive. I was informed that the repair requires a part that is on backorder, with no estimated arrival date. I was advised the repair could take months or longer. Despite the vehicle being unavailable and unsafe, I remain responsible for my loan payments. I requested that the dealership provide a reasonable resolution, including replacing the vehicle, assisting with a financing solution, or providing another option that would allow me to have safe transportation. The dealership has refused to provide a practical resolution and continues to tell me that I must wait indefinitely for the repair part. My complaint is not that a repair is needed. My concern is that a newly purchased vehicle became unsafe almost immediately after delivery and I have been left financially responsible for a vehicle I cannot use. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed and that Greenacres Nissan be encouraged to provide a fair resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11752264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Nissan Sentra Royal Oak, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1) within three months of vehicle purchase (and in perpetuity to-date ever since), the infotainment system intermittently causes static/crackling when connected to CarPlay. 2) within six months of initial purchase (and in perpetuity to-date ever since), also between each subsequent biannual oil change, electronic system would randomly notify that there was a malfunction with rear collision sensors or front collision sensors. Diagnostics being ran each time found no issues. Dealership workers suggested that it may have to do with the sensors being blocked by light, and that diagnostics found no resolve. 3) May 15, 2026, 3 years and 3 months after purchase, the vehicle suddenly wouldn’t start. I was able to drive home from work, and two hours later when I went to start the vehicle, it would click as if the electrical system was connecting online, but not detecting that I was pressing the brake pedal to turn the vehicle on. All interior lights were operational and stayed lit, suggesting that it likely wasn’t an issue with the battery itself or the starter itself… But potentially a connection issue between the starter and the mechanism that turns the engine. If this issue is also electrical, it suggests that the other intermittent issues may be related - warning signs that it would eventually cause the vehicle to be non-starting. As far as safety concerns with the issue, as it presented itself, not being able to detect vehicles with electronic malfunctions periodically can cause issues while driving; infotainment system failure can make any emergency calls requires a non-starter; and lastly, not being able to start the vehicle could lead to being stranded. 70+ complaints have already been issued regarding electronics specifically. It is noteworthy that I’ve also experienced issues with the CVT as it’s been described by other drivers, namely, that from what I’ve noticed, RPMs fluctuate widely when trying to accelerate between 30-40 and 50+ mph.

NHTSA complaint #11738541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Nissan Sentra at 171,000 miles Norfolk, 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.

2023 Nissan Sentra Columbia Station, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

After 8 months of driving my car brand new I started experiencing multiple intermittent malfunctions in the dash board & infotainment system. I have documentation of DTC codes current in my ECU. These codes each dealership refused to find and instead replaced my car battery, wiping the codes & replacing my infotainment system after it completely failed. After repeated repair attempts each dealership failed to successfully repair under warranty & told me to drive the car as normal when these malfunctions continued. These electrical malfunctions were at one point affecting my alternator which I also have documentation of. The car has lost power yet the engine stays running while I am driving. My handsfree is intermittent everyday. I am now way past my warranty & extended warranty due to following dealerships advice to drive the car as normal and bring back. These ongoing malfunctions create unreasonable safety risk which I believe falls under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 — the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A third party diagnostics shop told me my car would have to be taken apart to find the grounding issues as this is clearly a manufacturing defect. These repairs have cost me money and I refuse to keep paying these dealerships if they aren't willing to resolve the core problem. I get constant push back from each dealership. I've already engaged with Nissan consumer affairs, a Lemon Law attorney, and filed with my State AG, AG recommended while undergoing an IDR that I file a complaint here as well. Please help.

NHTSA complaint #11719365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Nissan Sentra 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.

2021 Nissan Sentra Edinburg, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Rattling noise coming from the belt assembly. Tensioner pulley is shaky and alternator had a piece brake off causing metal shavings to fly around.

NHTSA complaint #11710130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Nissan Sentra Linda, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

As I was driving on the freeway 65 mph my car completely lost all Speed and the more I accelerated the more my car decreased speed and eventually it shut itself off as i stopped the car as I pulled over there was no time to make it to a safe area for a safe pull over i was on a bridge calling for help from my insurance. The car did not want to start at first about 45 minutes later my car started again and was able to drive away. I had no idea what happened. Then I was driving almost to 3 months down the road it does it again on the freeway i was in slow lane driving 65 was able to exit quickly so there was no accident as I pulled over it did the same exact thing to me again and I waited till it was able to go again. for the third time it did it in parking lot as I was driving about 3 to 5mph when it happened last and it did not start again and i had to get it towed it's been needing a new computer module ecu. Because the computer when plugging in to obd2 diagnostic monitors it does not read or communicate with my car to diagnose any issues so monitor does engage

NHTSA complaint #11708564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Nissan Sentra Jacksonville, FM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

UPON RECENT DISCOVERY TUESDAY EVENING 11.11.2025; I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND PROCEEDED TO BACK UP AND THEN PUT INTO DRIVE, UPON TAKING OFF MY VEHICLE JERKED AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING/STRUGGLING NOISE. I COULD HEAR THE MACHINERY. DURING MY COMMUTE, THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL REACHING MY DESTINATION. MY CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL AND CUT OFF. THE NOISE IS LOUD AND VERY NOTICEABLE. I COULD FEEL THE VIBRATIONS UNDERNEATH ME. TODAY IS THURSDAY AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS. I'VE PLACED A CALLED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED.

NHTSA complaint #11699142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Nissan Sentra at 8 miles Berlin, CT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the contact's foot slid off onto the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the space between the pedals was too small. The contact stated that the pedals were too close together. The mechanic completed an unknown partial repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 8.

NHTSA complaint #11695734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Nissan Sentra Lithonia, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The check engine light comes on with a malfunction symbol. The car has delay acceleration, jerks, hard shifts.

NHTSA complaint #11692007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Nissan Sentra Mebane, NC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

When I first get in the car and hit the gas it's OK a if I'm trying to move it but if I'm trying to leave my driveway and I hit the gas it will stall and the rpm will go up to a 5 , and this happens exiting the interstate, it's almost caused me to wreck because I can't pick up the speed it is like it's stuck . The same thing happens at a stop light and trying to move forward, extremely dangerous when you can't judge your distance if you're turning if another car will hit you .I try to only take back roads because I don't want my family, or someone else's family hurt .Sometimes all of the lights pop up on my dashboard like a Christmas tree, but when I take it to auto zone they say that it's nothing, days later it will turn off .Sometimes my car will warn me that I'm about to hit a car, yet no car in front of me , but there's times I've almost hit a car and it never warned me , this to is extremely dangerous. I understand that the car is having some sort of technical issues, but I can't seem to find the answers as to why , and this causes me anxiety every day that I drive because I don't know what to expect from it .I feel like the Nissan Sentra needs to be further investigated so that it's safe to drive without putting the driver or someone driving by in danger .I just paid this off , and have kept up with oil changes , yet I feel like this car has more issues than what I can fix and that's why I'm writing this to inform you of the dangers that this kinda car has while out on the roads .I hope that someone takes a deeper look at any type of reports from everyday people and make it easier for someone to find out how to report things like this ,because honestly I was looking for recalls about my car when I came across this, otherwise I wouldn't have ever known that this is even exists.. Thanks for having a space for people to express thier concerns and I'll be sure to share this site with others so that everyone on the road is safe

NHTSA complaint #11689298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Nissan Sentra at 48,520 miles Long 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.

2015 Nissan Sentra 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.

2012 Nissan Sentra at 160,504 miles Wilmington, DE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,504.

NHTSA complaint #11677777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Nissan Sentra at 80,000 miles Littleton, NH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11672316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Nissan Sentra Clinton Township, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While I’m driving it starts to stall. Especially after I press on the breaks and try to press on the gas again it being ins to like jerk and not want to go. I thought it was my suspension or that it needed a wheel alignment but after paying for those to get renewed it’s still having that problem and the mechanic said it was most likely the transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11667987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Nissan Sentra King George, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Transmission failure in under 3 years. I replaced my transmission and rear assembly in 2022-23. It started with pressing the gas pedal and the car wouldn’t accelerate while in heavy traffic. I spent over $3,000 on a brand new engine. Come 2024 the exact same problem with the repair price being quoted at around $7,000. There was no hard driving on the car so I don’t understand how it’s going so soon. I’ve never had so much trouble with a car.

NHTSA complaint #11664370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Nissan Sentra Newburgh, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I have called nissan usa and the nissan in newburgh to schedule an appointment for lamp switch recall and have not recieved any calls or communication back. At this point im scared that the lamp switch is affecting my transmission and I'm just getting the runaround from nissan so they don't have to take care of it. My car has episodes where is now doesn't start and I need to get a jump. My car also shifts out of gear while driving which is incredibly dangerous especially since I take the highway to work. Please let me know how to proceed

NHTSA complaint #11661634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Nissan Sentra Renton, WA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. I bought a transmission and the mechanic replaced it. It was fine for a couple days then started having the same problem. I took it to Nissan to get it diagnosed and they stated that it was due to the transmission. Nissan stated the recall expired so they could not help me

NHTSA complaint #11651401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Nissan Sentra problems