1,360 of the
8,300 complaints filed about the Nissan Sentra
are about the engine —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
Well thankfully it did not happened while driving i stopped it one day to replace the engine (a lil more info i am a mobile mechanic registered with the state of CA) with some year make and model and sub model i finish replacing and next thing later i have no spark i did my diagnostics check wiring fuses relays sensors and still no spark i qent to carfax and notice it as 2 recalls related to my no spark issue regading ckp sensor and cmp sensors and the other recall about a internal problem with ecm i tried calling dealership they know its a incomplete repair but seems like they dont want fix or do something about it now i do need my car to go and repair my customers vehicles and my car dont want to start due to the recalls and from what i read about on nhtsa said that the manufacturer by law is required to assist with a refund, temporory vehicle borrowed or funds for transportation if they cant fix, or shortesh in parts in the mean time or something like that i called about 3 times today first tried to make an appointment and they said no reponse with parts depertment okay we hang up so i call again right away but this time i went directly to parts department and asked for the related parts they said they had them in stock then i commented about my recalls and then they transfer me to appointment department and they told me parts department aint answering i told her i just got transfered feom parts department they said they have the parts in stock so whats the problem she didnt said nothing and only said we will give u a call back for ur appointment i never got a call back 5 hours later i called again something just covering up lie after lie.
NHTSA complaint #11752538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop where it was diagnosed with ECM failure. The contact was informed that a heavy voltage overload had caused a hole in the ECM. The contact was informed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that an unknown recall with a similar failure was performed in 2012. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
After Nissan dealership updated ECM on 6/1/2026, the MIL came on with code p0101. This causes the car to go into limo mode while driving on the highway. I took car back to Nissan who said they needed to clean the wires, which they did and cleared the code. Again while driving the car went into limo mode. Nissan now says I needed an $8,000 new computer. Again the car went into limo mode while driving. The car can be driven but randomly goes into limo mode. This only happened immediately after the ECM update in June 2026, and may cause an accident if it continues to randomly go into limo mode.
NHTSA complaint #11748211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving in rush hour traffic, I heard an intermittent vibration/noise that seemed to come and go and became louder when I stopped. As I put my car in park when I got home, I heard a loud clunk and the battery light came on. When I popped the hood, we saw metal shavings flying around. The dealer diagnosed the alternator and provided a quote for replacement. I am concerned the failure could have caused a loss of power while driving and caused an accident in heavy traffic. The vehicle and component are currently at the dealership. I have a video of the metal shavings that I can provide if needed, but I am unable to upload to the website.
NHTSA complaint #11740084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erractic rpms. Shakes/hesitant on take off from stop. Accelerator can be pushed all the way and it goes 5mph. Shifting takes a good minute with shakiness. Can not drive in rush hour traffic almost got accident many times.
NHTSA complaint #11730515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I purchased this car around January 2025 & around August 2025 I started having battery issues. It’s currently March 2026. I have to keep having the battery jumped at. When he battery wasn’t jumping I had to get it sent to a nissan where they said nothing was wrong with the car so the next day the battery failed again.. and again each day . I have to keep calling AAA to come have the car jumped which I ended up just getting a portable battery jumper which works sometimes but other times I would have to call AAA of course, or if it doesn’t start at all, I will have to get it told to nissan. Certain times the car would start up and then when you pull out the parking space it’ll start shaking and then you’re driving in the car will slowly turn off. You’ll just be sitting there and that’s the main time you’ll have to get it towed to the dealership. Recently it happened on the side of the road from me, leaving the dealership and the police ended up, towing the car because triple AAA didn’t come fast enough which I had to pay 300 something dollars to get it out of the tow yard. System malfunction pops up, the engine light blinking , battery light pops up.
NHTSA complaint #11722568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle was driven to the parking lot and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. Upon arrival at the residence, the vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence, and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized. The local dealer was contacted, and an estimate for the repair was provided. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The mechanic stated that the engine was cracked and was a rebuilt engine, not a new engine. The contact purchased a used engine from a salvage yard for replacement. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car would cut off on me and all the lights would turn on and the engine light. It would shake then slow down and cut off. It happened to me while driving on the freeway. I was able to cut it back on before accident happened. I’d randomly try to start my car and right when I do the engine light would turn on the car would rumble nd shake really bad and cut off so I’ll have to wait like three min and the car would start up. I forgot what day it happened but my car still acts weird
NHTSA complaint #11720952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I am submitting a vehicle defect complaint pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 regarding a potential safety related defect involving engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle experienced early engine and electrical malfunction at relatively low mileage, requiring replacement of the engine wiring harness and removal and reinstallation of the engine and transaxle assembly. These are major powertrain and electrical repairs not reasonably expected on a nearly new vehicle and raise concerns regarding vehicle reliability and safe operation. The vehicle displayed a Malfunction Indicator Light warning indicating an engine and emissions system malfunction, with warnings that continued operation could cause additional damage. Such warnings and failures create a risk of reduced power, drivability issues, or further system failure while operating the vehicle. Insurance repair documentation reflects the selection of a recycled LKQ drivetrain related component, including a recycled engine, transaxle, or CVT related component, which raises additional concerns about durability and safety when installed in a nearly new vehicle. Early powertrain and electrical failures involving engine management and emissions systems may implicate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and warrant review under NHTSA defect monitoring authority. I am requesting that NHTSA log, track, and evaluate this complaint for defect trend analysis, potential noncompliance, or further investigation under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles of the same make and model.
NHTSA complaint #11714143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 vehicle flipped over approximately six times and ended up on the road where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact recalled seven impacts before the vehicle came to a rest. The seat belt failed to function as intended; the contact struck the driver’s side air bag several times that by the time the vehicle came to a stop, the air bag had deflated. The contact stated that the side curtain air bags deployed, preventing his head from striking the window and exiting the vehicle. All the other air bags were also deployed. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact sustained injuries. The contact had a broken nose, fractured ribs, and a traumatic brain injury. The contact also lost the ability to speak but has since regained partial ability to speak. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact stated that he was neglectfully released from the first hospital he was transferred to but then checked himself back into the ER of another hospital, where most of the injuries were discovered. There were no other passengers in the vehicle. A Police report was filed but was not available. The vehicle was towed to a Copart location in Shreveport, Louisiana. The insurance company was
NHTSA complaint #11704674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ive took my car to alhambra dealer for a recall and before I did i scared my car with the obd2 to make sure everything was okay witch it scanned no check engine and all green check lights IM REDINESS.. AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALER I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT FOR A WHOLE DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR STARTS THROWING CODES AND NOW MY CAR WONT PASS SMOG BECAUSE THEE DEALER RUINNED MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11704495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report an ongoing and serious issue regarding the transmission in my Nissan vehicle and to request assistance from Nissan North America. This is my third Nissan Sentra Sport, and unfortunately, I have experienced the same transmission failure in all three vehicles, each occurring before the vehicle reached 100,000 miles. In the two previous vehicles, I replaced the transmission, only to have the same problem occur again. At this time, I am having the same transmission issue with my current vehicle, which I purchased in 2022. I recently took the car to an authorized Nissan dealer for routine maintenance. However, the mechanic informed me that they were unable to flush the transmission and advised against it, stating that they could not guarantee the transmission would continue to function afterward. The vehicle currently has approximately 88,000 miles, and the transmission is already failing. This is extremely concerning, especially because: The car is still under 100,000 miles, I have maintained the vehicle properly, I have not yet finished paying off the loan, and This has happened repeatedly with the same Nissan model. Below are the details of my current vehicle: Model: Nissan Sentra Sport Year Purchased: 2022 Mileage: Approximately 88,000 miles VIN: [XXX] As a loyal Nissan customer, I am requesting that Nissan Manufacturing provide explanation, resolution, and assistance regarding this repeated defect. I believe this represents a manufacturing issue rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully ask Nissan to review my case and advise on next steps. I am requesting one or more of the following: A full inspection and diagnosis at Nissan’s expense, A transmission repair or replacement, Financial assistance or reimbursement, Or a goodwill settlement or alternative resolution. Please contact me as soon as possible so this issue can be resolved before the vehicle becomes completely inoperable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11701964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these warnings were not disclosed at the auction listing. The car became unable to drive and created a hazardous situation in traffic. I had to call AAA roadside assistance, and the vehicle had to be towed. A Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and documented that it has serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering. When attempting to diagnose the vehicle, the OBD2 diagnostic port would not power on, which indicates a potential electrical wiring issue or fuse failure. I also discovered signs that the electrical system may have been tampered with prior to the sale, including a blown fuse and wiring abnormalities. The vehicle shows multiple unsafe conditions: * Loss of acceleration in traffic * Sudden transmission failure * Electrical malfunction * Dashboard warning lights not previously disclosed * Diagnostic port not functioning * Battery warning light activation * Car becoming undriveable within minutes of use These issues were not disclosed at the time of purchase and present clear safety hazards, as the vehicle could not accelerate or maintain speed in traffic. I am filing this complaint to report the unsafe condition of the vehicle and the immediate failure that occurred right after purchase. This poses a danger not only to the driver but to other motorists on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11699932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.