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Nissan Sentra 2013–2019 (B17)

Nissan Sentra
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$16,800–$21,000
MPG
33
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong running costs
  • Watch-out: Poor driving fun
  • Watch-out: Below-average reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
Frugal, safe, and roomy for a compact commuter, but its CVT-driven powertrain draws heavy reliability complaints and delivers joyless, sluggish driving.
Reliability30

Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; 3 of its 9 recalls were serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -8 points for its wider reputation.

Safety96

4-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs73

About $2,050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 73% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility42

15.1 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 42% of other sedans we track.

Passenger space58

Sentra is notably roomy for a compact sedan, with generous rear legroom and 15.1 cu ft trunk, giving it a slight edge over segment norms.

Driving fun22

130 hp with CVT and FWD makes the B17 Sentra sluggish and uninspiring. Soft handling and numb steering prioritize economy over engagement, well below segment-typical enthusiasm.

Tech30

Base trims of this era offered minimal tech; even upper trims lacked modern driver aids. Dated infotainment compared to newer compacts, below average for the 2015-2026 window.

Comfort48

Compliant ride and roomy cabin for its class, but noisy CVT drone under acceleration and basic materials keep it around segment-typical comfort.

Value retention55

Typical resale value for a sedan.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls16 recalls
Overall 4/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

16 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2019

  • Powertrain — 169 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (2019)
  • Powertrain — 127 complaints (2016)

2019

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio

  • RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch21V135000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical56 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Collision warning sound happens randomly for no reason

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain52 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    I am filing this complaint against Nissan North America due to a recurring transmission failure in my 2019 Nissan Sentra VIN#: [XXX] . Timeline of Events: Initial Purchase: November 2022 (61,000 miles). First Failure: September 2023 (~75,000 miles). Nissan replaced the transmission under the ex

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other28 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Transmission slipping

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting19 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the Push-to-Start feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer

  • Complaint clusterBrakes14 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    Having issues with my brake switch. I’ll press on the brakes but it won’t appear as if i’m pressing it which makes it hard for me to start my car. I have to wiggle the brake and press it numerous times for the brake lights to engage.

2018

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio

  • RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch21V135000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain45 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. Whil

  • Complaint clusterElectrical31 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    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

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other27 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My vehicle stalled. I had to get someone to help me move it out if a busy traffic thoroughfare. It was making odd noises then was stuck in reverse only. I took it to my mechanic who informed me the transmission had failed and that I needed a new one. I work from home and do not drive my vehicle cons

  • Complaint clusterBrakes14 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on. There was a recall on this issue with this year and model, but

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting12 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start one day after several attempts and was accompanied by the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) sensor and check engine warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and

2017

  • RecallAirbags17V253000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

  • RecallElectrical: ignition18V551000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t

  • RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch21V135000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain74 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he could tell the vehicle gears were slipping, on a different occasion the vehicle downshifted on its own suddenly almost causing a crash. The contact stated there were times where the vehicle would downshift suddenl

  • Complaint clusterElectrical27 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer indicated that the mileage was 92,000. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact's wife purchased the Carfax report and stated that the odometer reading was 179,070 on A

  • Complaint clusterAirbags24 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    My car was legally parked on the street near my apartment, and was hit about a month ago that left my car totaled and my trunk completely crushed in, and the back seat caved in. My car was then hit a 2nd time two weeks ago, from the back, and both times, my car ricocheted and hit the car parked in f

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other24 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Unknown

  • Complaint clusterEngine14 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Car just lost power in highway. Car starts but will barely move as pushing down on gas.

2016

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V242000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occup

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module; electrical system: wiring16V436000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

  • RecallElectrical: wiring16V485000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2016, through April 26, 2016. The engine room harness may have a terminal pin too large to maintain a connection with the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

  • RecallAirbags17V253000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

  • RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch21V135000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain127 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical34 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The ECU problem is a major issue the vehicle is stalling, not starting, just malfunctioning tremendously while on the road in traffic while driving it stalls in traffic, shuts off in traffic. I was told this was a issue back in July 2017 The same issue has occurred again with safety concerns .

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other24 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The vehicle stopped accelerating while driving and after stopping, would not exceed 5-10 mph. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic who advised that the transmission had failed.

  • Complaint clusterAirbags21 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    Airbag did Not deploy when in a multi vehicle accident. Total loss, seat broke during impact, frame bent . Front end and rear end damage. Total hazard. I had maintenance done June 5 at Nissan dealer and was never notified of any open recalls.

  • Complaint clusterEngine11 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    When driving on interstate or any road of 45 mph or more the transmission? Engine? Goes up in speed on cruise and tachometer goes up and down and it sounds weird

2015

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages15V453000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V242000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occup

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain169 complaintscomplaints: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 acce

  • Complaint clusterAirbags39 complaintscomplaints: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.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other35 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    No check engine lights or any kind of warning signs. My car randomly will jerk, lose power, accelerate, and makes noises! Issue caused car to slow down rapidly and I was almost rear-ended twice this week! I don't feel safe in my car!

  • Complaint clusterCruise control22 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    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 apartmen

  • Complaint clusterElectrical17 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The car keeps throwing a P0101 code. The MAF Sensor has been replaced and the throttle body has been clean and the engine light and code keep showing up. It is causing acceleration issues making it dangerous to start moving or going fast to get up to speed on the interstate.

Cost to own$16,500 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$16,800–$21,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2019$9,200–$10,800
2018$8,100–$9,500
2017$7,200–$8,400
2016$6,300–$7,400
2015$5,500–$6,500

$2,050/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $16,800–$21,000
Efficiency33 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

30

Highway MPG

38

Combined MPG

33

Horsepower

130 hp

Doors

4

Length

182.3 in

Width

69.3 in

Height

59.1 in

Wheelbase

106.3 in

Curb weight

2,866 lb

Cargo volume

15.1 cu ft

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