repaired · 2025 Q1
Brake lights: switch
Risk. The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Nissan SentraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 185 owner complaints about the 2018 Nissan Sentra, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-135 the manufacturer reports only 58% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Nissan Sentra has problems
185 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
46Power train
38Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
32Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
24Forward collision avoidance2 crash/fire/injury
22Engine2 crash/fire/injury
19Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
15Exterior lighting3 crash/fire/injury
9Air bags
7Fuel/propulsion system
308 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 46 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 38 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 32 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 24 | 2 |
| Engine | 22 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 15 | 3 |
| Air bags | 9 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 30 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Nissan Sentra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Sentra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sentra median. How we score
1136636374139636258991171411085859171236304180197170116154167551441421806383813522702311852242081338120413420
'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Nissan Sentra safety ratings
2018 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Sentra owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.…
At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when I went to accelerate from a stop light. The car would only work in reverse at that point. I'm being told that the CVT needs to be replaced. The car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission.
Transmission Replacement - The transmission system requires replacement due to issues identified during inspection, including judder in the CVT and auxiliary gearbox. Replacing the transmission can help address these concerns and improve the smoothn
Own a 2018 Sentra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.