Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Sentra?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2017 Nissan Sentra

◆ Worse than typical

2017 Nissan Sentra
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 231
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2017: 231 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1982	1
1983	1
1984	3
1985	6
1986	6
1987	38
1988	38
1989	42
1990	39
1991	64
1992	64
1993	58
1994	103
1995	118
1996	141
1997	108
1998	58
1999	59
2000	171
2001	236
2002	318
2003	180
2004	197
2005	170
2006	116
2007	154
2008	167
2009	55
2010	144
2011	142
2012	180
2013	638
2014	380
2015	351
2016	269
2017	231
2018	184
2019	222
2020	206
2021	132
2022	81
2023	20
2024	41
2025	30
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

33% · 76 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Engine

21% · 48 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I"M documenting the scary situations I've experinced with my 2017 Nissan Sentra sr turbo. On 7/31/17 the vehicle started to stall at an intersection, then came to a complete stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-13

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. While driving various speeds or while parked, the vehicle stalled without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-28

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Electrical system

14% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

14% · 32 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

11% · 26 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16

Car was involved in a pretty substantial accident and not a single airbag deployed!

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-04

Tl* the contact owned a 2017 Nissan Sentra. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained back, neck, and right rib injuries that required medical attention.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-21

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2017Complaint volume 231 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2017-06-07Air bags17V253000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-10-01Electrical system18V551000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-07-01Exterior lighting21V135000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2017 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 76 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 48 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V253000 · Air bags
Recall 18V551000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V135000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Sentra?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.