2018 Nissan Sentra
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 230 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 221 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 131 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: power train — 46 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
22% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE INJURY17% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH17% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car was involved in an accident and the air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231030
Also filed under AIR BAGS
12% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
Campaign 19V654000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V135000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V654000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V135000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Sentra is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.