This page covers 2 recalls, 183 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Nissan Sentra.
28–32 mpg combined
7.4–8.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2018 Nissan Sentra, the dominant complaint theme centers on the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners frequently describe sudden, complete transmission failure, often with little warning, where the vehicle loses forward drive and becomes stuck in reverse only. A loud pop or clunk at acceleration is a commonly mentioned precursor. Some owners report low mileage when failure occurs, and the cost of replacement relative to the car's value comes up repeatedly. CVT judder, the shuddering sensation during acceleration, also appears across multiple reports. The second most-reported area involves the forward collision avoidance system, where owners describe the system triggering unexpectedly or failing to function as expected. A smaller but recurring engine-related thread involves no-crank conditions, where the engine won't turn over when the ignition button is pressed, sometimes traced to a faulty brake light switch.
183
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Nissan Sentra has two recalls, with the more pressing concern being a brake light switch that can become contaminated and fail to illuminate the brake lights, leaving drivers behind you without warning that you are slowing down.
The second recall affects the backup camera, which may fail to display an image when reversing, removing the visual aid the driver relies on to see what is behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may become contaminated, which prevents the circuit from closing and stops the brake lights from turning on.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet to prevent contamination.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display settings can be changed so the rear view image disappears. The system saves this setting, so the rear view remains hidden when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the backup camera software settings at no cost to restore proper rear visibility functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
