2018 Nissan Sentra power train problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Nissan Sentra — 25% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 10, 2026
“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.”
filed Apr 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB12-103I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2024
Power Train problems in other Sentra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sentra | 3 | 12% |
| 2024 Sentra | 7 | 22% |
| 2022 Sentra | 6 | 8% |
| 2021 Sentra | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 Sentra | 9 | 4% |
| 2019 Sentra | 54 | 24% |
| 2017 Sentra | 76 | 33% |
| 2016 Sentra | 126 | 47% |
| 2015 Sentra | 171 | 49% |
| 2014 Sentra | 182 | 48% |
| 2013 Sentra | 311 | 49% |
| 2012 Sentra | 68 | 38% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Nissan Sentra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.