PROBLEM GUIDE

2013–2019 Nissan Sentra Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated June 2026

380

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2013–2019

Model years affected

CVT transmission failure dominates this generation's complaints, at roughly 60% of the total volume — sudden loss of acceleration, slipping, jerking, and stalling, with failures reported recurring shortly after expensive repairs or full replacements. One transmission failure caused a multi-vehicle collision in which '2 people had to go to the hospital.'

Quick Scan: 16 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

CVT transmission failure dominates complaints

Sudden loss of acceleration, slipping, jerking, stalling, often with no warning

Check engine light: On

Roughly 60% of all complaints for this vehicle concern the CVT transmission — sudden loss of acceleration, slipping, jerking, and stalling, often with no warning light preceding the failure. One transmission failure caused a multi-vehicle collision in which '2 people had to go to the hospital.'

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Vehicle fire while parked

Fire occurred while the vehicle was not being driven

Check engine light: On

One complaint describes a vehicle fire that occurred while the vehicle was parked normally, not actively being driven.

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Sunroof spontaneous cracking

Structural failure with no reported impact

Check engine light: Off

A structural-issue complaint describes the sunroof spontaneously cracking or exploding.

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Airbag non-deployment during collisions

Injuries reported in several cases

Check engine light: On

~8 complaints describe complete airbag non-deployment during collisions, with injuries reported in several cases.

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Hood latch failure causing windshield damage

Hood latch failure that results in windshield damage

Check engine light: Off

A structural complaint describes a hood latch failure resulting in windshield damage — the same hood-latch problem is reported on the Nissan Altima.

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Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor May Cause Driveability Issues

A failed mass air flow sensor causes driveability issues

Check engine light: On

A failed mass air flow sensor causes driveability issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 206 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light and Loss of Power Due to Throttle Body Unit Failure

Check engine light and loss of power due to a throttle body unit failure

Check engine light: On

Check engine light and loss of power due to a throttle body unit failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 182 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Failure of Catalytic Converter Closest to Cylinder Head

Check engine light due to failure of the catalytic converter closest to the cylinder head

Check engine light: On

Check engine light due to failure of the catalytic converter closest to the cylinder head. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 116 owner reports on file.

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Fuel Pressure Regulator May Bleed Off Pressure Overnight

The fuel pressure regulator bleeds off pressure overnight

Check engine light: Off

The fuel pressure regulator bleeds off pressure overnight. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.

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Timing Chain Noise May Lead to Timing Chain Failure on Higher Mileage Vehicles

Timing chain noise leads to timing chain failure on higher-mileage vehicles

Check engine light: Off

Timing chain noise leads to timing chain failure on higher-mileage vehicles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 45 owner reports on file.

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Hesitation or Rough Idle Due to Faulty EGR Valve

Hesitation or a rough idle is caused by a faulty EGR valve

Check engine light: On

Hesitation or a rough idle is caused by a faulty EGR valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors Leaking Oil Into Connector

The crankshaft and camshaft sensors leak oil into the connector

Check engine light: Off

The crankshaft and camshaft sensors leak oil into the connector. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.

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Weak Battery May Cause Transmission to Enter into Fail Safe Mode

A weak battery causes the transmission to enter fail-safe mode

Check engine light: Off

A weak battery causes the transmission to enter fail-safe mode. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.

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Engine Control Unit May Fail and Need Replacement

The engine control unit fails and needs replacement

Check engine light: On

The engine control unit fails and needs replacement. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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Loose Screws Inside Intake Manifold Can Cause Internal Damage if They Fall Out

Loose screws inside the intake manifold cause internal damage if they fall out

Check engine light: Off

Loose screws inside the intake manifold cause internal damage if they fall out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

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Growling Noise From Manual Transmission

A growling noise comes from the manual transmission

Check engine light: Off

A growling noise comes from the manual transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

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No recall specific to this generation has been identified covering the CVT problems below. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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