Nissan Sentra: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Sentra years to approach with the most caution are 2013 and 2014. The strongest years in our data are 2023 and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Sentra year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.; The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).; Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.; The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).; Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 7 Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.; The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).; Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.; The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).; Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.; The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).; Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 The 2005 car (with the 2004) is noted for blown head gaskets and engine trouble; engine and cooling is the most-reported area on these years.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk.; Pre-catalytic-converter material can break down and be drawn back into the engine, causing oil consumption and internal wear, typically at higher mileage. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 The 2005 car (with the 2004) is noted for blown head gaskets and engine trouble; engine and cooling is the most-reported area on these years.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk.; Pre-catalytic-converter material can break down and be drawn back into the engine, causing oil consumption and internal wear, typically at higher mileage. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 4 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 4 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 4 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 4 The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.; Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues. Full report ↗

Nissan Sentra problems by year

2024 Nissan Sentra Recommended

Final-style 8th-gen Sentra: very few complaints, standard collision-avoidance safety tech, low running costs and a far more durable CVT than the 2013-19 cars, a sensible budget compact.

  • Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.
  • The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).
  • Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches.

2023 Nissan Sentra Recommended

Well-sorted 8th-gen Sentra with the fewest complaints of its generation, strong standard safety gear and cheap upkeep, a solid used-compact value.

  • Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.
  • The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).
  • Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches.

2022 Nissan Sentra Caution

Refined 8th-gen Sentra with good value and standard safety tech; watch for occasional automatic-emergency-braking false activations and the tie-rod steering recall.

  • Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.
  • The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).
  • Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches.

2021 Nissan Sentra Caution

Comfortable, well-equipped 8th-gen Sentra, but steering (tie-rod recall) and AEB phantom-braking complaints are common; otherwise inexpensive to own.

  • Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.
  • The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).
  • Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches.

2020 Nissan Sentra Caution

First year of the praised redesign and the busiest B18 for complaints, steering tie-rod recall and AEB false-activation are the main concerns; confirm the recall was completed.

  • Front tie rods can bend and, if neglected, break, risking a loss of steering control; steering is the most-reported area on 2020-2022 cars and was the subject of a recall.
  • The automatic emergency braking / forward-collision system can activate with no obstacle present, abruptly applying the brakes (phantom braking).
  • Electrical-system complaints, infotainment, backup-camera and battery/charging glitches.

2019 Nissan Sentra Caution

Last 7th-gen year, with fewer transmission failures than the early cars, but the failure-prone Jatco CVT and a Takata airbag recall still weigh on it, budget for possible CVT repair.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2018 Nissan Sentra Caution

Among the better 7th-gen years, yet the CVT remains the defining risk and a Takata airbag recall applies; cheap to run but verify transmission health.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2017 Nissan Sentra Caution

Post-refresh Sentra with a still-troubled CVT (warranty extended) plus a Takata airbag recall; affordable, but transmission longevity is the gamble.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2016 Nissan Sentra Caution

Heavy CVT failure complaints continue and a Takata airbag recall applies, a value buy only with documented transmission service or remaining warranty.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2015 Nissan Sentra Caution

One of the worst Sentra years for CVT failures (juddering, power loss, often before 100k) plus Takata airbags, avoid unless the CVT has been replaced.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2014 Nissan Sentra Avoid

Severe CVT failure rates and a Takata airbag recall make this one of the Sentra years to avoid despite low purchase and running costs.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2013 Nissan Sentra Avoid

Worst year on record for Sentra complaints, the Jatco CVT7 fails early and often (class actions, warranty extension) and Takata airbags apply; avoid.

  • The Jatco CVT7 is failure-prone: owners report shuddering, juddering, loss of power, overheating and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. The defect drew class-action lawsuits and a powertrain warranty extension.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbag complaints cluster across the early years of this generation.
  • Service-brake complaints including premature wear and ABS/brake-actuator issues.

2012 Nissan Sentra Caution

Last 6th-gen year; the early Xtronic CVT plus steering/pull complaints are the main risks, alongside a Takata airbag recall, cheap, but verify the transmission.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2011 Nissan Sentra Caution

Reasonably reliable late 6th-gen year with mostly electrical and airbag-recall concerns; low running costs make it a sensible budget pick if maintained.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2010 Nissan Sentra Caution

One of the steadier 6th-gen Sentras, though electrical gremlins and a Takata airbag recall apply; the CVT warranty extension covered this year.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2009 Nissan Sentra Caution

Fewest complaints of the 6th generation and inexpensive to own; main items are a Takata airbag recall and the early-CVT caveat.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2008 Nissan Sentra Caution

Affordable and roomy, but the Takata airbag recall is heaviest here and early Xtronic CVT reliability is a question, confirm recall completion.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2007 Nissan Sentra Caution

First year of the 6th gen and its new CVT; steering complaints and a Takata airbag recall are the main concerns on an otherwise cheap-to-run compact.

  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.
  • First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.
  • Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

2006 Nissan Sentra Caution

Considered one of the better older Sentras, a simple, CVT-free drivetrain and low costs; watch for pre-catalytic-converter breakdown and a Takata airbag recall at higher mileage.

  • The 2005 car (with the 2004) is noted for blown head gaskets and engine trouble; engine and cooling is the most-reported area on these years.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk.
  • Pre-catalytic-converter material can break down and be drawn back into the engine, causing oil consumption and internal wear, typically at higher mileage.

2005 Nissan Sentra Caution

Inexpensive and simple (no CVT), but noted for blown head gaskets and engine/fuel-system trouble plus a Takata airbag recall, inspect the engine before buying.

  • The 2005 car (with the 2004) is noted for blown head gaskets and engine trouble; engine and cooling is the most-reported area on these years.
  • Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk.
  • Pre-catalytic-converter material can break down and be drawn back into the engine, causing oil consumption and internal wear, typically at higher mileage.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.