2011 Nissan Sentra: complete transmission failure

Filed May 22, 2025 · Engine · VA

To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with Nissan over the CVT failure in my 2011 Nissan Sentra. There are no active recalls listed for my vehicle, yet I’m experiencing the same transmission failure thousands of others have reported—jerking, hesitation, loss of power, and check engine codes P1778 and P0776. I purchased this car 3–4 months ago as a single mother trying to rebuild my life. I chose this vehicle specifically because I thought it would be a dependable, affordable option to get back on my feet. Instead, I’m now stuck with a car that’s barely driveable, a dangerous transmission, and no support. It feels like punishment for trying to do things the right way. I understand warranties expire, but Nissan is a million-dollar company, and the CVT transmission issues are a known and ongoing defect. You should not continue to profit while customers are left stranded and burdened with thousands in repairs due to faulty engineering. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s harmful. This kind of failure makes life significantly harder for people who are already struggling. I’ve contacted Consumer Affairs. I was disconnected mid-call and haven’t received help opening a case. I now need reliable transportation to care for my child and maintain the progress I’ve worked so hard for. I’m requesting that Nissan review this case and offer some form of goodwill assistance or reimbursement. I should not have to choose between feeding my family and fixing a transmission that should have never failed this early. Please take responsibility. Do better for the people who trusted your brand.

Filed Feb 9, 2021 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · WI

Transmission failed at 92k miles. Started to "kick" on the highway and by the time we got home it's too unsafe to drive.

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · FL

Nissan claims that their CVT transmission issues were fixed for the model year 2011 sentra but that is a lie. The transmission overheats and then the car goes into limp mode which is extremely dangerous in the highway because it looses almost all power. Nissan extended the warranty for model years 2006-2010 to 120,000 miles because they knew there were issues with the transmissions but they refuse to acknowledge the issues that still exist with the 2011 model. I live in florida which has a warm climate and the issue normally manifests itself after about an hour of driving in the highway. After careful research, it seems that people that live in mountainous area have the same issue. To make matters worse, when the issues with the transmission started around september 2015 while going on a 500 mile trip, we took the car to nissan of pompano beach upon our return and they told us we needed a new transmission. We didn't believe them at the time because we had just driven the car about 350 miles after the problem started and the transmission was still working. The issue seem to only manifest when the weather was really warm and the car was been driven for several miles. Therefore, we instructed them to change the transmission oil and went on our way wondering if that would fix the issue. Since then, the car has gone another 15k miles with the same transmission. Since we have been taking shorter trips with the car the issue had not manifested itself again until now so we took the car to nissan in miami and again they told us that the car needs a new transmission. Given all the problems they have been having with the CVT transmission, I believe nissan should either extend the warranty on 2011 models or at least make sure that dealerships try to install a transmission fluid cooler to see if the customers issue goes away.

Filed Sep 23, 2016 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CO

The transmission would down shift to lower speed 60mph in high speed traffic, nearly causing an accident. This has happen about 3 times. If the outside temperature is 85 degrees or above the transmission fluid overheats causing a sensor to down shift transmission. Now the service engine soon light has turned on. Took vehicle to nissan dealership, was informed I would need to replace transmission. Read online complains about CVT transmission on nissan vehicles is a big problem.

Filed Apr 28, 2015 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · RI

I bought a 2011 nissan sentra brand new one owner just the other day I was driving. As I got of the highway I stopped at a light and once it turned green tried to gas it but it doesn't move. I tried to put it in l nothing, reverse nothing car revs but doesn't accelerate. Took it to a mechanic they said transmission is gone . Really disappointed 4 years and cars transmission went. Would not recommend to anyone 8th nissan in the family and I'm worried now because they are all CVT. After this never buying another nissan they knew about the problem. Extended the warranty on the 2007-2010 models but no recall. 2011 nissan sentra highway driven daily and nissan don't want to fix it. I financed the car for 5 years still owe $5000 and they want $5500 for new transmission. Very disappointed with the quality I got for 24000 car special edition sr model defiantly wouldn't recommend to anybody. Beware very common problem with this vehicle don't buy CVT transmission.