2016 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · CA

In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the transmission/transaxle was replaced. After the replacement, the vehicle later developed a transmission fluid leak. I returned the vehicle to the authorized dealership regarding the leak, and the concern was addressed at no charge. However, the transmission fluid leak has since recurred. An independent repair facility recently inspected the vehicle and observed an active fluid leak around the transmission assembly, as well as an apparent abnormal condition in the transmission area. The exact cause of the current leak has not yet been fully diagnosed and is currently unknown. The condition is available for further inspection. The Check Engine Light is currently illuminated, and the vehicle is unable to pass an emissions inspection. My primary concern is vehicle safety. This vehicle previously experienced an actual loss of propulsion associated with a transmission-related failure and had to be towed. Because the replacement transmission/transaxle is now experiencing a recurring fluid leak and an unresolved condition, I am concerned about the possibility of another transmission-related mechanical failure or loss of propulsion while driving. I am also concerned about potential safety risks associated with continued fluid leakage in the vehicle. The current problem has been observed by an independent repair facility but has not yet received a complete formal diagnosis. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the current recurring condition.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The CVT transmission, which Nissan has had many issues with per the large number of class action lawsuits, failed while I was driving the vehicle on a main street in San Diego. The vehicle showed no indication (warning light) that there was any engine failure or issue. The CVT transmission just died unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving with traffic. I brought the vehicle to Mossy Nissan in National City and they confirmed the CVT transmission failed. The vehicle only has 87,762 miles on it. Nissan claimed they are not responsible. I only learned of the large number of CVT transmission lawsuits once this happened. They have broken their lawsuits into different vehicle years, makes, and models so to avoid listing this issue as a recall across the brand.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, etc. Very dangerous situation with no warning signs.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · VA

CVT code P17F4 Judder i have not drove 356 miles in the last 2 days.

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Transmission · PA

Transmission failed after used car purchase. Called regarding fluid on driveway and was told normal after oil change. Continued fluid leak past 30 day warranty. Tried to get Nissan dealer to look at it but was told must go back to used dealer (same company) next door as they sold it. Dozens of calls later, no return calls, wrong transfers, etc. then cancelled appts, got to shop and was told bad transmission. Called Nissan Corp. nothing. Back to dealer who has car that can’t be driven and told best can do is split cost of used or rebuilt $5300-6400. Online forums show there is definitely an issue with Nissan CVT transmissions. Nissan should extend warranty to used car purchasers for at least one year.

Filed Jul 5, 2025 · Transmission · GA

CVT Transmission -available upon request to inspect. Safety was at risk as I was in flow of traffic and suddenly lost power to the transmission slowing suddenly, Cars behind me had to swerve to keep from hitting my car. Car has not been inspected at this time, there were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. During normal operation at interstate speed Speed over 60 mph. The cvt transmission slips and experiences a sudden loss of power making it difficult to safely operate on the interstate. This condition also occurs when leaving a stop. the vehicle loses power and does not want to accelerate properly under normal operation. Causing cars behind me to have to slow down to prevent accidents.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed CVT transmission kit. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Transmission · PA

My 2016 Nissan Sentra SV has had two complete CVT transmission failures. I purchased the vehicle used with somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. The transmission failed shortly after, and was replaced under warranty. Now, at 139,447 miles, the replacement transmission has also failed less than 70,000 miles later. The car lost acceleration and came to a complete halt while driving, stopping on train tracks, I had to quickly put the car in park and back in drive and the car drove again. This is clearly a pattern of defective manufacturing. CVT failure results in sudden jerking, loss of acceleration, and stalling all of which are dangerous while driving. Nissan is refusing to offer assistance since the car is out of warranty, but two major transmission failures in under five years indicates a serious safety issue.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Airbags, Transmission · NY · crash

I filed a complaint a couple months ago, about my car driving erratic and slipping of gears , jolting, cutting off in traffic etc; Now this complaint is about an accident caused by the jolting of the car which crashed my car into the back of someone else’s… this car is a death trap… Nissan needs to be held responsible for these death trap cars Cvt transmission is its major problem… this season of car was recalled but my car was not…. It was a major recall on these cars I need my transmission repaired by Nissan…. My first complaint was of driving disasters jerking of transmission slipping cutting off in traffic my life’s been in danger since I bought this car now I damaged my car and someone else car do to Nissan’s negligence….Not holding up to repairing their malfunctioning cars….

Filed Mar 16, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · MS

I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra SV with 103k miles on it. I was driving the car, and noticed at stop sign and red lights the car would strain and hesitate when the accelerator was pressed. It would jerk hard then drive normally. The car would also loose power while driving. It would drop from 65 mph to 20 mph. It has done this numerous of times, and I have to try and maneuver off to the side of the highway to avoid a crash. The check engine light illuminated.The car would sit for a few minutes, accelerate, and drive normal. A few minutes later, the cycle starts again. I would also smell as if something was burning. After taking it to the shop, it was determined it was the CVT which was recalled in 2018 for 2013-2017 Nissan Sentra due to faulty CVT's. However, it is based on your VIN number according to Nissan.I did speak to a representative from Nissan Consumer Affairs and she stated my VIN number should NO RECALLS!!!! I have this car that is doing everything that granted the recall, but because they did not put my VIN number on their list it doesn't qualify. Several transmission shop has told me they do not attempt to repair the CVT they buy a new transmission from Nissan dealership. The price starts at $5200. [XXX] please help!!! The check engine light code was a P2859 issues with the Power Tran transmission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The driver depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the vehicle failed to move. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The driver depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle paused and lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart. However, the vehicle failed to move. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT); and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.