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2017 Nissan Sentra: complete transmission failure

21 of the 231 complaints about the 2017 Nissan Sentra describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
21
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
86,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 47 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · GA

Premature CVT failure. On XXX the CVT transmission in my vehicle was replaced at 95,126 miles. I paid $4,754.00 for the repair. On XXX while traveling out of [XXX], the replacement CVT transmission failed suddenly on the highway. The vehicle lost power without warning, forcing me to immediately move onto the shoulder with hazard lights to avoid being struck by traffic. The mileage at the time of failure was 151,226. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Nissan dealership, where I paid $212.25 for a diagnostic. I was informed that the transmission had failed again and that I needed another replacement. The estimate for the new transmission and related services was $9,756.32, with the transmission replacement alone listed at $8,464.07. This would be the third CVT transmission for this vehicle. The second transmission lasted only 1,026 days (approximately 35 months), which is far below normal transmission lifespan. Nissan Consumer Affairs and Nissan Corporate both stated they could not offer any assistance, despite the premature failure and the safety risk created by the sudden loss of power on the highway. This is a repeated premature CVT failure that created a hazardous situation and appears to be consistent with known issues involving Nissan CVT transmissions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Transmission · FL

My 2017 Nissan Sentra is experiencing CVT transmission problems. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating, slips between gears, and sometimes loses power while driving. This creates a dangerous situation when entering traffic or driving at highway speeds. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs, but they stated there was nothing they could do because the vehicle is slightly over the 84,000-mile extended CVT warranty. Many owners are reporting the same CVT transmission failures with this model. This issue creates a safety risk because the vehicle struggles to accelerate properly and may unexpectedly lose power while driving. I believe this CVT transmission defect should be investigated for a potential recall.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Transmission · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the gear shift lever was stuck on drive(D). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, with the RPM fluctuating. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the message "Low Oil Pressure" was displayed. The RPM increased with an abnormal sound coming from the alternator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · WA

I was driving on the highway and saw that my RPM was fluctuating a lot even though on cruise control, it was losing its power. It started slowing down and even though cruise control was off, I was indeed in drive and not neutral. when I fully pressed the gas it did absolutely nothing. I was close to home 10 minutes so I had to just put emergency lights on and keep going but at the stop signs and lights sometimes it would stop completely and get stuck at 0 even though i was pressing the gas pedal all the way. Once I was going - it let me go, seemed like it allowed it. Then but never past 25 But anytime I slowed it almost shut off or did shut off. This is a safety issue since I am not able to drive the speed limit. I risk getting rear ended. There were no warning messages on my dash when this happened. I took the car to a mechanic, who stated I needed a new transmission. I bought a transmission and the mechanic replaced it. It was fine for a couple days then started having the same problem. I took it to Nissan to get it diagnosed and they stated that it was due to the transmission. Nissan stated the recall expired so they could not help me

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the RPMs increased but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact coasted to the side of the road and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Auto ER with Giaco, where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2024 · TX

I traveled from Texas to Kentucky last year and the transmission went out 4 hours before reaching my destination. My warranty replaced the transmission. Last month I traveled from Kentucky to Texas and again the transmission went out and this time fluid was spilled everywhere 6 hours from reaching my destination.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · TX

My CVT transmission is going out, causing my car to struggle to accelerate. This could potentially cause a safety issue if the car just dies randomly or the transmission does blow and I get hit on a busy road or something. Yes the vehicles been inspected by a couple different shops and both said I need a new transmission which is about $5-6k and I’m a single mother of 2 kids (3 y/o and 3 m/o) and have no reliable transportation as of right now so I can’t work.

Filed Feb 23, 2024 · Transmission · MO

My transmission went out and is set to be fixed by Nissan at my cost! No warning....just was driving my daughter home from girl scouts and the transmission went out going 35mph.

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · MD

The CVT has failed in my car causing multiple issues with jerking, shaking, stuttering. When i was making a left turn, my car hesitated and almost caused an accident because I didnt have the power to pull out when I should have. Now the repair is being quoted over $5k because they are saying I need an all new transmission. No warning lamps, messages have been indicated on my dash

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Transmission · TX

CVT transmission failed while driving at highway speed. Mechanic states Nissan CVT are under recall. Warranty will not cover this failure. Happened at 60k miles. Indicator light came on as CVT began slipping. Car went into "limp" mode.

Filed Dec 14, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

My nissan keeps slipping when I try to accelerate. I noticed everyone is having the same problem there needs to be a recall some people don't have money for a new transmission. The dealerships have to take care of this issue and I need a car to get back and forth. I bought this car brand new in 2017. I need this issue addressed

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle rolled forward unintendedly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle responded after shifting into park(P) and then shifting back into drive(D) several times; however, the vehicle would not exceed 5-10 MPH. The contact stated that upon shifting into park and shifting back into drive several times, the vehicle accelerated as needed. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist who diagnosed that the transmission range sensor switch and the transmission control module (TCM) had failed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The dealer replaced the transmission range sensor switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a callback from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the vehicle had a transmission warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2017 Nissan Sentra transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?

21 of 231 owner complaints about the 2017 Nissan Sentra (9%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?

There are 0 recalls and 47 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Nissan Sentra

CVT failure 29Jerking 18Check engine light 16Won't start 16Loss of power 14No deployment 12Hesitation 12Stalling 11Slipping 7Warning lights 7Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5Key fob 5

All model years of the Nissan Sentra

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