2018 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Transmission · IL

On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect caused an immediate and total loss of vehicle propulsion in active traffic, forcing following vehicles to brake aggressively to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. With zero throttle response or engine acceleration, my safety was severely compromised as I was forced to blindly coast across active lanes of traffic to reach a gas station with barely enough power to get into the station lot to escape the hazard. This is a highly busy area and gas station, making it even harder. The vehicle is currently sitting at an authorized Nissan dealership service department, where technicians formally inspected the vehicle, confirmed a total internal failure of the CVT unit, and issued a $5,800 replacement quote. The vehicle and the failed transmission component remain fully available for inspection upon request.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Transmission · KY

At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when I went to accelerate from a stop light. The car would only work in reverse at that point. I'm being told that the CVT needs to be replaced. The car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Transmission · ME

Transmission Replacement - The transmission system requires replacement due to issues identified during inspection, including judder in the CVT and auxiliary gearbox. Replacing the transmission can help address these concerns and improve the smoothn

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Transmission · TN

Transmission has already been replaced with a new CVT transmission and the Nissan dealership has also had to put something back in the transmission because it came out and then last night when driving I went to turn and it wouldn't go and now it won't go into gear and it rolls even in park

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Transmission · TX

Driving down the road with a lot of traffic then my car didn't want to shift into gear the it went into gear real hard then I hear load noise under the the car then I was no longer moving. So me and some friends push it out of the road and I call tow truck to take to my house I know a lot of people have the same issue with cvt transmission

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Vehicle has a faulty CVT Transmission.

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Transmission · CA

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the transmission issues in my 2018 Nissan Sentra. It is widely known, including to the past recalls of similar models that Nissan has an ongoing problems with its continually very reliable transmission CVT. Despite this, no recall has been issued for 2018 Sentra, even though the many customers myself include our experienced significant transmission problems. I had my transmission replaced in 2023 not knowing it was already a problem with Nissan. It was covered through my extended warranty. Now 2 years later I am having the same problem again.

Filed Nov 2, 2024 · Engine · FL

The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed, preventing the vehicle from driving forward. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The transmission failure caused the vehicle to lose power while driving, which could have led to a serious accident if it had happened on a busy road. This failure compromised my control over the vehicle, especially at higher speeds and I was stuck on the road till an officer helped me push the car off the road. Naples nissan service center has confirmed that the CVT transmission requires replacement. Nissan Consumer Affairs has been contacted, and a mechanic has inspected the vehicle. However, Nissan has declined to provide any financial assistance or coverage for the repair. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. The transmission gave out suddenly, accompanied by a loud noise while driving. The issue began immediately after this event.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Transmission · FL

CVT Transmission is giving up on Sentra.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Transmission · NY

My 2018 nissan sentra has 118.5k miles and have been experiencing slight slippage with the CVT since buying it in 2020 with 26k on the odometer. The vehicle had work done by a local mechanic to pass NYS inspection. No warning lamps have been illuminated. The vehicle now, drives under its own power but shakes, bangs and slips into "gear". I have called a local Nissan dealership and they have quoted me of roughly $6500.00 for a replacement. This has not been taken to confirm that the CVT is the problem but, given all the class action lawsuits against Nissan, it pretty safe to assume its a bad CVT. This can potentially cause a safety risk to driver, occupants and other motorists due to inability to gain speed up to local speed limits or causing issues if the CVT fails at speed. As a consumer of a Nissan product, I have received the warranty extension but, that does not cover my vehicle because they sent out the extension when my vehicle had 115k. Reading the class action lawsuits against Nissan of North America, it states, Nissan has not fixed the issue, they only offer to install a known bad transmission back into the vehicles. This shows gross negligence on Nissan of North America's part and unwilling to make it right to the consumer base. Nissan should recall and replace any CVT equipped vehicle in the owner fleet at no cost to the consumer.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Acceleration · IL

The CVT can cause the car to shake, judder, stall during sudden acceleration, or completely lose power. My car jurked and stop completely while at a turning signal in the middle of the street . This was cause by the recall on their cvt. I’ve called a Nissan dealer and they said they can’t fix the recall problem for free because my car is over 80,000 miles. No it hasn’t been inspected . Yes my car has been jurking for the last past month . I’ve been called Nissan about it but they said i had to pay $210 for diagnostic even tho the problem was the transmission recall . The car will not drive foward or backwards . It’ll start up but that’s just about it. Now I have no transportation to go to work or doctors appointments.

Filed Apr 8, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

I bought the 2018 Nissan Sentra from Rusty Eck Ford in Wichita around 11 months ago. 2 days later I took it back in because stepping on the gas, it shuddered and had difficulty going into gear. I was told, I needed to relearn how to drive. I received a legal notice that I am in a proposed class action lawsuit (Nissan CVT Litigation Settlement Administrator) because there are known defects in the CVT Transmission. My car is now sitting at Briggs Nissan Service requiring a full new transmission $5500.00 I have pleaded with Nissan corp, ORR Nissan in Wichita and Briggs Nissan in Manhattan KS,and back to Rusty Eck Ford to help me. These were known defects. My transmission went out on a major highway and I about caused a pileup. I live on a fixed income. I went to the loan company asking for a refinance I owe $17,000+, they won't help me and Rusty Eck won't help even though that is where the loan originated from. I don't know what to do. I think all these service centers would hope I kill myself so I won't bother them anymore. You got lawyers in California that help their people. But there is no one to help me. Why would a company send out a vehicle with known transmissions defects. I think it is truly they wanted them to go out so that the buyer as to purchase a whole new transmission and point the finger and say buyer beware. I know you probably cannot do anything.