The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he could tell the vehicle gears were slipping, on a different occasion the vehicle downshifted on its own suddenly almost causing a crash. The contact stated there were times where the vehicle would downshift suddenly and would slow all the way down causing the vehicle to come to a stop, having to shift into neutral then back into drive, and the contact stated he could hear very loud grinding noise from the gears. The vehicle was towed to a residence, and the dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,600.
Nissan Sentra grinding brakes problems
110 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 110
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,600
- typical mileage
- 15,101
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Jerking 13Transmission failure 8Harsh shifting 8Slipping 6CVT failure 6Check engine light 5Brake failure 5Ball joint 5
What owners say
Summary: I am reporting two significant defects on my 2025 Nissan Sentra that pose safety risks. 1. Suspension/Steering: During low-speed maneuvers (approx. 20mph) such as navigating roundabouts, there is a persistent mechanical creaking/squealing noise from the front passenger side. The dealership technician verified the noise but provided a physically impossible diagnosis, claiming "tires were slipping," despite the vehicle being brand new with tires in perfect condition. This suggests a defect in the control arm bushings or strut mounts which affects steering predictability. 2. Power Window/Electrical: The driver-side window produces a loud, piercing screech when operated. More critically, the window switch has experienced intermittent functional failure where it becomes unresponsive. This is a safety hazard as it could prevent emergency egress or cabin ventilation. Manufacturer Response: > Both issues are documented and have been reported to Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case #56515863). However, the manufacturer stated they have "no solution" and directed me to argue with the dealership. No technical specialist has been assigned to inspect these safety-related mechanical and electrical failures. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Upon recent discovery tuesday evening 11.11.2025; I placed the vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back up and then put into drive, upon taking off my vehicle jerked and made a loud grinding/struggling noise. I could hear the machinery. During my commute, this would happen intermittently until reaching my destination. My car felt as if it was going to stall and cut off. The noise is loud and very noticeable. I could feel the vibrations underneath me. Today is thursday and the issue persists. I've placed a called to the local dealership to have my vehicle inspected.
I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done within 30-60 days of purchase. The dealer replaced the front driver side caliper and brake, but I had to replace them a second time, and the dealership also replaced the sensor that he thought needed to be replaced, but the check engine light is still on. I was driving to and from work with my grandchildren and the brakes, calipers, rotors would start to malfunction. My daughter and myself were driving when the front driver side and passenger brake hose malfunctioned. The dealership confirmed that both front calipers and brake pads needed to be replaced and he claimed to have fixed them both when he came to my house. The dealership also knew that both front brake hoses needed to be repaired and told me to have them replaced by the guy who was repairing the front passenger side caliper and brake that he allegedly fixed. The other problems were confirmed and resolved by my friends who work on cars. The front driver side brakes started to make a squeaking noise on September 2nd 2025 and I took the vehicle to my friend who works on cars. and he stated that the front passenger side brakes and caliper was not functioning properly. The car has not been inspected by anyone. The check engine light was on when I purchased the vehicle. The dealership worker, Wesley, stated that the check engine light might be related to the car needing a new gas cap. Wesley also stated prior to me purchasing the car that the car runs good, "I only need to change both brake pads and calipers". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal vibrating grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Ray Automotive, where an air flow sensor was replaced; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an air flow sensor was replaced under warranty; however, the failure recurred increasingly. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving. The vehicle was taken to Ray Automotive, where the transmission fluid was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was then taken to Richard Automotive, where it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Every so often the vehicle’s AEB, FCW, LDW system malfunctions and causes the CEL( Check Engine Light ) to come on. The car also looses Traction Control and begins to sound like the tires are grinding on the pavement. This then puts the motor in a limp mode/ Safe Mode. During this time the vehicle DOES NOT Have power and reduces speed to 50MPH, the vehicle then revs at 2.5-5.5RPM trying to catch/ hold speed. The vehicle begins to shake when this happens. The power windows also don’t work after this happens.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started to lose traction control. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to shift gear, the vehicle started making a grinding sound, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Common problem is the CVT transmission issues of it slipping or grinding. Was told there’s a recall from Nissan on 2013 to 2017 Sentra of CVT transmissions.
When turning the steering wheel, it make a squeaky noise
The contact owns a 2015 Nisan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact also stated that while slowing the vehicle, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,600.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped with bosch master cylinders. Brake fluid may leak from the master cylinder. If the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate as designed and the brakes will not function properly.
- Risk
- If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder brake booster assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 14, 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 09V431000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling 169,202 my 2007-2008 sentra passenger vehicles equipped robert bosch master cylinder. Due to the machining irregularity by the supplier, the internal seal groove in the body of some brake master cylinders may allow for a gap in the groove contact area of the seal. This may result in brake fluid slowly leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster assembly, causing the brake warning light to illuminate.
- Risk
- If the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the master cylinder/brake booster assembly and if brake fluid leakage is detected, the master cylinder will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The recall began on august 20, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 08V311000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- The anti-lock braking system (ABS) hydraulic actuator was not properly purged of all air during the fill and evacuation process causing air bubbles to get into the brake system.
- Risk
- This condition can cause increased brake pedal travel and stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will bleed the ABS hydraulic actuator to remove any air bubbles in the brake system.
Recall number 95V028000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Sentra grinding brakes
Which Nissan Sentra years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (31 complaints), 2014 (10 complaints) and 2015 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,600 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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