Nissan Sentra hesitation problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Transmission · MN

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) on my 2014 Nissan Sentra has failed twice. First failure: in August 2018, at 42,429 miles, the car hesitated and jerked when accelerating. Walser Nissan Wayzata (invoice [XXX]) found an internal CVT failure with excessive debris and bearing parts on the magnets. Nissan replaced the CVT under warranty with a remanufactured unit (part 3102M-X428ERE) and reprogrammed the TCM. Second failure: around [XXX], at about 110,000 miles, in Minnetonka, MN, the replacement CVT began stuttering while the car was being driven at about 30 mph, then lost drive power completely. The car had to be towed and cannot be driven. This was only about 67,000 miles after Nissan installed the replacement unit. No crash or injuries. Safety concern: a sudden loss of drive power while moving in traffic creates a risk of a rear-end crash or being stranded in a dangerous spot. The Nissan-supplied replacement failed the same way as the original, which points to a continuing defect, not a one-time problem. The car was maintained on schedule with service at Nissan dealerships. I reported this to Nissan (case [XXX]) and Nissan refused to help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · AL

When driving the transmission it shudders/hesitates when pressing the accelerator.

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 Jan 23, 2026 · Transmission · VA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed to operate properly. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle jerks when shifting gears and upshifts on its own, causing unpredictable changes in speed and loss of smooth acceleration. This creates a risk of sudden acceleration or hesitation, especially in traffic, increasing the potential for a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, the problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No, the vehicle and transmission have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to the failure, the vehicle began jerking during gear shifts. The transmission does not properly shift gears in relation to engine upshifting and will upshift by itself. These symptoms appeared before the failure and have continued since.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Transmission · 106,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a mass air flow sensor failure under DTC: P0101. The contact was informed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the RPM became elevated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the ECM software needed to be recalibrated. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 26,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several warning lights and messages, including the "Check Engine" and "CVT Malfunction Service Now" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle either jerked or hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shut off while shifted into park(P) and pressing the START/STOP button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, where the contact was repeatedly informed that there was no failure found with the vehicle. On a recent visit, the contact was informed that there was a faulty, unknown sensor that needed to be replaced; however, the part needed for the repair needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 160,504 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,504.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · 80,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Transmission · AR

The CVT transmission has a serious problem it does this jerking movement and could lead to an accident or serious bodily injury to occupants in the vehicle I am filing a complaint regarding the CVT transmission failure in my 2013 Nissan Sentra (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle began showing symptoms such as jerking, hesitation, and loss of power while driving. These are serious safety concerns, especially when merging or accelerating. After researching the issue, I discovered this is a well-documented and widespread defect in Nissan CVT-equipped vehicles from this generation. Many other owners have experienced premature transmission failure, and Nissan has issued extended warranties in the past on certain models. However, despite clear signs of defective transmission design, my vehicle has not been covered under any warranty or recall. I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard and should be addressed by Nissan through a recall or formal investigation. Transmission failure while driving could easily lead to a crash. I urge the federal safety agency to open an investigation and compel Nissan to take accountability for this widespread transmission failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2025 · Engine · VA

While driving home from work. Transmission started hesitating and not pulling up a hill. I was almost hit on the interstate due to the malfunction of the transmission. Now vehicle is parked and I can no longer drive it.