Nissan Sentra jerking 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 Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

My 2020 Nissan Sentra began experiencing repeated episodes of unexpectedly stalling and shutting off at stoplights and stop signs. The vehicle would also jerk, shake while idling, and experience fluctuating RPMs. An oil-pressure warning light appeared during these incidents. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown. Before taking the vehicle to a Nissan dealership, I had the mass airflow sensor replaced, along with an oil change and throttle-body cleaning. However, the problem continued. On October 29, 2026, I took the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealership for an 8:00 AM appointment to have the stalling issue diagnosed. The vehicle remained at the dealership until approximately 3:00–4:00 PM. According to the service records, the technician test-drove the vehicle and checked for stored diagnostic codes but could not reproduce the stalling or identify the cause. I was advised to return if the problem worsened or became more frequent. Immediately after leaving the dealership, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off again while I was in traffic. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could stall without warning during normal driving conditions. The service paperwork also identified an outstanding tie-rod recall, R23B3, but stated that no recall work was performed. I do not know whether this recall was related to the stalling issue. I was advised to return the vehicle for additional overnight diagnostic testing, but the underlying problem remained unresolved. Due to the repeated unexpected stalling and concerns for my safety and my child's safety, I no longer felt comfortable operating the vehicle. I traded it in on October 31, 2026. The vehicle is no longer in my possession, but the October 29 dealership service records are available. The cause of the stalling was never determined.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

While stopped at a light and the engine safety to save gas comes on and sitting for an extended period of time will cause my car to “start” and while my foot is on the brake the car will jerk forward it has done this on 6 separate occasions

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · CO · crash

The 2025 Nissan Sentra lost control in the steering wheel or driveshaft while driving down hill. The vehicle lost power lost steering and crashed. The vehicle stated "malfunction " when the crash occured. There was a leaking fluid coming from the front left underside of the vehicle after the crash when it became undrivable due to loss of power and loss of driveshaft control. I felt unsafe with the way the vehicle was shuddering and jerking every right turn I made in the vehicle days prior to it being in a crash.

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 Dec 4, 2025 · Transmission · 163,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erratically jerked and the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed an abnormal whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that days later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · FM

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.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · GA

The check engine light comes on with a malfunction symbol. The car has delay acceleration, jerks, hard shifts.

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 Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · KY

The 2017 Nissan Sentra is part of a recall due to significant transmission issues, including sudden loss of power and jerking motions while driving. Overview of the Recall Nissan has issued a recall for certain 2013 to 2017 Sentra models due to problems with their continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Owners have reported various issues, including: Sudden loss of power while driving, which can occur without warning, posing a serious safety risk. Jerking or shuddering motions during acceleration, making the vehicle feel unstable. Transmission slipping out of gear, which can lead to loss of control. this has seriously affected my vehicle VIN number is [XXX] , 2017 Nissan Sentra. I called the local dealership and was told that since it was a 'rebuilt' title recalls didnt apply. My research shows that this is not true. The damage that occurred to my vehicle that affected the title was not even in the area of the recall of transmission. It was in the rear of the vehicle. Can you help me with this problem please? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)