Nissan Sentra transmission failure problems

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 Aug 6, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

I am writing to report a life-threatening, sudden-onset mechanical defect in my vehicle’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While driving in heavy traffic, my son experienced a complete and sudden loss of motive power without any warning or dashboard lights. The vehicle abruptly stopped accelerating in a live lane, nearly causing a catastrophic rear-end collision. At just 70,000 miles, far below the expected lifespan of a major powertrain component, a certified technician at B&K Transmission confirmed a total internal CVT failure, requiring a $6,000 replacement. Nissan Customer Care refused any goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is beyond its warranty and the temporary extensions granted by previous class-action settlements. However, the expiration of a settlement window does not eliminate an ongoing safety crisis. A transmission failure at 70,000 miles is a systemic defect, not standard wear and tear. Thousands of these defective vehicles remain on public roads, putting unsuspecting drivers at risk of sudden, lethal highway failures. I urge the federal safety agency to immediately open an investigation into Nissan CVT failures and issue a mandatory safety recall. Automakers must not escape accountability for severe roadway hazards simply because a warranty has lapsed.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Transmission · MD

Transmission failed on major highway out of no where would not accelerate above 5 MPH

Filed May 3, 2026 · Transmission · IL

I am filing this complaint against Nissan North America due to a recurring transmission failure in my 2019 Nissan Sentra VIN#: [XXX] . Timeline of Events: Initial Purchase: November 2022 (61,000 miles). First Failure: September 2023 (~75,000 miles). Nissan replaced the transmission under the extended CVT warranty (84 months/84,000 miles) established by the Martinez v. Nissan class action settlement. Second Failure: March 2026 (109, 497 miles). The replacement unit has failed after only 31,000 miles of use. Nissan will not cover the repairs due to the mileage being out of warranty. The estimated cost per McGrath Nissan Dealer is $8,000, I am unable to afford this service so the car was towed back to my home until able to get resolution. Issues with Nissan’s Resolution Process: Premature Part Failure: The transmission installed by Nissan in 2023 should have a reasonable life expectancy beyond 31,000 miles. A secondary failure this soon suggests a defective replacement part or improper initial repair. Safety: Luckily, my husband was stopped at a traffic light when the transmission failed. However, had to receive help to push the vehicle out of the busy intersection. There was no warning message displayed on the dashboard prior to this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Apr 21, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The CVT transmission, which Nissan has had many issues with per the large number of class action lawsuits, failed while I was driving the vehicle on a main street in San Diego. The vehicle showed no indication (warning light) that there was any engine failure or issue. The CVT transmission just died unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving with traffic. I brought the vehicle to Mossy Nissan in National City and they confirmed the CVT transmission failed. The vehicle only has 87,762 miles on it. Nissan claimed they are not responsible. I only learned of the large number of CVT transmission lawsuits once this happened. They have broken their lawsuits into different vehicle years, makes, and models so to avoid listing this issue as a recall across the brand.

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 Mar 5, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, etc. Very dangerous situation with no warning signs.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway

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.