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Nissan Sentra whining noise problems

37 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
37
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
78,500
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

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 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these warnings were not disclosed at the auction listing. The car became unable to drive and created a hazardous situation in traffic. I had to call AAA roadside assistance, and the vehicle had to be towed. A Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and documented that it has serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering. When attempting to diagnose the vehicle, the OBD2 diagnostic port would not power on, which indicates a potential electrical wiring issue or fuse failure. I also discovered signs that the electrical system may have been tampered with prior to the sale, including a blown fuse and wiring abnormalities. The vehicle shows multiple unsafe conditions: * Loss of acceleration in traffic * Sudden transmission failure * Electrical malfunction * Dashboard warning lights not previously disclosed * Diagnostic port not functioning * Battery warning light activation * Car becoming undriveable within minutes of use These issues were not disclosed at the time of purchase and present clear safety hazards, as the vehicle could not accelerate or maintain speed in traffic. I am filing this complaint to report the unsafe condition of the vehicle and the immediate failure that occurred right after purchase. This poses a danger not only to the driver but to other motorists on the road.

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Transmission · TN

Vehicle began making a whining noise when starting with car in park, accelerating or decelerating. Didn’t seem to drive like normal. I Immediately took car to my usual mechanic and was notified it was the CVT transmission and it would need to be replaced. I was made aware of the recall by my mechanic. I contacted Nissan and was told they would not cover it. I’ve kept regular maintenance on my car and it only has 131,000 miles. .

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. The message "CVT Warning" was displayed. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced due to the failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Transmission · CT

I purchased my 2017 Nissan Sentra SV brand new. I was hearing a whining noise, so I got a diagnostic test done and it was my transmission, and I needed to replace it. It has a CVT and I have read that there are many problems with the 2017 Nissan Sentra CVT transmissions - complaints and class actions. I talked to Nissan Corp who said they would pay half of the cost to fix it. I am writing because I think there should be a recall on these transmissions, and I should not have had to pay anything. They know there is an issue with the CVT transmissions and should not be selling cars if they know there is a problem, and they do not tell the consumer to beware.

Filed Aug 16, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · DE

Transmission. Up and down idling when accelerating, high RPM but not accelerating in speed, jerking, whining sounds while driving, thumping into gears, bad burning smell, no type of warning lights

Filed Jan 26, 2023 · WV

This particular year make and model has been known to have transmission issues. Has this been resolved and/or covered by Nissan. The transmission currently is making a very loud whining sound.

Filed Jan 7, 2023 · Transmission · TN

The Transmission is making a whining nose and smells terribly bad! When driving on the interstate and parkways; after the car reaches 60 -70 miles, the car starts shaking and slows down; almost coming to a complete stop and we have to either get over in the slow lane and/ or sometimes, we have to pull over, off the interstate, because it has came to a complete stop and would not accelerate and/or move forward ! We sat there for an hour waiting for help/ and I called my Granny! When she got there; she checked the oil, added a quart of oil! After sitting there for over an hour; the car accelerated and we drove onto a side road and drove it slowly back to the house! WE took it to Unitires on Charolette ! He told us, the whining noise appeared to be the Transmission ! He repaired the wheel bearing , which stopped some of the shaking; but not all of it!

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · TX

Transmission died. For a few weeks, the transmission will randomly have a high whine at about 55mph, sometimes hard shifting or high revving when I feel it should have shifted. A mechanic told me the CVT transmission wasn't good and would eventually need replacement. As I made a left turn, the car started jerking and lunging. The vehicle behind had to stop fast to avoid hitting me. I was almost stranded in the intersection, but was able to limp the car out of traffic. No warning lights. I had the car towed home. I am trying to sell it as is.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Transmission · NH

The CVT transmission failed at 83011 miles. My symptoms included whining and gurgling noises and bucking. Symptoms occurred at all speeds. Minor noises began several months before diagnosis by dealer. Did not cause an accident but unexpected total failure in highway conditions could have been deadly. This is a well know problem with Nissan CVT transmissions as evidenced by multiple class action lawsuits across multiple models and countless owner complaints reported including total, sudden transmission failure. Diagnosed as a failed transmission by dealer. Repair shop returned failed transmission to Nissan.

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported June 26, 2026 · 946 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a driveshaft that is not fully engaged can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA68. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on June 30, 2026.

Recall number 26V410000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported April 29, 2024 · 9,645 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA37.

Recall number 24V304000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Sentra whining noise

Which Nissan Sentra years have whining or grinding noise problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (8 complaints), 2013 (6 complaints) and 2016 (6 complaints).

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