I turned on my car at 10,658 miles. Every malfunction alert came on. CVT Malfunction, Blind Spot Warning, Collision Warning, Multiple Malfunction Warnings. As I drove the wheel was hard to turn, blind spot assistance did not work, departure from lane did not work. When I parked and tried to turn on and off car it did not start all lights and everything were not working. Reader read: Computer Transmission not Communicating. I then got it towed to dealership. I saw there was a recall on Nissan Sentra 2025 for the exact same issue but I did not have an open recall.
Nissan Sentra won't start problems
154 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe won't start, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 154
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $900
- typical mileage
- 60,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 20Stalling 14Fuel pump 13Warning lights 8ABS 7Key fob 6Loss of power 4Engine failure 4
Trouble codes mentioned
U0101 1P2859 1P2128 1P1456 1P1229 1P0746 1P0605 1P0455 1P0122 1
What owners say
I purchased the vehicle [XXX] from CarMax. At that time, it had an active recall which the previous owner did not resolve. I brought the vehicle to Nissan of Irvine on [XXX], at which time they installed new stop lamp switch and rubber grommet. The car proceeded to work fine until it would not turn on at all, and I had to have it towed to the dealership on [XXX]. At that time, they diagnosed it again to be a faulty brake switch and replaced it then. The car worked fine until around August 2026, where it occasionally would not start (which is how it presented the other times). On [XXX], I took it to the dealership again due to the same reason and they diagnosed it again to be a faulty brake switch. They said it would not be covered under the warranty because the car was over by around 500 miles. They quoted the price of around $700 for the inspection, part and labor. I do not feel that I should be responsible for the issue since it was not taken care of correctly the 2 previous times I brought the car in. I also feel that the situation was not taken seriously. The service department even joked "haha, hopefully it doesn't happen again" (this was during the second time at the dealership). They also were not surprised that I was back with the same problem. They were extremely rude and condescending (the service consultant Randy and the service manager). At that time, I decided to not have them TRY to fix the problem for the third time and paid the $225 for just the inspection. I was able to drive the car until [XXX], at which time it did not turn on again and I had to have it towed to a different mechanic. At that time, he diagnosed it with the same issue, replaced the part and charged me $205. I would like to rectify this situation with Nissan without taking further legal action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
As I was driving on the freeway 65 mph my car completely lost all Speed and the more I accelerated the more my car decreased speed and eventually it shut itself off as i stopped the car as I pulled over there was no time to make it to a safe area for a safe pull over i was on a bridge calling for help from my insurance. The car did not want to start at first about 45 minutes later my car started again and was able to drive away. I had no idea what happened. Then I was driving almost to 3 months down the road it does it again on the freeway i was in slow lane driving 65 was able to exit quickly so there was no accident as I pulled over it did the same exact thing to me again and I waited till it was able to go again. for the third time it did it in parking lot as I was driving about 3 to 5mph when it happened last and it did not start again and i had to get it towed it's been needing a new computer module ecu. Because the computer when plugging in to obd2 diagnostic monitors it does not read or communicate with my car to diagnose any issues so monitor does engage
Purchased brand new with 0 miles. The system malfunction popped up and engine would not turn over after running perfectly fine a hour prior.Had to get towed to dealership and found a faulty battery luckily I still had 100 or so miles left on my warranty.Happened again last month the same exact thing except this time I had to get a jump off after several minutes the engine finally turned over.
The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal. I took it to the Nissan dealership and they told me it needed a new stop lamp switch which is EXACTLY what the recall for other Nissans during this time frame is for: Make: Nissan Number: PM971 Title: Stop Lamp Switch Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Date: 3/3/2021 Models: 2016-2019 Sentra Summary: Nissan is issuing a Voluntary Safety Recall on specific 2016-2019 Sentra (B17) vehicles identified in Service Comm to address a stop lamp switch concern. The stop lamp switch on the subject vehicles may become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components (HVAC and brake booster clevis pin) in close proximity. Oxidation may occur at the switch contact surface due to electric arcing, resulting in silicon dioxide build-up. This build-up may lead to open circuit issues and an inoperative stop lamp switch. If this condition occurs, the customer may notice illumination of the Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) or Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning lamp(s), the rear stop lamps may not illuminate and/or the engine may not start. Rear stop lamps not illuminating could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
I got in the car to start it and it would not start. This happened at the car wash one morning. It didn’t give me any warnings of a bad battery and the only way I started it was to have someone jump it. This has happened 4 times now. It takes several minutes for the battery to charge to start the car. I have been stranded 2 times and could not get to work on time 2 times.
Push to start is having issues. Break stiffens up and car wont start.
I started hearing a swishing noise like water, i didn't think anything of it till i opened my back driver side door and heard the swishing again. My friend lifted the weather stripping on bottom of door and a-lot of water came gushing out. It had rained alot that year. This could cause electrical issues and body rot. Also my car wont start due to not recognizing the fob. I have to disconnect battery snd reconnect to start my car from time to time.
I purchased m 2020 Nissan Sentra brand new off the showroom floor from Modern Nissan of Winston Salem in April. On [XXX] (in examining the first invoice, the date is incorrect) with only 28, 778 miles my car would not start however, an engine malfunction light, ABS indicator light, forward emergency braking system warning icon, rear automatic braking warning icon and a caution light showed up on and over the dash- board. I called my warranty dept., Nissan, explained the situation as best I could and had the car towed. Upon getting transportation there was told problem was not factory warranty but was chewed by rodents or some small animal; not warranty covered since not Nissan's fault, paid $1194. However, not 24 hours later and after putting down rodent and small animal deterrent had to take car back. Was told they missed something which added to my cost totaling $630. Totally, keeping my car 6 days. Afterwards, getting my car back again on 06/16 the second time I have taken my car back twice. The same malfunction light has come back on with the same indicator icon as forward braking system and the seat belt indicator comes on and the buzzer goes on and off whether the seat belt is on and fastened or not. After researching problems with the 2020 Nissan Sentra, I do not believe any small animal or rodent has done any damage to the electrical system on my car as I have had cars in my driveway for over 25 years with no such damage ever before. I believe Nissan should be held accountable, or my bumper to bumper 110,000-mile 2029 warranty should take care of this, and I should be reimbursed! This type of existing problem can be life threatening to me, any passengers I may have and other drivers on the road! With today's economy, my being [XXX] I cannot continue to pay such huge amounts for a factory malfunction when I have a warranty in place or try to buy another car especially when this one is not paid for!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On June 10 2025 the brake sensor malfunctioned for my 2020 Nissan Sentra This was the secound timeThe first time was about one week before..The brake peddle went down , car brakes ,brakes.I was driving speed limit of 20.There were no cars on the street or object.A yellow triangle appeared on the dash board..It scared me ,This is a safety hazard that can cause a accident.The next morning my car didn't start.There were a few symbols on the dashboard..I had it towed to the car dealer.They put a new battery.I just bought it May 04 2025.I was told no sensors were on, Mechanic didn't find anything. As of now I have bot picked up my car from the car dealer. 06/24/2025
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the crankshaft position sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. Certain my 2006 altimas which have been previously remedied under recall campaign 06v223 (nissan r0606) are not included in this recall since the reprogramming for 06v223 also included this reprogramming. The recall began on december 31, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 07V527000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine, the crank angle sensor is affected by temperature variations. Under certain driving conditions, these variations in temperature can be large enough to cause a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor.
- Risk
- If the interruption in the signal from the sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ECM free of charge. The recall began on august 21, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V242000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines may experience excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings.
- Risk
- If the oil is not maintained at least at the minimum level, engine damage can occur and in extreme cases result in an engine fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module (ECM or engine computer). Your vehicle will also be inspected to determine if it has been consuming engine oil at a higher than normal rate. In a small percentage of vehicles, engine replacement will be needed. On june 9, 2006, nissan notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level. Follow-up letter to owners advising them of the status of the recall was sent during august 2006. Followup letter to owners was sent on november 15, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 06V223000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain electric vehicles, the front suspension transverse link's ball joint bracket may break from stress concentration at a notch created by surface roughness and the shape of the material cut-line.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the bracket on these vehicles. Owner notification began december 15, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 03V511000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
- Risk
- This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.
Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate.
- Risk
- Either of these two conditions could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. In addition to the corrective action, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the event of poor or improper maintenance that could result in oil spillage, heat shield(s) will be installed on the pre-catalyst and exhaust tube. Owner notification began on july 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261. Nissan recall nos. R3007, r3014, r3015, r3016, r3017. Also on 2002 altima and sentra vehicles, certain engine operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they could score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire. The pre-catalyst will be tested to ensure it is working properly and replaced if necessary. If damage is found inside the pre-catalyst, it will be necessary to replace the engine.
Recall number 03V084000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 1.8 liter engine. The engine could stop running while being driven due to a defective crank position sensor. This could also result in the "service engine soon" warning light coming on or reduced engine power.
- Risk
- If the engine stops running while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Owner notification began december 10, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 01V357000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Sentra won't start
Which Nissan Sentra years have won't start problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (16 complaints), 2019 (16 complaints) and 2003 (15 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $900 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Nissan Sentra?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history