1996 Nissan Sentra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Nissan Sentra, 8% of the 141 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Warranty ran out 3/00 - major transmission repair needed - car is 4 yr/old - never had this problem with my other vehicles. They won't even offer to pay for a portion of the repair - two other mechanics looked at the transmission leak before I took it to Nissan - I was told it was a manufacturer's error - weak aluminum.”
NHTSA complaint #733877, filed 2000-10“On at least three occasions now, after purchasing the car and picking it up one week ago, I could not shift out of the park gear to drive, without turning off the car and turning it back on several times. This has occurred in the getty gas station after getting gas as well as trying to leave a parking space. I have to continually press the button, turn the car on and off, and step on the regular brake, before the button suddenly works again.”
NHTSA complaint #719360, filed 2000-02“I only received a brush off at Nissan - I went to an outside mechanic to fix this vehicle - I kept the transmission casing. This particular mechanic has fixed at least 10 1996 sentras - but he said the weak casing was odd in my case. I believe it is a result of poor manufacturing. Consumers deserve to be sold good, safe products! I can't believe that Nissan can get away with this! Please respond with advice - I want to have this casing examined by experts because I think Nissan puts customers off and other customers just let it go so Nissan keeps getting away with poor manufacturing.”
NHTSA complaint #735086, filed 2000-10“1) while car parked in driveway passenger. Airbag light began blinking & hasn't stopped 2) automatic transmission/ 3rd gear failed; 1st & 2nd slipped badly after car has warmed up.”
NHTSA complaint #731150, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10177222Jun 3, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN A/T SHIFT LOCK BUTTON REPLACEMENT Service Campaign ID # P7138 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are…
- 10176255May 14, 2020Expiration Notification â Automatic Transmission (A/T) Shift Lock Button Replacement Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1997, Nissan launched a Voluntary…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 9 | 22% |
| 2023 | 2 | 10% |
| 2022 | 6 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 10 | 5% |
| 2019 | 54 | 24% |
| 2018 | 46 | 25% |
| 2017 | 76 | 33% |
| 2016 | 127 | 47% |
| 2015 | 173 | 49% |
| 2014 | 182 | 48% |
| 2013 | 311 | 49% |
| 2012 | 68 | 38% |
| 2011 | 18 | 13% |
| 2010 | 18 | 13% |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 20 | 12% |
| 2007 | 17 | 11% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 10 | 6% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
| 2002 | 20 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 11 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 12 | 21% |
| 1992 | 11 | 18% |
| 1991 | 8 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 6 | 17% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Sentra
53 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTires
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology