2015 Nissan Sentra Problems
Compared with other Nissan Sentra years
Typical for this model
59/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical Nissan Sentra year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 73 of its 352 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: CVT transmission failure and loss of power (229 complaints, median 65,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 352filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles, 212 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 29 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Nissan Sentra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 Sentra most often describe transmission trouble: loss of power, shuddering, and delayed or failed acceleration, with many complaints ending in a CVT replacement. Air bag deployment and occupant-classification complaints appear at low mileage, and some owners report the check engine light coming on with rough running.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission failure and loss of power
- 229 complaints (65%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (137 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,050 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe the engine revving without the car picking up speed, shuddering or jerking under acceleration, and sudden loss of motive power, sometimes at highway speed or when pulling away from a stop. Several say the vehicle would not move forward or in reverse and had to be towed. Complaints report that an independent mechanic or the dealer diagnosed the CVT as needing replacement, and some vehicles had a second or third transmission installed. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles, with many clustered around 70,000 to 100,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and from a stop, listening for whine or grinding and watching for slow engagement or hesitating acceleration. Ask whether the CVT has been replaced or serviced and request transmission service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2015 Nissan Sentra s at 65,000 miles on four random occassions within the past six months I have experienced these two issues while driving the highway at 70 MPH, loss of power and hwy stalling. This vehicle's transmission should not be creating this. I have had to stop driving on the highway due to this. Transmission/hwy loss of power while accelerating”
NHTSA complaint #11343989, filed 2020-08, 64,250 miles“The CVT transmission on my 2015 Nissan Sentra completely failed. Prior to the complete failure, it has switched gears on it's own when I was driving on a crowded highway, almost causing the semi behind me to hit me and almost causing a multi-car pileup due to the amount of traffic traveling at that time.. During the same trip, it lost power on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11348943, filed 2020-08, 86,000 miles - Engine
Stalling, rough running and check engine light
- 121 complaints (34%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (67 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report the car shaking, hesitating or cutting out at speed, sometimes with the check engine light on. Complaints mention the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor being replaced without a lasting fix, and one reports the vehicle failing an emissions test with a transmission-related fault code. Several describe stalling while driving with no warning light. Spread from about 40,000 to 110,000 miles, with several reports around 50,000 to 85,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the engine light is off and ask for any stored diagnostic codes. Ask whether the emissions-related control module reprogram and oxygen sensor inspections were done, and whether sensor replacements actually resolved the light.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car will just randomly stall in the middle of traffic I loose a power or stealing then will slowly come to a stop my breaks lock and car start clicking then shuts off. Once I sit for a bit restart it it will start up like nothing happend it had happend to me twice in less the two weeks apart. Both times happend when car ran for about 10-20 mins with no movement then once I start driving it occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #11349954, filed 2020-08, 36,000 miles“Check engine light keeps coming on for a airflow issue. While driving the acceleration feels completely off as if it slows down or drags in one gear and has hard time switching. I am not to sure what is going on but I am now afraid to transport or drive my personal vehicle on an upcoming 4 hour trip.I drive mostly local roads minimal highway. I am a very busy person and need guidance on how I should move forward please.”
NHTSA complaint #11362511, filed 2020-10, 50,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Delayed or unintended acceleration and speed control faults
- 69 complaints (20%)
- median 58,728 mi at 4.9 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe pressing the accelerator with little or no response, engine revving without movement, and occasional unintended acceleration from a stop. A few mention odd beeping or warnings before the vehicle stopped on its own. Complaints say dealers often found no fault or suggested a sensor replacement that did not fix it. Mostly reported between about 25,000 and 80,000 miles, with some at very low mileage.
What to check: During a test drive, check for a delay between pedal input and the car moving, and for any revving without acceleration. Ask whether the throttle and pedal sensor codes have been checked and whether the vehicle has been scanned for stored faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While I was driving on the highway my car started slowing and then all of a sudden not being able to accelerate. Then on the road, it would tremble and stutter. Not safe at all I could've been hit”
NHTSA complaint #11389819, filed 2021-01, 90,000 miles“While driving70 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning I pulled over to the side. Wait for couple minutes and step on the gas vehicle failed to accelerate. Turned the engine off wait for 10 min turned the engine on and vehicle respond. This is happening since vehicle was 7 months old. Took it to the dealer they said everithig is fine. Im still having the same problem even worse”
NHTSA complaint #11373411, filed 2020-11, 28,000 miles
Buying note. Have a 2015 Sentra inspected by a shop familiar with CVTs and ask for the transmission history, since transmission complaints dominate this model year and the related service bulletins cover diagnostics and a warranty extension rather than a guaranteed fix. Also confirm any open air bag or latch recalls were completed before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 352 consumer complaints for the 2015 Nissan Sentra. 212 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,500 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 23 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 181 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Nissan Sentra model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 59 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain173 49%
- Engine69 20%
- Other or unknown55 16%
- Vehicle speed control50 14%
- Air bags44 13%
- Electrical system25 7.1%
- Brakes18 5.1%
- Body and structure14 4.0%
- Fuel system11 3.1%
- Seat belts6 1.7%
Also reported: Steering (6), Suspension (5), Electronic stability control (4), Seats (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Exterior lighting (3), Tires (3), Equipment (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Takata recall my transmission has gone twice in 4 years of having a brand new car. First time within a month. No warning lights, nothing. All of a sudden my car starts sputtering, won't accelerate and starts going in reverse while in drive. My car is not drivable at this point and had to be left in another state”
NHTSA complaint #11220721, filed 2019-06, 104,800 milesEngine: “Friday 04/172020 at approximately 515pm minutes after parking my car at my boyfriend house after taking my coat and shoes off one of his neighbors knocked on the door to let me know that my car was on fire. Police and fire department was called, they arrived and put the fire out and let me know that it appeared to be an electrical issues that may have caused the fire”
NHTSA complaint #11321684, filed 2020-04, 56,000 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving on the highway and my car started to slow down I continued to press the gas but it would not accelerate as I kept trying to drive it just stop going I pull to the side the car would not go in reverse or forward,I called someone to come help and they said my transmission went out”
NHTSA complaint #11352105, filed 2020-08, 129 milesVehicle speed control: “I was driving on the highway and the car would not accelerate past 60mph, once I got off the highway the car wouldnt accelerate past 20mph and the RPM would shoot to 4,000!!! I almost got hit making a turn because the car would not accelerate. The car only has 44,000 miles on it with no previous mechanical issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11228280, filed 2019-06, 44,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
45% of the 212 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,000 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Nissan Sentra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.8% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Nissan Sentra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Sentra FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Sentra FE FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | 30 | 38 | 33 | $2,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V242000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Sentra 2013–2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The…
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Sentra 2013–2016, Altima 2013–2016, Pathfinder 2013–2016 +14 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and…
- 15V453000Jul 21, 2015Latches/locks/linkagesCovers: Nissan Sentra 2015, Rogue 2015, Versa Note 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles…
Recall details for the 2015 Nissan Sentra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 181 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Sentra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 | 300 | 1 | — | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 7,950 | 4 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 30,000 | 3 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 20 | 75,300 | 1 | 5 | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 81 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 33 | 27 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 133 | 24,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 207 | 28,879 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 223 | 34,500 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 185 | 40,000 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 231 | 44,000 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 270 | 60,255 | 6 | 4 | 32 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 352 | 55,500 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 380 | 67,000 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 638 | 61,000 | 6 | 4 | 33 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 180 | 64,000 | 0 | 4 | 26 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 142 | 71,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 144 | 69,316 | 3 | — | 27 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 55 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 167 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 27 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 116 | 78,832 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 170 | 76,200 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 197 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 180 | 69,012 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 304 | 71,000 | 10 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 236 | 61,000 | 7 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 171 | 57,110 | 6 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 59 | 72,900 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 58 | 102,500 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 105,000 | 3 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 141 | 66,500 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 117 | 157,994 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 99 | 180,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 58 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 62 | 107,500 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 82,958 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 41 | — | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | 122,487 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | — | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Sentra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Nissan Sentra?
Owners of the 2015 Sentra most often describe transmission trouble: loss of power, shuddering, and delayed or failed acceleration, with many complaints ending in a CVT replacement. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission failure and loss of power; Stalling, rough running and check engine light; Delayed or unintended acceleration and speed control faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA recorded 352 consumer complaints for the 2015 Nissan Sentra as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Nissan Sentra is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 173 complaints (49% of the total), followed by engine with 69.
Has the 2015 Nissan Sentra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Nissan Sentra do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Nissan Sentra 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Nissan Sentra (Sentra, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 29 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Nissan Sentra reported?
Among the 212 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,500 miles and the middle half falls between 19,000 and 83,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.