Problems · by component

2015 Nissan Sentra power train problems

173 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Nissan Sentra cite power train, 49% of all 352 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
173
49% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“When accelerating the RPMs jump and the car will not speed up. When trying to accelerate my car, it was not wanting to go.It kept jumping the RPMs between the 1 and 2. I did finally get a video of it.Doing what it has been doing the past week. today just happened to be where it was very prominent, and I was able to get a recording of it. The car struggles getting to 40Mph . But once I get there, it does hold its speed, but we'll struggle if I drop down below it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11771868
“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 NHTSA to immediately open an investigation into Nissan CVT failures and issue a mandatory safety…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Power trainODI 11755303
“The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while in traffic. There was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The transmission was shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle lunged forward and then started moving slowly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a loose bearing inside the transmission. While completing a road test, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was offered a partial refund and warranty. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11728439
“My car would we still in the middle of the road and one day I was turning to go home and it cut off with everything on the dashboard was still on and the power steering went out and I tried to turn real fast to get my driveway and next thing I know my Cortizone fire meanwhile every now and then I would see a light blinking my dashboard fast and then go away. It was the battery light barely show up.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 28, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11727684
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11716629
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2026Power trainODI 11712851

Showing 6 of 173 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.