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2018 Nissan Sentra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Nissan Sentra carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering camera and switch. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission failure and loss of forward drive.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #19V654000 · Dec 9, 2019

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #21V135000 · Mar 3, 2021

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Nissan Sentra.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission failure and loss of forward drive

POWER TRAIN

52 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2026-07

“At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when I went to accelerate from a stop light. The car would only work in reverse at that point. I'm being told that the CVT needs to be replaced. The car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734517
“The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed, preventing the vehicle from driving forward. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623265
“There needs to be a safety recall on Nissan CVT transmissions. The company can not knowingly continue to sell a faulty/detective product and pass the cost onto customers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485627

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stop lamp switch failure preventing engine start

SERVICE BRAKES

30 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-02

“My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716070
“The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702193
“I received a recall notice (PM971) (21V-135) on May 4, 2021. I went twice to the dealership to have my car fixed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11433689

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood latch failing to fully engage

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2023-11

“My 2018 Nissan Sentra has the same hood latch problem that the 2018 Altima, i.e., when the hood is opened the primary hood latch does not reset, so when the hood is closed only the secondary latch is engaged and the hood remains slightly open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557647
“When I open the hood, the hood release mechanism sticks in the open position. Closing the hood will not engage the primary lock, only the secondary latch”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495328
“The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the hood latch independently released without warning and failed to close”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425700

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

False front radar warnings and unexpected AEB braking

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

52 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2025-02

“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373043
“AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM SENSOR FREQUENTLY LIGHTS UP WITH A WARNING RADAR UNAVAILABLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS. I JUST GOT THIS CAR AND AFTER ONE DAY I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289502
“NISSAN 2018 SENTRA AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB), RELIES ON A RADAR IN THE FRONT GRILLE TO MONITOR A CAR'S PROXIMITY TO THE VEHICLE AHEAD, WARN OF POSSIBLE COLLISIONS, AND HIT THE BRAKES IF THE DRIVER CAN'T”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags and seat belts failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-04

“On [XXX], my 2018 Nissan Sentra was involved in a severe accident on [XXX] in Maryland. Despite the high-impact nature of the collision, none of the airbags deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657020
“Was involved in a front end collision, and the airbags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555905
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123272

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

148 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Nissan Sentra reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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