High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2017-nissan-sentra

2017 Nissan Sentra Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
231
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
35
29 Crashes • 6 Fires
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2017 Nissan Sentra Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Powertrain & Transmission 32%
74 reported failures
Electrical System 11.7%
27 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 10.8%
25 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 10.4%
24 reported failures
Engine & Cooling 6.5%
15 reported failures
Steering System 6.1%
14 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2017 Nissan Sentra (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #18V551000 Component: Electrical System

Defect Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Safety Hazard: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

NHTSA Campaign #17V253000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

Defect Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

Safety Hazard: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.

Free Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

NHTSA Campaign #21V135000 Component: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Defect Summary: 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.

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

Free Remedy: 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.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11769267 • Unknown Or Other 10/06/2026

"Premature CVT failure. On XXX the CVT transmission in my vehicle was replaced at 95,126 miles. I paid $4,754.00 for the repair. On XXX while traveling out of [XXX], the replacement CVT transmission failed suddenly on the highway. The vehicle lost power without warning, forcing me to immediately move onto the shoulder with hazard lights to avoid be..."

ODI #11752475 • Braking System 07/23/2026

"My 2017 Sentra is suffering from the exact silicone outgassing defect detailed in Recall 21V135000. My replacement switches keep failing because the car requires the updated protective grommet, but Nissan is excluding my VIN from receiving the campaign kit."

ODI #11750871 • Airbags & Restraints 07/16/2026

"My car was legally parked on the street near my apartment, and was hit about a month ago that left my car totaled and my trunk completely crushed in, and the back seat caved in. My car was then hit a 2nd time two weeks ago, from the back, and both times, my car ricocheted and hit the car parked in front of mine. Both times. Police said first driver..."

ODI #11741244 • Powertrain & Transmission 06/01/2026

"The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he could tell the vehicle gears were slipping, on a different occasion the vehicle downshifted on its own suddenly almost causing a crash. The contact stated there were times where the vehicle would downshift suddenly and would slow all the way down causing the vehi..."

ODI #11741125 • Powertrain & Transmission 05/31/2026

"I have been experiencing the cvt transmission slipping the last two weeks. I contacted Nissan so see if my vin was a vehicle affected by 2017 cvt transmission recalls. They advised me it was not affected because my vin did not match their systems affected vehicles. Today my vehicle transmission broke down completely on my way home and had to get..."