2017 Nissan Sentra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Nissan Sentra and 231 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (76), engine (48), unknown or other (38). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–32 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (212). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Problem: 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.
Electrical system · ignition
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 being struck by traffic. The mil…
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.
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 had to be going at least 80 t…
Safety ratings
2017 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Nissan Sentra.
Sentra
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Premium
Sentra
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Sentra Nismo
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Premium
Sentra Nismo
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Nissan Sentra, most recently for exterior lighting · brake lights · switch (03/03/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Sentra?
Based on 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (76), engine (48), unknown or other (38).
Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra safe?
The 2017 Nissan Sentra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Nissan Sentra?
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (212). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Nissan Sentra range from 27 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Nissan Sentra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SENTRA, Sentra.