2018 Nissan Sentra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Sentra and 185 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (46), service brakes (40), 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 2018 ranks #7 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 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.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: 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.
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
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start one day after several attempts and was accompanied by the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) sensor and check engine warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and brake light switch due to a suspected battery drain caused by a faulty switch.…
On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect cau…
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.
Safety ratings
2018 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Sentra?
Based on 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (46), service brakes (40), unknown or other (38).
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra safe?
The 2018 Nissan Sentra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Nissan Sentra?
The 2018 ranks #7 of 14 Sentra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (212). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Nissan Sentra range from 27 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 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.