Nissan Sentra research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Sentra is an affordable, roomy compact sedan with good fuel economy. 2013-2019 models use a 130-hp 1.8L rated up to about 39-40 mpg highway, with fun SR Turbo and NISMO versions for 2017-2019. The 2020 redesign brought a 149-hp 2.0L, a nicer cabin and standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. 2026 is all-new again. Most Sentras use a CVT, so service history matters.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. 2026 begins an all-new ninth-generation Sentra; verify 2026 trims, features and pricing against current Nissan data.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Roomy rear seat
Good fuel economy
Low purchase price
Standard safety shield 360 2020 and later
Comfortable ride
Fun sr turbo and nismo 2017 2019

Things to know before you buy

CVT condition and service history are critical
Modest acceleration on non turbo models
2013 2017 CVT warranty extension has expired
Manual transmission ends after 2019
Resale values trail civic and corolla
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 6 (2007–2012)

The sixth-generation Sentra used a 140-hp 2.0L with a CVT or manual, plus 2.5L SE-R (177 hp) and SE-R Spec V (200 hp, manual) models.

Buyer takeaway: Cheap, older transportation; buy on condition. The Spec V suits enthusiasts.

Generation 7 (2013–2019)

The seventh generation brought a lighter, roomier body and a 130-hp 1.8L with a CVT or 6-speed manual, rated up to 40 mpg highway in FE+ form. The 2016 refresh added new styling and available forward emergency braking; the 188-hp SR Turbo and NISMO ran 2017-2019. 2013-2017 CVTs had a since-expired warranty extension.

Buyer takeaway: Strong value commuters; choose 2016-2019 for the refresh and features, and check CVT service closely.

Generation 8 (2020–2025)

The eighth generation brought a 149-hp 2.0L, CVT only, independent rear suspension, a much nicer cabin and standard Safety Shield 360; 2024 added a light refresh and an updated CVT with stop-start.

Buyer takeaway: The best used Sentra for safety and comfort; check CVT behavior and recalls by VIN.

Generation 9 (2026–present)

The ninth generation for 2026 is fully redesigned inside and out but keeps the 149-hp 2.0L and CVT.

Buyer takeaway: Choose it for the newest design and technology; verify current specs and incentives.

Nissan Sentra by model year

2026 Nissan Sentra

The 2026 Sentra is fully redesigned inside and out, with a new interior and updated technology, but keeps the 149-hp, 146 lb-ft 2.0L four, CVT and front-wheel drive (about 33 mpg combined). Trims are S, SV, SR and SL. As a brand-new generation, verify features, pricing and specs against current Nissan data.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new ninth generation styling and interior
Powertrain carries over
Sl trim returns lineup s sv sr sl
Updated screens and driver aids verify by trim

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; Warranty status and in service date; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2025 Nissan Sentra

The 2025 Sentra is the last of the eighth generation and carries over the refreshed 2024 car: a 149-hp 2.0L four with a CVT (about 33-34 mpg combined), front-wheel drive and standard Safety Shield 360 in S, SV and SR trims. Discounts against the redesigned 2026 can make it a strong value; confirm warranty and recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2024
Last year of the eighth generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Start stop system operation; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2024 Sentra got a light refresh with a new grille and headlights, new wheel designs and an updated CVT with engine stop-start aimed at efficiency (about 33-34 mpg combined). The 149-hp 2.0L carries over, Safety Shield 360 remains standard, and the lineup is S, SV and SR, with the SR adding heated seats and sportier trim.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Revised front styling with new grille and headlights
New wheel designs
Updated CVT with engine stop start
Sl trim dropped lineup s sv sr

2023 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Sentra continues the 2020 redesign with a 149-hp 2.0L four, CVT and front-wheel drive, rated about 33 mpg combined (SR slightly lower). Safety Shield 360 is standard. It is comfortable and well-equipped for the money, though not quick. Check CVT behavior, test the forward emergency braking and confirm recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2020 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Sentra continues the 2020 redesign with a 149-hp 2.0L four, CVT and front-wheel drive, rated about 33 mpg combined (SR slightly lower). Safety Shield 360 is standard. It is comfortable and well-equipped for the money, though not quick. Check CVT behavior, test the forward emergency braking and confirm recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2020 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Sentra continues the 2020 redesign with a 149-hp 2.0L four, CVT and front-wheel drive, rated about 33 mpg combined (SR slightly lower). Safety Shield 360 is standard. It is comfortable and well-equipped for the money, though not quick. Check CVT behavior, test the forward emergency braking and confirm recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2020 redesign
Trim and package changes verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Sentra is all-new: lower and wider, with a nicer cabin, independent rear suspension and a 149-hp, 146 lb-ft 2.0L four paired only with a CVT (about 29/39 mpg for S and SV, 28/37 for SR). Nissan's Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind-spot warning, is standard on every trim, a big step up from earlier Sentras.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 149 hp 146 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new eighth generation
New 149 hp 2.0 liter engine
CVT only manual dropped
Independent rear suspension
Safety shield 360 standard on all trims

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2019 Nissan Sentra

The 2019 Sentra added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the base S and a well-equipped SV Special Edition. Engines carry over: the 1.8L four (about 29/37 mpg with the CVT) or the 188-hp 1.6L turbo in the SR Turbo and NISMO, the last turbo Sentras. A 2019 is a value pick if priced below the 2020 redesign.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 188 hp 177 lb ft sr turbo and nismo
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual s sr turbo and nismo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Apple carplay and android auto on all but base s
Sv special edition added
Last year of the seventh generation and turbo models

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Turbo engine service records if sr turbo or nismo; Clutch wear if manual; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2018 Nissan Sentra

The 2018 Sentra carries over: a 130-hp 1.8L with a CVT (about 29/37 mpg) or 6-speed manual for most buyers, and the 188-hp 1.6L turbo in the SR Turbo and NISMO for those who want more performance. It is a roomy, affordable compact; the 2020 redesign adds much more standard safety equipment.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 188 hp 177 lb ft sr turbo and nismo
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual s sr turbo and nismo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2017
Sr turbo and nismo continue

2017 Nissan Sentra

For 2017 Nissan added the Sentra SR Turbo and NISMO, with a 188-hp, 177 lb-ft 1.6L turbo four, sport-tuned suspension and a 6-speed manual or CVT. Regular Sentras keep the 130-hp 1.8L (about 29/37 mpg with the CVT). 2017 is the last year covered by the CVT warranty-extension settlement, which has since expired.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 188 hp 177 lb ft sr turbo and nismo
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual s sr turbo and nismo
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New sr turbo with 188 hp 1.6 liter turbo
Nismo performance model added
Sport tuned suspension and steering on turbo models

2016 Nissan Sentra

The 2016 refresh brought new front styling, headlights, taillights and wheels, a quieter cabin, slightly firmer suspension and available forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control on upper trims. The 130-hp 1.8L continues with a CVT (about 29/39 mpg; FE+ about 30/40) or a 6-speed manual on the S.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base s only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New headlights taillights and front styling
Quieter cabin and firmer suspension
Available forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Forward emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2015 Nissan Sentra

The 2015 Sentra carries over the 2013 redesign: a 130-hp 1.8L four with a CVT (about 30/39 mpg) or a 6-speed manual on the base S. It is roomy, efficient and inexpensive to buy, though not quick. Like other 2013-2017 Sentras, its CVT was covered by a since-expired warranty extension, so check fluid service and drive it carefully.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base s only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Fe plus high mpg models continue

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2014 Nissan Sentra

The 2014 Sentra carries over the 2013 redesign: a 130-hp 1.8L four with a CVT (about 30/39 mpg) or a 6-speed manual on the base S. It is roomy, efficient and inexpensive to buy, though not quick. Like other 2013-2017 Sentras, its CVT was covered by a since-expired warranty extension, so check fluid service and drive it carefully.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base s only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Fe plus high mpg models continue

2013 Nissan Sentra

The 2013 Sentra was all-new, lighter and roomier, with a 130-hp 1.8L four-cylinder and a CVT (about 30/39 mpg; FE+ models up to 40 mpg highway) or a 6-speed manual on the base S. It has one of the roomiest back seats in the class but modest power. 2013-2017 Sentras were covered by an extended CVT warranty that has now expired.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 130 hp 128 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base s only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new seventh generation
New 1.8 liter engine replaces the 2.0 liter
Lighter and roomier with large rear seat
Fe plus models rated up to 40 mpg highway
Se r performance models dropped

2012 Nissan Sentra

The 2012 Sentra is a late sixth-generation (2007-2012) compact sedan. Most have a 140-hp 2.0L four with a CVT (about 27/34 mpg) or a 6-speed manual. The sporty SE-R uses a 177-hp 2.5L with a CVT, and the SE-R Spec V a 200-hp 2.5L with a 6-speed manual. This is the last year of the SE-R models before the 2013 redesign.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 140 hp 147 lb ft; 2.5 liter I4 177 hp se r; 2.5 liter I4 200 hp se r spec v
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base and spec v
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Sporty se r and se r spec v still offered
Last year of the sixth generation and the se r

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Clutch wear if manual; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2011 Nissan Sentra

The 2011 Sentra is a late sixth-generation (2007-2012) compact sedan. Most have a 140-hp 2.0L four with a CVT (about 27/34 mpg) or a 6-speed manual. The sporty SE-R uses a 177-hp 2.5L with a CVT, and the SE-R Spec V a 200-hp 2.5L with a 6-speed manual. It is simple, basic transportation; condition and CVT behavior matter most.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 140 hp 147 lb ft; 2.5 liter I4 177 hp se r; 2.5 liter I4 200 hp se r spec v
Transmissions: CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual base and spec v
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Sporty se r and se r spec v still offered

Known issues and what to check

CVT Condition and 2013-2017 Warranty-Extension Settlement (2011–2026)
Most Sentras use Nissan's CVT. Under a class-action settlement, 2013-2017 Sentras had powertrain coverage extended from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles; that coverage has now expired. Owners report shudder, whining or hesitation on some cars, and CVT replacement is costly.
What to do: Test drive carefully and favor cars with documented CVT fluid service.
SR Turbo and NISMO Turbo Engine and Clutch Check (2017–2019)
The 2017-2019 SR Turbo and NISMO use a 188-hp 1.6L turbo and are often driven hard. Turbo health, oil-change history and, on manual cars, clutch wear deserve a closer look.
What to do: Look for stock, well-maintained examples with service records.
Forward Emergency Braking False Alerts (2016–2026)
Nissan's forward emergency braking has drawn owner complaints of false warnings or unexpected braking across several models, and Nissan has issued service bulletins and software updates. Behavior varies by car.
What to do: Test drive on the highway and ask a Nissan dealer whether updates apply to the VIN.
Age and Mileage Wear on 2011-2015 Sentras (2011–2015)
Older Sentras are inexpensive but often high-mileage. Engine mounts, suspension parts, A/C performance, brakes and rust in snow-belt areas are typical checks.
What to do: Get a pre-purchase inspection on older, higher-mileage Sentras.
Modest Power and Highway Noise Expectations (2013–2026)
Non-turbo Sentras are tuned for economy: the 130-hp 1.8L (2013-2019) and 149-hp 2.0L (2020+) are adequate but slow to accelerate with a full load, and CVT engine drone is noticeable when pushed. This is a characteristic, not a defect.
What to do: Take a highway test drive to confirm the performance meets your needs.
Sentra Generation, Engine and Trim Disambiguation (2011–2026)
Sentra engines changed by generation: 2.0L (and 2.5L SE-R) for 2011-2012, 1.8L for 2013-2019 plus a 1.6L turbo in the 2017-2019 SR Turbo and NISMO, and a 2.0L from 2020. Manual transmissions ended after 2019.
What to do: Confirm the exact year, engine, transmission and trim before comparing.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Nissan Sentra?
What engine and transmission does this Sentra have?
Is the Sentra's CVT reliable, and was it covered by the warranty extension?
What changed in the 2013, 2016, 2020 and 2026 Sentra?
What are the SR Turbo and NISMO Sentras?
What fuel economy does the Sentra get?
Which Sentra years have standard automatic emergency braking?
What should I inspect on a used Sentra?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar vehicles should I consider?