1982-present
The Nissan Sentra is an affordable compact sedan that competes with the Civic and Corolla. The 8th generation (2020+) brought a major design upgrade and improved driving dynamics. However, the CVT remains the Achilles' heel.
Affects Nissan Sentra: 2013-2019
Affects Nissan Sentra: 2016-2019
Affects Nissan Sentra: 2013-2019
Affects Nissan Sentra: 2013-2019
Affects Nissan Sentra: 2013-2019
Nissan extended CVT warranty on 2013-2017 Sentras.
2019-2020 Sentras may have a defective fuel pump. Check recall status.
| Service Item | Estimated Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change (Synthetic) | $40-$60 | Every 5,000 mi |
| Brake Pads (Front) | $100-$200 | Every 40,000 mi |
| CVT Fluid | $125-$225 | Every 30,000 mi |
| Spark Plugs | $75-$150 | Every 60,000 mi |
| Cabin Air Filter | $15-$30 | Every 15,000 mi |
Costs are estimates and vary by location, shop, and vehicle condition. Dealership pricing may be higher.
Nissan MAF sensors are a common failure point, especially on Altima and Pathfinder. Genuine Hitachi sensors are recommended over cheap aftermarket.
$150 – $400
Nissan CVTs require NS-2 or NS-3 CVT fluid. Generic CVT fluid can cause shuddering and premature failure. Change every 30,000 miles.
$100 – $400
Nissan oxygen sensors are a common failure point. Use Denso or NTK sensors for best results.
$100 – $350 per sensor
The 2020+ Sentra is a massive improvement and finally competitive with the Civic and Corolla. For budget buyers, it's one of the cheapest new cars with good features. Avoid 2013-2019 Sentras with any transmission hesitation — the CVT will only get worse. The 2020+ models seem to have improved CVT reliability but long-term data is still limited. If you need a reliable cheap car, a used Civic or Corolla is the safer bet.