The 2015 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that costs $8,249 to $12,695 on the used market. The Sentra has more interior space than other compact cars, but it has the same CVT problems from earlier years.
2015 Nissan Sentra: Quick Overview
- The 2015 Nissan Sentra does not score well with reliability. They can be found used from $8,249 to $12,659. The SV model is the most popular because it offers the best value.
- One engine, a 1.8L four-cylinder, is all you get. There is an optional fuel-efficiency package.
- Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the Sentra, getting up to 40 miles per gallon. Owners report that Sentra feels more spacious than other compact cars.
- Four models were offered in 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star overall crash test rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it a Top Safety Pick.
- The 2015 Nissan Sentra is difficult to recommend in the competitive compact car market. It’s lacking in reliability and technology found in other vehicles. It can be a good value, but could cost you more to own in the long run if the transmission fails.
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What Problems Does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have?
The 2015 Nissan Sentra’s problems and recalls cover shaky engines, malfunctioning airbags, and faulty door latches. One of the biggest problems that plagues the 2015 Sentra is transmission failure. These have Nissan’s infamous CVT (continuously variable transmission) that commonly fails around 60,000 miles. CVT transmissions are harder to work on and usually need to be replaced when they fail.
The Sentra also has problems with its mass airflow sensor. This normally fails around 100,000 miles and can cause the vehicle to run poorly. It’s fairly cheap to replace the sensor at a cost of about $100.
What are the Available Models?
The 2015 Nissan Sentra’s trims include base S model’s exclusive powertrain and sporty SR’s bose sound system. The 2015 Nissan Sentra can be found used at $8,249 to $12,659 depending on the mileage and model. When new it had an MSRP ranging from $16,530 to $20,720.
- The base 2015 Nissan Sentra model is the S. It comes with Bluetooth, cruise control, cloth seating, a manual transmission, and automatic headlights.
- An FE+S model with a fuel efficiency package is available, but it was rarely sold.
- The most popular model, the SV, adds the CVT transmission, a leather steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button start, an upgraded stereo system, and NissanConnect.
- Next in line is the SR model, which has 17-inch aluminum wheels, a rear spoiler, and upgraded cloth seating.
- The top-of-the-line Sentra is the SL. It has leather seating, heated front seats, and upgraded rear brakes.
How Long Will the 2015 Nissan Sentra Last?
A 2015 Nissan Sentra is a car that can last over 200,000 miles, but it has known transmission problems that can shorten its life. Common transmission failures occur around 60,000 miles. According to Repair Pal, you should expect to spend about $450 per year on maintenance. The most expensive repair is a heater core replacement costing up to $1,000.
What Technology is Included?
- The base technology on a 2015 Nissan Sentra includes Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker stereo system.
- Upgrades include a six-speaker stereo system, a 5.0-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect, and an optional Bose stereo upgrade for better sound
- An optional rearview camera is available with the infotainment upgrade.
Does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have Good Gas Mileage?
The 2015 Nissan Sentra is tied for eighth place among small cars in fuel economy. City driving can get up to 30 miles per gallon. The rating increases to up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
What Engine Options are Available?
For the 2015 Nissan Sentra there is only one engine option available. It’s the 1.8L four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower. It’s not a sports car with this lack of performance and is a bit slow to drive. Even though slow in a race, it has enough power to get this compact sedan through traffic with ease.
What Color Options are Available?
How Safe is the 2015 Nissan Sentra?
We consider the 2015 Nissan Sentra to be a safe compact sedan based on crash test ratings. It received a four-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA. This includes a four-star rating for both frontal crash and rollover and five stars for the side impact test.
The IIHS gave the 2015 Sentra a “Top Safety Pick” award. It scored “good” across the board on every IIHS test. It also scored “good” on occupant safety, keeping you safe in the event of an accident.
How Big is the 2015 Nissan Sentra?
The 2015 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers better legroom in the back seats compared to some of the competition. Owners complain the car is not very spacious inside. The trunk has 15.1 cu. ft. of cargo space, which is a lot for the class. That’s enough room for three large suitcases.
How Does the 2015 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Cars?
For the 2015 model year, the Nissan Sentra scores near the bottom in compact cars based on owner reviews. One competitor to the Sentra is the Honda Civic. The Sentra is roomier and has more cargo space than the Civic, but the Civic scores better in reliability. The Civic also has better safety technology and it is only slightly more expensive.
Another competitor is the Hyundai Accent. The Accent scores better in reliability and offers a longer warranty than the Sentra. The Sentra does come with a better interior and more standard technology than the Accent for the price point. Overall, these two are pretty evenly matched and it comes down to brand preference.
Final Verdict: Is the 2015 Nissan Sentra a Good Car?
The 2015 Nissan Sentra is difficult to recommend. Built to be very budget-friendly vehicles leaves them feeling stripped down. It doesn’t feature the reliability and technology that class leaders have. The Sentra has better passenger and cargo room than the competition, making it a good option for transporting people. The engine is good but paired with an unreliable transmission.