The 2017 Sentra only lasts around 150,000 miles with expensive transmission failures. At $14,874 – 20,170, it’s not worth the money since there are so many problems.
2017 Nissan Sentra: Key Points
- Reliability ratings are poor for 2017, with transmission failures and steering issues. Avoid the 2013–2015 models, which have substantially more problems. Models from 2018 and newer are better, but still worse than competitors.
- Two relatively weak 4-cylinder engine options are available.
- Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG combined.
- Safety scores are okay, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- We don’t recommend the 2017 Sentra since there are still a lot of mechanical problems, and it’s just not as good as its rivals.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
Top Critics Reviews
- Consumer Reports says the Sentra is one of the few truly bad cars on the market with very low owner satisfaction ratings.
- Edmunds gives the Sentra a 3.3 out of 5, noting a spacious backseat, but poor performance.
- Kelley Blue Book 4.1 out of 5, finding the Sentra to be affordable, but lacking the reliability of other compact cars.
What Problems Does the 2017 Nissan Sentra Have?
Problems with the Sentra include transmission failures, power steering issues, and peeling paint. There are fewer complaints on the 2018–2020 models, but transmission problems are still a serious concern.
Transmission failures are the most common issue on Sentras at around 95,000 miles. Nissan has a long history of broken transmissions. The only solution is replacing the entire assembly, costing over $3,000.
Power steering problems resulting in the vehicle being unable to turn or start show up at around 90,000 miles. The electric power steering motor fails, and replacing the assembly costs about $1,500.
Peeling paint is another complaint from owners at around 50,000 miles. Paint which is improperly cared for peels easily. The only solution is repainting affected areas at about $800 per panel.
There are 3 recalls, a regular amount for a compact car. Recalls include air bags, ignition switches, and brake lights. The most serious recalls are the brake lights, which increase the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2017 Nissan Sentra Last?
A properly cared for 2017 Sentra will last around 150,000 miles, which is at least 100,000 miles less than a Corolla or Mazda3. Maintenance costs are reasonable, according to Repair Pal, at $366 per year.
As a Sentra reaches 100,000 miles, owners should prepare to replace the A/C evaporator for $400, steering components costing $700, and the fuel filter costing $80.
Not too many problems. Pretty much your same basic issues. Sensor that need to be replaced every now & then.
No, I make sure to keep up with the maintenance, there's enough of material between the rubber and the carpet to even it out and keep it clean.
The car is reliable. I haven't had any issues with the car. It tells me when an oil change is needed and if there are in other issues with it.
Yes it is reliable. I have not had any issues with my car for the entire three years that I have owned it.
Yes it is a very good reliable vehicle. The only problem it has is the lining of the doors has come undone and it is frustrating.
I haven't had any issue with my sentra. Eco mode and sport mode both working great. No warnings to worry about.
Totally reliable. Never had even one issue! It runs perfectly, never hesitates, and has consistent gas mileage.
The 2027 Nissan sentra is very reliable. I have never had a problem with it. The gas and mileage is very good, and it's a very roomy and pretty car.
How Much is the 2017 Nissan Sentra Worth?
Blue book prices range from $14,874 – 20,170, making the Sentra more affordable than an Elantra or Civic. When new, the price range was $16,990 to $24,990. The car loses about 7% of its current value per year in current market conditions, worse than other sedans.
What Are the Models & Specs?
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Manual Driver’s Seat
SV adds features including:
- Keyless Entry
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Leather Steering Wheel
SR is a sportier model, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Fog Lights
SL is the luxury model and offers:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Driver’s Seat
NISMO is a rare performance model with:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- More Powerful Engine
- Aggressive Exterior Body Kit
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Standard technology is lacking in the 2017 Sentra, but missing up-to-date infotainment features found in rivals.
- Base technology includes a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Optional upgrades include 5 or 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, satellite radio, navigation, as well as 6 or 8-speaker stereo systems.
- Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control. A rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, and emergency brake assistance are all optional.
What Engine Options are Available?
Performance is poor on the base Sentra taking 10.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The NISMO model is a bit faster, taking 7.0 seconds.
- The base engine is a relatively weak 1.8L 4-cylinder with only 130 horsepower.
- Optional on the SR model and standard on the NISMO is a more powerful 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 188 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Sentra?
The Nissan Sentra is a compact car, similar in size to many rivals including the Civic and Jetta. Passenger room is great with a lot of headroom, easily fitting adults in the back seats.
Cargo space is very good as well, and 3 to 4 suitcases should fit easily in the 15.1 cubic foot trunk.
How Does the 2017 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Cars?
A close competitor is the more expensive Honda Civic. Where the Civic stands out is with better performance, but the Sentra offers more room in the back seats. Overall, the Civic is the winner with fewer serious mechanical issues.
Another rival is the more costly Toyota Corolla. The Corolla has significantly better reliability and technology, but the Sentra’s interior materials are nicer. Between the two cars we recommend the Corolla, which is less of a headache to own.
Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra a Good Car?
No, we find the Sentra to be a bad car. We base this on a relatively low rating of 4.3/5, with many negative owner reviews mentioning a lot of transmission, steering, and electrical problems.
Buyers in the market for a compact car should look at offerings from Toyota, Honda and Mazda. Although the 2018–2021 models are better, they’re still behind the competition.
Yes. Great vehicle for small family. Husband, wife,child. Great mileage to take state to state trips.
Yes, it's good on gas, I don't have an issue with the vehicle, not too flashy but has enough updates where it has everything you need but also easy to use.
Yes, it drives well, has all the features I wanted that work well. It is really good on gas and gives me driving options like eco and sport. It also shows me what maintenance is needed on the car.
Yes it is reliable and does not require much maintenance, warms up quickly, has great gas mileage, and has all the options that I was looking for.
Yes it is a very reliable, spacious, yet compact car. Drive is smooth and has good handling, good on gas mileage.
Yes I love mine, car is very good on gas. Very smooth driving not giving any issues after the first 2 years.
Wonderful vehicle. It runs well, is comfortable, gets incredible gas mileage, and nice acceleration. Enjoyable to drive!
Very good, the car looks good, it rides very smooth. It's good on the gas. And I think I've never had a problem with it at all.