2015 Nissan Sentra’s Problems Cover Shaky Engines, Malfunctioning Airbags, and Faulty Door Latches

Jan 23, 2022

2015 Nissan Sentra has three recalls and over 230 consumer complaints regarding powertrain, speed control, and airbag problems. Plus, drivers report issues with the CVT hesitating or failing completely.

Key Points

The 2015 Nissan Sentra has three recalls, and two of them are rather dangerous, relating to faulty airbags, and a door that does not fully latch and may open while the car is moving.
More than 230 complaints have been registered with the NHTSA, with the majority of them addressing the 2015 Nissan Sentra’s CVT-related powertrain issues.
Recalls were launched to fix airbag issues, but some 2015 Nissan Sentra owners continue to complain of malfunctioning airbags.
Despite its three recalls, Vehicle History‘s Real Owner reviews of the 2015 Nissan Sentra are over 80% positive.

2015 Sentra’s Three Recalls Cover Serious Issues Over Faulty Airbags and Doors that Could Open While Driving

The 2015 Nissan Sentra has racked up a total of three recalls since it debuted. All things considered, two or three recalls for a vehicle that’s over six years old isn’t too bad. But these recalls are particularly serious and potentially dangerous.

The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) launched two recalls in April 2016. One was over a problem with airbags that may not deploy due to a faulty sensor.

The other focused on a deformed seat belt bracket that could affect airbag operation. If the front passenger airbag deploys in a crash when a child seat is installed, it could increase the risk of injury to the child. Combined, these two recalls affected nearly 4,000,000 units built between 2013 and 2017, mostly Nissan and Infinity models.

Dealers will reprogram the airbag and electrical control units and reinforce the seatbelt bracket free of charge to resolve these recalls.

A July 2015 recall addressed doors that may not fully latch, and result in the door opening while the car is moving. While only 6,595 2015 Rogue, Sentra, and Versas were included, it’s still a problem that can result in disaster. If needed, dealers will replace the rear door latches.

Consumer Complaints on 2015 Sentra Focus on Powertrain, Airbag, and Speed Control Problems

Nissan vehicles have employed the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for years without much love from enthusiasts or owners. The NHTSA reports 232 registered complaints about the 2015 Sentra. Coincidentally, the highest number of complaints is over the Sentra’s CVT-related powertrain issues.

Complaints range from total loss of motor power when cruising at speed; hesitating or stalling when attempting to accelerate from a stop; or complete transmission failure.

One 2015 Sentra owner describes their experience: “When pulling out into traffic or any stop and go, I press the gas pedal, and sporadically there is a hesitation with the car’s acceleration. At times I am crossing a lane and traffic is coming and my car hesitated. It’s very scary thinking I may get T-boned.”

While many were quick to blame the scapegoat of the CVT for their car’s odd behavior, several owners mentioned a much easier-to-fix and more economically friendly culprit. Digging through the many complaints regarding the engine and transmission duo in the 2015 Sentra uncovered a hidden common thread woven between several stories that may ease some consumers’ minds.

Failing Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors could cause many of the same symptoms owners mentioned while blaming their transmissions: hesitation, jerky acceleration, and stalling. The MAF is part of the fuel system and ensures the engine is getting the correct amount of oxygen and fuel; a bad MAF does not allow this process to happen and robs the engine of power.

Costs for replacing a bad MAF average around $70, while transmission replacements can run thousands of dollars.

2015 Sentra’s Airbag and Brake-related Complaints are Less Common, Still Worth Investigating

Corresponding with the two OCS recalls, airbag complaints come in second behind powertrain. Most involve the passenger airbag light turning on and off repeatedly, or mention being in a wreck but the airbags never deployed.

Several owners have also reported issues with their brakes, such as reduced stopping power, hearing odd noises when braking, or feeling vibrations through the steering wheel. A few reports also mention getting into accidents because of the delayed braking, or their car stalling when pressing the pedal at low speeds. No communications have yet been made concerning the brakes in the 2015 Sentra.

Despite Some Flaws, Positive Owner Reviews Indicate the 2015 Sentra is a Decent Compact Car

Owners of the 2015 Nissan Sentra have given many positive reviews on Vehicle History, with over 80% of owners giving their car a four- or perfect five-star rating.

Considering that the compact car has only three recalls, no open safety investigations, and a relatively low number of complaints from owners, the 2015 Nissan Sentra proves to be a reliable, economical family and commuter vehicle.

Photos: Nissan

Owner Reviews

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Rick James bitch mooneyhan on November 26, 2023

Transmission issues here’s our solution

I own a 2015 Nissan Sentra sv and I have the same transmission issueseveryone is talking about. Nissan isn’t going to do anything but take your money and don’t do anything to help once you become immobile I think we need to get together as a group and start going to Nissan dealerships and start smashing all the new cars that they are going to sell and when the cops show up we just tell them we are trying to prevent what happened to us to not let it happen to anybody else. They took our money for the car wich they knew about these cvt problems they have had coustomer complaints and they don’t care as long as you pay 20,000 dollars or more. It’s ok for Nissan to take my wife’s money and my moneyfor this car that doesn’t even f*****g run. If this company can steal our money andthey don’t have to refund u or help you and when you call them to help you they say 60 month warranty on the drivetrain they need to change the drivetrain to lifetime warranty just like they say the transmission fluid is good for a lifetime then to me it would only make sense if they put a lifetime warranty on the drivetrain.

Amanda on February 6, 2023

I'm one of the unlucky buyers who rec'd a lemon with CVT problems in brand new car

2015 Nissan Sentra, bought brand new with 9 miles on it. One owner, regularly maintained, with only 53K miles on it... I'd had this car for 7 years and it's had issues ALL 7 years. All seemingly from the faulty CVT transmission... MAF sensor goes off REGULARLY enough though there was nothing wrong with it. I replaced the MAF with a new one and I'm still having the same issues and the same light/ code keeps coming on. I completely regret ever buying this car. NO car with less than 100K miles should have ANY of the problems I've had. It also has AntiLock brake code popping up randomly, the drives side window won't go down sometimes (most times it works though) and passenger side door lock doesn't work... Again randomly (works most times). This car is the thing nightmares of made of! I'll NEVER buy another CVT or Nissan!!!!

Whitney on July 6, 2022

No issues

I’ve owned vehicle since 2015. Bought brand new with 4 miles.Car currently has 107k miles and no transmission and/or engine issues. There are quite a few complaints about acceleration but it is a 4 cylinder vehicle so I didn’t expect much. However if you out the vehicle in sport mode it accelerates pretty well. Understanding this vehicle has a bad reputation for the CVT, I make sure to get transmission fluids done per the maintenance schedule completed by the dealership. I also make sure to complete all other preventative maintenance items per the maintenance schedule. It’s a decent car as long as you take care of it.

Amanda M on February 16, 2023

Worst purchase ever! Learn from my mistake and don't buy a Nissan!!!

I also have a 2015 nissan sentra that I bought brand new with 9 miles on it. It's having a bunch of issues with loss of power while trying to accelerate and the car is jerking back and forth. Feels like it's the transmission but I think it's the faulty computer (ECM). I only have 53K miles which is WAY LESS than the average mileage for my age car and there is no warranty... Therefore no help from Nissan! They should be ashamed to sell these lemons!!! Recall 2015 Nissan Sentra CVT Transmission, ECM & MAFS (all of the issues are likely caused by the computer which seems to be the main problem)!

John Farrell on February 27, 2023

2015 Nissan sentry cvt transmission issues.

I bought the car brand new in October 2015. I've had transmission problems since day 1 and didn't realize it. On the highway at 60mph and above the car would randomly hesitate and then slow down and sufdenly speed up. After about forty thousand miles, The transmission started slipping below 10mph. Sometimes taking up to 30 seconds to engage after a complete stop. Nissan says the car doesn't show any transmission warning lights so there's nothing they can do. Estimated replacement is not cheap. Will not ever buy another car with the Nissan cvt transmission again.

Rickey mooneyhan on November 9, 2022

2015 nissan sentra

My girlfriend owns a 2015 nissan sentra and she's having a bunch of issues with her car. It's loss of power trying to accelerate the car is jerking back and forth. They told us there's nothing they can do to help. If anything happens to my woman while driving this car meaning if she gets hurt and they knew about the problem because we told them it was going on. Depending on what happens I could sue them or take matters into my own hands and I promise that's not what they want. They need to fix this problem before they have serious problems

KD on July 31, 2022

Lemon 🍋

I had a 2015 Nissan Sentra and it was a POS. It went through 2 transmission, CRT, 2 AC compressors and 2 air flow sensors. The first transmission went out at 82k miles. Called Nissan and they made me take it to a dealer for an inspection which cost me $200. Then they told me the power train coverage was extended to 80k miles and I was over that so....sorry. Worst car experience I've ever had. I will never buy a Nissan again!

Deshane LEVERE on February 3, 2024

Transmission

My Son first vehicle is 2015 he got 2yrs ago and the transmission is not working I reported it to the company he finance it from and they said the can not find anything wrong and now my son is paying for a vehicle he is not able to drive its very disappointing that this was his first vehicle and he had a bad experience and I made sure the was aware the I felt Like the car was shaking and making noise very (disappointing mom)

Lawrence Hall on April 22, 2023

CVT Transmission problem

I bought a 2015 Nissan Sentra and had problems the first year with the transmission it 67,000 The car was jerking and I was told to replace the mass air flow sensor but the car continued jerking and all of a sudden it lost power and stop working. Currently it is hesitating and jerking due to the transmission. Is there a recall on this vehicle for the CVT transmission?

Diana Munoz on May 14, 2022

Nissan

I have a 2015 Nissan Sentra, it's only been giving me small problems no engine or transmission problems, yes, the door latches are a little faulty and yes, the rubber on back doors do come off on own. I bought fresh off the lot at 4miles in 2015 and I only have replaced the batteries and tires, but now that I see all this, I will be getting rid of it.

Kurt G on June 25, 2021

My experience with my Nissan Sentra!

The car is loud on the road. The battery has had to be replaced already. The air conditioner is broken and the breaks are going again. The seats are not very comfortable considering they are leather and the paint chipped easily. The car seems only designed to last till the warranty has ended.

Claudia b on July 24, 2021

Gas mileage is not as good as you would think that it would be, or what they say you would get

Gas mileage is not as good as would expect to be with as small of a car as it is. Also, have had issues with the "shiftless" transmission "shifting" since we have had it, had it in the dealership garage under 500 miles due to this and they can find nothing wrong and no reason that it does it

Ashley K on July 12, 2021

Review of 2015 Nissan Sentra

The performance on highway leaves much to be desired. The cars CVT does not perform well. It seems to get stuck in the lower gears and has trouble keeping up with the speed and flow of traffic. The features of the car are very basic, nothing very exciting or visually appealing.

Swati P on January 6, 2022

The color is a bluish silver color.

I am not a fan of the features associated with the car. I thought the Bluetooth and the navigation would work better. They do not really work properly or understand me when I speak so it is frustrating. The Bluetooth is not compatible with the my apple iPhone charger.

McKenzie S on September 28, 2021

Bad transmission- loses power on the freeway at higher speeds.

Transmission has been having frequent issues. It will lose power on the freeway if going over 75 mph. Sometimes when it is really cold outside my car won't turn on. I am very frustrated about all of this considering the fact that it is a newer vehicle with low miles.

Robert H. on August 23, 2023

Guess what? Transmission Failure

Well, like nearly everyone else here, the CVT transmission on my girlfriend's Nissan Sentra quit at just over 100k. Completely useless, and replacements are expensive as hell! Thanks, Nissan, for the giant paperweight now. There should TOTALLY be a recall on these!

Bliss F on October 30, 2021

2015 purchased through hertz.

Some of the interior trim that is supposed to stop the water from coming into the car comes off I've seen on other cars like mine. The window train has issues. I also did not like the pick up you have to use the sport shift in order to get up your speed faster.

Cassie g on December 21, 2022

Terrible hunk of junk!

I have a 2015 Nissan Sentra , barely have 46k miles on it. Everything in this article as far as transmission goes , I HAVE IT! Hopefuly these recalls are now covered as it’s December 2022! Never ever ever buy Nissan ! Im definitely going back to Toyota !

Charnel W on October 31, 2021

The only thing I like about a Nissan sentra is that it good on gas.

Transmission always going out, always have problems with transmission and other stuff. I would not buy another Nissan sentra again this is a waste of my money and time. And they also over charge you for the car so therefore you cannot even trade it in.

Lawrence H on April 22, 2023

CVT transmission problems

I have a 2015 Nissan Sentra the first week that I brought it was 67, 000 The transmission started jerking I replaced the mass air flow sensor it continue to jerk and then it would not move at all. Is there a recall on this car for the transmission?

Anay A on July 27, 2021

Small Engine and Tank.

My only issue with it is that it accelerates slowly. I have to mash the gas while merging onto the highway and you can hear the engine loudly struggling. The tank is very small and only holds about 11 gallons so I fill up once a week.

RolandoV on March 2, 2024

Transmission and more

Since I’ve bought the car brand new I’ve had to replace the battery 5 times get a new compressor and now the transmission is acting up slipping gears. Worst buy ever I only used it to get too and from work

Charity W on October 12, 2021

Not up to prior Nissan expectations.

I have not been impressed with the overall quality as it scratches and dents easily and the interior quality seems lesser than previous models. Also the gas mileage is not as good as expected.

Tc on March 29, 2024

Cvt issues MAF issues rubbersealsissues daddyissues

2015NissanSentra. Been thru 2 cvts , 2 mafs, fuel pump, air compressor etc. I've never had a vehicle with this many issues in such a short time frame. Rubber seals are lose on rear window. Ew

Jackie Stockbridge on October 11, 2023

Transmission

The transmission is gone on my 2015 Nissan Sentra. I believe that they should have a recall on these cars. I’m on a limited income and can not afford a new transmission or replacement car.

Joni on March 13, 2023

Transmission issues

I own a 2015 Nissan Sentra andthe transmission has gone out at 118,000 miles. There should be a recall on the cvt transmission. Son told me not to buy but Idis anyway. Please recall these

Charlie on October 25, 2022

My 2015 sentra with 6 speed manual trans

I've got mine new in 2015 6 miles on the odometer 2022 now at 45000 just got second set of tires and brake pads havnt had a single issue with man the entire time I've owned it

Christina M on July 10, 2021

This transmission blows don't buy.

The car has a known problem with the transmission. Nissan refuses to fix it. The cvt transmission starts to fail after 2 years. There is a current lawsuit against Nissan.

Liz on July 25, 2023

Dangerous car

I would drive onto the freeway picking up speed and all of a sudden my 2015 Nissan Sentra will lose power. I would have to get off the freeway at 5 mph. Very dangerous!!

Brian M on September 27, 2021

The worst seats in the world

The seats for longer drives are god awful. It is the most uncomfortable car to drive longer than 2 hours I have ever owned. My late 80's Subaru wagon had better seats.

CHARMAINE P on November 13, 2021

Nothing fancy

One of the vents make a weird sound when it's windy outside and driving thru the interstate, as for the interiors it just have basic features nothing fancy

Wan Ban on July 25, 2022

2015 nissan sentra

2015 Sentra died on me three times. Once on the freeway, twice on the street. All transmission problems. Never going to buy a Nissan Again.

Cynthia M on July 17, 2021

Airbag issues haven't been resolved and I am annoyed.

The airbag light keeps going on and they cannot fix the issue I am tired of driving up to the shop and nothing is being done.

Steven S on September 3, 2021

It's cheap feeling and doesn't feel safe

I hate that it seems so cheap. Despite how often i buy new tires, they often lose air. I would not buy another Nissan

Nina J on July 4, 2021

The transmission doesn't last long. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

I had to replace the transmission after only 40,000 miles so I will be getting rid of it soon. Not happy with it!

Cristina B on September 27, 2021

The car, when I first got it, made a strange sound when I first turned it on. Also, the brakes rumble a little.

I do not like that when I'm on the highway and I step on the gas, it takes a couple seconds to pick up speed.

Drew Cole on March 26, 2024

Transmission is dead

2015 sentra with just under 200k miles and total transmission failure. The car is now literally useless.

talia C on March 29, 2024

Cvt issues 2015Nissansentra

Been thru two cvts in 7 yrs.2mafs, air compressor, fuel pump etc. Ewwwwww!!!!Recall !!!!!!cvt

eee A on June 25, 2021

Horrible visibility, easy to hit something you cant see

Bad visibility, bad lighting, horrible headrests, not designed for normal sized woman

Jennifer L on August 8, 2021

It is not worth buying it. Go for a Toyota.

What I hate is that it feels cheap and makes noises and always has small problems.

Tami long on March 21, 2023

O air bag deployed

I was in a wreck m no my airbag didn’t deploy I hit my head my head jatd

Ismael Ramirez on May 6, 2022

99k miles 1 owner transmission is trash

Nissan should take care of this , transmission won’t work ;unbelievable

Leah C on October 13, 2021

2015 Nissan Sentra Review

The rubber around back doors came loose on their own.

Georgie D on September 8, 2021

Transmission problem

Transmission problem after 3 years I am disappointed

Cory Fourniquet

Cory Fourniquet has turned his passion for cars into a career. Using his Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, he has built the successful auto site GTGarageTalk.com, which includes a podcast, news blog, and car review channel on YouTube. Cory began serving as the secretary of the Texas Auto Writers Association board in early 2022.