Buyers looking for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient compact car will likely have the Nissan Sentra on their list. However, the 2019 model has some serious problems with a failure-prone transmission and faulty electronics.
Key Points
- The 2019 Nissan Sentra has two recalls, including one for a brake light switch that may become contaminated and prevent the lights from illuminating.
- Owners have complained about multiple electrical system hiccups, including the radio randomly restarting, or the battery draining when parked.
- Multiple drivers report taking their Sentra to the dealer over faulty electronics, only to leave without the issue being resolved.
- The transmission in the 2019 Sentra is known to fail even before 30,000 miles, with replacement costs running around $3,500.
- Both engines offered with the Sentra have unreliable timing chains that should be replaced at around 100,000 miles.
2019 Nissan Sentra Has Just Two Recalls, but Nearly 100 Registered Complaints Reveal Transmission and Electrical System Problems
The 2019 Nissan Sentra has been recalled by the NHTSA twice, the most serious offense for a faulty brake light switch. The switch is known to become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
The second recall was over a backup camera that may not display correctly.
Unfortunately, the more serious problems are some not addressed in a recall. Of the nearly 100 registered complaints, the Sentra looks to have countless electronics issues, along with transmission woes.
Nearly 20 of the complaints about the 2019 Sentra are for problems with the brake system. Drivers have reported that the automatic emergency braking system has engaged at random when driving at high speeds. Despite the multiple complaints on what is clearly a very serious issue, the problem is not being investigated.
Nissan Sentra’s Malfunctioning Electronics Can Cause Dangerous Situations on the Road
Owners report a number of issues related to the electronics in the Sentra, most concerning systems turning on or off for no reason. The most common is that the radio frequently restarts, or will turn on when the car is parked. According to Sentra owners discussing the electrical issues in a thread on Nissan Forums, the problem is fairly common, with no known fix.
Additionally, Vehicle History owner reviews show that the electronics problems go further, with the vehicle’s remote start system and windows operating on their own. Drivers also report numerous other electrical bugs that frequently leave the car with a dead battery.
Adding insult to injury, several of the Vehicle History owner reviews show that when drivers bring their Sentras to the dealership to address the issue, the dealers cannot find a specific failure point, and drivers are left to live with the problem.
2019 Nissan Sentra’s Problematic CVT May Grind, Stutter, or Cut Out at Highway Speeds
Unfortunately, the CVT is a common failure point on several Nissan models, with the Sentra being no exception. Many of the NHTSA-registered complaints about the Sentra are related to the CVT, which is known to grind, stutter or fail completely.
Multiple drivers have reported that the transmission will cut out at high speeds, while other reports show that the transmission grinds, jumps, and encounters delays when shifting. Several owners have registered complaints after needing their transmissions replaced well before 100,000 miles.
Should a transmission failure occur outside of the warranty, drivers will be in for an expensive repair. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost for a transmission replacement on the Sentra is nearly $3,800.
Engine Problems on the Sentra Include High Oil Consumption, and Timing Chain Issues
The 2019 Sentra is equipped with either a 1.6L or 1.8L four-cylinder, depending on the model. Neither engine is known to be highly troublesome, but there are some issues drivers may encounter.
According to Motor Reviewer, the 1.6L may shake at low rpms due to software in the engine controller unit. The larger 1.8L engine is known to consume too much oil and should be monitored closely to ensure the system isn’t running dry.
A stretched timing chain is typical for both engines offered in the Sentra. Increased noise and poor acceleration are common indicators that the chain may be worn. The timing chain should be replaced at 100,000 miles to prevent any damage to the engine components.
2019 Nissan Sentra Has Some Serious Safety Issues to Consider When Looking to Buy a Used Model
While the two recalls issued for the 2019 Nissan Sentra can be fixed by the dealership at no cost, the more severe and expensive problems will not. The reported electronics issues are a major concern, as they appear to affect several important vehicle systems.
Unfortunately, Nissan has not addressed or investigated these issues and is keeping these problematic vehicles on the road. Buyers should carefully consider these points when looking into a used 2019 Sentra.
Photos: Nissan
