The Sentra to buy on a budget
The 2018 Sentra drew about half the model's average complaints. CVT failures still happen but far less often than in 2013.
Updated November 2026 · based on 185 owner complaints and 2 recalls
87 50% below the Sentra average
2 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sentra year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Sentra
Top problems and what they cost
CVT replacement
Some owners still needed a new CVT.
Fix: CVT replacement $3,000 to $4,500.
Transmission
Automatic braking and radar warnings
False braking and 'front radar unavailable' messages.
Fix: Radar cleaning or calibration $100 to $300.
Collision avoidance
Camera and light switch recalls
Recalls 19V654 and 21V135 apply.
Fix: Free under recall.
Recalls
Recalls
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Nissan Sentra
- Confirm the camera (19V654) and light switch (21V135) recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Sentra has 2 recalls on record, listed below.
- Accelerate from a stop and on a hill; the CVT should feel smooth.A CVT is a gearless automatic transmission that uses a belt. Worn ones shudder, whine or slip, and replacing one often costs $3,000 to $5,000, so service records matter.Owners filed 35 complaints about CVT transmission problems on the 2018 Sentra.
- Ask for CVT fluid service records.A CVT is a gearless automatic transmission that uses a belt. Worn ones shudder, whine or slip, and replacing one often costs $3,000 to $5,000, so service records matter.Owners filed 35 complaints about CVT transmission problems on the 2018 Sentra.
Questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra reliable?
The Sentra to buy on a budget. The 2018 Sentra drew about half the model's average complaints. CVT failures still happen but far less often than in 2013.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
2 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Sentra problems?
CVT replacement; Automatic braking and radar warnings; Camera and light switch recalls.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.