Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Of the 18 brakes complaints filed for the 2008 Nissan Sentra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Among the 16 model years of Nissan Sentra in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
All 2 active brakes recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
If the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2008 Nissan Sentra brake complaints cluster around two main problems. First, master cylinder failure—specifically internal seal leaks that accumulate brake fluid in the vacuum booster with no external warning signs until the system fails completely. Owners report brake pedal unresponsiveness at low speeds, pedal dropping to the floor with no stopping power, and complete brake failure during normal driving, sometimes resulting in crashes. The Bosch master cylinders involved were subject to recalls 08V311000 and 09V431000, yet some owners allege Nissan refused to honor the recall even after internal inspection showed the cylinder needed replacement. A few owners weren't notified of the recall at all, or received notice by email only.
Second, some owners describe brake shaking and vibration at moderate mileage (40,000–70,000 miles), attributed to defective rotors; dealers initially refused to address this until brake pads wore out. One complaint also mentions the gas pedal positioned too close to the brake, causing accidental acceleration when braking was intended. A handful of reports involve brake stalling and unusual circumstances like engine fire near the brake master cylinder area—though causation remains unclear in those edge cases.
Same Nissan Sentra brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2011
Rear seal of master cylinder fails internally, allowing brake fluid to accumulate in the vacuum brake booster with no external leakage visible. Owners discover the problem only after brake warning light appears or brakes fail completely.
When: Low mileage reported in some cases (5,100 mi, 10,000 mi, 16,000 mi); one case at 153,000 mi
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illuminated; Brake pedal unresponsive or extends fully to floor when depressed; Loss of stopping power / complete brake failure; Vehicle continues forward or accelerates when brake pedal applied; Brake fluid accumulation inside vacuum booster (confirmed on inspection)
Codes mentioned: 08V311000, 09V431000
Repairs/costs cited: Bosch master cylinder replacement required; one owner reported replacing master cylinder 3 times since vehicle purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan recalls 08V311000 and 09V431000 covered master cylinder defect; some owners report Nissan refused to honor recall despite internal inspection showing cylinder needed replacement; some owners never received recall notification or received only email notice
Rotors are defective and cause brake pedal vibration and shaking when brakes are applied. Progresses over time.
When: Failure first noted around 40,000 miles; problem worsened by 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes when brake pedal is depressed; Vibration and shaking occurs frequently; Problem progresses over time
Repairs/costs cited: Tire center and dealership inspected; dealership initially stated brake pads would be replaced when worn, no action taken at time of complaint
Brake application or brake system failure causes engine stall or loss of power-assist braking without warning lights.
When: Unknown speeds; one case at 153,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls when brake pedal applied; Loss of power brakes / loss of power assist; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable or unwilling to diagnose or repair; manufacturer did not assist
Pedal spacing allows foot to strike accelerator when attempting to apply brakes, causing unintended acceleration.
When: Occurred several times before driver recognized cause
Symptoms owners cite: Toe hits accelerator when applying brake; Vehicle lurches when brake is applied
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Nissan sentra. On november 3, 2008, while slowing down for a traffic light at 25 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The driver crashed into the front driver's side of another vehicle. The driver received injuries to her left leg, arm, and lower back. A report was filed with the manufacturer. The insurance company stated that the…
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 10,000 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.