Nissan sentra 2017 the gear jams when putting into reverse, drive, and backing up from drive way. Vehicle has a very slow take off untill you pick up speed at 40 MPH. But not enough speed to pass up cars,trucks in enough time and that is stepping on the gas peddle to the bottom.
2017 Nissan Sentra cruise control problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1crash
1fire
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 14 model years of Nissan Sentra in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 Nissan Sentra with cruise control issues carries serious risk—owners report transmission hesitation, uncontrolled acceleration, cruise control failures, and complete power loss, most undiagnosed despite multiple dealership visits and recalls that may have expired. Nissan has offered arbitration settlements and claims corporate awareness of these defects, but repairs often don't stick; one owner replaced the transmission and the problem returned within days.
Owners of 2017 Sentras report cruise control tied to broader drivetrain and electrical instability that dealerships can't reliably fix. Most common: cruise control disengages suddenly at highway speeds, dropping 10 mph in seconds with RPM fluctuation. One owner's tachometer blips violently when cruise drops out; another says cruise won't engage at all or hold speed when gas fails to respond.
Acceleration problems underpin many complaints. Owners describe a nose-dive sensation at 30-45 mph (feels like transmission disengages momentarily), RPM spikes to 6000+ before shifts, and complete lag from standstill. Vehicle refuses to exceed 55 mph uphill even at full throttle. One owner replaced the transmission; problem returned within days. A brake switch randomly triggering false braking events was identified by Nissan engineering in at least one case.
Uncontrolled acceleration happens too—pedal won't disengage after release, forcing owners to pump it violently or shift to Neutral. One owner bought the car, drove 45 minutes, and cruise control engaged suddenly at 70 mph, slamming him into another vehicle.
One owner reported complete electrical shutdown while driving—all lights and engine dead, no warning.
Nissan offered arbitration settlements ($1500 in one case) and claimed recalls had expired. Dealerships cite shift sensors, transmission defects, and brake switches; no single root cause identified across cases.
Same Nissan Sentra cruise control reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift hesitation and nose-dive
Vehicle experiences a momentary loss of power or 'nose dive' at 30-45 mph during acceleration, feels like the transmission disengages briefly then re-engages. Owners suspect shift sensor malfunction or improper downshift logic from 3rd to 1st gear.
When: During acceleration, typically around 30-45 mph; does not occur 100% of the time
Symptoms owners cite: Nose-dive sensation during acceleration between 30-45 mph; RPM spike to 6000+ before gear shift; Hesitation and bumping movement from standstill when accelerating; Transmission seems to release from gear momentarily then re-engage; Cannot reliably accelerate past 50-55 mph; Vehicle feels confused with gear shifts, similar to repeatedly shifting between Drive, Neutral, and Sport mode
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced transmission; problem recurred within days. Dealership suspected shift sensor malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan stated a recall existed but had expired; no warranty coverage offered on some vehicles. One owner offered $1500 arbitration settlement.
Cruise control disengagement and speed loss
Cruise control disengages unexpectedly at highway speeds, causing sudden speed drops of up to 10 mph in 1-2 seconds. RPM tachometer blips up and down during disengagement. Also reported as cruise control failing to engage or maintain set speed when gas pedal does not accelerate.
When: During highway driving with cruise control engaged
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages on its own without driver input; Speed drops 10 mph in 1-2 seconds after disengagement; Tachometer blips up and down during disengagement; Cruise control fails to engage or maintain speed; RPM fluctuation even when cruise control is on
Acceleration lag and power loss
Significant hesitation and lag when accelerating from standstill and at speed. Vehicle takes excessive RPMs to reach higher speeds and struggles on inclines. RPMs climb well above design specifications (6000+ rpm) before shifting. Excessive fuel consumption reported.
When: Throughout vehicle operation; worsens at highway speeds and on inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Significant lag in acceleration from standstill; Lag when accelerating to higher speeds while in motion; Cannot exceed 55 mph, especially uphill; RPM climbs to 6000+ before gear shift; Engine tachometer exceeds design specifications; Excessive fuel consumption (3x normal compared to newer loaner vehicle); Burning smell when accelerating hard; Struggles on uphill and over 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan tech support attempted diagnosis at dealership with no resolution found after 7 service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan told owner excessive fuel consumption is 'normal' due to vehicle age. Arbitration case opened; $1500 settlement offered to one owner.
Gas pedal unresponsive and acceleration loss
Pressing the accelerator produces no response; vehicle refuses to accelerate. Occurs intermittently and does not trigger check engine light. One case resolved with brake switch replacement that was randomly triggering false braking events.
When: Intermittent; lasts days at a time (one owner reported 2+ weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal does not accelerate car when pressed; No response to full accelerator depression; Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult; No warning lights or error messages; Cruise control cannot maintain set speed when this occurs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: dealership replaced 'brake switch' after Nissan engineering identified the issue (brake switch randomly triggering false braking event).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan engineering department aware of issue in other vehicles; provided solution to dealership.
Uncontrolled acceleration
Accelerator does not disengage after pedal is released; vehicle continues accelerating uncontrollably. Requires violent, repeated engagement and disengagement of accelerator to stop. Owner forced to shift to Neutral and brake to prevent accident.
When: At standstill or low speeds when accelerator is fully depressed
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator does not stop accelerating despite removal of foot pressure; Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably; Requires violent, repeated pedal pumping to disengage; Engine revs at maximum RPM; Creates dangerous driving situation
Delayed and inoperative controls (eco mode, cruise control)
Eco mode and cruise control buttons require multiple attempts (3-5 presses) to activate. Delayed response or complete failure on first attempts. One owner experienced sudden acceleration when cruise control finally engaged while at 70 mph on highway.
When: During operation; new vehicle (45 minutes after purchase in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Eco mode button requires multiple presses to activate; Cruise control requires multiple presses (up to 5) to engage; Delayed or no response on initial button press; Sudden acceleration when controls finally engage
Transmission shift jamming
Transmission jams when shifting into Reverse or Drive. Slow takeoff until vehicle reaches 40 mph, then difficult to gain speed even at full throttle. Vehicle cannot accelerate sufficiently to pass other vehicles.
When: At startup/low speed and when attempting to shift into Reverse or Drive
Symptoms owners cite: Gear jams when putting into Reverse; Gear jams when putting into Drive; Difficulty backing up from driveway; Very slow takeoff until 40 mph is reached; Inadequate speed to pass vehicles even at full throttle
Complete loss of power/electrical shutdown
Vehicle loses all power while driving with no warning. Engine stops, lights (brake, headlight, emergency) shut down completely. One owner experienced this on railroad tracks.
When: While driving on highway/at railroad tracks
Symptoms owners cite: Car stops abruptly with no warning; All lights shut down (brake, headlight, emergency); No indication of problem before failure; Complete electrical shutdown
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Rpm’s spike up to high levels just to get up to 45/50. I have to let off gas & almost stall out to press gas to try & catch it into higher gear. This happens most the time, but not all. 45/50 but won’t go past 55/60mph, let alone 70-80 on I90/I94. & if it’s really bad then I have to be almost gas to the floor just to maintain any speed once up to 40/45++. Especially higher speeds. & other times…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2017 Nissan Sentra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 30,417 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Nissan/Sentra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.