The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the transmission would slip or jerk intermittently while driving at various speeds. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged before accelerating or occasionally failed to accelerate as intended, causing the contact to restart the vehicle to accelerate as desired. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle…
2019 Nissan Sentra powertrain problems
severe 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 52 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Nissan Sentra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 52 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2019 Sentra CVT transmissions exhibit widespread slipping, power loss, and outright failure across a broad mileage range, with many owners forced into replacement costs of $2,600–$8,000 after warranty expiration. Nissan acknowledges the defect but has issued no recall and routinely denies coverage; independent mechanics confirm transmission failure in numerous cases, and hazardous acceleration delays have caused near-accidents and highway safety incidents.
The 2019 Sentra's CVT transmission is the dominant complaint in this cluster. Owners describe hesitation and power loss during acceleration—the engine revs to 3,000–6,000 RPM but the vehicle crawls or refuses to respond—creating dangerous highway merge and passing situations. Multiple owners nearly collided with semis or other vehicles. Jerking, shuddering, and hard downshifts are routine. Some vehicles fail completely, locking in one gear or refusing to move forward; a few stop dead on the road without warning.
Failure strikes across mileage ranges: as early as 35,000 miles, as late as 168,000, though many cluster between 75,000–115,000. Some occur within the first year; others take 2–3 years. Dealerships often run scans and claim "no current codes" despite obvious symptoms. Nissan's extended CVT warranty (84 months/84,000 miles from the Martinez class action) covers early failures, but owners are left paying $2,600–$8,000 out-of-pocket once mileage exceeds limits. One owner received a third transmission failure at 31,000 miles into the replacement unit, with Nissan refusing a second warranty claim.
Related issues include malfunction lights that persist after repairs, brake warning lights tied to a stop lamp switch recall (21V135000), and starting failures. One owner reports spending 10 minutes trying to start the car multiple times per week. Dashboard codes are often vague or absent.
Nissan has not issued a recall despite acknowledging the transmission defect; CSRs have told owners the issue exists but that no remedy exists. Buyback requests are refused.
Same Nissan Sentra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission slipping and power loss under acceleration
Transmission fails to deliver power during acceleration, especially at highway speeds or when merging. Vehicle revs high (3000–6000 RPM) but hesitates or maintains low speed (under 45 mph). Owners report jerking, shuddering, and delayed gear engagement. Multiple owners describe near-miss accidents when unable to accelerate quickly to merge or escape traffic situations.
When: Occurs across mileage range 35,901 to 168,860 miles; some early (under 100k), others much later. Several occur within first year or 2–3 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation and loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle revs to high RPM (3000–6000) without proportional speed gain; Jerking or shuddering sensation; Delayed upshift from lower gears; Vehicle slows on hills despite heavy throttle input; Transmission appears to slip between gears; Hard downshift when restarting from stop
Codes mentioned: P2767, P0846, P0868
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement transmission commonly required; costs cited at $2,600–$8,000. Nissan performed multiple transmission replacements on some vehicles (one owner reports 7 replacements, another 3). Some dealers claim 'no current codes' despite symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Martinez v. Nissan class action settlement provides 84-month/84,000-mile extended CVT warranty (documented in Narrative #5). Many owners report Nissan refuses coverage beyond standard warranty, citing mileage. Nissan has acknowledged transmission issues exist but has not issued recall; CSR told one owner Nissan is 'aware' but there is 'no recall.' One owner received an inconvenience fee; another states Nissan offered buyback refusal.
Transmission failure with no advance warning
Complete loss of power or inability to shift (stuck in one gear, unable to move forward, or locked in reverse only). Typically occurs suddenly while driving or at rest. No warning lights illuminated in majority of complaints.
When: Failure mileage 53,000 to 168,860 miles. Several occur at relatively low mileage (35k–80k) for a newer vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden inability to shift into forward gear or reverse; Vehicle locked in reverse only or one gear; Sudden loss of all forward motion; Vehicle stalls or stops entirely while driving; No response from accelerator pedal; Engine continues to run but transmission will not engage
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete transmission replacement. One owner was charged $8,000 at 109,497 miles (31,000 miles after warranty-covered replacement); another faced $2,600 cost under 100k miles. Owner at 167,000 miles was told typical failure point is around 120,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan will not cover repairs if mileage exceeds warranty (84-month/84,000-mile extended CVT warranty per Martinez settlement). Owners report Nissan refused buyback requests and directed them to pay out-of-pocket or use insurance.
Malfunction and check-engine lights with transmission-related warnings
Dashboard warning lights (malfunction light, check engine, brake warning) illuminate, often accompanied by continuous beeping. Lights may persist or recur after dealership repairs. One owner reports stop lamp switch recall also affects vehicle starting.
When: Early in ownership or soon after purchase. One case documents malfunction light appearing within days of purchase from dealership; another recurred within hours after transmission replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction light with continuous beeping sound; Check engine light illuminated; Brake warning light (related to stop lamp switch recall per Narrative #3); Unknown warning symbols on dashboard; Lights clear then reappear after restart
Codes mentioned: Brake sensor codes (unspecified in narratives), Stop lamp switch recall codes (related to NHTSA Campaign 21V135000 per Narrative #17)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics often show 'past codes' or 'no current codes' despite active symptoms. One transmission replacement did not resolve recurring malfunction light.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V135000 addresses stop lamp failure (Narrative #17). Narrative #3 indicates stop lamp recall affects starting and has no remedy; owner reports spending 10 minutes at a time trying to start vehicle. Dealership staff blamed owners for not bringing vehicle in sooner and directed them to insurance.
RPM surge and fluctuation at highway speeds
While maintaining constant speed (especially above 70 mph or on cruise control), RPMs surge unexpectedly without driver throttle input. RPMs climb 2.5–3 points or higher and then drop. Associated with loss of power or reduced fuel efficiency.
When: Occurs consistently when vehicle exceeds 70 mph. One owner has video documentation.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM needle surges without acceleration pedal input; RPMs spike from 2.5 to 5.0+ on highway; Fuel efficiency screen shows decrease during surge; Loss of power when attempting to pass; Engine falters or surges during passing maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: No repair outcomes documented in narratives.
Transmission jerking and hard shifts
Vehicle jerks, lurches, or makes grinding sounds during acceleration or gear changes. May occur at low speeds (from stop) or while driving at various speeds. Some describe 'hard downshift' behavior when restarting from a stop.
When: Recurring issue, multiple instances per drive or week.
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking or lurching forward during acceleration; Grinding noises from transmission area; Burning smell from under hood; Hard or delayed downshift from high gear; Vehicle must be fully stopped and restarted to recover normal shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid change at one dealership (Narrative #33) resulted in worsening of jerking and no acceleration response; Nissan diagnostics yielded no codes despite check engine light.
Inability to shift from Park or stuck in Park
Transmission locks in Park and cannot be shifted to Drive or Reverse without forceful effort. Safety interlock (shift lock) may be involved.
When: Reported at 53,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in Park; Requires forceful effort to shift into gear; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic diagnosed need for safety shift lock replacement; repair not completed.
Delayed or no engine start due to stop lamp switch issue
Vehicle fails to start, sometimes repeatedly. Related to stop lamp switch recall (NHTSA Campaign 21V135000). Occurs 2–3 times per week for one owner; others spend extended time troubleshooting.
When: Starting New Year's Eve for one owner; recurring 2–3 times per week thereafter.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not start; Requires multiple restart attempts (up to 10 minutes of trying); No warning light at time of failure
Repairs/costs cited: No remedy exists per owner; Nissan has not issued fix for stop lamp recall interaction with starting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 21V135000 (stop lamp recall). Narrative #3 indicates Nissan Consumer Affairs refused owner's buyback request and stated there is no remedy, leaving owners unable to rely on vehicle for daily driving.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Going at speeds from 2mph to 70mph+ the transmission seems to be cutting in and out, I have to either lay off the gas or pull over and let It sit for it to stop acting up and it’ll stop for a while and then acts up again. The OEM original CVT shipped with the car has major problems, passenger safety issues, could cause a major accident or death.
The car began to slow down when going up hill about 6 months ago. Brought car to the dealership and they confirmed the transmission needs to be replaced. They are making me pay for it even though Nissan is aware of the problems with this particular transmission.
transmission goes out at 104,139 miles. car jerks and slows down acceleration even after having maintenance done to keep it running
While decelerating on to an exit off-ramp the car started refusing to shift and came to a stop on the side of the expressway. When I tried to pull off the road it said “Transmission Fluid Pressure Low”. At this time I am unsure if it is a sensor or the transmission.
Driving on freeway less than 35 MPH, car made loud noise for 1-2 minutes at same time I felt under floor board something pulling. I tried to slow down, brakes didn't work. I rear ended a car. The car gear shift popped into reverse; I pressed harder on brakes & they finally worked. I noticed a big light on the dashboard saying 'malfunction, check owners manual' there was a gray symbol near these…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Nissan Sentra?
It's a meaningful issue. 52 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,000 and 134,145 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 134,145. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2019/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.