VehicleVerdict

2017 Nissan Sentra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 339 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Sentra year — the 2017 model ranks #7 of 45 Sentra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 32 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (76), engine (49), and electrical system (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

339

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

42

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Sentra years?

Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted871 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 46 complaints1988: 40 complaints1989: 49 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 81 complaints1993: 89 complaints1994: 130 complaints1995: 158 complaints1996: 177 complaints1997: 138 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 74 complaints2000: 236 complaints2001: 307 complaints2002: 388 complaints2003: 240 complaints2004: 235 complaints2005: 224 complaints2006: 155 complaints2007: 215 complaints2008: 233 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 212 complaints2011: 199 complaints2012: 260 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 524 complaints2015: 496 complaints2016: 400 complaints2017: 339 complaints2018: 285 complaints2019: 356 complaints2020: 316 complaints2021: 209 complaints2022: 141 complaints2023: 33 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 42 complaints2026: 13 complaints
Sentra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sentra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Sentra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7622%
Engine4914%
Electrical System3811%
Other3711%
Speed Control329%
Airbags257%
Brakes216%
Lighting154%
Steering144%
Body & Structure93%
Fuel System72%
Tires & Wheels51%
Seat Belts31%
Suspension21%
Seats21%
Driver Assistance21%
Visibility & Wipers21%

Does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V135000LightingMarch 3, 2021 · 807,376 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.

Consequence

The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.

18V551000Electrical SystemAugust 21, 2018 · 153,047 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

17V253000AirbagsApril 13, 2017 · 30,038 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND IT WAS LOCKED INTO GEAR I WANT TO PRESS ON MY BRAKES IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN I REAR-ENDED A VEHICLE, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2019 · crash

“My vehicle is a part of the 21v-135 recall and Nissan hasn't be able to repair the problem. I called the toll free number for Nissan because the local dealers were unable to repair the issue, adhering to the notice I received, and they weren't helpful. The next step on the notice was to come here…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2022

“i got thiz note couple weeks late you guys dinr warn me its was defective i crashed for this recal reason the lights war having problems when iwas driving and of and on and the emgine started to rev and the saftey to turn steering wheel locked and i crashed veichle turn of while that happen then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 22, 2021 · crash

“My car has surveillance in it that I did not install or request it to be installed. ( second owner ) I am hearing things in this car of argumentive proportion. I hear things through the radio that identifies what the song is and what it means. Then when i turn it off I hear abusive objection and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2020 · crash

“i got thiz note couple weeks late you guys dinr warn me its was defective i crashed for this recal reason the lights war having problems when iwas driving and of and on and the emgine started to rev and the saftey to turn steering wheel locked and i crashed veichle turn of while that happen then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 22, 2021 · crash

2017 Nissan Sentra — common questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 339 complaints put the 2017 model at #7 of 45 Sentra years. It is one of the Sentra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Sentra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (76 complaints), engine (49 complaints), electrical system (38 complaints).

Does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Sentra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sentra years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2002, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2001, 2018, 2012, 2003, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2005, 1996, 1995, 2006, 1994. The cleanest record among Sentra years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2017 Nissan Sentra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Nissan Sentra earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.