2017 Nissan Sentra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Nissan Sentra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 224 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2017 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2017 Nissan Sentra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2017 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Nissan Sentra has 224 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Sentra
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 224
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Nissan Sentra?
The 2017 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Nissan Sentra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on drivetrain and engine health.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on drivetrain and engine health.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Nissan Sentra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 224 complaints for the 2017 Nissan Sentra, issues are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine. There are 27 crash-related complaints and 3 recalls. However, confidence is low due to limited data.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for 73 of 224 total complaints.
- Engine problems are the second most reported component with 49 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration has 32 complaints, which may relate to drivetrain or electronic issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2017 Nissan Sentra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 73 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 49 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 36 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 33 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 32 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 17 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 14 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch had failed and n…
CVT transmission losing power
When driving in the highway my hood opened up it hand unhinged on its own.
My 2017 Nissan Sentra is experiencing CVT transmission problems. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating, slips between gears, and sometimes loses power while driving. This creates a dangerous situation when entering traffic or driving at highway speeds. I contacted Nissan Consu…
CVT failed after only 94K miles.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that the message "Put Foot on Brake Pedal" was displayed. While …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer indicated that the mileage was 92,000. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact's wife purchased the Carfax report and stated that the odometer read…
The fabric drivers side seat belt is frayed. At least 1/2 of the width of the fabric is not intact. The warranty on the seat belt is 120 months and the dealer said it is not covered by the warranty. No incident has occurred yet, but I am concerned for my safety in the event of …
Car just lost power in highway. Car starts but will barely move as pushing down on gas.
While reverse parking into a single parking space at my apartment complex, the driver-side airbag deployed unexpectedly without any collision or impact. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was moving at a low speed and there were no warning lights, messages, or alerts prior …
The contact owned a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and coasting to the right around a curve, after completing the maneuver, the accelerator was depressed, the cruise control was set at 48 MPH, and the steering wheel was turned to the left but ind…
the transmission has failed with hardly any warning. Stops without warning, while driving down the road. The car will start just fine but will not rev. or respond to the accelerator. When it stops will driving, it will rev way up but will not have any power to move.
It will be investigated by my insurance company, but this is what happened. I was taking a leisurely drive on a country road. Not much for shoulders and the trees aren't cut back far enough. I was going straight. The vehicle decided to take a 45 degree turn the right. Into the tr…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), and the recall repair was performed. Approximately 4 years after having the recall repair completed, the traction control warning light…
The 2017 Nissan Sentra is part of a recall due to significant transmission issues, including sudden loss of power and jerking motions while driving. Overview of the Recall Nissan has issued a recall for certain 2013 to 2017 Sentra models due to problems with their continuously va…
My transmission on my 2017 Nissan Sentra failed not once but twice. I got it repaired to the tune of $4500 and then it failed again a year later and they wanted $7000. I am a single mother working very hard and this set me back TREMENDOUSLY! I have been struggling financially to …
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the gear shift l…
While driving home from work. Transmission started hesitating and not pulling up a hill. I was almost hit on the interstate due to the malfunction of the transmission. Now vehicle is parked and I can no longer drive it.
My car is an automatic 2017 with 58,000 miles. The car is having trouble shifting gears, trouble accelerating (it jerks and doesn’t speed up), leaks every fluid possible (oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant), etc. I have taken it to two different mechanics to have a diagnostic p…
I have called nissan usa and the nissan in newburgh to schedule an appointment for lamp switch recall and have not recieved any calls or communication back. At this point im scared that the lamp switch is affecting my transmission and I'm just getting the runaround from nissan so…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Sentra.
2017 Nissan Sentra Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Nissan Sentra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 224 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Sentra?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (73 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (49 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (36 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Nissan Sentra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Nissan Sentra, NHTSA complaints include 27 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 224 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Nissan Sentra. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Nissan Sentra?▾
The 2017 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Nissan Sentra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.