The Lemon Index2015 Nissan Sentra.
The 2015 Nissan Sentra is better than average by owner complaints: 100 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 51, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 30 to 33 mpg combined. The best Nissan Sentra year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 352 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 83K miles on the car (212 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 50K–98K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 20K–95K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 8K–68K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2016
In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied.
- airbags 2016
The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS).
- latches/locks/linkages 2015
In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may not fully latch.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 181 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- 2017 sentra; engine turns off or hesitates when accelerating from a stop during hot ambient…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Transmission failed and compressor - 2015 Nissan Sentra.
2015 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 10895554
More owner reports
Loose cv axle nut causing clicking noise while driving stop and go, shifting.
NHTSA complaint 11040807
Airbag warning lights up repeatedly - system reset three times at dealer, and parts replaced. It is in shop for fifth time in a year! Car is still under warranty - thinking about trading it in before the warranty expires.
NHTSA complaint 11089602
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 51; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2015 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (32%), transmission & drivetrain (24%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Nissan Sentra get?
30 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Nissan Sentra safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,900 and 83,800 miles. The middle report was at 55,500 miles, from 212 complaints.
Does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Nissan Sentra have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Sentra year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2017 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works