The Lemon Index2018 Nissan Sentra.
The 2018 Nissan Sentra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 93 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 27 to 32 mpg combined. The best Nissan Sentra year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 185 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2018 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 19K to 61K miles on the car (96 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 49K–108K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 15K–44K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 14K–50K miles
Recalls 2
- lights 2021
The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
- back over prevention 2019
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
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 145 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Sentra, versa sedan, and versa note; cvt fluid leak service information service information…
- TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION The transmission range switch
- KICKS, SENTRA, AND VERSA; CVT FLUID LEAK SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Sentra NISMO 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Brake light switch is f as failing making my rear brake lights not glow
2018 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 11416392
More owner reports
Ebs malfunction warning light comes on. Every day. When car is in motion.
NHTSA complaint 11365275
Front radar unavailable due to obstruction flashed on the dashboard while in motion.
NHTSA complaint 11302727
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (34%), electrical (23%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Sentra get?
27 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,900 and 61,800 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 96 complaints.
Does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Sentra year is better than the 2018?
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