2018 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2018 Sentra report: CVT failure. CarComplaints.com lists 12 owner complaints, average mileage 92,700 miles.
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints for the 2018 Sentra in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11749670 (filed 07/10/2026): “On wednesday july 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 am the powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the xtronic cvt (continuously variable transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11734517 (filed 04/29/2026): “At right under 67,000 miles, the car made a loud pop when i went to accelerate from a stop light. the car would only work in reverse at that point. i'm being told that the cvt needs to be replaced. the car isn't even worth the cost of a new transmission.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace cvt (6 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $4,400 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: transmission replacement (automatic or CVT, remanufactured unit)
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: Transmission went out · 2015 Dodge Durango: Transmission failure · 2015 Jeep Cherokee: Transmission failure check engine light on · 2015 Nissan Murano: Transmission failure · 2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Check engine light came on transmission failure · 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transmission failure
Page last updated .