2015 Nissan Sentra
2015 model shown · Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

Compact cars · B17 generation

2018 Nissan Sentra: reliability, problems and cost to own

Good choice About average

It scores 51 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,344 to own, including $1,863 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Nissan Sentra.

Reliability

51/100

About average

Repairs, 5 years

$1,863

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,375

32 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$7,794

$6,859 – $8,729, estimate

Recalls

2

on record

Owner complaints

185

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Transmission & drivetrain$726
Engine & cooling$658
Driver-assist & stability$115
Electrical system$104
Steering$94
Brakes$54

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Nissan Sentra

Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (95/100) and the 2015 worst (16/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202480/100
202395/100
202282/100
202181/100
202069/100
201942/100
201851/100
201734/100
201625/100
201516/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 51 out of 100, about average for compact cars; the 2021, 2022 and 2023 scored better.

Is the 2018 Nissan Sentra reliable?

It scores 51 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,863 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Nissan Sentra cost to own?

About $10,344 over 5 years: $2,106 in lost value, $1,863 in repairs and $6,375 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $7,794 today.

What are the best years of the Nissan Sentra?

Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (95/100) and the 2015 worst (16/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?

2 recalls on record with NHTSA.