The Nissan Sentra was equipped with the RE4F03B, the RE0F11A and most recently later models have the RE0F10A Nissan CVT transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Nissan Sentra transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Nissan Sentra Transmission Models
Nissan Sentra: RE4F03B Transmission
Nissan Sentra: RE0F11A Transmission
Nissan Sentra: RE0F10A CVT Transmission
Nissan Sentra Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Nissan Sentra transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| U1000 | Cannot Communicate with TCM / Class 2 Communications Failure |
| U0402 | Invalid Data Received From Transmission Control Module |
| P0703 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0725 | Engine Speed Input Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0746 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0776 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0778 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0840 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0845 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Low |
| P1705 | Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction |
Nissan Sentra Transmission Recalls
None Found
Nissan Sentra Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB NTB10-121 – Hesitation or surge at low speeds – RE0F10A CVT transmission
2007 – 2011 Nissan Altima sedan and coupe
Problem – A slight hesitation or surge feeling maybe felt and speeds between 10 and 45 mph, under light acceleration with engine RPMs between 1200 and 2000.
Solution – The TCM will need to be reprogrammed and a torque rod service hit installed. According to the TSB, reprogramming the TCM may reduce fuel economy by up to 1 mpg.
TSB NTB13-079d – Reduced performance due to CVT fluid temperature protection logic – RE0F10A CVT transmission
*Note: These RE0F10A transmission problems apply to several vehicles. The TSB relating to that vehicle will be listed next to its name.
2007 – 2012 Nissan Altima 4cyl – TSB NTB13-079d
2007 – 2012 Nissan Sentra – TSB NTB13-095c
2008 – 2013 Nissan Rogue – TSB NTB14-002d
2014 – 2015 Nissan Rogue Select – TSB NTB12-057c
Problem – The reduced performance is due to the CVT fail-safe mode, which will reduce the vehicle speed to protect the transmission from further damage. This will happen after high RPM (4000+) and/or high-speed driving (65 mph/104.6 km/h) for 1-1.5 hours or more.
Solution – If the technician determines that the transmission has not been overfilled/the correct transmission fluid is used, and the coolant concentration is not greater than 50%, they will use the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to determine if the conditions were present to damage the transmission. If the conditions were moderate, the RE0F10A valve body will need to be replaced, and an external CVT fluid cooler installed. If the conditions were more severe, then the transmission itself will need to be replaced.
TSB NTB09-148A – Valve body failure
2007-2008 Altima – 2007-2008 Rogue – 2007-2008 Sentra
Problem – Cars equipped with the CVT transmission may have the following trouble codes stored in the TCM: P0840. P0845, P0744, P1777
Solution – The Control Valve Assembly will have to be replaced.
Common Nissan Sentra Transmission Problems
Vehicle will not move forward when the shifter is placed in the Drive position – RE0F10A CVT transmission
Problem – After placing the vehicle in Drive, it may refuse to move as if the transmission is slipping or cannot engage forward gear.
Solution – The problem could be as simple as low CVT fluid or a failed speed sensor. However it can also be failed transmission pump or forward clutch.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Nissan Sentra can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Nissan Sentra transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Nissan Sentra transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Nissan Sentra transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Nissan Sentra transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Nissan Sentra transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Nissan Sentra transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Nissan Sentra transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Nissan Sentra transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Nissan Sentra transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Nissan Sentra Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Nissan Sentra Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Nissan Sentra Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Nissan Sentra Transmission
What Transmission Do I Have?
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
My 2015 Nissan Sentra has 85000 miles and doesn’t move forward…I’m planning to have it repaired or rebuild the transmission. The worst car i have ever had.
Car reverses but does not move forward.
Can’t get it out of park
Today, on our way to the Grand Canyon, halfway there the transmission of our beloved Sentra packed up, smoke coming from it accompanied by an opera chorus of sopranos yelling their heads off. Having read bad reports of the CVT transmission for years we felt lucky that our’s was ok. We also have a 1994 Isuzu Trooper with over 200,000 on the odometer with absolutely no mechanical problems. I think Nissan’s dabbling in untested technology has caused them a huge headache. I like the MAZDA C30.
Purchased 2015 Nissan Sentra in Aug 2021 with 111k for grandson. Paid it off in 3mo. Mass flow air sensor issues started. Loss of power, revving while in park or at stop light. Rapid acceleration. Replaced MFAS several times. Then runs fine for while til it doesn’t. Now has 166k on it and have to decide to junk or replace tranny. After reading comments I consider us lucky making it to 166k miles and skeptical that a $5k fix is worth it
I bought this car new for my daughter 2015 Nissan Sentra SV car starting acting up in 2021 went to Nissan to have it check they said it was ok next year car starting driving slow bought to mechanic he said, transmission was going out now the car don’t go toward I’m very disappointed ☹️ please help me because I don’t have anymore money
Having the same problem with my sentra. Transmission is gone in it. I still owe money on it. Will never buy another nissan.
Put rebuild transmission last it went out
Clutch A pressure cvt transmission.
Dealer says transmission no good.
90,000 mile on a 2016 Nissan Sentra
Replacement 5200$. Bought it with 16000 miles on it in 2017 and it has been setting in my backyard for 2.5 years while I pay it off. It’s paid off and worthless like the cvt transmission that comes with them. I’m going to park it next to the dealership with a billboard attached to warn unknowing car buyers. I’ll never buy another Nissan or any vehicle that sets in the same lot as a Nissan. I’d rather ride a tricycle around town in my underwear with a dunce cap on. Shame on Nissan!!!’
I have the identical story. My Nissan Sentra is sitting in driveway with bad transmission. Bought it brand new in 2015. Was late on a 2 oil changes and they would not honor lifetime warranty they advertised. I will never buy another Nissan again and I make sure everyone so know doesn’t buy one.
My transmission just started acting up. It’s a 2017 Sentra SV with just over 138,000 miles. I bought it in May 2019 and still owe quite a bit of money on it. I don’t understand why Nissan is not required to do a recall on these shitty CVT transmissions!
Actually the did. I know this post is old and I hope you as well as.others see this. Nissan has a extended warranty of 85000 miles or 7 years due to a class action lawsuit on 2014 to 2017 Nissans w the cvt trans. Call ur local dealership and ask them have your vin ready. Mines being replaced for free under this warranty
Please let me know if I qualify: bought a Nissan Sentra SR 2014 in 2018. It currently has 110,000kms.
not changing into second gear, I have keep lifting my foot off the pedal for the engine not racing, The code is p0845 ( TRANSMISSION FRLUID PRESSURE SWITCH )but I cannot find the parts not where( nissan setra 2.0 )
Had a rebuild transmission put it and it just wouldn’t go in drive after a month but nissan told me it’s cause the mechanic never took it back to them to reprogram it once it was put in?
My transmission stops pulling and stalls in the middle of traffic almost got killed several times needs to b a recall image yo keep shifting to pick up speed or make it go
Slipped on low
I had to junk my 2011 Nissan in Ohio on the way to AZ and my daughter’s 2010 Nissan Sentra has recently failed. It’s a safety issue! When we are on the highway and the CVT slows way down below the speed limit it’s a major safety issue! Both my daughter and I could’ve easily been rear-ended on 70mph highways (along with half the country’s Bigrigs) when it decided to slow itself. And to top it all off, I had to rent a car to get to AZ and they gave me a freaking Jeep Compass! It sped up to over 100mph on its OWN and it also had huge hesitation problems. Guess what? Same damn transmission as the Nissan. I will never buy another Nissan or any other car that has that damn CVT.
I’m feeling the same way with mines
My 2014 Sentra will not go into any gear to move it forward, however it will go into reverse and move backwards.
I got no pressure when I step on gas , at first I couldn’t get it to go over 30 miles and hour and sometimes the speedometer did not work no I have no pressure car will not drive or reverse but seems like it’s shifting reverse and drive when I hit the gas it doesn’t want to do nothing RPMs don’t river and also I had Walmart change my oil and my transmission fluid looks a little like oil but I cannot be sure it’s not red when I took it out it was black could that be it
sounds like a bikes chain broke it want go forward so i know it dont go backwards. i need the price of a cvt for a 2015 nissian sentra 4.
Mine failed too recently at 120k miles, 2016 Nissan Sentra and I’ve only had the car 2.5 years
I’m starting to see this must just be a BAD car to have cause I’m have the same issue with my Nissan Sentra 2016 with 133k on the miles
2016 Sentra my transmission went out at 134k
Nissan should be ashamed 2013 Nissan Sentra 120,000 miles and a Nissan dealer just told us that it was only worth 700.00 dollars for trade in because the only thing wrong with it is the cvt transmission. This car is in perfect condition other than the cvt transmission.
Nissan Recall these already!!!
They have, but it was a deadline to get it done free. I don’t agree with that because the manufacturer can’t pinpoint when people purchased these cars and not all of them have been fixed. I am pissed about mine too. Its sitting parked because of the cvt transmission 2013 model too
My nissan sentra b15 failed to reverse so,I replaced the gearbox.. It immediately worked well. Aftet 24house the reverse gear shift but car does not reverse. It rather show sings of trying to move forward
Make it right and recall 2014 Sentra
2013-2017cars are garbage. Recall all Nissans
s my sentra also 2013 …very very bad situation now ……..please dont buy nissan cars…..
My second transmission on my 2013 Sentra just failed completely 50000 miles after being replaced at 58000 miles!
Have a 2013 Nissan Sentra, my transmission is junk after 115,000 miles, heard this is ongoing problem.
Cvt tans needs nuclearized