DecodedCars2018 Nissan Sentra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Turbo 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 130 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 182.3–182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,866–3,020 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 130 hp, versus about 174 hp for similar 2018 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Nissan Sentra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,866 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway), 18% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Sentra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Sentra →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2018 Sentra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 182.3 in | 69.3 in | 59.1 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 2,866 lb | 60/40 |
| Turbo 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 69.3 in | 59.1 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,020 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +18% | $2,100 | 279 |
| Sentra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +10% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Sentra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +7% | $2,850 | 307 |
| Sentra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +3% | $2,950 | 318 |
| Sentra Nismo | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 330 |
| Sentra Nismo | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 330 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Sentra (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Mar 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V135000 · 807,376 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
- Risk
- The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V654000 · 1,228,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Not every 2018 Nissan Sentra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Nissan Sentra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 46 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 38 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Nissan Sentra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sentra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2025 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2024 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 41 |
| 2023 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2022 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 81 |
| 2021 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 132 |
| 2020 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 207 |
| 2019 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 223 |
| 2017 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 231 |
| 2016 Sentra | 33 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 270 |
| 2015 Sentra | 33 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 352 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →