DecodedCars2017 Nissan Sentra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Turbo 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 109–130 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
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 130 hp, versus about 173 hp for similar 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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), 19% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 231 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Sentra →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2017 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 | +19% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Sentra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +12% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Sentra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +8% | $2,850 | 307 |
| Sentra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +4% | $2,950 | 318 |
| Sentra Nismo | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | 0% | $3,050 | 330 |
| Sentra Nismo | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | 0% | $3,050 | 330 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Sentra (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Aug 21, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V551000 · 153,047 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Air Bags · Apr 13, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V253000 · 30,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2017 Nissan Sentra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Nissan Sentra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 75 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 48 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 32 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,000 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 2017 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 |
| 2018 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 185 |
| 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 →