2024 Nissan Sentra recalled for potential loss of drive power

The 2024 Nissan Sentra compact sedan is being recalled for a missing clip that can result in a loss of engine power while the car is being driven, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. 

The issue pertains to the driver’s side front driveshaft on the front-wheel-drive sedan. It may not be properly connected with the continuously variable automatic transmission housing. This can cause the transmission fluid to leak, resulting in a drop in pressure, leading to the car jerking or hesitating. A check engine light or other indicator may appear in the instrument cluster.

In select cases, the driveshaft could disengage from the CVT entirely, and result in the car not moving forward at all. The driveshaft doesn’t separate entirely from the transmission, however. 

The problem is limited only to the refreshed 2024 Nissan Sentra, which is made in the brand’s Aguascalientes plant in Mexico. The plant was recently retrofitted and that change seems to have affected the manufacturing of the shaft and CVT. The CVT was redesigned for smoother shifts and to boost fuel economy for the 2024 model year.

The EPA estimates a 34-mpg combined rating, compared to 33 mpg combined from last year’s model. That’s pretty good in a small segment of entry-level cars with above average fuel economy, as well as hybrid options exceeding 52 mpg as in the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra, as well as the forthcoming Honda Civic.

Nissan estimates that 9,645 Sentras are affected, and it uncovered 58 instances where the driver’s side shaft wasn’t properly connected to the transmission, as well as nine warranty claims.

This is the second recall for the 2024 Sentra. In February, it was part of a small recall of 351 Nissans for an airbag issue. 

Owners can expect notification by mail starting on June 20, alerting them of the issue that requires a dealership service visit. Nissan estimates the inspection to take 30 minutes, and if the driveshaft is not installed correctly, it’ll take up to seven hours to fix it. There will be no cost to owners, other than their time. For more info, contact Nissan customer service at 800-867-7669 or visit Nissan’s recall page.