2008 Nissan Sentra Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2008 Nissan Sentra?
The 2008 Nissan Sentra offers an affordable entry into the compact sedan segment, delivering decent fuel economy and a practical interior. However, its widespread and costly Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failures significantly diminish its long-term reliability and make it a purchase that demands serious caution. While other systems are generally robust, the looming risk of a major powertrain expense casts a long shadow over its value proposition.
Biggest Strengths
- Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines
- Generally robust engine mechanics (if maintained)
- Simple, easy-to-use controls
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2008 Nissan Sentra. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SENTRA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH MASTER CYLINDERS. BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. IF THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES TO BELOW THE MINIMUM LEVEL, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL ILLUMINATE AS DESIGNED AND THE BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
NISSAN IS RECALLING 169,202 MY 2007-2008 SENTRA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED ROBERT BOSCH MASTER CYLINDER. DUE TO THE MACHINING IRREGULARITY BY THE SUPPLIER, THE INTERNAL SEAL GROOVE IN THE BODY OF SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP IN THE GROOVE CONTACT AREA OF THE SEAL. THIS MAY RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID SLOWLY LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.
What breaks on the 2008 Nissan Sentra?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Sentra by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Nissan Sentra. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 2008 Nissan Sentra
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Frequently Asked Questions
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