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2016 Nissan Sentra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sentra years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Sentra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 116.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

146 reports with mileage · 124 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

45 reports
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24,500 miles · Aug 14, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic

MY CAR STARTED SHOWING A TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME A BRAKE SENSOR WAS BAD SO THEY WENT TO FIX THAT BUT IT DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. APPARENTLY A WIRE SHORTED AND REULTED IN ME NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS AND TH…

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MY CAR STARTED SHOWING A TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME A BRAKE SENSOR WAS BAD SO THEY WENT TO FIX THAT BUT IT DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. APPARENTLY A WIRE SHORTED AND REULTED IN ME NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE CAR DIDNT INDICATE OR WARN ME I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THEY TOLD ME THE COST TO REPLACE THE HARNESS WAS $3000.00 OR THEY COULD RUN ANOTHER WIRE TO REPLACE THE BAD ONE FOR $1000.00 ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR THAT RETAILS FOR $18000.00 THAT HAS 25000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11244685

41,864 miles · Aug 11, 2019
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

WHEN THE COMBINATION SWITCH IS USED TO ACTUATE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER, THE FLUID CONTINUES TO SPRAY AFTER IT IS RELEASED. ONLY PULLING THE SWITCH DOWN, AND BACK UP, WILL CAUSE IT TO STOP. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, OR IN MOTION. OCCASIONALLY THE WASHERS WILL SPRAY UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONLY STO…

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WHEN THE COMBINATION SWITCH IS USED TO ACTUATE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER, THE FLUID CONTINUES TO SPRAY AFTER IT IS RELEASED. ONLY PULLING THE SWITCH DOWN, AND BACK UP, WILL CAUSE IT TO STOP. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, OR IN MOTION. OCCASIONALLY THE WASHERS WILL SPRAY UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ONLY STOPPING WITH MANIPULATION OF THE COMBINATION SWITCH.

NHTSA ODI #11243109

75,000 miles · May 14, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine

MODEL 2016 ALREADY NEEDS THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. HAPPENS OFTEN - THE DEALERS EVEN STOCK IT. WILL ONLY GUARANTEE THE WORK FOR ONE YEAR, AS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. CAR STALLS CONSTANTLY, HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS AND MUST BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. HAD TO TOW IT TO THE DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #11207556

70,000 miles · Apr 11, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFire

I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR WHICH IS A PUSH TO START COMPLETELY STOPPED. I TRY TO RESTART IT BUT COULDN'T. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #11195711

37,458 miles · Mar 14, 2019
Air BagsElectrical System

THERE'S A YELLOW DASHBOARD LIGHT AND A RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THAT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN THERE'S AN ADULT IN THE SEAT, TOO. NISSAN SAYS IT'S A SIGN OF A FAULTY OCS AND SENSORS. I JUST FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS AND I'M NOT SURE THE 1ST OWNERS HAD IT CHECKED AND FIXED. I'…

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THERE'S A YELLOW DASHBOARD LIGHT AND A RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THAT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN THERE'S AN ADULT IN THE SEAT, TOO. NISSAN SAYS IT'S A SIGN OF A FAULTY OCS AND SENSORS. I JUST FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS AND I'M NOT SURE THE 1ST OWNERS HAD IT CHECKED AND FIXED. I'M A 2ND OWNER. EITHER WAY, IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AND EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. SIMILAR RECALL WAS APRIL 26, 2016 | RECALL 16V244000.

NHTSA ODI #11186887

30,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Electrical System

ON MY RADIO, IT ALSO HAS GPS & BACKUP CAMERA AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK IT TURNS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT TURNS BACK ON AND THE RADIO GOES FULL BLAST. I AM ASSUMING THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. IT DID IT AGAIN 12/13/18. I AM WORRIED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FOR THE WHOLE CAR IS GOING TO SHUT OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11161360

35,000 miles · Nov 29, 2018
Electrical System

WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND PUSH THE START BUTTON EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF LOCKING ME INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND I CAN NOT GET OUT!! LUCKILY I COULD RELEASE THE HOOD IF I HAVE SOMEONE TO LET ME OUT. IT HAPPENED ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 AT 10PM IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. I HAD A PANIC ATTACK TRYING TO GO FROM THE FRONT SEAT TO BACK AND BACK TO FRO…

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WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND PUSH THE START BUTTON EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF LOCKING ME INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND I CAN NOT GET OUT!! LUCKILY I COULD RELEASE THE HOOD IF I HAVE SOMEONE TO LET ME OUT. IT HAPPENED ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 AT 10PM IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. I HAD A PANIC ATTACK TRYING TO GO FROM THE FRONT SEAT TO BACK AND BACK TO FRONT. I PRESSED MY HEAD SO HARD AGAINST THE CEILING THAT I IMMEDIATELY GOT A MIGRAINE AND THREW UP. THREE DAYS LATER I STILL HAVE A MIGRAINE AND THROWING UP. SHOULD THE CAR LOCK UP LIKE THAT WHEN LOSING POWER.

NHTSA ODI #11154837

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2018
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY VEHICLE JERKS AND MAKES NOISE WHEN SHIFTING IN GEARS. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND CAR PERFORMANCE IS NOT LIKE IT SUPPOSE TO DO. I HAVE READ RECALLS ON THE NISSAN SENTRA AND MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE ISSUES THAT ARE FOUND ON OTHER VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #11150845

55,000 miles · Oct 4, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2016 WITH ONLY 10 MILES ON IT FROM ME DRIVING OFF WITH IT. I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE. IVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED WHICH THEY DIDN'T WANT TO REPLACE DUE TO LOW NOISES IT MADE IF I DROVE OVER 10 MPH. THEY REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR FOR THREE MONTHS BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULDN'T CUT ON FROM THE…

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I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2016 WITH ONLY 10 MILES ON IT FROM ME DRIVING OFF WITH IT. I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE. IVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED WHICH THEY DIDN'T WANT TO REPLACE DUE TO LOW NOISES IT MADE IF I DROVE OVER 10 MPH. THEY REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR FOR THREE MONTHS BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULDN'T CUT ON FROM THE NOISES IT MADE. NOW MY CAR CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START. ALL MAINTENANCE IS UP TO DATE AND MY CAR HAS 55,000 EVEN TODAY! THE BATTERY IS NOW AND CHARGED. ALL CABLES ARE TIGHT. I HAVE TO GET IT TOWED TO NISSAN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED.

NHTSA ODI #11133385

60,820 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

2016 NISSAN SENTRA SR (CURRENT MILEAGE EST. 60,000 MILES) THE IGNITION ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED AROUND 20,000 MILES. NORMALLY, THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DURING MY COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK (WHICH IS 60 MILES A DAY), THE SLIP TRACTION LIGHT STAYS ON FOR DAYS REGARDLESS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. DURING THIS TIME T…

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2016 NISSAN SENTRA SR (CURRENT MILEAGE EST. 60,000 MILES) THE IGNITION ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED AROUND 20,000 MILES. NORMALLY, THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DURING MY COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK (WHICH IS 60 MILES A DAY), THE SLIP TRACTION LIGHT STAYS ON FOR DAYS REGARDLESS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. DURING THIS TIME THE ACCELERATION OF MY VEHICLE IS STALLING. A JERKING MOTION AS I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR. A REPAIR WAS INITIATED BUT NO TO AVAIL, THE ACCELERATION IS STILL STALLING. THERE IS A FAULT IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM. WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, THE BRAKE SWITCH ACTS UP AND THE CAR CAN'T TURN ON. THE BRAKE GETS STIFF AND I'M UNABLE TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE FOR 10 -30 MINUTES. PUSHING THE IGNITION BUTTON ALONE, THE CAR WILL LIGHT UP AND THE RADIO WILL TURN ON THEREFORE THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY. THE BRAKE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN TWO CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. CURRENTLY THIS ISSUE IS OCCURRING WITH A NEW BRAKE SWITCH IN MY VEHICLE. ALSO, IF MY CAR IS PARKED AFTER AN HOUR OR SO , I HAVE DIFFICULTY TURNING ON THE CAR, BRAKE PEDAL GETS HARD AND I WAIT ONCE AGAIN UNTIL THE PEDAL UNLOCKS. AT THE GAS STATION, I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE TO FILL UP MY TANK, FIVE MINUTES LATER I'M UNABLE TO TURN MY VEHICLE ON, AGAIN BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD. ALL OIL CHANGES AND RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11119946

Official recalls

6

21V135000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Mar 3, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

17V253000 · Air Bags

Apr 13, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

16V485000 · Electrical System:wiring

Jun 29, 2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2016, through April 26, 2016. The engine room harness may have a terminal pin too large to maintain a connection with the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine room harness loses connection to the ECU, the vehicle may not start or the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the terminal pin on the engine room harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

16V436000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module; Electrical System:wiring

Jun 15, 2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

Consequence: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Electrical System:wiring

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

Consequence: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

16V242000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Apr 26, 2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to incorrectly classify the installed CRS, resulting in the front passenger air bag to not be turned off as designed when a CRS is in the seat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the frontal passenger air bag deploys in the event of a crash when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, there will be an increased risk of injury to the child in the CRS.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016. Owners are warned not to install a CRS in the front seat. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

16V244000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Apr 26, 2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.