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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

270 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Ive took my car to alhambra dealer for a recall and before I did i scared my car with the obd2 to make sure everything was okay witch it scanned no check engine and all green check lights IM REDINESS.. AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALER I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT FOR A WHOLE DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR STARTS THROWING …

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Ive took my car to alhambra dealer for a recall and before I did i scared my car with the obd2 to make sure everything was okay witch it scanned no check engine and all green check lights IM REDINESS.. AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALER I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT FOR A WHOLE DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR STARTS THROWING CODES AND NOW MY CAR WONT PASS SMOG BECAUSE THEE DEALER RUINNED MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11704495

163,000 miles · Dec 4, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erratically jerked and the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed an abnormal whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The …

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The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erratically jerked and the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed an abnormal whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that days later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

NHTSA ODI #11703081

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost ac…

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I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these warnings were not disclosed at the auction listing. The car became unable to drive and created a hazardous situation in traffic. I had to call AAA roadside assistance, and the vehicle had to be towed. A Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and documented that it has serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering. When attempting to diagnose the vehicle, the OBD2 diagnostic port would not power on, which indicates a potential electrical wiring issue or fuse failure. I also discovered signs that the electrical system may have been tampered with prior to the sale, including a blown fuse and wiring abnormalities. The vehicle shows multiple unsafe conditions: * Loss of acceleration in traffic * Sudden transmission failure * Electrical malfunction * Dashboard warning lights not previously disclosed * Diagnostic port not functioning * Battery warning light activation * Car becoming undriveable within minutes of use These issues were not disclosed at the time of purchase and present clear safety hazards, as the vehicle could not accelerate or maintain speed in traffic. I am filing this complaint to report the unsafe condition of the vehicle and the immediate failure that occurred right after purchase. This poses a danger not only to the driver but to other motorists on the road.

NHTSA ODI #11699932

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2025
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

CVT code P17F4 Judder i have not drove 356 miles in the last 2 days.

NHTSA ODI #11688336

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2025
Power Train

Transmission failed after used car purchase. Called regarding fluid on driveway and was told normal after oil change. Continued fluid leak past 30 day warranty. Tried to get Nissan dealer to look at it but was told must go back to used dealer (same company) next door as they sold it. Dozens of calls later, no return calls, …

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Transmission failed after used car purchase. Called regarding fluid on driveway and was told normal after oil change. Continued fluid leak past 30 day warranty. Tried to get Nissan dealer to look at it but was told must go back to used dealer (same company) next door as they sold it. Dozens of calls later, no return calls, wrong transfers, etc. then cancelled appts, got to shop and was told bad transmission. Called Nissan Corp. nothing. Back to dealer who has car that can’t be driven and told best can do is split cost of used or rebuilt $5300-6400. Online forums show there is definitely an issue with Nissan CVT transmissions. Nissan should extend warranty to used car purchasers for at least one year.

NHTSA ODI #11683705

116,000 miles · Aug 6, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jolted and shook abnormally before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle wa…

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The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jolted and shook abnormally before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #11678820

11,000 miles · Jul 21, 2025
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while accelerating on a busy street, the vehicle stalled in front of an approaching tractor-trailer. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The …

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The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while accelerating on a busy street, the vehicle stalled in front of an approaching tractor-trailer. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was hard to shift into gear. There was an abnormal winding sound was detected. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11674980

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2025
Power Train

CVT Transmission -available upon request to inspect. Safety was at risk as I was in flow of traffic and suddenly lost power to the transmission slowing suddenly, Cars behind me had to swerve to keep from hitting my car. Car has not been inspected at this time, there were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. During n…

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CVT Transmission -available upon request to inspect. Safety was at risk as I was in flow of traffic and suddenly lost power to the transmission slowing suddenly, Cars behind me had to swerve to keep from hitting my car. Car has not been inspected at this time, there were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. During normal operation at interstate speed Speed over 60 mph. The cvt transmission slips and experiences a sudden loss of power making it difficult to safely operate on the interstate. This condition also occurs when leaving a stop. the vehicle loses power and does not want to accelerate properly under normal operation. Causing cars behind me to have to slow down to prevent accidents.

NHTSA ODI #11671330

120,000 miles · Jun 20, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed CVT transmission kit. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission kit needed to be…

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The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed CVT transmission kit. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11668116

111,626 miles · Jun 3, 2025
Exterior LightingService Brakes

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure recurred after a Volkswagen dealer had completed the vehicle inspection. The dealer shifted to neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle into the garage. The dealer diagnosed that the brake light switch …

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The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure recurred after a Volkswagen dealer had completed the vehicle inspection. The dealer shifted to neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle into the garage. The dealer diagnosed that the brake light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to #1 Cochran Nissan West Hills (7900 University Blvd, Coraopolis, PA 15108), where the contact was informed that after a recall repair completion, the recall parts were only warrantied for 12,000 miles or 365 days, whichever occurred first. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at the contact's expense and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,626.

NHTSA ODI #11664606

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.