2013 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 638 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 24 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 20 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V242000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 20, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMar 25, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMar 1, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyMar 1, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Sentra vehicles manufactured from September 11, 2012, through October 4, 2012. Some fuel tank assemblies were not properly sealed during the manufacturing process. As a result, a small amount of gasoline may leak from the tank when it is full.
A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a vehicle fire.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V068000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
96 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the front passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated while the front passenger's seat was occupied. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (AIR BAGS), and the contact was provided a letter stating that the vehicle was eligible for additional repairs for 15 years. The manufacturer was contacted, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who failed to honor the letter and provided an estimate for the diagnostic test, and the contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer then closed the case. The failure mileage was approximately 16,050.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jan 4, 2026
I am reporting a failed remedy for Recall R1608 (Occupant Classification System). My 2013 Nissan Sentra was serviced at Nissan of Van Nuys for this recall. Despite the dealership marking the recall as completed, the safety defect persists. Specifically, the passenger seatbelt warning light remains illuminated when the passenger seat is empty, indicating the OCS sensor is incorrectly classifying seat occupancy. This malfunction directly impacts the vehicle's ability to correctly deploy or withhold airbags in a collision. The dealership refused to re-evaluate the failed repair without legal representation. Furthermore, the Multi-Point Inspection provided during this safety recall visit was falsified; a technician hand-wrote a failing brake measurement of '3mm,' yet the Service Advisor marked the system as 'Green/Safe' on the final document. This documentation fraud makes their certification of the recall repair unreliable. They have since refused to re-inspect the safety defect.
Air bags, Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds with the passenger’s side front seat occupied, the “Air Bag Off” warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC code: B00A0 was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that a software update was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Air bags, Oct 17, 2023
I went to get my car inspected and they noticed that my airbag light was on, and that even with a passenger in the seat, the airbag sensor wouldn’t work. I came across an article saying there was a recall for 2013 Nissan’s with airbag sensor problems, but when I went to go see if my car qualified, they said no.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Mar 13, 2023
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, SLOW TO ACCELERATE CVT IS ACTING UP
Air bags, Feb 24, 2023, crash
Slid on black ice (luckily only going about 40mph) car hit a cement guard rail head on severally damaging the entire front of the car (waiting on if it's totaled) no injuries but air bags did not deploy. Well it wasn't super fast that hard of a head on hit they should have deployed.
Power train, Air bags, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine and air bags warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Air bags, Jan 19, 2023
Passenger air bag turn off after being replaced from recall
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Aug 18, 2022
My complaint is that Clear Lake Nissan failed to properly repair a recall on my 2013 Sentra. The recall is located at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/NISSAN/SENTRA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls. The Recall Campaign Bulletin # NTB13-032b / Campaign ID#: PC213 / NTSA#: 13V-069. It is located at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2013/RCRIT-13V069-4312.pdf. The date of initial issue was 8/5/2022. Associate at Clear Lake Nissan committed to run repairs on CVT reprograming & repair of OCS recall to include sensor and seatbelt repair, parts, and labor. Clear Lake Nissan has not attempted to resolve the issue; instead told me they will have to charge me a diagnostic fee of $181 and then parts and labor to do the repair. I asked to speak to a supervisor or manager and was told they will reach out to me via a phone call, but I have yet to receive a call from either a supervisor nor a manager. Please see uploaded files to include a more detailed write up of complaint with specific recall details & explanation of events.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2022
On Saturday morning about 12:03, my son was in an accident. the car rolled over, there were a total of 4 people if the vehicle. the air bags didn't deploy. the 4 people had injuries consisting of concussion, a shattered foot, sprained wrist, and other injuries. I have an open claim with the insurance company. there were no other vehicles involved. The police came to the seen and the vehicle will be investigated further.
Air bags, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was flashing. Additionally, the warning light remained off with an occupant seated in the passenger’s seat. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two separate occasions for diagnostic testing and was informed that the issue was related to the seat wiring. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who notified her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V681000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed her that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Air bags, Jan 3, 2022, crash
Unknown I don't have memory of incident.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2021
Both my driver and passenger seat airbag signals are on and say they the seat is empty, when someone is in the seat, meaning if I crash neither airbags would deploy. I took it to the dealership and they said my VIN wasn’t covered by any recalls.
Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Sep 3, 2021
2013 Nissan sentra sr 66,000 miles transmission blew out, while driving on the street it sputtered, choked and lost power and started making a loud clanking noise.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2021, crash
I was in an accident a guy hit my front right side and insurance totaled it . My airbags never deployed
Air bags, Engine, Jun 4, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph when the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and found no issue and could turn off the warning light, however, after a few days, the warning light illuminated again. While driving at undisclosed speed, the contact was hit head-on by another vehicle causing damage to the front driver side of the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy. There was medical treatment at the scene. There was no one injured, however, the contact was unconscious for a minute and had some pain in their back but did not go to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop who did some repairs to the front driver side of the vehicle, and also inspected the vehicle and found issues with air bags and oil leakage to the engine but was not able to repair those issues. The vehicle was not fully repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximate was 210,000.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2020
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2015. I CALLED THE NUMBER ASKED TO CALL AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER CLOSE TO ME. WHEN I DID THAT I TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN DEALS ON AUTOMOBILE BLVD IN SILVER SPRING, I WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE HAS TO SIT ON THE PASSENGER SIT FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO GO OFF. I ASKED WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS DUE FOR INSPECTION . THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF BEFORE THE INSPECTION TIME. AS I WRITING THOS COMPLIANT, THE LIGHT IS STILL SHOWING AND ON GOING TO THE INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG BEEN DISFUNCTIONAL. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN MOTOR AND THEY ARE GIVING ME THE GO AROUND AND NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF THE RECALL THAT CAUSED MY CAR NOT TO PASS INSPECTION. PLEASE I NEED HELP AS THE RECALL ISSUE WAS NOT ADDRESSED WHICH HAS CAUSED THE PROBLEM NOW.FOR MY NISSAN SENTRA 2013.
Air bags, Dec 20, 2019
THE DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON, ON THE DASHBOARD. IT TURNS ON WHEN I START THE CAR AND IT STAYS ON. ONE DAY IT WAS OFF WHEN I FIRST TURNED ON THE CAR, BUT AS I DROVE A COUPLE OF BLOCKS IT TURNED ON. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND HE RAN A DIAGNOSTICS AND IT CAME BACK WITH CODE B00A0-00 OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM DATA 4 SENSOR - HISTORY FAULT. HE SUGGESTED I GO BACK TO NISSAN. NISSAN TOLD ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND I WOULD HAVE TO FIRST PAY $180.00 FOR THEM TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEN PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS. I AM CONCERNED AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I AM NOT SURE IF THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS LOW MILEAGE ABOUT 12,200 MILES. ALSO, I HADE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG STATUS LIGHT OPERATION RECALL FIXED IN 2016.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2019
AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT IS NOT OPERATING. OCS SENSOR IS NOT OPERATING
Power train, Air bags, Sep 1, 2019
TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT SMOOTHLY. JERKS AT HIGH OR LOW SPEEDS. RPMS REV UP PAST 5 WHICH REQUIRES ME TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR FOR VEHICLE TO SHIFT. AS OF JAN 3 2019. AIR BAGS WERE FIXED DURING RECALL. IN 2016. HOWEVER LIGHTS CAME ON IMMEDIATELY AND NEVER WENT OFF. DEALER CONTINUES TO WANT ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2019
DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP TURNING ON AND OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. IT TURNS ON WHEN I START MY CAR OR WHILE I'M DRIVING, AND STAYS ON. THERE ARE SOME DAYS WHERE IT DOES NOT COME ON IN THE MORNING, AND THEN IT WILL COME ON IN THE AFTERNOON. RIGHT NOW THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 2 DAYS IN A ROW.
Air bags, Jul 3, 2019
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WONT GO OFF. WAS IN MOTION ON I 95
Air bags, May 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V242000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACME NISSAN (2050 US-130, MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ, (732) 821-9300) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE COMPLETED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 15, 2019
ONE DAY I GOT IN MY CAR WITH MY MOTHER AND IT TOLD ME THAT THE PASSAGER AIR BAG WAS OFF BUT SHE WAS SITTING IN IT. I HAD JUST TURNED IT ON AND THE DAY BEFORE THAT IT WAS FINE. ALSO THE ONE ON MY DASH SAID THAT THERE WAS A AIR BAG PROBLEM. IT WASN'T HIT OR TOUCHED IT WAS TRULY OVER NIGHT INFRONT OF MY HOUSE THEN THE LIGHTS FOR THE AIR BAG WERE ON WHEN I STARTED MY CAR.
Air bags, May 2, 2019
THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON IN THE DASH BOARD AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE CAR.