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
638 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 20, 2023
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden the car started to sputter and I couldn't accelerate. Whenever I came to a stop it jerked after a minute of the RPM just revving, it finally shifted and lunged forward. I think the transmission went bad. Made it home parked it and I've been too concerned to drive it since.
Suspension, Dec 18, 2023
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while she was driving, there was an abnormal grinding sound. There was a vibration coming from the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vibration was from the front lower control arm. The contact was informed that the ball joints were the cause of the abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 104,567.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 4, 2023
Code P0101 came on, service Bulletin from NHTSA.gov was done. Car came back worst. Engine stalled in the middle of the street. It wouldn’t turn on, we had to push it to get it out of the street. Car will accelerate on its own when turn on. Sometimes car will accelerate when put on Reverse on its own….. RPMs will be at 7 and 8 when going 45MPH. I notice this has been an issue for Nissan Sentras 2013-2015 based on research all over the internet. People have replaced Thottle body, air mass flow sensor, break sensors, fuel intake, fuses. Vehicle isn’t safe to be driving in street, may caused an accident, even mechanic said I shouldn’t be driving the car because it isn’t safe. We already made a complaint with NHTSA, DMV for financial Help and nothing. Help is really needed.
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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2023
Mass air flow sensor. The check engine light comes on. It’s a safety hazard because the car does not have the power to accelerate so very dangerous when trying to cross intersection driving on The road is dangerous. This mass air flow sensor part is not a maintenance/ regular service. This is the second time I’m having this issue within 14 months. I had it replaced Aug 2022 and now dealership is say I need a new one AGAIN
Power train, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions while driving on the highway, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. Additionally, while driving up an incline, the RPM revved to high however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined 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 provided. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate from a stationary position while driving up an incline. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced but the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2023
The shift started locking, followed by consistent tugging while driving above 20 mph. It stutters and pulls when driving down hill which has caused me to pull over and restart the car in heavy traffic on the freeway. Now the car pulls so much it is not safe to drive above 20 mph. I have taken it to two service centers and both have confirmed the CVT transmission is faulty. No lamps or messages prior to the failure showed up. This started before the car hit 80,000 miles.
Power train, Jul 2, 2023
The vehicle will hesitate and stall when I am pulling out until traffic, causing me to almost get hit if there are any cars coming. When I go over 50mph on an incline, the RPMs will jump way high and the car will lose power in the middle of the highway. I will have to pull over and turn it off for awhile to get it to run again. There are no lights on at this time, but if I have the cruise control going, the Cruise light will flash and cruise will not work. Hitting Accelerate on the steering wheel cruise menu will move the car, but the gas pedal will not, and cruise control will not work.
Power train, Jun 27, 2023
The transmission gave issues a few years ago and I got it fixed by Nissan. They confirmed that they put in a new transmission. It’s been only 20,000 miles and the transmission gave out. The car reverses but will not drive. They quoted me $7000 to fix it again.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2023
My car just started messing up and I took it to my nearest Nissan dealership and I was advised it was the transmission but before that day I was looking up information on what the car issue could be and it came out to be that there was a transmission CVT recall for my car 2013 Nissan Sentra. I moved from Chicago to Arizona in June of 2020 and I was never informed either via phone or email. I do not thin that it is fair that I should have to pay for this issue at all if it is a manufacturer recall and I was never informed of the recall.
Power train, Jun 14, 2023
I own a 2013 Nissan Sentra SR with only 69,000 miles. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained with all recommended services being performed. The vehicle has had the factory/dealer recommended CVT reprogramming as well as CVT fluid exchange and coolant flush services. On May 25, 2023, my daughter was driving home from work when without warning the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway causing it to decelerate rapidly, swerve and almost cause an accident. The vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph and was taken to the dealership. There were no warning lights on the dash and no performance issues prior to the incident. The dealer ran diagnostics & code P17FO came up for a faulty CVT Transmission. The transmission was replaced at a cost of $6186.00. This is a Nissan CVT that has been dealer serviced following all preventive maintenance recommended by Nissan and the Dealership. Two days after the new CVT was installed, the exact same thing occurred, with the car again going into limp mode on a hill of a two-lane road with heavy traffic. The car this time was almost rear ended and would not accelerate above 15 mph. The vehicle is now at the dealership awaiting "transmission number three." Nissan Corporate was notified, and a case number was issued, 48966982. The arbitrator essentially washed their hands of the CVT issue and advised they would not take any action other than acknowledging the very long CVT failure history and that the issue was mine to resolve through my dealer. I filed a previous NHTSA complaint documenting the initial CVT failure, 11524137. The CVT failures is an issue Nissan has known about for twenty years, been sued for, yet continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for a flawed component known for failures, thus screwing countless Nissan consumers out of thousands in out of pocket expenses. Nissan should accept responsibility and recall all of these transmissions or be forced to reimburse consumers who have had to replace one.
Power train, May 27, 2023
I own a 2013 Nissan Sentra SR with only 69,000 miles. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained it's entire life with all recommended services being performed and then some. The vehicle has had the factory/dealer recommended CVT reprogramming as well as CVT fluid exchange services. The vehicle was purchased for my daughter who drives carefully, ensures the car is clean and well maintained. We have a stack of dealer service records showing an impeccable service history. On May 25, 2023, my daughter was driving home from work that evening when without warning the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway causing it to decelerate rapidly, swerve and almost cause an accident. The vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph and was immediately taken to the dealership. There were no warning lights on the dash and no performance issues prior to the incident. The dealer ran diagnostics and code P17FO came up for a faulty CVT Transmission. The transmission now has to be replaced due to failure. This is a Nissan CVT that has been dealer serviced following all preventive maintenance recommended by Nissan and the Dealership (Priority Nissan of Chantilly, Chantilly, VA). The vehicle ran perfectly prior to the failure and there were absolutely no warning signs of a transmission issue before the incident. As part of the preventive maintenance recommended for the vehicle we did the anti/freeze coolant flush at 51K , the CVT reprogramming and transmission flush at 52K, to ensure continued reliability. Despite the car being well maintained and having very low mileage for the model year, the CVT failed with an out of pocket repair of $5,900. The CVT failures is an issue Nissan has known about for twenty years, been sued for, yet continues to deny the problems or accept responsibility for thus screwing thousands of consumers. Nissan should accept responsibility and recall these transmissions or be forced to reimburse consumers. Repair invoice is pending. Car remains in shop.
Electrical system, May 25, 2023
IPDM failure on 3 Nissan vehicles customer owned all having same issues, after taking unit apart, compositors on exact same spots all burnt. As we'll as several places (including spots where issue happened) missing Conformal coatings to protect the entire board from moisture. -Whitmer automotive LLC
Power train, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact then drove to the nearest gas station at 10 MPH and parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
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
Power train, Mar 1, 2023
While driving down the road in my 2013 Nissan Sentra on December 31,2022 my cars engine light came on and went from a solid amber color to flashing and then my car lost power and I had to coast down the road to a near by house where I had to have my vehicle towed to my house and it is still sitting at the bottom of my driveway to this day I believe that my vehicle should be showing a recall on the cvt transmission but it don’t which isn’t right. I just need my car fixed and back to running
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 8, 2023
I called my home Nissan yesterday to get the information about my recalls on my car that I was not aware of after the State Troopers helped me get my cat to a safe location. I was told that there are recalls on the car (and was never notified) I called where it was originally bought from a Nissan Dealership and they gave me several recall codes as I was stranded in the freezing cold with my babies in the car. There are several recalls on my car (P1-1,P1-2, and P1-5,2, P1-8.) The car went from 1RPM and shot up to 8, and down to 0 and the car would not drive after that unless it was less than 15MPH. Anything over 15-20 the car would go from 1RPM back to 8, and shoot down to 0 and jerk the car forward and backwards. I was told it was only an 02 reprogramming recall from the location it was towed to, to a different Nissan dealership. However, I was given several codes of recall from the Nissan Dealership that I purchased it from.
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.
Power train, Jan 26, 2023
While driving down the road power to the accelerator was lost thus making it so I had to roll down the road the the closes driveway and pull over and when I tried to get my vehicle in reverse my vehicle wouldn’t move after it was placed in reverse the engine would rev up but my vehicle wouldn’t move at all
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
transmission problems that don't show up on diagnostic.. it shows up as air sensor problem. That could cost a lot of money if you listen to it...by keep trying to fix the air sensor that has no problem so you will go to auto machines and dealership and they don't know why and keep tell you to fix this or that. The real problem is the transmission. the system fails by not tell you the real problem and have a malfunctioned transmission with the the wiring inside.
Air bags, Jan 19, 2023
Passenger air bag turn off after being replaced from recall
Power train, Visibility/wiper, Jan 14, 2023
The transmission just went out while I was driving. I tried accelerating and my car was not accelerating and now it is not going into gear
Power train, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds the transmission inadvertently shifted from drive(D) to neutral(N), causing the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that occasionally the transmission randomly shifted from drive(D) to reverse(R) causing the vehicle to change direction. The vehicle was taken 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 not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 113,000.