2016 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 270 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 18 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMar 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.
The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V135000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V253000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringJun 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).
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.
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.
Campaign 16V485000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 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.
If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V436000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Representative owner complaints
270 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 9, 2026
The ECU problem is a major issue the vehicle is stalling, not starting, just malfunctioning tremendously while on the road in traffic while driving it stalls in traffic, shuts off in traffic. I was told this was a issue back in July 2017 The same issue has occurred again with safety concerns .
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone and DTC: C1116 “Stop Lamp Switch" was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2026
In 2023, my vehicle experienced a transmission/CVT-related failure that resulted in a loss of propulsion. The vehicle became unable to continue driving and was stopped in Chino Hills, California. A neighbor called the police, and officers responded to the scene, although no police report was filed. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the transmission/transaxle was replaced. After the replacement, the vehicle later developed a transmission fluid leak. I returned the vehicle to the authorized dealership regarding the leak, and the concern was addressed at no charge. However, the transmission fluid leak has since recurred. An independent repair facility recently inspected the vehicle and observed an active fluid leak around the transmission assembly, as well as an apparent abnormal condition in the transmission area. The exact cause of the current leak has not yet been fully diagnosed and is currently unknown. The condition is available for further inspection. The Check Engine Light is currently illuminated, and the vehicle is unable to pass an emissions inspection. My primary concern is vehicle safety. This vehicle previously experienced an actual loss of propulsion associated with a transmission-related failure and had to be towed. Because the replacement transmission/transaxle is now experiencing a recurring fluid leak and an unresolved condition, I am concerned about the possibility of another transmission-related mechanical failure or loss of propulsion while driving. I am also concerned about potential safety risks associated with continued fluid leakage in the vehicle. The current problem has been observed by an independent repair facility but has not yet received a complete formal diagnosis. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the current recurring condition.
Power train, Aug 5, 2026
On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, while driving on the parkway at an approximate speed of 65 miles per hour and preparing to merge onto the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled completely. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, once the immediate traffic situation on the highway entrance cleared, I attempted to re-engage the vehicle. While the engine started, it immediately began revving excessively high without corresponding forward momentum. The vehicle moved at an extremely slow pace despite the high engine RPMs, indicating a severe loss of power transfer to the wheels. Current Status: The vehicle is presently parked and cannot be driven due to this ongoing issue. It remains inoperable.
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Niss. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale/dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,242. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the mileage was 149,244.
Power train, Apr 21, 2026
The CVT transmission, which Nissan has had many issues with per the large number of class action lawsuits, failed while I was driving the vehicle on a main street in San Diego. The vehicle showed no indication (warning light) that there was any engine failure or issue. The CVT transmission just died unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving with traffic. I brought the vehicle to Mossy Nissan in National City and they confirmed the CVT transmission failed. The vehicle only has 87,762 miles on it. Nissan claimed they are not responsible. I only learned of the large number of CVT transmission lawsuits once this happened. They have broken their lawsuits into different vehicle years, makes, and models so to avoid listing this issue as a recall across the brand.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2026
The vehicle stopped accelerating while driving and after stopping, would not exceed 5-10 mph. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic who advised that the transmission had failed.
Visibility, Mar 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the sunroof exploded and shattered without impact. The contact exited the highway, pulled over to the side of the road, and took pictures of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Power train, Mar 5, 2026
The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also did not come on until 17 minutes after the transmission failed. An independent service center confirmed the problem and stated that they’ve seen many other Sentra’s with the same problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, etc. Very dangerous situation with no warning signs.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 93,000. It was later discovered that the title mileage was 119,200. The contact called the dealer and requested the odometer be updated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer called the contact to pick up the vehicle, that the vehicle would not be repaired, and that the vehicle had too many failures.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2025
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.
Power train, Dec 4, 2025
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 17, 2025
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 19, 2025
CVT code P17F4 Judder i have not drove 356 miles in the last 2 days.
Power train, Aug 28, 2025
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.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
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.
Power train, Engine, Jul 21, 2025
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.
Power train, Jul 5, 2025
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.
Power train, Jun 20, 2025
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.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 3, 2025
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.
Power train, May 13, 2025
My 2016 Nissan Sentra SV has had two complete CVT transmission failures. I purchased the vehicle used with somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. The transmission failed shortly after, and was replaced under warranty. Now, at 139,447 miles, the replacement transmission has also failed less than 70,000 miles later. The car lost acceleration and came to a complete halt while driving, stopping on train tracks, I had to quickly put the car in park and back in drive and the car drove again. This is clearly a pattern of defective manufacturing. CVT failure results in sudden jerking, loss of acceleration, and stalling all of which are dangerous while driving. Nissan is refusing to offer assistance since the car is out of warranty, but two major transmission failures in under five years indicates a serious safety issue.
Power train, Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal vibrating grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Ray Automotive, where an air flow sensor was replaced; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an air flow sensor was replaced under warranty; however, the failure recurred increasingly. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving. The vehicle was taken to Ray Automotive, where the transmission fluid was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was then taken to Richard Automotive, where it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2025
There is a transmission issue with my vehicle. It has been present since I first obtained the vehicle. Generally, the gears tend to “slip” or stutter, creating a stalling motion upon accelerating. It has stayed the same relatively up until recently when it would not stay in gear or switch gears and I could not accelerate at all. This is very scary because it could lead to an accident, a crash, or not being able to move my vehicle to a safe place. Upon research, I have seen many other Nissan Sentra 2016 owners experience the same issue, and Nissan continues to do nothing about it. I had my personal mechanic look at it and he confirmed it was the transmission and it would need to be replaced. I spoke with Nissan and they said there is no active recall on my specific vehicle, even though the transmission is the original transmission. They quoted me at almost $9000.00 to get a replacement. There were no lights present in my vehicle indicating there was an issue, and as stated previously, I experienced the stuttering issue up until the transmission gave out completely. This has been occurring since I got the vehicle in 2021.
Power train, Air bags, Apr 3, 2025, crash
I filed a complaint a couple months ago, about my car driving erratic and slipping of gears , jolting, cutting off in traffic etc; Now this complaint is about an accident caused by the jolting of the car which crashed my car into the back of someone else’s… this car is a death trap… Nissan needs to be held responsible for these death trap cars Cvt transmission is its major problem… this season of car was recalled but my car was not…. It was a major recall on these cars I need my transmission repaired by Nissan…. My first complaint was of driving disasters jerking of transmission slipping cutting off in traffic my life’s been in danger since I bought this car now I damaged my car and someone else car do to Nissan’s negligence….Not holding up to repairing their malfunctioning cars….
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2025
Transmission failed/malfunctioned. While driving the car it started to slow down and I couldn't accelerate any longer causing the car to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I had my two young children with me. If a car would have been too close behind me they could have rear ended me and caused harm to myself or my children. I have not taken the vehicle to the dealership since it is over 30 miles away and is undrivable and I am unable to afford a tow truck at this time. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than my husband. There were not warning messages prior and the only other issues I had with the car prior is problems with the air conditioner not work and making a vibrating sound.