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: power train
127 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 3, 2023
I was driving at less than 30 miles per hour when I noticed my vehicle had stopped accelerating. It was moving along fine and when I brake and put my foot on the gas, the car would rev and the RPMs would increase, but it would not move forward. As I approached a hill, it started to roll backward. I was in the middle of downtown on a Saturday afternoon and had to park by the side of the road to avoid getting hit. I towed my car to the closest vehicle and after a diagnosis check, was told that the car's transmission had failed. There were no signs or lights on the dashboard. I did some research online and saw that this was a common issue with the 2016 Nissan Sentra transmission.
Power train, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the axle shaft was leaking fluid into the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Power train, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the RPM would increase but the vehicle would not respond. 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 notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Power train, Dec 25, 2022
When driving on the interstate above 45 miles per hour, the car jerks and does not want to go. The car almost did not make it thru the intersection with another vehicle coming on more than one occasion. Car finally stopped and had to be towed. Informed that a new transmission was needed.
Power train, Dec 18, 2022
I have transmission issue
Power train, Dec 9, 2022
When driving, the transmission jumps all the time when accelerating. Also, when driving at speeds over 70 miles per hour, the tachometer jumps up and down like the transmission is not pulling and then starts pulling. This is very dangerous with the slippery weather we have in Wisconsin. The car seems to lose power completely at these speeds as well. This happens every time I drive it. The last time I dorve it was 11/25/22 because it seems too dangerous. Thank you!
Power train, Engine, Nov 30, 2022
My Nissan Sentra 2016 lost power for the first time back in 2020 while driving and i was unable to accelerate properly. I was so concerned because i was driving while the incidents happened. The car was taken to the Nissan dealership for inspection and they said that the transmission was the problem. No repairs were performed. On November 2022 the car suddenly lost power for the second time and i was unable to properly accelerate while driving it on the highway. No warning lamps showed before it failed. They appear after the car losses power.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated and the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted but failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed her that she no longer qualified for the warranty extension for the transmission after 100,000 miles and that the repair would be out of pocket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Power train, Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately at 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and dropped speed to 15 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine only revved and would not regain forward speed. The contact stated a symbol for a "pedal" was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 4, 2022
I have a sentra 2016 that has been from day 1 and brand new has had a shake, judder, stall during sudden acceleration or stop and go stop and go with being jolted forward, usually on the highway. I am always terrified to drive it anywhere. I can't believe there is no recall on this. They need to offer a new transmission for the owners.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 14, 2022
powertrain , speed control transmission slipping won't go forward or reverse slow
Power train, May 26, 2022
Had the Sentra in the dealership three different times for transmission slipping while under warranty. Each time they came back saying there was nothing wrong and couldn’t duplicate any issues. Now out of warranty the transmission failed. Contacted Nissan corporate and their response was nothing we can do. Let them know that I had it in the dealership three times but it made no difference.
Power train, May 2, 2022
The transmission of the vehicle was repaired 6 months after the purchase in 2016 by the dealer. Currently, this Nissan car agency no longer exists, the problem reappeared, failure to start due to insecurity when driving
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
Cars loses power after going on the highway for more than 30 miles.
Power train, Apr 18, 2022
I was driving to work when my car stalled and stopped in the middle of the road. I was almost t boned and mortified. The car turns on, if you press the gas it’s attempting to go but it doesn’t go anywhere. Nissan is now saying that they can’t do anything about this because the warranty was expired in July however this has not only happened to me but over a dozen other clients. This is absurd and unprofessional. Your vehicles are dangerous to drive at this point and I would not recommend as safe due to this. Was there a crash? No, but you shouldn’t wait until someone’s life is taken to do something about it. Was I physically injured or harmed? No, but mentally I was. I love Nissan and was hoping to get another, but this incident does not sit well with me. The assistance I am getting also does not sit well with me, it’s like they don’t even care what happens.
Power train, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started slowing down and the RPM indicator was circling around. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and turn the vehicle off and restart three times and then drove to the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Power train, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the RPM's were rising however, the vehicle was decelerating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he continued to experience the failure. The contact stated he had taken the vehicle to the local dealer on four occasions. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Power train, Feb 22, 2022
CVT transmission. We bought the car February 2021 at approximately 95,000 miles I have 106,000 miles & the CVT transmission needs replaced. I saw there were class action lawsuits against them I California but I'm the Texas. I called Nissan headquarters & was told there was nothing they could do to help me. I stalled in traffic, it jerked & rattled & I thought the tires were going to fall off. I was then scared to drive. I took it to a transmission shop in my town & they said it was the CVT transmission. Nissan told us to take it to a Nissan dealer. They said it was the CVT transmission. Over $4,500.00 to replace it. Please help me.
Power train, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. The vehicle then decelerated to 20 MPH within a few seconds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing transmission replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,500.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2022
Unknown transmission issues cvt
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her of a class-action lawsuit that had been filed against Nissan's CVT transmissions. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that she no longer qualified for the warranty extension for the transmission. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2021
My car is having transmission issues I’ll be driving and it will lose power or the speed limit will decrease makes it very unsafe to drive it will do this out of no where will be on the freeway and it will go from 60 to 15
Power train, Jul 1, 2021
The vehicle loses power and sometimes shakes when trying to accelerate
Power train, Jun 30, 2021
I was driving onto the highway trying to accelerate past 40mph and the car started jerking really bad. I almost rear ended another vehicle luckily I was able to just avoid them . I quickly pulled over and cut the car off when I cut it back on the check engine light came on. it was around 2am so I drove it home the best That I could and took it to get diagnosed the next morning. I was told the transmission had sent about 4 failure codes and that I would need a new one. The need of a new transmission was confirmed for my the Nissan dealership themselves. My car has never done anything remotely like that before hand. I felt my life was put at grave risk and others around me. Knowing my car had began to had a jerking motion of which is almost very uncontrollable.
Power train, Apr 2, 2021
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHUDDERING WHEN IT SHIFTS AND ALSO JERKS DURING SHIFTING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY, AND STALLED WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ITS HAPPENING AT 117107 MILES, I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION ACTING UP, I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE VEHICLE IS STARTING TO FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE