repaired · 2025 Q1
Brake lights: switch
Risk. The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Nissan SentraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 270 owner complaints about the 2016 Nissan Sentra, most often about the power train. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-135 the manufacturer reports only 58% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ryan Hildebrand, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Nissan Sentra has problems
270 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
127Power train7 crash/fire/injury
48Engine3 crash/fire/injury
45Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
27Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
24Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
18Fuel/propulsion system
18Service brakes
10Electronic stability control (ESC)
10Structure
3711 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 127 | 7 |
| Engine | 48 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 45 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 27 | 1 |
| Air bags | 24 | 10 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 4 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 10 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 2 |
| 11 other systems | 37 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2016 Nissan Sentra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2017 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
87kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 71 power train complaints. 69% were reported before 100,000 miles.
13under 30k miles49under 100k miles22100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Sentra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sentra median. How we score
1136636374139636258991171411085859171236304180197170116154167551441421806383813522702311852232081338120413220
'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Nissan Sentra safety ratings
2016 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Sentra owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.…
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…
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…
Own a 2016 Sentra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.