Skip to content

Free public service · Official NHTSA & EPA data

2016 Nissan Sentra Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

270

Total

18

Crashes

2

Fires

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
153
OTHER
29
AIR BAGS
24
BRAKES
21
ELECTRICAL
20

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 270 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11763062

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 09/01/2026

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 .

ODI #11761719

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 08/17/2026

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.

ODI #11758638

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/20/2023

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.

ODI #11754961

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/03/2026

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.

ODI #11652481Crash

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS — Filed 03/17/2025

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….

ODI #11595952Crash

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/16/2024

My transmission has been acting up since 40k miles . I have took it to Nissan dealer update tcm same problems . I’ve also too it too ford apple dealership York pa and still have open ticket because they couldn’t figure it out . Me and my family are on our way home from Myrtle beach Sc and our transmission gives out at 60k miles causing us to lose control on highway hours away from home stranded.

ODI #11465868

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/16/2022

The contact rented a 2016 Nissan Sentra with Turo. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, she heard an abnormal noise before the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated before. The contact stated the vehicle steered independently out of control and drove through bushes and trees. The contact stated she ended up on the opposite side of the road and with the side air bags deployed but the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact stated she hit her head on the windshield and was unconscious when the paramedics assisted her. The contact stated she was a bit banged and bruised up. The contact refused to seek medical attention at a hospital. The contact stated the driver's side door was unable to unlatch and needed assistance from the paramedics to exit the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The contact called the Turo call center and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11445866Crash

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 11/22/2021

Airbag did Not deploy when in a multi vehicle accident. Total loss, seat broke during impact, frame bent . Front end and rear end damage. Total hazard. I had maintenance done June 5 at Nissan dealer and was never notified of any open recalls.

ODI #11440186Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/04/2021

The contact's son owned a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to operate causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact mentioned that her son sustained bruised chest and the driver from the other vehicle sustained rib inquiries that needed medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The contact contacted an independent mechanic and informed them that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v135000 ( exterior lights). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a reference number. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

ODI #11355274Crash

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/13/2020

BROUGHT THIS 2016 IN APRIL OF 2020, AFTER I INITIALLY DROVE IT , MY DAUGHTER TOOK OVER DRIVING IT SINCE I'M A DISABLED VETERAN. MY FIANCE DROVE THE VEHICLE IN JUNE AND REALIZED IT WAS A DIFFERENT FEELING WITH THE CAR . TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY REPLACED TWO FRONT TIRES AND PERFORM A TUNE UP . MY YOUNG DAUGHTER PICK IT FROM THE SHOP AND WENT OFF TO COLLEGE IN BALTIMORE,MARYLAND. SHE RETURNED TO PALM BEACH IN SEPTEMBER .AFTER SHE GOT HOME , THE CAR JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD UNEXPECTED. MY FIANCE TOOK THE CAR FOR A DRIVE AND NOTICE IT DOING THE SAME THING. TOOK IT TO TWO SHOPS WHO INFORMED ME TWO DIFFERENT DIAGNOSIS., ONE BEING THE TRANSMISSION. THEY INFORM ME TO CONTACT NISSAN WHO IN TURN TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION AT WHICH TIME ON 9/13/2020 , MY DAUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR COULDN'T PICK UP SPEED FAST ENOUGH TO MERGE INTO THE NEXT LANE . I'M HAPPY MY DAUGHTER WASN'T HURT BUT DEVASTATED THAT THIS CAR , 4 YEARS OLD IN MY POSSESSION ABOUT 4 MONTHS NEEDS A TRANSMISSION REPAIR. I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FROM A VEHICLE THAT I STILL HAVE 3 YEARS REMAINING AND FROM NISSAN WHICH I THOUGHT WAS A RELIABLE COMPANY.

ODI #11349015Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/14/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, MAKING A TURN SHE CRASHED INTO A UNKNOWN VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS HOWEVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *DT*JB

ODI #11282005Crash

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/23/2019

SO YESTERDAY IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX, I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL TO GET TO MY APARTMENT, WHEN MY CAR COMPLETELY STALLED ON ME & STARTED TO REVERT BACKWARDS, SO AS I'M TRYING TO STOP MY CAR I GET DRUG BACK DOWN THE HILL WITH MY CAR & AS MY CAR CONTINUED, IT HIT A TREE & A SHED WHICH MESSED UP MY DRIVER SIDE & MY BACK BUMPER & TRUNK. ALSO I HAVE PHYSICAL INJURIES AS WELL.

ODI #11267915Crash

STEERING — Filed 05/22/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 20191420571 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ABDOMINAL INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT BELT AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY LABELED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED AND IT WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

ODI #11195711Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/11/2019

I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR WHICH IS A PUSH TO START COMPLETELY STOPPED. I TRY TO RESTART IT BUT COULDN'T. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE.

ODI #11132171Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/24/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WAS STRUCK (T-BONED) ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED IN THE CONTACT'S FACE AND METAL FRAGMENTS EXITED FROM THE AIR BAG AMIDST A CLOUD OF THICK, BLACK SMOKE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AS WELL AS TRAFFIC COLLISION INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIB CAGE AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED INSURANCE CLAIM NUMBER: [XXX] REGARDING THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.*DT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #11123261Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/20/2017

I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT GOING 55+ MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND GOT HIT BY A BIG RIG AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED SO THEY FIXED THEM. I WAS HIT BY A BIG RIG WHICH WRECKED MY WHOLE CAR MAKING IT NOT DRIVEABLE THE WINDOWS WERE ALL SHATTERED AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF. *DT UPDATED 10/17/18*JB

ODI #11115459Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/27/2018

I WAS SMASHED IN BETWEEN TWO CARS AT A RED LIGHT. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALED.

ODI #11103820Crash

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/09/2018

NEW CAR WITH SEVERAL INCIDENCES WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND NEEDING TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE BREAKS FELT SLUGGISH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHERE I INTENDED, AND IT MADE SOUNDS. I WENT TO SEVERAL NISSAN DEALERSHIPS AND THEY EACH TOLD ME THE BREAK SYSTEM WAS OK AND I JUST NEEDED TO GET THE FEEL OF A NISSAN SENTRA. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I OWNED SEVERAL NISSAN SENTRAS. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I INCREASED MY STOPPING DISTANCE BECAUSE I DIDN'T TRUST THE CAR. I GOT INTO A MINOR FENDER BENDER. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME ONLY HAD A SMALL SCRATCH. I WAS GOING AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. HOWEVER, MY CAR DIDN'T BEHAVE NORMALLY. I HIT THE BREAK AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT IT WAS SLUGGISH AND STILL MOVING. THE FRONT-END EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM STARTED BEEPING. I COULDN'T SWERVE THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WHERE CARS ON MY SIDES. I CONTINUED HITTING THE BREAK AS HARD AS I COULD, AND MY SYSTEM BEEPED AND FLASHED AGAIN. THE SYSTEM COULDN'T FULLY STOP THE CAR EITHER. BEFORE MOVING MY CAR I CALLED THE NISSAN NUMBER THE MANUAL SAYS TO CALL. I TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND ASKED THEM TO GET THE EVENT DATA RECORDER INFORMATION. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT TO A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY ONLY DOWNLOADED CODES AND WHAT I WAS DESCRIBING WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND AFTER LOOKING INTO IT THEY DECIDED THEY WOULD REPLACE A VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT A PART ALSO NEEDED REPLACING BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER. I ASKED FOR DOCUMENTATION OF WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO TO MY CAR AND THEY REFUSED AND SAID I WOULD GET IT AT THE END. NOW THE PART IS FURTHER BACKORDERED. THEY WON'T PAY FOR A RENTAL AND ARE NOW SAYING THAT IF I WANT OUT OF MY LEASE THEY NEED TO DO AN 8 WEEK INVESTIGATION. I WANTED THE INVESTIGATION OVER 2 MONTHS AGO!

ODI #11083095Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/04/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF HIS VEHICLE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT *TR

ODI #11076237Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/02/2018

CAR WAS TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN TRAFFIC WAS SLOWING DOWN, CAR BEHIND ME WAS APPROACHING VERY FAST. CAR HIT ME AND THEN I HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME.

ODI #11065437Crash

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/25/2017

THE TRANMISSON NOT ENOUGH POWER AND SEEMS TO ME NOT GOOD GAS BECAUSE THE NOT CORRECTLY ON CITY AND HIGHWAY.. NEED IMPROVE.

ODI #11051004Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/28/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT ABRUPTLY STOPPED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BUT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

ODI #11020019Crash

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE — Filed 08/22/2017

WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T SUPPORT THE UPPER PART OF MY BODY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SEAT BELTS NEVER LOCKED IN PLACE AND NOW SEATBELT LIGHT ON DASH

ODI #10992768Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/28/2017

BREAK FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. BREAK PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAYTO THE FLOOR. JUST DIDN'T COME TO FULL STOP. HAPPENED 2 DAYS IN A ROW. THE LATTER INCIDENT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT. IT'S A REAL HAZARD ON THE ROAD. NOW THE CAR IS BEING SERVICED AND LOANER CAR IS BEING PROVIDED BY THE DEALER. CARSON NISSAN IN CALIFORNIA.

ODI #10954413Fire

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 11/03/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-60 MPH, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE HEATING SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR, AND WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov