Worst 2016 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Nissan Sentra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 121 | 6 | 1 | 74,846 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 47 | 1 | 2 | 52,858 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 39 | — | 1 | 51,378 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | 1 | — | 41,721 mi | |
| Airbags | 24 | 10 | — | 25,630 mi | |
| Brakes | 18 | 3 | — | 52,083 mi | |
| Fuel System | 17 | 1 | — | 48,680 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 10 | — | — | 27,245 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | 2 | — | 60,000 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | 34,798 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | 19,662 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel Pump | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/Devices | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake Master Cylinder | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Nissan Sentra
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,786,136 vehicles.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Other Nissan Sentra Years
2016 Nissan Sentra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
How safe is the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
Does the 2016 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Sentra?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Nissan Sentra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99