NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 270 owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Most complaints involve power train (127) and engine (48). The EPA rates it 30–33 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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).
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sentra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 245 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 142 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 352 |
| 2016 | 270 |
| 2017 | 231 |
| 2018 | 185 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 207 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 19 |
“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…”
“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 .”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FE Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 | 268 |
| Sentra Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 | 278 |
| Sentra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 298 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 270 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (127), engine (48), electrical system (45). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Sentra at 30–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Nissan Sentra 4 out of 5 stars overall.