Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Nissan Sentra problems
Owners filed 270 complaints about the 2016 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between Jul 2016 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is power train (127).
Complaints
270
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train127
- Engine48
- Electrical system45
- Vehicle speed control27
- Air bags24
- Fuel/propulsion system18
- Service brakes18
- Structure10
- Electronic stability control (esc)10
- Exterior lighting8
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Steering5
- Seat belts3
- Visibility/wiper3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
16
43
36
34
22
36
18
23
27
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 36 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
127 reports6 crashes1 fire
“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…”
Engine
48 reports1 crash2 fires
“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 .”
Electrical system
45 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Vehicle speed control
27 reports1 crash
“I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra SV with 103k miles on it. I was driving the car, and noticed at stop sign and red lights the car would strain and hesitate when the accelerator was pressed. It would jerk hard then drive normally. The car would also loose power while driving. It would drop from 65 mph to 20 mph. It has done this numerous of times, and I have to try and maneuver off to the side of the highway to avoid a crash. The check engine light illuminated.The car would sit for a few minutes, accelerate, and drive normal. A few minutes later, the cycle starts again. I would also smell as if something was burning. After taking it to the shop, it was determined it was the CVT which was recalled in 2018 for 2013-2017 Nissan Sentra due to faulty CVT's. However, it is based on your VIN number according to Nissan.I did speak to a representative from Nissan Consumer Affairs and she stated my VIN number should NO RECALLS!!!! I have this car that is doing everything that granted the recall, but because they did not put my VIN number on their list it doesn't qualify. Several transmission shop has told me they do not attempt to repair the CVT they buy a new transmission…”
Air bags
24 reports10 crashes4 related recalls
“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….”
Fuel/propulsion system
18 reports1 crash
“Ive took my car to alhambra dealer for a recall and before I did i scared my car with the obd2 to make sure everything was okay witch it scanned no check engine and all green check lights IM REDINESS.. AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALER I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT FOR A WHOLE DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR STARTS THROWING CODES AND NOW MY CAR WONT PASS SMOG BECAUSE THEE DEALER RUINNED MY CAR.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.