Problems · by component

2016 Nissan Sentra electrical system problems

45 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Sentra cite electrical system, 17% of all 270 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
45
17% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11763062
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2026Electrical systemODI 11741557
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 93,000. It was later discovered that the title mileage was 119,200. The contact called the dealer and requested the odometer be updated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer called the contact to pick up the vehicle, that the vehicle would not be repaired, and that the vehicle had too many failures.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11714056
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11704495
“I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these warnings were not disclosed at the auction listing. The car became unable to drive and created a hazardous situation in traffic. I had to call AAA roadside assistance, and the vehicle had to be towed. A Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and documented that it has serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering. When attempting to diagnose the vehicle, the OBD2 diagnostic port would not power on, which indicates a potential electrical wiring issue or fuse failure. I also discovered signs that the electrical system may have been tampered with prior to the sale, including a blown fuse and wiring abnormalities. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11699932
“While driving car shuts down in traffic!!! Cuts off at stop signs!!! Cuts off driving up steep roads!!! Jerks and jolts forward!!! Speeds up and down while gauges fluster!!!! The car slips in and out of gear!!! My life has been in danger since I bought this car… I need the situation taken care of this car is a dear trap and a severe safety hazard!!! This car in whole was recalled I don’t know why Nissan missed my vin number….”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 16, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11643006

Showing 6 of 45 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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).

Electrical systemReported Jun 29, 2016NHTSA 16V485000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.