2013 Nissan Sentra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Nissan Sentra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 635 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2013 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2013 Nissan Sentra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2013 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
12.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
12.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Nissan Sentra has 635 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Sentra
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 635
- Crash-related complaints
- 24
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 33
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 29 / 38
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Nissan Sentra?
The 2013 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Nissan Sentra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission performance and check for any known issues or recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission performance and check for any known issues or recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Nissan Sentra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 Nissan Sentra are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, with over 300 reports. Brake system, airbag malfunctions, and engine problems also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints dominate, accounting for nearly half of all reports.
- Brake system and airbag malfunctions each have around 95 complaints, indicating common issues.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 51 complaints, which may be related to transmission or other systems.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Brake System
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2013 Nissan Sentra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Nissan Sentra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 310 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 97 | 10 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 95 | 11 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 91 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 63 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 51 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Erractic rpms. Shakes/hesitant on take off from stop. Accelerator can be pushed all the way and it goes 5mph. Shifting takes a good minute with shakiness. Can not drive in rush hour traffic almost got accident many times.
I am reporting a failed remedy for Recall R1608 (Occupant Classification System). My 2013 Nissan Sentra was serviced at Nissan of Van Nuys for this recall. Despite the dealership marking the recall as completed, the safety defect persists. Specifically, the passenger seatbelt war…
The problem with my 2013 Nissan Sentra relates to the transmission which was serviced April 22, 2024 at Passport Nissan in Suitland, M D. Two months later, June 12, 2024 my car was serviced again for transmission problelms. The CVT transmission unit was replaced because of int…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel started spewing out of the fuel filler neck. The contact waited until the fuel level was almost empty and slowly pumped gasoline into the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken t…
It's slipping in the transmission
While driving, the start/stop button was pressed and the vehicle turned off while in motion. WHILE IN D, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC, IN MOTION, DUE TO THE STOP/START BUTTON BEING PRESSED. It should not be able to shut off while in drive. The safety feature should no…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the de…
The CVT transmission has a serious problem it does this jerking movement and could lead to an accident or serious bodily injury to occupants in the vehicle I am filing a complaint regarding the CVT transmission failure in my 2013 Nissan Sentra (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle began …
Transmission has failed. The car will not change speed when pressing on gas. Causing danger on the road when driven. The issue has been confirmed by an independent auto service. No warning lamps or identifiers has been present with this issue. The vehicle itself has only 97000 mi…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufa…
The car was stalled and wouldn’t go without warning and no indication issues were present. When it stalled driver put at risk of being hit and caused multiple cars to swerve to miss the car. Thankfully able to get the car off the road and toed. Transmission completely failed.
2013 Nissan Sentra that I bought brand new in 2014 with only about 15 miles on it. December 2024 In the middle of traffic the vehicle would not accelerate forward, even when almost flooring the gas pedal. This would only Rev up the engine as if I was in park. I was able to drive …
Vehicle loses power fails to excellerate while traveling on the freeway Cvt transmission is very difficult to work on or check fluids
Fuel tank leaks gas
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds with the passenger’s side front seat occupied, the “Air Bag Off” warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC code…
My car has has to repair its air conditioner on 3 Ocasion because it stopped cooling. On November 2023 the transition failed sending a code of: SECOND CLOTCH MODE. I TOOK IT TO 3 mechanics and all said it was the transmition and that all CVT cars have the same defect. My car is w…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The c…
The car has stalled or completely become unresponsive during traffic. I notified dealer but nothing was done. No warning lights the problem started about three years ago around 60000 miles. Just recently took to independent auto shop and was told it's a bad transmission
Feb 26th, 2024 i drove my car for the first time since having surgery on Jan. 11, 2024. I was going about 35 mph when extremely fast the car radio turned off it felt as if the engine was also turned off but within a blink of your eye the car was turned back on , all by itself, a …
CVT Transmission, available for inspection any time. I was driving in a public area that’s heavily trafficked when this happened. My car gave out and would not continue in drive. All the other gears worked at the time besides driving forward. This could’ve ended very badly to ot…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Nissan Sentra.
2013 Nissan Sentra Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Nissan Sentra. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Nissan Sentra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 635 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Sentra?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (310 complaints). #2: Brake System (97 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (95 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Nissan Sentra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Nissan Sentra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Nissan Sentra, NHTSA complaints include 24 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 635 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Nissan Sentra. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Nissan Sentra?▾
The 2013 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Nissan Sentra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.