Severe Issues

2016 NISSAN SENTRA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. This model year has 265 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

265
Complaints
18
Crashes
2
Fires
13
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2016 Nissan Sentra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
125
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:6
Fires:1
Injuries:1
#2
47
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#3
43
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:1

Considering a 2016 Nissan Sentra?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain12561β€”
Engine Problems4712β€”
Electrical Faults43β€”1β€”
Uncategorized Issues421β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration271β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions2410β€”β€”
Brake System213β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System171β€”β€”
Structural Problems102β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)10β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures7β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB51β€”β€”
Steering Defects51β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues31β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues21β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 265 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 21, 2026

The CVT transmission, which Nissan has had many issues with per the large number of class action lawsuits, failed while I was driving the vehicle on a main street in San Diego. The vehicle showed no indication (warning light) that there was any engine failure or issue. The CVT tr…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 31, 2026

The vehicle stopped accelerating while driving and after stopping, would not exceed 5-10 mph. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic who advised that the transmission had failed.

VisibilityMar 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the sunroof exploded and shattered without impact. The contact exited the highway, pulled over to the side of the road, and took pictures of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were n…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 5, 2026

The CVT transmission went out when I was driving on an interstate. I was driving 65 mph and within seconds my speed dropped with a tractor trailer behind me. I thankfully was able to pull off to the side of the road, but almost crashed in the process. The check engine light also …

Electrical FaultsJan 28, 2026

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 11…

Electrical FaultsDec 11, 2025

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erratically jerked and the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed an abnormal whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, wher…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 17, 2025

I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a β€œminor engine stutter” and that it β€œruns and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. T…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 19, 2025

CVT code P17F4 Judder i have not drove 356 miles in the last 2 days.

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 28, 2025

Transmission failed after used car purchase. Called regarding fluid on driveway and was told normal after oil change. Continued fluid leak past 30 day warranty. Tried to get Nissan dealer to look at it but was told must go back to used dealer (same company) next door as they …

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jolted and shook abnormally before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unkno…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while accelerating on a busy street, the vehicle stalled in front of an approaching tractor-trailer. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was de…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 5, 2025

CVT Transmission -available upon request to inspect. Safety was at risk as I was in flow of traffic and suddenly lost power to the transmission slowing suddenly, Cars behind me had to swerve to keep from hitting my car. Car has not been inspected at this time, there were no war…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed CVT transmission kit. The contact was i…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJun 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the failure recurred after a Volkswagen dealer had completed the vehicle inspection. The dealer shifted to neutral(N) and pushed the vehicle into the garage.…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 13, 2025

My 2016 Nissan Sentra SV has had two complete CVT transmission failures. I purchased the vehicle used with somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. The transmission failed shortly after, and was replaced under warranty. Now, at 139,447 miles, the replacement transmission has also…

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal vibrating grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Ray Automotive, where an air flow sensor was replaced; however…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 24, 2025

There is a transmission issue with my vehicle. It has been present since I first obtained the vehicle. Generally, the gears tend to β€œslip” or stutter, creating a stalling motion upon accelerating. It has stayed the same relatively up until recently when it would not stay in gear …

Transmission / DrivetrainπŸ’₯ CrashApr 3, 2025

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 tr…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 26, 2025

Transmission failed/malfunctioned. While driving the car it started to slow down and I couldn't accelerate any longer causing the car to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I had my two young children with me. If a car would have been too close behind me they could…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Nissan Sentra.

Recalls for 2016 Nissan Sentra

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

17V253000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS

16V436000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V485000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

16V244000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

16V242000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

21V135000Mar 3, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

2016 Nissan Sentra β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2016 Nissan Sentra has 265 NHTSA owner complaints, 18 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (125 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Sentra?β–Ύ

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (125 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (47 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (43 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Nissan Sentra?β–Ύ

The 2016 Nissan Sentra has 18 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 265 total NHTSA complaints. 13 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Nissan Sentra. The largest issue: AIR BAGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Sentra?β–Ύ

The 2016 Nissan Sentra has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2016 Nissan Sentra

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.