EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
2016 Nissan Sentra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 270 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Nissan Sentra, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 197 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2020 | 4 | 116 |
| Aug 2020 | 4 | 120 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 122 |
| Oct 2020 | 5 | 127 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 129 |
| Dec 2020 | 5 | 134 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 137 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 138 |
| Apr 2021 | 5 | 143 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 144 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 145 |
| Jul 2021 | 4 | 149 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 150 |
| Oct 2021 | 4 | 154 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 156 |
| Jan 2022 | 4 | 160 |
| Feb 2022 | 5 | 165 |
| Mar 2022 | 4 | 169 |
| Apr 2022 | 3 | 172 |
| May 2022 | 4 | 176 |
| Jul 2022 | 3 | 179 |
| Aug 2022 | 6 | 185 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 187 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 188 |
| Dec 2022 | 4 | 192 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 193 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 195 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 196 |
| Jun 2023 | 4 | 200 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 201 |
| Aug 2023 | 4 | 205 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 206 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 207 |
| Nov 2023 | 3 | 210 |
| Jan 2024 | 5 | 215 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 217 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 219 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 221 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 224 |
| Jun 2024 | 3 | 227 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 228 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 230 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 233 |
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 236 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 239 |
| Mar 2025 | 7 | 246 |
| Apr 2025 | 3 | 249 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 250 |
| Jun 2025 | 2 | 252 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 254 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 256 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 257 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 258 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 260 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 261 |
| Mar 2026 | 3 | 264 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 265 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 266 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 268 |
| Sep 2026 | 2 | 270 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)12233.8%
- Engine4813.3%
- Electrical4512.5%
- Driver assistance3910.8%
- Airbags246.6%
- Brakes215.8%
- Fuel system195.3%
- Body & structure102.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 .
- NHTSA ID
- 11763062
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone and DTC: C1116 “Stop Lamp Switch" was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The failure mileage was 130,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761719
- Incident
- Aug 17, 2026
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
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 previously experienced an actual loss of propulsion associated with a transmission-related failure and had to be towed. Because the replacement transmission/transaxle is now experiencing a recurring fluid leak and an unresolved condition, I am concerned about the possibility of another transmission-related mechanical failure or loss of propulsion while driving. I am also concerned about potential safety risks associated with continued fluid leakage in the vehicle. The current problem has been observed by an independent repair facility but has not yet received a complete formal diagnosis. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the current recurring condition.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758638
- Incident
- Jun 20, 2023
On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, while driving on the parkway at an approximate speed of 65 miles per hour and preparing to merge onto the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled completely. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. After a few minutes, once the immediate traffic situation on the highway entrance cleared, I attempted to re-engage the vehicle. While the engine started, it immediately began revving excessively high without corresponding forward momentum. The vehicle moved at an extremely slow pace despite the high engine RPMs, indicating a severe loss of power transfer to the wheels. Current Status: The vehicle is presently parked and cannot be driven due to this ongoing issue. It remains inoperable.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754961
- Incident
- Jul 3, 2026
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741557
- Incident
- Jun 2, 2026
- Mileage
- 149,244 mi
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 transmission just died unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving with traffic. I brought the vehicle to Mossy Nissan in National City and they confirmed the CVT transmission failed. The vehicle only has 87,762 miles on it. Nissan claimed they are not responsible. I only learned of the large number of CVT transmission lawsuits once this happened. They have broken their lawsuits into different vehicle years, makes, and models so to avoid listing this issue as a recall across the brand.
- NHTSA ID
- 11732826
- Incident
- Nov 23, 2025
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11728392
- Incident
- Mar 31, 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 not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11724103
- Incident
- Mar 13, 2026
- Mileage
- 142,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. The customer states that the ICC stopped working while driving, OR The customer states that the AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), OR The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual
AIR BAGS
DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 53.8 |
| 2025 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 63.9 |
| 2024 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2023 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 2022 | 81 | 2 | 0 | 51.3 |
| 2021 | 131 | 3 | 0 | 59.1 |
| 2020 | 205 | 4 | 0 | 51.3 |
| 2019 | 222 | 2 | 0 | 52.0 |
| 2018 | 185 | 2 | 0 | 51.7 |
| 2017 | 230 | 3 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2016Viewing | 270 | 6 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2015 | 351 | 3 | 0 | 52.7 |
| 2014 | 380 | 5 | 3 | 60.8 |
| 2013 | 638 | 6 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2012 | 180 | 0 | 0 | 36.8 |
| 2011 | 142 | 2 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2010 | 144 | 3 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2009 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2008 | 167 | 3 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 2007 | 154 | 1 | 1 | 51.6 |
| 2006 | 116 | 6 | 3 | 63.9 |
| 2005 | 170 | 6 | 3 | 61.1 |
| 2004 | 197 | 5 | 3 | 62.9 |
| 2003 | 180 | 10 | 2 | 59.9 |
| 2002 | 318 | 14 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2001 | 236 | 8 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2000 | 171 | 7 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 1999 | 59 | 3 | 0 | 55.7 |
| 1998 | 58 | 5 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 1997 | 108 | 7 | 0 | 59.2 |
| 1996 | 141 | 7 | 1 | 65.9 |
| 1995 | 117 | 7 | 1 | 64.1 |
| 1994 | 99 | 0 | 1 | 49.0 |
| 1993 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 45.3 |
| 1992 | 62 | 0 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 1991 | 63 | 2 | 2 | 64.0 |
| 1990 | 39 | 2 | 1 | 60.4 |
| 1989 | 41 | 1 | 1 | 54.5 |
| 1988 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 1987 | 36 | 1 | 1 | 51.4 |
| 1986 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 6 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.