The 2016 Nissan Sentra is associated with 268 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 6 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 84 reports (31% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.8l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 30 to 33 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 268 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 6 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (84 / 31%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 18 crash / 2 fire / 10 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 30–33 MPG (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Sentra FE | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 MPG | 38 MPG | 33 MPG | — | $1,850 / yr |
| Sentra | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 MPG | 37 MPG | 32 MPG | — | $1,900 / yr |
| Sentra | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 MPG | 35 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 11.799999999999999% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Nissan Sentra models.
View complete 2016 Nissan Sentra crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Nissan Sentra problems & component breakdown (79 categories) →
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS
Defect Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Summary: 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).
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the terminal pin on the engine room harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
View all 2016 Nissan Sentra recalls & campaign history (6 campaigns) →