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2016 Nissan Sentra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Nissan Sentra carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bags and inflator module. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Push-button start failure and no-start condition.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS

Campaign #17V253000 · Apr 13, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V436000 · Jun 15, 2016

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #16V485000 · Jun 29, 2016

Issue: 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).

Risk: If the engine room harness loses connection to the ECU, the vehicle may not start or the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #16V244000 · Apr 26, 2016

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #16V242000 · Apr 26, 2016

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS). The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to incorrectly classify the installed CRS, resulting in the front passenger air bag to not be turned off as designed when a CRS is in the seat.

Risk: If the frontal passenger air bag deploys in the event of a crash when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, there will be an increased risk of injury to the child in the CRS.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016. Owners are warned not to install a CRS in the front seat. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #21V135000 · Mar 3, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Nissan Sentra.

Reported to NHTSA

Push-button start failure and no-start condition

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2024-01

“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while pressing the Push to Start button to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567300
“This 2016 Nissan Sentra has parasitic battery draining. There is a great safety issue in not having a ready vehicle for emergency situations. I am also not confident the vehicle will start when away from home”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499439
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459537

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exterior lighting recall (21V135000) parts backorder

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456275
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449557
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664606

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Mass air flow sensor check engine light recurrence

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2024-08

“The check engine light keeps coming on and it gives the code for a mass airflow sensor. I went to the mechanic, had them clean it for $126 and one year later my check engine light is back on with the same code”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538690
“I am having issues with my check engine light going in and out. I received the code P0101. But the mechanic checked and said there's nothing wrong with my Mass Air Flow sensor nor trottle body”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11472954
“My engine light came on I had it checked out and found out it was my Mass Air Flow sensor. Is this a normal problem or is it related to the recall under electrical?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission failure, stalling, and loss of power

POWER TRAIN

133 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660782
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671330
“MY TRANSMISSION FAILED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND NARROWLY AVOIDED A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CAR WAS MAKING A SMALL KIND OF CLICKING/SHUDDERING SOUND WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217733

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination without deployment

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2022-08

“The Red Airbag light is always on upon starting car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438193
“My airbags have been turned off and I cannot push the button to reactivate them, also cruise control stopped working and seems to be electri all issue all related”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477275
“THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG WENT ON AND DOESN'T GO OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415492

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

152 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

18

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Nissan Sentra reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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