Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's son owned a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to operate causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact mentioned that her son sustained bruised chest and the driver from the other vehicle sustained rib inquiries that needed medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The contact contacted an independent mechanic and informed them that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v135000 ( exterior lights). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a reference number. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
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. The dealer diagnosed that the brake light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to #1 Cochran Nissan West Hills (7900 University Blvd, Coraopolis, PA 15108), where the contact was informed that after a recall repair completion, the recall parts were only warrantied for 12,000 miles or 365 days, whichever occurred first. …
The contact rented a 2016 Nissan Sentra with Turo. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, she heard an abnormal noise before the steering wheel and brakes seized. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated before. The contact stated the vehicle steered independently out of control and drove through bushes and trees. The contact stated she ended up on the opposite side of the road and with the side air bags deployed but the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact stated she hit her head on the windshield and was unconscious when the paramedics assisted her. The contact stated she was a bit banged and bruised up. The contact refused to seek medical attention at a hospital. The contact stated the driver's side door was unable to unlatch and needed assistance from the paramedics to exit the vehicle. A police report was filed. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brake Light Switch How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Per multiple reports this could cause the car not to start or to indicate to cars that the vehicle is slowing down and preparing to stop Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Back in 2019 I was having this issue and in 2020 took it to a Nissan dealership to have it looked into and repaired (Unknowingly that there was a recall for this specific issue) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? After experiencing this years ago I knew what steps needed to be taken in order to have this resolved. This started to happen again on the night of 12/15/24
My gear shift malfunctions. It is stuck in park and I have to use a screw driver to move the gear shift. Then the gear shift is loose this could cause an accident. I'm doing my best to keep it secure but need it replaced. Also think it has to do with a part u see the brake
Break failed to stop the car. Break pedal was depressed all the wayto the floor. Just didn't come to full stop. Happened 2 days in a row. The latter incident hit the car in front. It's a real hazard on the road. Now the car is being serviced and loaner car is being provided by the dealer. Carson Nissan in california.
After purchasing my car 3 months ago with 47,000 miles, I was driving the vehicle at night with my family going 35 MPH, straight on a city street with moderate traffic when the accelerator and brake started to harden and the steering wheel started to lock up. The dashboard lights started appearing one after another. I just missed a car next to me trying to get off the road. I pulled in a parking lot and the car stopped completely, the steering wheel, brake, accelerator, everything stopped responding. I assumed it May be a bad battery, so I got a jump, but after 20 minutes, the car refused to turnover. The lights still worked, there wasn't any dimming. The mechanic spent most of the following day trying to figure out what was wrong, still being diagnosed. …
New car with several incidences when traveling at low speeds and needing to stop the vehicle the breaks felt sluggish, the vehicle would not stop where I intended, and it made sounds. I went to several Nissan dealerships and they each told me the break system was OK and I just needed to get the feel of a Nissan Sentra. I told them that was not the case because I owned several Nissan sentras. They said there was nothing they could do. I increased my stopping distance because I didn't trust the car. I got into a minor fender bender. The car in front of me only had a small scratch. I was going at low speeds when the car in front of me stopped. Under normal conditions I had plenty of room to stop. However, my car didn't behave normally. I hit the break as hard as I could, but it was sluggish and still moving. The front-end emergency breaking system started beeping. …
I purchased a car from wilson motor company and was told it was only used as a rental by their customers while their car was in the shop. I have had issues with the car and they have fought me on warranties to cover. When I went to a different dealership they pulled the autocheck report to find that the car had been purchased from an auction in ca and is showing a title brand for frame or structural damage record and a possible odometer rollback. The tires are wearing unevenly and are not safe and I have already replaced the brakes out of my pocket. I can't trade the car in due to this report. I was lied to and now I can't get warranty service or able to trade the car in for something else. I cannot get the general manager to return my messages.
I am having issues with my car not starting. I see so many other people are having this same problem. I have had this happen to me several times within a month and a half. I go outside to get in my var and it will not start. I have to get jumps and after several times it will start. All other lights be on the car just won't start. Got a new battery from Nissan on Thursday oct 8th and still having the same issue as well as a whinning noise coming from under the hood when the cat has not even been driven. We need some help. This is a serious issue that needs to be fixed. People paid alot of money for theses cars not to start. We never know when we are going to be broke down or stranded somewhere
Brake complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Nissan Sentra, 8% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Nissan Sentra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 Nissan Sentra, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Sentra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.