Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STARTED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO FIVE STAR NISSAN OF WARNER ROBINS (839 WARREN DR, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088) WHERE THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN DEALER POSSESSION FOR TWO WEEKS. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT UPON RETURN OF THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. …
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 119,200. The contact called the dealer and requested the odometer be updated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer called the contact to pick up the vehicle, that the vehicle would not be repaired, and that the vehicle had too many failures.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected coming from the air vents while the air conditioner was activated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who inspected for a leak and added freon to the air conditioner system; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,102.
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. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
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.
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. The contact stated that a message indicating that the vehicle could not read the key fob was displayed; however, the key fob was in her pocket. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the battery and the key fob battery were in good condition. The dealer replaced an unknown fuse, and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred two weeks later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown fuse was replaced; however, the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving car shuts down in traffic!!! Cuts off at stop signs!!! Cuts off driving up steep roads!!! Jerks and jolts forward!!! Speeds up and down while gauges fluster!!!! The car slips in and out of gear!!! My life has been in danger since I bought this car... I need the situation taken care of this car is a dear trap and a severe safety hazard!!! This car in whole was recalled I don't know why Nissan missed my vin number....
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. The highest grade AGM battery was purchased to replaced the original battery to no avail. The vehicle requires continuous jump starts. Alternator appears to be functioning according to testing.
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 A WHOLE DAY. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR STARTS THROWING CODES AND NOW MY CAR WONT PASS SMOG BECAUSE THEE DEALER RUINNED MY CAR.
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 .
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring
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).
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.
Electrical complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Nissan Sentra, 17% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Nissan Sentra electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-485 (wiring, Jun 29, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Sentra electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.