Introducing an all-new generation of the compact sedan, the 2013 Nissan Sentra promises to be a spearheading option in an ever-augmenting segment. It is cleverly designed to provide ample passenger and cargo space to the occupants and fields a safety net with its premium material quality, an intuitive infotainment system, and impressive fuel economy. While acceleration is not its best-selling point, the Japanese vehicle benefits from its reliability. Though it has a little under 600 complaints and has been recalled six times, for a debut iteration, the performance seems impressive. Additionally, apart from its faltering CVT unit, none of the sedan’s complaints seem to have a widespread impact. A 2013 Nissan Sentra for sale is available at $15,990 for its base variant and it competes against seasoned rivals like the Honda Civic, the Chevrolet Cruze, and the Hyundai Elantra.
2013 Nissan Sentra User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
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Illumination of airbag warning lights: In a handful of cases listed on NHTSA, buyers of the 2013 Sentra have reported the driver and passenger airbag lights illuminating randomly. This happens due to a failure of the Occupant Detection System, which fails to recognize a person in the seat despite the belt being buckled. As a result, it disables the airbag, increasing the risk of an injury in case of a crash. To deal with the issue, Nissan has introduced several recalls, all of which have been detailed below.
Mechanical Complaints
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Loss of power: In the 2013 Nissan Sentra problems list, complainants have recorded the vehicle losing its power and stalling inadvertently. As a result, the sedan cannot be accelerated, and while restarting helps resolve the issue, the failure has recurred for some owners.
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Problems with the fuel propulsion system: The fuel system of the 2013 Nissan Sentra suffers from two distinct issues. While the first problem is concerned with the improper reading due to a failing fuel sensor, some buyers have reported an oil leak due to a substandard build, which results in the vehicle losing its power. Both situations demand a replacement of the fuel pump, however, the problem of the fuel leak is covered by a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 13V068000.
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Service brake failure: The 2013 Nissan Sentra issues also include the compact sedan’s braking system making a hissing noise. When the brake pedal is depressed, users have reported the brake pedal becoming mushy and running to the floor. It fails to bring the vehicle to a halt and where a diagnosis has been conducted, a failure of the brake booster or master cylinder can be attributed as the underlying reason for the error.
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Slipping transmission unit: The 2013 Nissan Sentra transmission problems are related to its newly-introduced CVT unit. In most cases, drivers have reported the transmission slipping into lower gears, which causes the RPMs to surge and the vehicle to lunge forward unexpectedly. It makes it difficult to control the vehicle, and in some cases, where the failure recurs incessantly, a replacement of the transmission unit is the only available solution.
Structural Complaints
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Structural concerns: The Nissan Sentra’s structural issues neither concerning nor rampant. In a couple of cases each, buyers have reported the windshield wiper washer remaining restricted to the lower half of the screen and the sunroof exploding without any impact or incidence.
2013 Nissan Sentra Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
16th Apr 2016 |
16V244000 |
Non-deployment of the passenger airbag |
The Occupant Classification System may not identify an adult in the passenger seat, causing the frontal airbag to be turned off. |
Dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket and reprogram the airbag control unit and OCS Electronic Control Unit, free of cost. |
|
2. |
16th Apr 2016 |
16V242000 |
Malfunctioning OCS due to a deformed seat belt bracket |
Due to a deformed seat belt bracket, the OCS might not be able to identify a Child restrain system (CRS) and might not disable the passenger airbag as required. |
Dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket and reprogram the airbag control unit and OCS Electronic Control Unit, free of cost. |
|
3. |
20th Oct 2015 |
15V681000 |
Improper functioning of the airbag |
Due to an incorrect Occupant Classification System control unit installed during a repair, the OCS may not identify an adult in the passenger seat, which can interfere with the working of the airbag. |
Dealers will update the OCS software, free of cost. |
|
4. |
25th Mar 2014 |
14V138000 |
Improper functioning of the airbag |
The Occupant Classification System may not identify an adult in the passenger seat, which can interfere with the working of the airbag. |
Dealers will update the OCS software, free of cost. |
|
5. |
1st Mar 2013 |
13V069000 |
Inoperative passenger airbag |
Due to an error in the Occupant Detection System, the passenger airbags may remain suppressed. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the ODS sensors, free of cost. |
|
6. |
1st Mar 2013 |
13V068000 |
Possible fuel leak |
Due to an error in sealing during the manufacturing process, small amounts of fuel may leak when the tank is filled to the brim. |
Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2013 Nissan Sentra?
The 2013 Nissan Sentra recalls and problems list might seem extensive. However, for a vehicle introducing a new generation, the performance falls in the sweet spot. While most of its problems are not highly recurring, the Japanese brand has definitive solutions to deal with all kinds of issues. So, from a point of a hassle-free ownership experience, the Sentra proves its worth. Even when everyday driving skills and practicality are concerned, the compact sedan’s cabin build and precise handling qualities come in handy. Consequently, we feel that the vehicle provides ample value for the money spent. Nonetheless, if you want to keep your options open, the 2013 Toyota Corollais the most viable alternative.
