2016 Nissan Sentra Problems And Complaints

2016 Nissan Sentra User Complaints and Problems 

Mechanical Problems

• Engine oil system issue- Multiple users are plagued with the "Check engine light" and "check oil" light on their 2016 Sentra. Reasons as to why this happens, or whether it is a defect of the oil system is unknown, but one thing is for sure this is always followed up by the engine overheating and stalling. The dealership was of help at times in repairing the issue. For a few users as well the fuel pump went out.
• Brakes recall taking time- Fixing the brakes up for the NHTSA ID: 21V135000; which is a recall for the brake light failure, is taking an unacceptable amount of time. Most dealerships are citing that the manufacturer is to blame as they are not providing the parts within an adequate time.
• Powertrain- Users were plagued with the issue of the vehicle being adamant about starting up, unfortunately, there isn't much further detail on why this happens, except for a bad battery. People also have issues with the 2016 Nissan Sentra transmission. Stating that it constantly slips gears and causes the vehicle to jerk and also complete transmission failure occurs. If the mileage has not exceeded the set limit the dealership will replace the transmission in most cases.
• Steering seizing up-  Some users have an issue with the steering wheel seizing up mid-operation, as well as the power steering failing. The dealership has been assistive in this matter.

Electrical Problems

• Electrical malfunction - The “check engine light” and the dashboard instrument malfunction at random intervals for the users. Alongside the airbag light is always one. The first two cause is unknown, but the airbag light issue has been diagnosed due to the failure of the OCS sensors, there are two ongoing recalls from Nissan on this matter, you can refer to the NHTSA ID: 16V244000 & 16V242000 for more information.

Safety Problems

• Airbags failure late recall- Many users had stated that the recalls for the airbags; NHTSA ID: 16V244000,16V242000, 16V436000 & 17V253000 were not informed to them at the earliest, and had only found out after the airbag failed to deploy during a crash. Thus, it leaves a question in the users' minds on whether the major injuries sustained would have been avoided if the dealership and Nissan did the necessary.

Exterior Problems

• Handles, paint, and bumpers- Some other minor issues involved replacing the bumper and door handles, which the dealership did. The 3-stage white paint peeling out from all sides of the vehicle was the other issue registered.

2016 Nissan Sentra Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional remarks.	Remedy
1	March 3, 2021	21V135000	Brake lights may not illuminate/	The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from fully closing and the brake lights from illuminating.	Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet for free.
2	April 13, 2017	17V253000	Front passenger airbags may not deploy.	This is happening due to a manufacturing error within the airbag inflators. The passenger's frontal airbag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash and can significantly increase the chance of injuries.	Your dealership will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge.
3	June 29, 2015	16V485000	Engine Room harness connector might fail.	The engine room harness may have a terminal pin too large to maintain a connection with the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and might disconnect.	Your Nissan dealership will replace the terminal pin on the engine room harness at no additional cost to you.
4	June 15, 2016	16V436000	Passenger airbag harness connector disconnects.	The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger airbag and can cause the failure of airbag deployment.	Your dealership will first inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag module and main body harness, all for free.
5	April 26, 2016	16V244000	Passenger Airbag may not deploy due to OCS error.	In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly identify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deployed in the event of a crash.	Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for free.
6	April 26, 2016	16V242000	Deformed seatbelt bracket affecting OCS operation	The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a child seat. The deformed seat bracket may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to incorrectly classify the installed child seat, resulting in the front passenger airbag not being turned off as designed when a child seat is present.	Your dealership will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), with no additional cost for you

Should you buy the 2016 Nissan Sentra

Every vehicle model, no matter how well built will have its issues. But when it comes to the 2016 Nissan Sentra, it can be a bit too much. In terms of complaints, there are very few, but the recalls are what is worrying. About 4 of the recalls are about the airbag system malfunctioning, and there are complaints about Nissan failing to inform the owners of the 2016 Sentra. All this and the fact that it is rated 4-star on the NHTSA safety rating leads us to state that it is best to avoid the 2016 Nissan Sentra unless you get a good deal and thorough inspection. We would suggest you go for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra instead, which has no recalls and a 5-star NHTSA rating.