The Lemon Index2013 Nissan Sentra.
The 2013 Nissan Sentra is worse than average by owner complaints: 194 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 124, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 30 to 33 mpg combined. The best Nissan Sentra year is 2011.
Worse than average. 1.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2011
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 638 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 83K miles on the car (495 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 59K–95K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 3K–58K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 5K–50K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2016
The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS).
- airbags 2016
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.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair.
Show all 6 recalls
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
- airbags 2013
Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification.
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
Some fuel tank assemblies were not properly sealed during the manufacturing process.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 201 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On certain vehicles, there is a noise, creaking (like walking on wooden floor), coming from rear
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- Sentra, versa sedan, and versa note; cvt fluid leak service information service information…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedOccupant classification system failure2015–2017
- ClosedOccupant classification system failure2015
- ClosedExcessive brake pedal travel2014–2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I was hit on the passenger side and when the air bags came out it hit my wrist and broke it in half.
2013 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 10649639
More owner reports
Brakes appear to be making a weird creaking noise and barely stopping,when going downhill I almost have to put on my emergency brakes.this has never happened before.
NHTSA complaint 10723752
Brake pedal travels to floor brake response is almost non responsive. Pumping helps.
NHTSA complaint 10630122
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 124; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2013 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (36%), airbags (28%) and transmission & drivetrain (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Sentra have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Sentra get?
30 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,000 and 83,000 miles. The middle report was at 61,000 miles, from 495 complaints.
Does the 2013 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Nissan Sentra have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Sentra year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2017 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works