The Lemon Index2016 Nissan Sentra.
The 2016 Nissan Sentra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 100 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 47, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 30 to 33 mpg combined. The best Nissan Sentra year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 270 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2016 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 29K to 95K miles on the car (146 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 48K–108K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 12K–74K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 23K–82K miles
Recalls 6
- lights 2021
The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
- airbags 2017
Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
- electrical 2016
The engine room harness may have a terminal pin too large to maintain a connection with the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2016
The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.
- 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 2016
The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS).
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 197 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- 2017 sentra; engine turns off or hesitates when accelerating from a stop during hot ambient…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
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
Vehicle has a shutter in low speeds and slightly slips
2016 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 11258205
More owner reports
Dealer has failed to replace airbag, been to the dealer more than once for other unresolved issues.
NHTSA complaint 11043828
Car cvt transmission slipping and shuddering while in motion also stahling while entering freeway, crossing intersections, and while turning.
NHTSA complaint 11282488
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 47; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (35%), airbags (17%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Sentra have?
6 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Sentra get?
30 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 29,500 and 95,200 miles. The middle report was at 60,300 miles, from 146 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 35% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Nissan Sentra have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Sentra year is better than the 2016?
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