2016 Nissan Sentra electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V485000Jun 29, 20161,522 vehicles
  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).

  Risk: If the engine room harness loses connection to the ECU, the vehicle may not start or the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  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.

• Recall 16V436000Jun 15, 20164,355 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

  Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.

  Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026INElectrical SystemEngine

   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 .

   NHTSA complaint #11763062 · source
2. Filed Jun 2, 2026149,244 miFLElectrical System

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11741557 · source
3. Filed Jan 28, 2026119,200 miCAElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11714056 · source
4. Filed Dec 11, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11704495 · source
5. Filed Nov 17, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I purchased this vehicle from Capital Auto Auction, and it was listed as having only a “minor engine stutter” and that it “runs and drives.” However, within 5 minutes of driving away from the auction, the vehicle became unsafe and experienced multiple immediate safety failures. The vehicle developed a loud whining noise, lost acceleration, and would not move even with the accelerator pressed. The check engine light and red battery light came on immediately even though these…

   NHTSA complaint #11699932 · source
6. Filed Feb 16, 2025NYElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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….

   NHTSA complaint #11643006 · source
7. Filed Sep 18, 2024NYElectrical System

   Transmission began slipping in summer of 2023. Recall was already open on car and current when taken to dealership. Dealership refused to service, closed recall as corrected without inspecting the vehicle correctly. Transmission has gotten worse.

   NHTSA complaint #11615311 · source
8. Filed Aug 15, 2024ORElectrical SystemEngine

   My engine light came on I had it checked out and found out it was my Mass Air Flow sensor. Is this a normal problem or is it related to the recall under electrical?

   NHTSA complaint #11608771 · source
9. Filed Jan 23, 2024TXElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11567300 · source
10. Filed Jun 22, 2023TXBrakesElectrical System

    My gear shift malfunctions. It is stuck in park and I have to use a screw driver to move the gear shift. Then the gear shift is loose this could cause an accident. I'm doing my best to keep it secure but need it replaced. Also think it has to do with a part u see the brake

    NHTSA complaint #11528239 · source
11. Filed Dec 29, 2022NYElectrical System

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11499439 · source
12. Filed Aug 31, 202238,102 miOHElectrical System

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11482170 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology