2016 Nissan Sentra engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

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 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
3. 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
4. Filed Jul 21, 202511,000 miNCTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while accelerating on a busy street, the vehicle stalled in front of an approaching tractor-trailer. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was hard to shift into gear. There was an abnormal winding sound was detected. The contact stated that the engine warning light was…

   NHTSA complaint #11674980 · source
5. Filed Mar 16, 2025MSEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra SV with 103k miles on it. I was driving the car, and noticed at stop sign and red lights the car would strain and hesitate when the accelerator was pressed. It would jerk hard then drive normally. The car would also loose power while driving. It would drop from 65 mph to 20 mph. It has done this numerous of times, and I have to try and maneuver off to the side of the highway to avoid a crash. The check engine light illuminated.The car would sit…

   NHTSA complaint #11648550 · source
6. Filed Mar 13, 2025170,000 miCAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started to lose traction control. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to shift gear, the vehicle started making a grinding sound, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11648138 · source
7. Filed Jan 26, 2025TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I purchased the car as a graduation present for my son in 2018. He was using it to get back and forth to work and school. Currently the car has less than 60,000 miles on it. So, it was not being excessively driven. In Dec her of 2023, He began having issues with the vehicle stalling and overheating. It began to jerk and would randomly lose power. While driving to work the car over heated and we got it to a mechanic on 1/7/24. The independent service center stated the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11638599 · source
8. Filed Dec 14, 2024FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2016 Nissan Sentra malfunctioned while driving on the Highway three separate times. The car suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and seemed to power down while becoming more difficult to steer. It seemed to start shuddering and I thought it may have been a front end flat tire. After pulling off the road and putting the car in park, when I waited a minute or two, I placed the car in drive and there was no problem until a month later and it hppended again except on an…

   NHTSA complaint #11630703 · source
9. 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
10. Filed Apr 1, 2024INEngine

    When driving on interstate or any road of 45 mph or more the transmission? Engine? Goes up in speed on cruise and tachometer goes up and down and it sounds weird

    NHTSA complaint #11580427 · source
11. Filed Jun 22, 2023OHEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    The CVT Transmission has a bad shudder while driving and shifting into gears. It jerks when trying to accelerate and is extremely slow trying to accelerate the vehicle. The safety of me and other vehicles were in danger because the vehicle failed to accelerate when going up an incline or just driving down an even lane road with no inclines or hills. The vehicle has been inspected by a certified auto repair shop and after inspection, I was told that the CVT Transmission needs…

    NHTSA complaint #11528413 · source
12. Filed Nov 30, 2022MDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    My Nissan Sentra 2016 lost power for the first time back in 2020 while driving and i was unable to accelerate properly. I was so concerned because i was driving while the incidents happened. The car was taken to the Nissan dealership for inspection and they said that the transmission was the problem. No repairs were performed. On November 2022 the car suddenly lost power for the second time and i was unable to properly accelerate while driving it on the highway. No warning…

    NHTSA complaint #11495439 · 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