The 2016 Nissan Sentra is the automaker’s sporty sedan that’s practical and affordable. Although the Sentra now comes with more engine options and has impressive interior spacing, owners have a few complaints about its powertrain and engine.

The 2016 Sentra is the more affordable version of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti I30—which wasn’t available until 1997. Despite its small size, the Sentra is surprisingly spacious for passengers and cargo storage. It also has an above-average reliability rating compared to similar vehicles in its class.

Getting familiar with the Sentra’s common problems and complaints will prepare you for potential repair costs.

Jerry

, the licensed broker and

car insurance

super app, is here to report on common mechanical issues and complaints you may see from the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Read until the end to learn how to save on your

Nissan Sentra insurance costs

and keep the same coverage.

Are you getting ripped off on your car insurance? Find out in less than two minutes.

No long forms · No spam · No fees

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

The most common 2016 Nissan Sentra problems

Owners of the 2016 Sentra have filed 187 complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. These complaints include critical issues as well as everyday inconveniences.

The 2016 Sentra has received the most complaints about powertrain issues. Many owners have reported that their vehicle loses power or speed while driving, making it impossible to accelerate when this occurs. In most cases, a transmission replacement is advised.

Another common complaint is related to engine issues. In most cases, the engine stalled randomly and the Check Engine light was illuminated. Sometimes, the engine refused to start after multiple attempts.

Other complaints regarding the 2016 Sentra include:

Premature fuel pump failure (recalled by Nissan)

Drivability issues due to mass air flow (MAF) sensor failure

Transmission may enter fail-safe mode if the battery is weak (low voltage)

Cabin can be loud due to excessive wind noise

Car produces vibrating noise at high speeds

Gauge cluster condensation due to air conditioning or temperature changes

The 2016 Nissan Sentra also has six recalls listed on the NHTSA website:

Brake lights may not illuminate

Front passenger airbag may not deploy properly

Engine room harness connection may fail

Passenger airbag harness connector may disconnect

Occupant classification system (OCS) error prevents passenger airbag from deploying

Deformed seat belt bracket affecting OC

MORE:

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Overall, the 2016 Nissan Sentra has an excellent reliability rating and ranks 14th out of 36 compact cars on RepairPal.

If you want a compact yet practical car, the 2016 Sentra is a respectable choice as long as you thoroughly check the car’s history of issues. RepairPal gives the Sentra a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0 but it is not rated on J.D. Power.

The average annual repair cost for the 2016 Nissan Sentra is around $380. Although the complaints it has received can be serious, the occurrence rate is low. This keeps the ownership costs of the Nissan Sentra at a relatively manageable level.

MORE:

How to check and decode a Nissan VIN

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

The Nissan Sentra is practical with its roomy interior and above-average trunk space. While there are some serious complaints with the Sentra, diligently following your

car maintenance schedule

is the best way to identify issues before they become a hazard and keep your repair costs down. Finding a lower car insurance rate is another great way to save—the

Jerry

app can make that happen!

It takes just 45 seconds to get started and receive access to

Jerry’s trusted network

of more than 55 top insurers. Simply download the Jerry app and answer a short questionnaire to unlock your personalized quotes. Then, pick your favorite policy and Jerry’s insurance experts will help switch you over right in the app!

Plus, the average Jerry user saves over $800 per year on car insurance!

“Using
Jerry
is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage you’re paying for. Thanks to Jerry, I’m paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car!” —Martin H.

RECOMMENDED