The 2016 Sentra is a popular compact sedan thanks to its reasonable price and long list of standard features. However, there are some common issues and serious safety risks over flawed airbags and defective transmissions that should be considered before purchasing a used model.
Key Points
- 2016 Sentra owners received an extension of their original warranty over faulty transmissions as part of a settlement. Repair expenses were also reimbursed.
- There are several complaints and recalls for electrical problems on the 2016 Nissan Sentra, including failing brake lights and a poor connections between the engine harness and airbag system.
- The passenger airbag also suffers from issues related to the inflator and occupant identification system. There are recalls for both issues which could pose a safety threat if not addressed.
- Ultimately, the 2016 Nissan Sentra is a fine sedan with a somewhat problematic CVT. Compared to key rivals, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Sentra has far fewer recalls and registered complaints.
Nissan Sentra’s CVT Was the Subject of a Class-action Lawsuit Over Sudden Shaking, Lack of Throttle Response
Nissan has had quite a few problems with their Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) over the last decade. The 2016 Nissan Sentra was one of many vehicles that were included in a class-action lawsuit for failing transmissions.
The lawsuit was filed in 2018 and alleged that the CVTs in Nissan Sentra, Juke, and Versa models had a defect that could lead to sudden shaking and jerking while the vehicle was being driven. Many owners also complained that their vehicles were unable to accelerate at a reasonable speed or move under their own power.
A settlement was reached in 2019, which resulted in owners receiving an extension of their original powertrain warranty to 84 months or 84,000 miles. They were also eligible to have their repair expenses reimbursed.
Prospective buyers of 2016 Sentras should pay close attention to how the transmission is functioning during a test drive, and look closely at the vehicle’s service history to see if the transmission has had regular fluid changes or was replaced. There is an easy way to avoid these issues altogether: Opt for a 2016 Sentra with the six-speed manual transmission.
2016 Sentra has a Number of Electrical Problems, Like Failing Brake Lights, and the Engine May Run Rough Over a Bad ECU Connection
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of 165 complaints about the 2016 Nissan Sentra, 90 are related to an issue with the electrical system or the powertrain. Though some of the powertrain-related complaints are targeted at the transmission or other issues, many describe a no-start condition or other electrical issues.
Nissan issued a recall on 2016 Sentras over an engine harness that may have a terminal pin that is too large to maintain a connection with the engine control unit. This could lead to the engine running rough, shutting off intermittently, or not starting at all.
If you are looking at a 2016 Sentra model that was covered by this recall, the vehicle service history should note that this recall was performed.
Another recall for an electrical issue on the 2016 Sentra was related to faulty rear brake lights that may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall affects 2016-2019 Sentras and was issued in March of 2021.
Airbags May Not Deploy Properly in 2016 Sentra Due to Faulty Sensor or Bad Wiring, with Malfunctioning Brake Lights Also a Safety Threat
The front passenger airbag poses a big problem for the 2016 Nissan Sentra. Four of the model year’s six recalls relate to the same front airbag malfunction that may occur due to a number of reasons.
A reported manufacturer error and an issue with bad wiring potentially disconnecting the front passenger airbag are just two possibilities of why the unit may not work properly.
There is also an issue with the front airbag’s sensor incorrectly identifying adult and child passengers and thus miscalculating seat occupancy and how to respond in a crash. All of these problems could result in the airbag deploying improperly or not opening at all in a wreck.
Another recall also addresses a threat to safety, especially when driving at night, due to the possibility that some 2016 models may have bad brake lights that fail to illuminate.
2016 Nissan Sentra is a Reasonably Reliable Sedan with a Fickle CVT
In total, the 2016 Nissan Sentra has six recalls and 165 complaints registered with the NHTSA. This compares favorably to the Sentra’s two biggest rivals, the Honda Civic (three recalls and 621 complaints) and the Toyota Corolla (one recall and 180 complaints).
The Sentra has been a popular option for compact sedan buyers for over 30 years. The 2016 model has some noted issues but is still a solid pick for buyers seeking a reasonably priced compact sedan that offers good fuel economy and an impressive list of standard features.
The 2016 Sentra’s biggest trouble spot, the CVT, is a well-documented issue and preventive maintenance in the form of regular fluid changes can go a long way. You can also avoid the issues with the CVT entirely by picking up a Sentra with the standard six-speed manual transmission, which will also require less service over the vehicle’s life.
Photos: Nissan
