The 2016 Nissan Sentra is available with a price range of $10,931 to $16,884. It’s very affordable for its class with a low cost of ownership, making it a good value for buyers looking for a daily driver. Unfortunately, it’s not class-leading in any category.
2016 Nissan Sentra: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2016 model include a better suspension, more sound insulating materials for a quieter ride, and additional safety technology.
- Reliability ratings are average, there are still reports of mechanical problems, but they’re not as widespread as they were on earlier models.
- One engine is available. It’s an underpowered 1.8L four-cylinder, making the Sentra a slower-than-average compact car.
- Fuel economy is good, placing it in 5th place out of 38 compact cars. It gets a combined rating of up to 33 miles per gallon.
- Safety in the Sentra is above average for its class. It gets a four-star rating in government crash tests, and also earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award of Top Safety Pick+.
- The 2016 Sentra ranks low in the extremely competitive compact car class based on owner reviews. It has a comfortable interior and the new safety technology is a good addition. Overall, it’s not a class-leading car, but it’s a good choice for shoppers on a budget. Check out CarGuru’s test drive video to see the Sentra in action.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2016 Nissan Sentra Have?
The 2016 Nissan Sentra problems and recalls include failing transmissions, electrical glitches, and unreliable airbags. The 2016 Sentra has fewer problems than earlier years, with improvements over 2013, which was the worst year. It has an average number of complaints compared to other compact cars.
Transmission problems are the most common issue reported by owners of the Sentra. Nissan has a reputation for failures of their continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Improvements have been made over the years, meaning fewer problems with the newer models.
Excessive wind noise is another complaint owners have with the 2016 Sentra. It’s usually an issue with the weather stripping on the doors and windows allowing more air into the cabin.
Shutting down while driving is a rarely reported problem. Typically, it’s an electrical system issue and updates prevent it from happening. There’s also a recall covering an ECU harness that can cause the car to stall.
There are six recalls affecting the 2016 Sentra, more than average for a car its age. The recalls include seat belt brackets, airbags, the engine harness connection, and the brake lights. Most serious is the engine harness since it can cause the vehicle to lose power and stall while driving.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2016 Nissan Sentra is more affordable than other compact cars, with a price range of $10,931 to $16,884, depending on the model and mileage. When new, it had a retail price of $16,780 to $22,170. It depreciates faster than average, losing up to 56% of its value in the first five years of ownership. The current demand for fuel-efficient cars has helped it regain value since its initial drop.
- S is the base model with 16-inch wheels, a six-speed manual transmission, cloth seating, a four-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connectivity.
- FE+S is above it in the lineup and includes a CVT transmission, rear spoiler, and more aerodynamic underbody panels for better efficiency.
- SV is the mid-level model with upgraded cloth seating, a leather steering wheel, keyless entry, a six-speaker stereo system, a five-inch infotainment screen, and a backup camera.
- SR is a sportier model and includes 17-inch wheels, a new body kit with sportier accents, upgraded cloth seating, rear disc brakes, and heated front seats.
- SL is the flagship luxury model with leather seating, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a larger 5.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
How Long Will the 2016 Nissan Sentra Last?
A properly maintained 2016 Nissan Sentra will last over 250,000 miles, which is average for its class. Owners should be prepared for potential transmission problems, which can cost a few thousand dollars to fix, but doesn’t mechanically total the car. Repair Pal estimates maintenance costs to be lower than average, at $380 per year.
Yes. I do not have any problems with the 2015 Nissan sentra. But the brakes did squeak relatively soon after the purchase of my car. Also the windshield wipers did get worn extremely quickly after the car was purchased. It was in the first year that they were worn.
Yes, it's been a very reliable car for us. We haven't had any major problems with it. Recently got new tires. Runs great.
Very reliable. Does not have many issues. The one this the key fob tends to have the battery die a lot and I had to replace the battery sooner the. I thought I would have to once.
No problems so far with me, if I had any problems, I am sure it will be cheap to fix. Only wish it came with GPS.
Yes, it is reliable. We have had no mechanical issues with the car. The only issue we have had is that after having the car one year the door handles fell apart making it hard to open the door. We had 2 with the issue therefore we do not feel that it was something we caused.
Yes, it is reliable, but the problems that I have experienced personally consist of the rubber lining around the door, which is not intact.
The 2016 Nissan sentra s is very reliable. It locks on its own when you leave the car and it detects that there is no longer a key inside the vehicle. It auto locks. Overall, the car has no problems.
I have found the sentra to be incredibly reliable. I've had it for 3 years and did have to replace the battery once, but have not had any issues with the car otherwise.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is simple in the base models, and good in the higher-level choices. It’s not class-leading, but the technology is acceptable given its low price.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with a USB port, Aux Jack, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Upgrades include either a five-inch or 5.8-inch touchscreen, improved six-speaker stereo system, and navigation.
- For safety, the Sentra has airbags, and vehicle stability control. Options include a rear-view camera, emergency braking system, and blind-spot monitoring.
What Engine Options are Available?
Only one engine is available in the 2016 Sentra. It’s a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower. Performance is weak compared to other compact cars, taking 10.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60.
What Colors Options are Available?
How Big is the Sentra?
The 2016 Sentra is average for a compact car, but the taller-than-average roof gives more headroom for passengers in the rear seats. Interior materials are acceptable and comfortable, but they’re not class-leading. Adults fit in the back seats, but aren’t comfortable for a long trip. Cargo space is above average for a compact car, with 15.1 cu. ft. of room in the trunk. It’s enough room to fit four full-size suitcases.
How Does the 2016 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Cars?
The 2016 Sentra ranks 21st out of 38 compact cars based on owner reviews, putting it low in its class. Near the top of the class is the Scion tC, which costs more and is sportier than the Sentra with a more powerful engine. Where the Sentra wins out is with better practicality since it’s a four-door compared to the two-door Scion. There are fewer problems reported with the Scion. The two cars are marketed at different audiences, with the Scion appealing more to shoppers looking for a sporty compact car, and the Sentra focusing on budget-conscious buyers.
Another rival is the Honda Civic. It’s a more expensive choice, but has more power and better standard technology. Where the Sentra wins out is with its nicer interior and a quieter ride. The Civic scores better in long-term reliability, since it does not have the same transmission issues found in the Nissan. Overall, the Civic is a better choice and it ranks higher in owner satisfaction.
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra a Good Car?
Based on data from 755 owner reviews, and 15 automotive and government websites, we conclude, yes, the 2016 Nissan Sentra is a good car. It does not rank as high as some of its competitors, but there are no serious faults. Positives include a comfortable interior and good fuel efficiency for its class. Some downsides are transmission problems and weak engines. It’s not the best compact car, but if you’re on a budget it’s worth a test drive.
