2016 Nissan Sentra Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 53 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Nissan Sentra, 20% of its 270 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,000. Two related recalls exist: a brake light switch issue (21V135000) and an engine room harness terminal pin defect (16V485000).
- Electrical System complaints
- 53
- 20% of 270
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 47,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Push-to-start vehicles fail to start or stall unexpectedly, in one case followed by a battery fire under the hood.
- Instrument panel goes completely blank and the vehicle refuses to start after multiple attempts.
- Key fob is not recognized by the push-to-start system even though the fob is present, leaving the car unable to start.
- Brake lights fail to illuminate after a wiring short, sometimes appearing alongside a traction control warning light.
- Owners report delays getting the brake light switch recall (21V135000) repaired because replacement parts were unavailable at dealers.
- Gear shift becomes stuck in park or loose, requiring manual tools to move it.
When 2016 Nissan Sentra electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 2, 2017, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Nissan Sentra
- NHTSA 21V135000Mar 3, 2021Electrical System807,376 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The brake light switch may become contaminated, preventing the circuit from closing and the brake lights from illuminating.
Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PM971.
- NHTSA 16V485000Jun 29, 2016Electrical System1,522 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.
Electrical System complaints by Sentra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
- NHTSA lists 53 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Sentra, making up 20% of all 270 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
- Yes. Recall 21V135000 covers a brake light switch that can become contaminated and stop the brake lights from working, and recall 16V485000 covers an engine room harness terminal pin that may lose connection on certain 2016 Sentras built in April 2016.
- At what mileage do 2016 Sentra electrical problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 47,000 for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2016 Sentra electrical problems cause any fires or crashes?
- NHTSA records one fire and zero crashes among the 53 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Sentra, with no injuries reported.