ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Sentra brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Nissan Sentra have filed 66 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 22,488 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Sentra | 7 |
| 2011 Sentra | 10 |
| 2012 Sentra | 3 |
| 2013 Sentra (this page) | 66 |
| 2014 Sentra | 27 |
| 2015 Sentra | 11 |
| 2016 Sentra | 10 |
| 2017 Sentra | 9 |
6crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Nissan Sentra we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 66.
Owners have filed 66 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING CONTROL VALVE OR TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY SERVICE INFORMATION After a CVT assembly or control valve replacement, additional service must be completed with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus). - The original calibration data must first be erased from the TCM and then newcalibration data written. - If the calibration data is not erased, the vehicle can experience drivability concernswhich may result in a CVT issue. Additional Service when Replacing Control Valve or Transaxle Assembly - The following procedures, starting on the next page, must be performed in thisorder. - Check off procedure as they are performed in the order listed below.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: The engine idle is rough when the A/C compressor engages or a sudden electrical load is applied (such as operating a power window), WHEN The vehicle is stopped AND The transmission is in gear with the brakes applied. NOTE: This incident does not occur when coming to a stop. ACTION: 1. Compare the vehicle?s current ECM part number to those listed in Table A (see page 5). 2. If the ECM part number matches one listed in Table A, reprogram the ECM. * If there is NOT an ECM part number match, this bulletin does not apply. Refer to ASIST and the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for further diagnosis. Please see this bulletin for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Across 66 complaints, 2013 Sentra brake issues fall into two broad categories: pressure loss and unresponsiveness (pedal sinking to the floor, requiring repeated pumping, or complete brake failure during driving) and noise and hardware failure (loud grinding and creaking from rear brakes, with worn pads at very low mileage and internal drum components breaking apart).
Owners report the pedal pressure loss problem occurs most often at traffic lights—the car will roll or creep forward even with the brake pedal pressed, and the pedal gradually descends toward the floor, forcing owners to pump repeatedly to regain pressure. Several owners describe braking failures at highway speeds and in traffic, with vehicles continuing forward despite applying the brake, leading to crashes into other vehicles and deployment of airbags. A handful of reports mention near-total brake failure requiring the emergency brake to stop.
Rear brake noise—grinding, creaking, and squeaking—appears early in ownership (as early as 142 miles or within months) and persists despite multiple dealer visits. Brake pads have been found worn to unsafe levels at 10,000–13,000 miles (after only months and 3,000 miles of owner driving). Dealers have replaced pads, drums, wheel cylinders, and resurfaced rotors without lasting results; one service bulletin (NTB13-031) is referenced by an owner but the noise recurred.
Master cylinder failure is documented in several cases, occurring as early as 142 miles (vehicle was 4 days old) and as late as 80,000 miles, with one failure at 33,000 miles reported. When owners took their cars to independent mechanics for diagnosis, Nissan refused reimbursement because the work wasn't done at a dealership.
Dealers consistently deny hearing noises, claim issues are normal operation, and decline further repair after initial unsuccessful attempts. Nissan's third-party investigator found no fault in EDR data following a crash. No owner reports a recall, and Nissan has not proactively offered repairs or buybacks despite the pattern of complaints.
Same Nissan Sentra brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Brake pedal loss of pressure and excessive travel
Brake pedal depresses excessively with little resistance, sometimes to the floorboard, requiring repeated pumping to regain pressure or stop the vehicle. Occurs while holding brake at a stop or during normal braking; car may roll forward despite pedal being pressed.
When: From early ownership (around 142–30,000 miles); some reports within first few months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floor with minimal resistance; Car rolls or inches forward after coming to a stop despite brake pressure; Must pump brakes repeatedly to maintain braking pressure; Long pedal travel; foot reaches floorboard or near it; Pressure loss happens intermittently or progressively
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced brake pads, bled brake lines, topped brake fluid, and applied increased pressure to lines—without resolving the issue. Some owners had master cylinders replaced (cost cited: $732); one owner was refused reimbursement by Nissan because repair was done at non-dealership shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealerships have claimed issue is normal operation; some refused further diagnostics. Nissan consumer affairs contacted but provided no recalls or TSBs addressing this symptom. One third-party investigator (sent by Nissan after crash) found no evidence of brake failure in EDR data.
Loud grinding, creaking, or squeaking noise from rear brakes
Abnormal grinding, creaking, or squeaking sounds emanate from rear brake area, particularly during braking at low speed or when reversing. Noise may be intermittent or persistent, worsening over time. Some reports describe loud metal grinding or cracking sounds.
When: Early ownership to mid-life (142 miles to 36,000 miles reported); some within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, creaking, or squeaking from rear brakes or rear passenger wheel area; Noise occurs during braking at low speed or when reversing; Noise intermittent at first, then worsens or becomes constant; Loud metal crackling or grinding reported going downhill; Some reports include thump or jerk when noise occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have applied lubrication, resurfaced rotors, replaced rear brake pads, replaced rear brake drums, replaced rear wheel cylinders, and cleaned and greased rear brakes—with varying or no lasting success. Service bulletin NTB13-031 referenced by one owner but noise recurred. Brake pads found worn at only 10,000–11,000 miles in one case (down to 1/2 inch past red marker).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin NTB13-031 (issued March 27, 2013) cited by owners for rear drum brake noise. One owner was told squeaking was a 'case by case issue' that could take a month to repair.
Master cylinder failure
Master cylinder loses function or cracks, causing sudden loss of brake pressure or complete brake failure. Pedal may travel to floor, be spongy, or lose pressure unexpectedly.
When: Typically 5–10 years of ownership or 33,000–80,000 miles, but one report at 142 miles (4 days old) and another at 22,488 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of brake pressure mid-drive; Pedal travels to floorboard without resistance; Spongy pedal feel; pressure is intermittent; Brakes quit working or work inconsistently; No warning indicators before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Independent and dealership mechanics have diagnosed master cylinder failure requiring replacement. One owner paid $732 for aftermarket replacement at non-dealership shop; Nissan refused reimbursement. One owner was advised a new master cylinder was needed while vehicle was at dealer for service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to reimburse one owner because repair was done outside dealership despite previous low-fluid diagnosis at Nissan dealership. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Brake failure or unresponsiveness during driving
Brakes fail to respond adequately when pedal is depressed, or vehicle continues moving despite brake application. Can occur at highway speeds or in traffic, creating crash risk. Some events involve complete brake failure requiring emergency brake or collision to stop vehicle.
When: Various mileages from ~900 miles to 65,000 miles; some within days or weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not respond or respond very slowly when pedal depressed; No difference between brake applied and not applied; Vehicle continues forward at speed despite brake effort; Pedal may be firm or spongy; Brake failure occurs suddenly without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple crash incidents reported; vehicles taken to dealers or independent mechanics with no diagnosis made or repairs completed. One owner used emergency brake to stop vehicle; another crashed into vehicle ahead. Airbags deployed in at least one crash. One technician found rear brake hardware completely destroyed with pad sideways, resulting in 0% braking on rear passenger wheel—entire rear braking mechanism replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan sent third-party investigator to retrieve EDR data in one crash case; investigator found no brake failure. Nissan refused financial assistance. Manufacturer advised in another case that 'financial assistance could possibly assist' if a failure occurred, but provided no proactive recalls or TSBs addressing this symptom.
Rear brake drum or shoe failure
Internal rear brake drum or brake shoe components break apart, fail to disengage, or malfunction, causing grinding noise and brake system failure.
When: Early ownership (2,000–11,000 miles reported) to mid-life
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or metal noise from rear passenger wheel area; Rear brakes fail to disengage after application; Brake shoe breaks apart inside drum; Anti-shoe rattle clip or assembly comes loose or fails
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis confirmed rear brake band defective, rear brake shoes damaged, and anti-shoe rattle clips/pins damaged. Dealer cleaned and greased rear brakes but failure not corrected and brakes still would not disengage. Dealer eventually replaced rear brake drums and pads. One owner noted U-shaped anti-rattle springs (non-traditional design) are concerning and may come off on bad roads or with bumps.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan covered repair, replacement parts, and towing under warranty in one case, but did not address root cause or issue preventive guidance.
ABS actuator or system malfunction
ABS actuator breaks or malfunctions, causing brake fluid to leak, brake light to illuminate, and potential brake system failure.
When: Early to mid-life ownership (10,000+ miles implied)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light illuminates; Brake fluid leaks; Low brake fluid despite no visible external leak; ABS system shuts off brakes completely at low speed on slippery roads
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially refilled brake fluid and claimed it was safe; three weeks later same symptom recurred. Diagnosis confirmed ABS actuator broken and needing replacement. In another case, ABS system on slippery roads caused complete brake shutdown, and owner noted car stopped 1/3 shorter without ABS engaged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited by owners regarding ABS actuator failure.
Brake pedal pulsation and catch-and-release sensation
Brake pedal exhibits strong pulsation when held at a stop, especially at traffic lights or when wheel is turned. Brakes catch and release repeatedly during stopping, requiring pumping.
When: Reported from ~20,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Strong pulsation in brake pedal when held at traffic light; Pulsation increases if wheel is turned while braking; Brakes catch and release intermittently during stopping; Pedal must be pumped to stop vehicle; Occurs when vehicle is in motion and at rest
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in narratives.
Brake pad rapid wear
Brake pads wear out prematurely compared to normal service life, requiring replacement at unexpectedly low mileage.
When: Within 8 months and 3,000–13,000 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pads worn to 1/2 inch past red marker at 13,000 miles (after 7 months ownership and only 3,000 miles driven by owner); Squeaking or noise indicating wear; Brake pads already worn on 8-month-old vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads replaced by dealer under warranty. One owner noted brake hardware failure may have accelerated pad wear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited by owners.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Nissan Sentra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Nissan Sentra?
It's a meaningful issue. 66 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 55 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 9,289 and 46,800 miles, with the median around 22,488. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,289; a quarter make it past 46,800. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Nissan/Sentra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.