2013-2016 ALTIMA AND SENTRA; REAR OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION 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 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Nissan Sentra have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Sentra | 5 |
| 2010 Sentra | 23 |
| 2011 Sentra | 18 |
| 2012 Sentra | 16 |
| 2013 Sentra (this page) | 36 |
| 2014 Sentra | 25 |
| 2015 Sentra | 17 |
| 2016 Sentra | 11 |
| 2017 Sentra | 15 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 36 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Nissan Sentra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 engine 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.
Among the 17 model years of Nissan Sentra in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram and Oxygen Sensor Voltage Inspection Voluntary Emission Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emission Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and inspect the oxygen (O2) sensor voltage on certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Sentra SULEV vehicles identified in Service Comm. If the voltage is OK, no repair is necessary. If the voltage check results are âNo Goâ, dealers will diagnose and repair per the electronic service manual (ESM), and remedy any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may have been masked by a failure to detect the short circuit to ground condition. The current level software installed on
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSION SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013-2016 SENTRA; ECM REPROGRAM AND OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emission service campaign, on certain specific model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles, to reprogram the ECM (if applicable), and then inspect the oxygen (O2) sensor voltage. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number P1A25 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY Dealers are to repair vehicles falling within range of this campaign that enter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013-2016 ALTIMA AND SENTRA; REAR OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE INSPECTION SERVICE INFORMATION Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction. Therefore, Nissan is extending the emission warranty on the Rear Oxygen Sensor in the case of a short-to-ground condition to 20 Years or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first. All other warranty terms, limitations, and conditions remain unchanged. During the warranty extension period, customers are eligible for annual Rear Oxygen Sensor voltage checks, upon request, to determine if a Rear Oxygen Sensor short-toground condition exists. If a Rear Oxygen Sensor short-to-ground condition does exist, Nissan will in
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Sentra has severe, recurring engine and transmission issues that start early and escalate unpredictably. Stalling without warning is the most dangerous complaint—engines cut off at idle, traffic lights, on highways, and during turns with no check-engine light. Restarts work, but dealers cannot duplicate the fault or find codes. Owners report being unable to rely on the car starting or staying running.
The CVT transmission is the bigger problem. It jerks and shudders from takeoff; shifts hesitate, with the engine revving to 4,500 RPM while the car barely moves, then lurching into gear. At highway speeds, the transmission makes multiple erratic shifts and cannot maintain steady throttle without constantly changing gears. Diagnostic tests return zero codes, misleading owners and dealers alike. One owner received a recall letter for CVT problems on earlier model years, only to be told the 2013 is not covered despite identical symptoms.
Transmission replacement runs $4,000–$5,000, and Nissan refused warranty work on multiple vehicles citing expired coverage or unsubstantiated claims of user tampering. One owner drove with known transmission faults for years because Nissan said they would only address it after complete failure. Others report the diagnostic system misidentifies transmission problems as air-sensor faults, sending owners on costly wild-goose chases. Rod bearing noise, engine fire, and rough idle with RPM spikes round out the reported engine problems. These are not minor annoyances—stalling on a freeway or in traffic creates collision risk.
Same Nissan Sentra engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling without warning
Engine cuts off suddenly during driving, at idle, at traffic lights, or during acceleration. Restarts without problem. Occurs intermittently with no warning and cannot be reliably duplicated by dealers.
When: At various speeds—idle, traffic lights, low-speed turns, highway driving. One complaint at 419 miles; others within first 1-2 months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without check engine light; Stalling at stop lights; Stalling during turns or acceleration; Stalling while driving 25-35 mph; Stalling when switching from Park to Drive in cold (25°F) weather
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in most cases; dealers report no fault found or unable to duplicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CVT/transmission recall letters issued on some units; multiple service visits with no resolution documented; Nissan Consumer Affairs denied warranty claims citing out-of-warranty status
CVT transmission slipping, jerking, shuddering
Transmission fails to shift smoothly or slips during acceleration. Vehicle jerks, shudders, or hesitates on takeoff from a stop. Delayed gear engagement at highway speeds. RPM fluctuates but vehicle does not accelerate proportionally. Diagnostic tests show 0 codes present.
When: From early ownership (3 months in one case; 6 months in another) through higher mileages (78,000 to 139,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and shuddering during acceleration; Transmission slips; car feels as though it won't accelerate when pedal pressed; Delayed shift from 1st to 2nd gear—tachometer revs to 4500 RPM but car doesn't speed up, then thumps into gear; Excessive RPM fluctuation without proportional speed increase; Multiple uncontrolled gear shifts at highway speeds; Cannot maintain steady speed; vehicle shifts erratically; Hesitant, shaky takeoff; acceleration takes a minute to occur; Jerking when coming to a stop or taking foot off accelerator on a hill; Reverse gear engagement jerks; car stalls in reverse
Codes mentioned: P0456, P0101, 0 codes reported in multiple complaints despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement quoted at $4,000–$5,000 in multiple complaints; one replacement performed costing over $4,000; multiple dealer attempts to reprogram transmission with no lasting fix; owners out of warranty or denied coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to address the problem until complete transmission failure occurred; CVT recall issued for some model years (2010–2012) but 2013 model stated as not covered by recall despite identical symptoms; CPO warranty denial based on expiration; warranty denial cited as 'sensor removed' in one case
Limp mode—sudden loss of power or max speed limitation
Vehicle enters a limp mode restricting speed to 5–25 mph regardless of throttle input. Occurs without warning on highway or at traffic signals. Vehicle cannot accelerate beyond a very low speed even with pedal to the floor.
When: One complaint at 65 mph; others at traffic lights or highway merging; one at 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not go faster than 5 mph even with accelerator pressed to the floor; Cannot exceed 25 mph at traffic light; Cannot exceed 45 mph on interstate; Sudden loss of power while driving; Complete loss of power at 35 mph; Erratic RPMs with shaking and hesitant acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as defective CVT requiring replacement; others unrepaired or undiagnosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One defective CVT identified at dealer (8,000 miles); others no response noted; one owner told to wait for transmission failure before repair would be covered
Rough idle and RPM fluctuation
RPM needle fluctuates or spikes unexpectedly, especially during deceleration or coasting downhill. In one case, RPM stuck at high value when brakes applied. Engine appears to struggle or rev without proportional vehicle response.
When: Early to mid-life of vehicle ownership; one case at 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPM fluctuates while driving; Excessive RPM increase when braking; RPM needle flew up and stuck when foot applied to brake; Excessive RPM increase while driving downhill at various speeds; Engine revs but car doesn't accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate in at least one case; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; one owner referred to Nissan USA regarding separate sensor issue
Intake manifold sensor detachment
Intake manifold sensor reportedly fell off or became detached from the manifold during highway driving. Caused RPM fluctuations and lurching behavior. Dealer and Nissan USA denied warranty coverage, claiming user interference despite vehicle being 13 months old with no outside mechanic work.
When: 13 months old, 1 month into ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: RPM fluctuations at idle and in park; Lurching as if transmission not shifting correctly during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Complete manifold replacement with attached sensor required; initially quoted over $700, eventually repaired under $500 after repeated complaints and warranty fight
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial warranty denial by Mossy Nissan and Nissan USA claiming sensor was removed by user or mechanic; later agreed to repair after owner insisted no work was performed; took ~3 weeks for parts and repair
Engine fire
Engine caught fire while driving at highway speed. Fire department unable to determine cause.
When: 11,110 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor while driving at 55 mph; Engine fire under the hood
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished; no owner repair cost documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no outcome documented
Rod bearing noise
Loud knocking or grinding noise from engine, especially when cold. Confirmed by independent mechanic as rod bearing failure. Dealer refuses to inspect or address.
When: 6 months after purchase (August 2018); audible at cold start
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding/knocking noise from engine; Noise worse when engine cold, diminishes when warm
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to drop oil pan and inspect; warranty cancellation initiated but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed noise as normal for all cars; refused to investigate
Check engine light with emission codes
Check engine light remains illuminated. Diagnostic codes P0456 (small leak detected in evaporative emission control system) and P0101 (mass airflow sensor) appear. Fuel odor sometimes present. Repair does not resolve issue; failure recurs.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated and remains on; Intermittent fuel odor
Repairs/costs cited: Vent control valve seal O-ring (16618-JF00A) replaced; failure recurred and vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure; no further action
Transmission diagnostic confusion—false air sensor codes
Transmission problems masked by system misidentifying the fault as an air or mass airflow sensor issue. Mechanics and dealerships spend time and money chasing false codes instead of identifying actual CVT transmission malfunction. Real problem goes unrepaired.
When: Ongoing across multiple owner complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission malfunction but diagnostic system points to air/mass airflow sensor
Codes mentioned: P0101 (misdiagnosed as root cause when transmission is actual fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report being told to replace air sensor at undefined cost; transmission left unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: System/diagnostic design issue; no recall or reprogramming solution mentioned
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Engine cuts off without warning no check engine light restarts right away after pulling off road when it stalls, may also stall coming to a stop without warning, symptoms occur randomly.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Nissan Sentra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 8,000 and 81,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 81,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.