HEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Nissan Sentra lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Nissan Sentra have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Sentra | 3 |
| 2016 Sentra (this page) | 7 |
| 2017 Sentra | 12 |
| 2018 Sentra | 11 |
| 2019 Sentra | 19 |
| 2020 Sentra | 4 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
2016-2019 SENTRA; ENGINE NO CRANK/NO START IF YOU CONFIRM The engine will not crank when pressing the push-button ignition switch and applying the brake pedal. ï· ACCESSORY and IGNITION ON modes can be turned on and off with the no start condition present. ï· The stop lamps will be inoperative with the no-start condition present. ACTION Install a new brake lamp switch and install a rubber grommet with the parts listed in PARTS INFORMATION on the last page of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FOG LAMP AND/OR HEADLAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended to add Fog Lamps and modify one step in the flow chart on page 3. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015-2016 SENTRA; RUST AROUND REAR LICENSE LAMP FINISHER IF YOU CONFIRM When rust is found on the rear deck lid surface in the area surrounding the license lamp finisher (Figure 1) or replacing the license lamp finisher for any reason. ACTION - Replace the license lamp finisher with the new replacement part listed in the Parts Information. - Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section EXT - Exterior for removal and installation information. - Repair any damaged surfaces that were in direct contact with the license lamp finisher.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps. The information, illustrations, and flow chart in this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not. Nissan?s new vehicle limited warranty does not cover physically damaged (cracked or broken) headlamps. All current headlamp assemblies are vented to the atmosphere (not sealed). - This is necessary to allow for expansion and contraction of air from temperature "variations" (warmer or colder) without damage to the headlamp. - Moisture in the air sometimes "travels" into and out of the headlamp assembly through these vents. - Cert
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting trouble with your 2016 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 lighting problem on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 69,474 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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/2016/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.