CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION 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 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Nissan Sentra have filed 125 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 91,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
125
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Sentra | 64 |
| 2013 Sentra | 305 |
| 2014 Sentra | 179 |
| 2015 Sentra | 168 |
| 2016 Sentra (this page) | 125 |
| 2017 Sentra | 74 |
| 2018 Sentra | 45 |
| 2019 Sentra | 52 |
| 2020 Sentra | 7 |
6crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 125 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Nissan Sentra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 125 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Nissan Sentra's CVT transmission is failing with alarming frequency. Owners describe sudden, unannounced loss of power while driving—the vehicle either lurches to a halt or drops speed dramatically, often with RPM climbing but no forward motion. Most failures occur between 40,000 and 120,000 miles; some as early as 30,000. Many drivers report zero warning: no check engine light beforehand, just loss of power. A handful describe the light coming on *after* the stall.
On highways and during merges, the transmission hunts for gears on inclines, causing jerking and inability to maintain speed—directly hazardous during passing. Some vehicles emit burning smells before failure. Several owners report dealerships initially dismissing hesitation from stops as "normal CVT feel," only to diagnose transmission failure months later.
Nissan's recall (NTB19-075, October 2019) covers certain 2013–2017 Sentras, but many owners say their VIN is excluded *despite identical symptoms*. Nissan Consumer Affairs repeatedly denies warranty extension based on mileage, time, or VIN exclusion. Independent shops and dealers confirm the need for complete transmission replacement; fluid service does not fix it. Repair costs run $3,500–$5,500 plus labor. Owners report the factory chain inside the transmission breaks into pieces. One owner had a replacement transmission fail again less than 70,000 miles later. Class-action lawsuits have been filed, but settlement terms exclude many VINs. The pattern suggests systemic defect, not isolated failures.
Same Nissan Sentra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Loss of Power and Stalling
The CVT transmission suddenly loses motive power while driving at various speeds, causing the vehicle to slow drastically or stall completely. Drivers report RPM increases without corresponding acceleration, jerking, and inability to maintain or regain speed. Multiple narratives document complete stalls in traffic and on highways, creating serious safety hazards.
When: Typically 40,000–120,000 miles; some failures reported as early as 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle stalls or comes to complete halt without warning; RPM increases but vehicle does not accelerate; Severe jerking and shaking; Inability to move forward even with accelerator fully depressed; Vehicle becomes undriveable after stalling
Codes mentioned: P2859 (Power Transmission Control Module), P17F4 (manufacturer defect per NTB19-075), P2589, P0965, Check engine light (often illuminates after failure, not before)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; dealers and independent shops report CVT chain breakage and internal failure. Replacement costs cited as $3,500–$5,500 plus labor. Extended powertrain warranty typically expired (60,000–84,000 miles depending on purchase date). Nissan dealerships often refuse warranty coverage citing VIN exclusion from recall lists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued recall NTB19-075 (October 2019) for certain 2013–2017 Sentras, but many owners report their VINs excluded despite same symptoms. Nissan Consumer Affairs repeatedly denies coverage citing warranty expiration, VIN not on recall list, or insufficient maintenance at dealership. Class-action lawsuits filed but settlement excludes many owner VINs. Some owners told 'nothing wrong' despite confirmed transmission failure.
Delayed/Hesitant Acceleration from Stop
After stopping at traffic lights or signs, pressing the accelerator produces no immediate response or a significant delay before the vehicle moves. Owners describe the car 'hesitating' or feeling 'sluggish,' which can be confused with normal CVT behavior but escalates into full loss of power.
When: From early ownership (reported from 30,000 miles onward)
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable delay when pressing accelerator from complete stop; Vehicle hesitates or 'feels sluggish' after braking; Slow to respond to throttle input; Behavior precedes more severe transmission failure in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Initially dismissed by dealers as 'normal CVT feel.' Owners who complained early were told to become familiar with the transmission. No repair offered at this stage; transmission eventually requires replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership advisors in narrative #1 stated the hesitation was 'just the feel of a Nissan Sentra' and no repair needed. This dismissal contributed to delayed diagnosis and safety incidents.
Transmission Slipping and Gear-Hunting on Inclines
When driving uphill or encountering grade changes at highway speeds, the transmission continuously hunts for the correct gear ratio, causing unpredictable power loss and acceleration lag. Vehicle may downshift repeatedly and fail to maintain speed, creating merge and passing hazards.
When: 30,000–110,000 miles, typically under load conditions (hills, merges)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or feels like neutral under load; Continuous shifting on hills without settling; RPM increases without acceleration; Vehicle cannot maintain steady speed on incline; Jerking during acceleration on grades; Near-accidents during highway merges and passing maneuvers
Codes mentioned: P2859
Repairs/costs cited: Requires transmission replacement. Transmission fluid drain and fill (offered in some cases) does not resolve the issue. One owner reported a 'chain in pieces' inside the transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No extended warranty coverage typically offered for this failure mode. Some owners refused extended warranty due to high mileage.
Burning Smell and Overheating
Owners report an abnormal burning odor from the transmission area, often accompanied by gradual loss of power or stalling. Some cases progress to engine overheating and failure of both engine and transmission.
When: 40,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from engine/transmission area; Smell comes through vents; Loss of power or stalling shortly after smell detected; Engine overheating (in one case, engine replacement required); Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (no specific codes always captured)
Repairs/costs cited: In narrative #4, engine replacement was required ($cost not specified); transmission replacement also needed ($3,000–$4,000 quoted). In narrative #31, vehicle parked and not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered. Warranty denial cited in cases exceeding mileage or time limits.
No Warning Lights Despite Failure
In the majority of failure events, the check engine light does not illuminate until after the transmission has already stalled or severely lost power—or never illuminates at all. This robs drivers of diagnostic opportunity.
When: Throughout failure range
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power or stalls with no prior warning light; Check engine light comes on after failure (sometimes 17 minutes later per narrative #46); No dashboard indication of transmission stress; Drivers report surprise and inability to anticipate failure
Repairs/costs cited: None; diagnostic codes only retrieved post-failure via dealer or independent scan tool.
Brake System Sensitivity/Interaction (Narrative #1)
One new-vehicle owner experienced sluggish braking and inability to stop at intended distance. The front-end emergency braking system (likely AEB) beeped and flashed but did not bring the vehicle to a full stop during a low-speed incident. Dealership initially blamed driver unfamiliarity; investigation eventually revealed transmission valve requiring replacement.
When: Early ownership (new car)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes feel sluggish; Vehicle does not stop at intended distance despite hard braking; Emergency braking system beeps and flashes but fails to fully stop vehicle; Occurs at low speeds (city driving)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve replaced under warranty. Additional part damaged in accident was on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships initially dismissed complaint as driver inexperience. After investigation, transmission valve replacement was approved under warranty. Nissan requested 8-week investigation while denying rental car coverage and delaying parts availability.
Electrical and Engine Concerns in Used Purchase (Narrative #2)
A used 2016 Sentra purchased at auction with undisclosed 'minor engine stutter' developed severe drivability and safety failures within 5 minutes. Loud whining, loss of acceleration, check engine and battery warning lights, and diagnostic port failure suggest possible electrical tampering or undisclosed major mechanical issues. However, transmission failure is the core concern.
When: Immediately upon purchase (first 5 minutes of driving)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from powertrain; Loss of acceleration; Vehicle will not move despite accelerator input; Check engine light and battery warning light illumination; OBD2 diagnostic port will not power on; Signs of electrical wiring tampering or blown fuses
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealership documented 'serious safety and drivability concerns, including likely transmission failure and possible electrical system tampering.' Vehicle not repaired; pushed to roadside assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership issued warning of undisclosed defects but offered no remedy. Auction seller (Capital Auto Auction) did not disclose condition.
Synthesized from 125 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The problem with the car is that after a stop sign, the car no longer moved forward, it stayed in the road, this was blocking traffic and it was dangerous to get out of the car, the tow truck arrived to move it from the road, several mechanics examined it and said that the transmission was damaged, the car has only traveled 78,140 miles.
When driving on the interstate above 45 miles per hour, the car jerks and does not want to go. The car almost did not make it thru the intersection with another vehicle coming on more than one occasion. Car finally stopped and had to be towed. Informed that a new transmission was needed.
While in motion the car jerks and slips gears while driving it has loss of power when accelerating I feel unsafe while driving my car.
When on the freeway, once vehicle has reached 50-70 MPH, the rpms jump up and down. Super dangerous as I am then unable to maintain control of vehicle and have to cut through traffic to a shoulder. Also on take off and stopping at red lights, car shudders and feels like it is going to stall. I know there is a class action lawsuit out there as many drivers are having this issue but I should not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Nissan sentra. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle was taken to Nissan south morrow (located at 6889 jonesboro road, morrow, ga 30260) where it was diagnosed that there was internal damage to the continuously variable transmission. The vehicle was repaired by aamco. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure…
I have transmission issue
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Nissan sentra. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle started to shake when his wife tried to accelerate. The contact's wife was able to pull off the road and restart the vehicle and safely drive home. The dealer mcdonough Nissan (1775 avalon parkway, mcdonough, ga 30253, (770) 282-5077) stated that the extended warranty was active up to 84,000 for issue…
My 2016 Nissan Sentra malfunctioned while driving on the Highway three separate times. The car suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and seemed to power down while becoming more difficult to steer. It seemed to start shuddering and I thought it may have been a front end flat tire. After pulling off the road and putting the car in park, when I waited a minute or two, I placed the car in drive…
The transmission needs to be replaced at almost 114k on a 3 year old vehicle. Was told it cant be fixed or sealed because of the CVT technology that prevents repairs. Costs about $4k to replace the transmission. Why can't the transmission be repaired? Why isn't the 120k powertrain coverage automatic if you stand behind your product and brand?
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
It's a meaningful issue. 125 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 66 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 58,000 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 91,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 109,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.