2013 Nissan Sentra
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 36 |
| 1988 | 37 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 63 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 99 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 141 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 59 |
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 235 |
| 2002 | 304 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 141 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 347 |
| 2016 | 266 |
| 2017 | 228 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2019 | 219 |
| 2020 | 203 |
| 2021 | 127 |
| 2022 | 80 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
48% of complaints: power train — 308 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
15% of complaints: air bags — 96 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HIT A METAL BARRIER AT 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I HAVE HAD 2 SURGERIES SIGNIFICANT BRAIN DAMAGE AND MEMORY LOSS. NISSAN WON'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THERE WAS A PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180327
15% of complaints: service brakes — 95 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WENT TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I WAS UNABLE TO DEPLOY THE BRAKES. THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD, I THEN TRIED SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND I ENDED UP CRASHING THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180330
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131209
14% of complaints: engine — 87 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Feb 26th, 2024 i drove my car for the first time since having surgery on Jan. 11, 2024.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240327
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131206
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 51 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Sentra vehicles manufactured from September 11, 2012, through October 4, 2012. Some fuel tank assemblies were not properly sealed during the manufacturing
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V068000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out o
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-8
Campaign 13V069000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 — check if this car was fixed
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
Occupant Classification System Failure
Occupant Classification System Failure
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.
Campaign 16V244000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016.
Campaign 16V242000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Nissan Sentra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (308 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (96 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (95 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V068000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V069000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V138000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V681000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V242000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Nissan Sentra is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Sentra have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.