Drivers of the 2013 Nissan Sentra complained of issues with the powertrain, engine, airbags, and service brakes. Some of these issues resulted in recalls.

Written by Mary Cahill

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

The most common 2013 Nissan Sentra problems
Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra reliable?
How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

The most common problems reported by drivers of the 2013 Nissan Sentra range from issues with the powertrain and engine to malfunctioning airbags and service brakes. There have also been six NHTSA recalls that affected the 2013 Sentra, several of which pertained to the airbag.

Nissan is a car brand with a lot to offer. They’ve been making cars since the 1930s and have enjoyed continued success in the US auto market. One popular model is the Sentra, a compact car now in its eighth generation and known as one of Nissan's most affordable vehicles.

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The most common 2013 Nissan Sentra problems

Seeing as the 2013 Nissan Sentra has been on the scene for almost a decade, it’s to be expected that some common problems have been reported with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The majority of complaints about the 2013 Nissan Sentra have to do with its powertrain. A vehicle’s powertrain relates to the mechanical parts responsible for putting it in motion, such as the transmission, driveshaft, axles, differential, and engine.

Many drivers have observed loud noises coming from the engine and transmission, accompanied by a lack of power. When Car and Driver reviewed the 2013 Nissan Sentra, they too noticed these troubling flaws with the powertrain.

There have also been specific NHTSA-logged complaints about the 2013 Sentra’s engine. Defects of the Sentra’s crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor were widely reported. These sensors may intermittently fail without warning, causing the engine to stall.

The engine issues didn’t stop there. Other common problems are premature fuel pump failure, mass air flow sensor failure, and electronic throttle actuator failure. These defects, combined with the faulty transmission caused major driveability issues for 2013 Sentra owners.

Other common complaints against the 2013 Nissan Sentra include:

Passenger airbags may not deploy due to an OCS error.

Software defects may not detect the presence of a front passenger, causing deactivation of the passenger airbags in a crash.

A deformed seat belt bracket in the front passenger seat may disable airbags if a child-restraint system is installed in the seat.

The fuel tank may leak after being topped off due to improper sealing, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

All of the above mechanical defects for the 2013 Nissan Sentra were serious enough to warrant safety recalls from the manufacturer—four of the six recalls issued were concerning Nissan's faulty airbags.

MORE:

What is an NHTSA safety rating?

Is the 2013 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Now that we’ve dissected the most common 2013 Nissan Sentra problems, you might wonder, is it a reliable car?

They’re not the best. J.D. Power gave the 2013 Nissan Senta a reliability rating of two out of five—the lowest score possible. And considering that the 2013 Nissan Sentra still commands a pretty substantial resale price (the lowest prices start at $5,999), you might be better off taking your hard-earned money elsewhere.

MORE:

Car loan for Nissan 2022

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

The Nissan Sentra has been produced since 1990 and remains in production today. So despite some mechanical blips along the way, it’s proven to be a car with staying power. No matter what Nissan you drive, you’re going to need

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