# Nissan Sentra check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 117 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (33) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 117 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Nissan Sentra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (33). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Nissan Sentra check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 33 | 352 | 9% | | 2016 | 32 | 270 | 12% | | 2017 | 16 | 231 | 7% | | 2018 | 13 | 185 | 7% | | 2019 | 9 | 223 | 4% | | 2020 | 3 | 207 | 1% | | 2021 | 3 | 133 | 2% | | 2022 | 2 | 81 | 2% | | 2023 | 1 | 20 | 5% | | 2024 | 1 | 41 | 2% | | 2025 | 3 | 32 | 9% | | 2026 | 1 | 19 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Nissan Sentra recalls related to the check engine light **[26V410000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V410000)** (2025 models, reported 2026-06-27): An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a driveshaft that is not fully engaged can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2026. **[24V304000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V304000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-04-29): An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2024. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Sentra owners report - "The check engine light then began to flashing so I pulled over immediately I put the car in park and the car started smoking smoke was filling the cab through the air vents I didn't even have time to pop the hood and check once I got out the car exploded and I do not exaggerate when I say it exploded the entire..." -- owner of a 2026 Nissan Sentra, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that the brake warning light, check engine light, oil warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. After approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. On..." -- owner of a 2025 Nissan Sentra, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several warning lights and messages, including the "Check Engine" and "CVT Malfunction Service Now" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle either jerked or hesitated while depressing the..." -- owner of a 2024 Nissan Sentra, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Sentra check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (26V410000, 24V304000) covering 2024-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Sentra years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sentra model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 33 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Sentra with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Nissan Sentra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Nissan Sentra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/nissan-sentra): 16 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-sentra): 44 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/nissan-sentra): 12 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-sentra): 49 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-sentra): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-sentra): 17 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Nissan Sentra - [Nissan Sentra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-sentra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-sentra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.