# Nissan Sentra traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 17 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (5) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 17 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Nissan Sentra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (5). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Nissan Sentra traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 352 | 0% | | 2016 | 3 | 270 | 1% | | 2017 | 5 | 231 | 2% | | 2018 | 1 | 185 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 223 | 0% | | 2020 | 3 | 207 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 133 | 1% | | 2022 | 2 | 81 | 2% | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Nissan Sentra traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Nissan Sentra has 22 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Nissan Sentra page](/vehicles/nissan-sentra) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Nissan Sentra owners report - "The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control, ABS, ESP Fault, and Master Brake System warning lights illuminated. The contact then stated that several other warning lights on the instrument panel started to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was..." -- owner of a 2022 Nissan Sentra, complaint filed 2022 - "My ABS light randomly come on along side of traction control, front and rear collision assistance lights. Car has had electrical problems since I got it such as sometimes bright headlights won't come on( they just stay on the dim regardless of what you do) the radio will just freeze and not work at all. Have to..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Sentra, complaint filed 2024 - "My ABS has messed up multiple times often after traction control is lost I have been lucky enough to not be injured YET this is my daily driver and im self employed and am currently paying almost 1k a month for this car so im forced to drive it even with the car randomly slamming my breaks I took it to the..." -- owner of a 2020 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 traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Sentra traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Nissan Sentra years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Sentra model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 5 for 2017. 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 traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### 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 - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-sentra): 117 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-sentra): 10 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Nissan Sentra - [Nissan Sentra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-sentra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-sentra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.