2011 Nissan Sentra

Routine

Owners filed 142 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

116 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System24
020
Engine18
232
Air Bags18
906
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13
010
Unknown or Other12
103
Power Train12
000
Service Brakes7
100
Structure › Body5
302
Visibility4
100
Steering4
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables11V579000
Filed Dec 15, 201133,803 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MR20 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 11, 2010, TO MAY 22, 2010, AND JULY 8, 2010, TO OCTOBER 25, 2010. THE ZINC COATING APPLIED TO THE TERMINAL STUD BOLT WAS THICKER THAN SPECIFICATION. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM).

Risk. THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER IT STOPPED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND COVER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JANUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables10V555000
Filed Nov 12, 201013,737 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 22, 2010, THROUGH JULY 8, 2010. DUE TO A MACHINING IRREGULARITY, THE BOLT/WASHER SURFACE ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP TO OCCUR IN THE CONTACT AREA OF THE TERMINAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE.

Risk. THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED WITH A DIFFICULT OR NO START INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN PN NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 2026107,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop where it was diagnosed with ECM failure. The contact was informed that a heavy voltage overload had caused a hole in the ECM. The contact was informed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that an unknown recall with a similar failure was performed in 2012. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Engine
Filed May 24, 2025VA

I purchased a Nissan vehicle that was represented as reliable and safe. Considering I’m a single mother also still young enough to wanna live not be on the highway and have my car declined speed and a tractor trailer almost hit me like that’s already happened. This is a known problem. Yeah I can’t get any help However, the vehicle has ongoing transmission problems that significantly impact its drivability and safety. Upon reviewing the paperwork, I discovered the vehicle was previously with a salvage company, a fact that was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. This lack of transparency is unacceptable and has caused me considerable distress and unexpected repair costs. I am requesting Nissan’s urgent attention to this matter, including a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history and any potential recalls or service bulletins related to these transmission issues. As a consumer, I expect better disclosure and support from Nissan, especially regarding vehicles with known defects or salvage histories. I urge you to take responsibility and help resolve this matter promptly to ensure customer safety and trust. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious concern.

Engine
Filed May 22, 2025VA

To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with Nissan over the CVT failure in my 2011 Nissan Sentra. There are no active recalls listed for my vehicle, yet I’m experiencing the same transmission failure thousands of others have reported—jerking, hesitation, loss of power, and check engine codes P1778 and P0776. I purchased this car 3–4 months ago as a single mother trying to rebuild my life. I chose this vehicle specifically because I thought it would be a dependable, affordable option to get back on my feet. Instead, I’m now stuck with a car that’s barely driveable, a dangerous transmission, and no support. It feels like punishment for trying to do things the right way. I understand warranties expire, but Nissan is a million-dollar company, and the CVT transmission issues are a known and ongoing defect. You should not continue to profit while customers are left stranded and burdened with thousands in repairs due to faulty engineering. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s harmful. This kind of failure makes life significantly harder for people who are already struggling. I’ve contacted Consumer Affairs. I was disconnected mid-call and haven’t received help opening a case. I now need reliable transportation to care for my child and maintain the progress I’ve worked so hard for. I’m requesting that Nissan review this case and offer some form of goodwill assistance or reimbursement. I should not have to choose between feeding my family and

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2024IL

I was driving at low speed 20 mph , stopped at the stop sign , when I pressed acceleration the vehicle did not respond . I checked Dash and I could see all engine warnings light up. I switched off the vehicle and started again it started back with no issues and started running again. The vehicle sounds normal .there was no engine related warnings afterwards.

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2024IN

I was in the highway at about 60 mph and the air bag light came on also the check engine light and I heard a sound and my car lost power I was able to get to the side lane then when it stopped all the way I started the car but would not go pass 30 mph and would barely go on reverse took it to mechanic they said it was the transmission tried to charge me $ 4,700 haven’t drove it since

Air Bags
Filed Jul 5, 2024CA

Getting a airbag control module open code.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 29, 2024WI

I am having issues with registering car due to failed emissions for the Mass Air Flow Sensor as well as the CVT light that comes on while driving. The CVT light pops on out of no where which makes the car shake and not want to move too well. To be driving on freeway and have this happen would be very dangerous if not fatal.

Engine
Filed Nov 13, 2023160,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2023WI

The Airbag Light, came on a few months ago. UNKNOWN why or exact date. Air Bag inspection, has outrageous cost, to just diagnose why it's on. I have never had a issue with air bags with this car or another car. This is uncommon. Especially with, No Car Incidents.

Seats
Filed Aug 10, 2023147,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side seat fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Tires
Filed Jul 9, 2023AL

Driving on the freeway an car just couldn't pull it literally stopped had to pullover in I was strained for hours

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 23, 2023PA

I was driving my car to work between 9 and 10pm on/around February 5, 2023. I lost control of my car and it couldn’t brake. I couldn’t have been hit if it was rush hour or ran into a car or someone. I turned to a around on the right to get out of traffic. The road had a little hill, I started to slide down the hill. I took my car to Nissan in Monroeville PA. When I picked my car back they had wrong VIN number and Year for my car. They said they scan the VIN not type it so the at wasn’t a typo. I am concerned that they said they changed codes and no main issues and mentioned some issues but the documentation was all wrong about a car with a VIN and Year that isn’t mine and under my family information. I am concerned about if my car is okay, and why Nissan gave me wrong VIN with two wrong errors in the numbers and letters and wrong year and they also might or might not have fixed problem. They said my car was 2008 but it’s 2011. I am concerned about if my car was fixed for the problem i took it on for and also if it was manipulated with old parts because it is not 2008. I went to the police in Monroeville PA they helped me find correct VIN. I bought my car at Subaru and they said my car VIN is as they said and is 2011. Did Nissan fix my car? I don't trust they did if documentation of VIN and Year are wrong, I’m now concerned about fraud possibilities. I took my car to Nissan Feb 15. It started to work fine on Feb 5 when I restarted it but I needed them to check why it didn’t wo

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 28, 2021119,850 milesUT

I WENT ON A ROAD TRIP THAT WAS 240 MILES EACH WAY. WE WERE ABOUT HALF WAY WHEN YOU BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. I REALIZED THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS AT THAT HALF WAY POINT BECAUSE IT WAS JERKING ,CLANKING, STALKING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY CAR COULD ONLY GO 60MPH ON THE WAY HOME ON I-15. PEOPLE WERE FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS AND RIDING MY ASS. I EVENTUALLY HAD TO GET OFF THE NEAREST EXIT, IN PAYSON UTAH, JUST MAKE SURE I WOULD BE OKAY. NORMALLY MY CAR GETS ABOUT 36MPG ON THE FREEWAY BUT IT WAS GETTING ABOUT 20MPG ON THE WAY HOME. INITIALLY I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE FLUID CHARGED ME $286.00 AND THEY RECOMMENDED A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP MECHANIC DIAGNOSED BAD INTERNAL PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. WITH ESTIMATED REPAIRS OF $3500.00. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS BEEN 120,140 MILES. IT BROKE DOWN 04/18/2021

Power Train
Filed Feb 9, 202192,000 milesWI

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 92K MILES. STARTED TO "KICK" ON THE HIGHWAY AND BY THE TIME WE GOT HOME IT'S TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 2020TN

THE CAR CHARGER REFUSES TO ADHERE TO A CAR CHARGER THAT CAME AS AN ACCESSORY WITH A CELL PHONE PACKAGE.BUT MY PHONE CAR CHARGER WORKS FOR ANY OTHER RANDOM C- CHARGER THAT MY CELL PHONES USES

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 202010,000 milesNC

HAVING ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY. HAVE TO STOP AND TURN OFF CAR AND ALL LIGHTS. PUSH THE ABS LIGHT BUTTON AND START CAR AGAIN TO REPEAT. HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. CAR HAS STOPPED TWICE ON ITS ON WHEN THIS HAS OCCURRED. WAS DRIVING FROM OUT OF TOWN ON BACK ROADS AND HAD TO STOP ABOUT EVERY 10 MINUTES TO STOP AND TURN OFF CAR. NOTICE IT WAS WORSE THAN BEFORE. DIFFERENCE IN ROADS FROM HOME. ROADS I WAS ON WERE SEVERAL WINDING ROAD. DID NOT GOT BETTER EVEN IF I DROVE SLOWLY.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 5, 202093,000 milesIN

LIKE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM READING I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VDC OFF LIGHT WILL APPEAR AND MY CAR WILL START JERKING AND HAVE TROUBLE ACCELERATING, I THEN HAVE TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT MY CAR OFF FOR A FEW, THIS LUCKILY HAS ONLY HAPPENED TO ME IN THE CITY AS AFTER IT HAPPENED I WAS TOO WORRIED TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH THIS MANY ISSUES/COMPLAINTS NISSAN REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE IT COSTS SOMEONE THEIR LIFE

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2020138,000 milesIL

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JUNE 2016, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN OCTOBER (APPROXIMATELY 60,000-70,000 MILES) WHEN TEMP DROPPED BELOW 55 DEGREES. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, CODE READ P0101. FIND NISSAN HAS POSTED A BULLETIN ON THIS.FOLLOWED ALL GUIDELINES. HE CLEANED THE MAF SENSOR. LIGHT WENT OFF. NEXT, DAY LIGHT COMES BACK ON. GO BACK, HAVE SENSOR REPLACED. LIGHT COMES BACK ON. CHECKS FOR VACUUM LEAKS, CHANGE AIR FILTER BLOW OUT AIR BOX AND SURROUNDING COMPONENTS. LIGHT STILL ON. TAKE CAR FOR A DIAGNOSIS EVERY FEW MONTHS TO ENSURE ITS STILL THE SAME THING AND NOTHING ELSE. NO PROBLEM WITH CARS DRIVABILITY. FAST FORWARD TO 2019, VDC/ ABS LIGHTS COME ON. CALL NISSAN, TELL ME THEY CANT HELP BECAUSE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NISAN HAS POSTED BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRS VIA THEIR BULLETIN, ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE $700 WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. LIGHTS GO OFF. BUT THAT STARTED A NEW ISSUE. MY VDC/ABS LIGHTS WILL SPONTANEOUSLY COME ON CAUSING MY CAR TO JERK VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-30MPH (OR 2,500 RPM) CAUSING ME TO STOP DEAD IN TRAFFIC, PARK THE CAR, TAKE THE KEY OUT (IT MUST BE OUT!), WAIT A FEW SECONDS, TURN IT BACK ON. FAST FORWARD TO THIS WEEK (3/2/20) MY CAR STALLS OUT GOING 70 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN TO SEMIS. EVERYTHING JUST SHUTS DOWN. I LITERALLY ALMOST DIED. CALL NISSAN AND THEY TELL ME, MY CAR ISN'T PART OF THE RECALL, OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY, NOTHING WE CAN DO. GO TO NISSAN DEALER. THEY WANT TO CHARGE $150 TO DIAGNOSE. SO I WENT ELSEW

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2020138,200 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL KAY NISSAN LOCATED AT (1601 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,200.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2020128,000 milesCA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES - NISSAN SENTRA 2011 - MY CAR WAS RUNNING WELL FOR ALL THESE YEARS, NO PROBLEMS AT ALL, BUT ONE DAY, DIDN'T WANT TO START, IT DIDN'T MAKE NO NOISE, NOTHING. MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE BATTERY RIGHT AWAY, IT WAS A LITTLE BIT LOOSE AND HE ADJUSTED IT. THE CAR WANTED TO START BUT NEVER DID COMPLETELY. THE TOW GUY SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE KEY WAS DEPROGRAMMED SO WE WERE HOPING IT WAS JUST THAT. SO WE TOWED THE CAR TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. IT COSTED MORE THAN $2,000 DOLLARS TO GET IF FIXED. SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND OUT THAT NISSAN SENTRA'S 2010-2011 HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THE ARTICLE SAYS: (DUE TO A MACHINING IRREGULARITY, THE BOLT/WASHER SURFACE ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP TO OCCUR IN THE CONTACT AREA OF THE TERMINAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR! WE TALKED TO THE NISSAN MANAGER ABOUT IT, BUT HE DIDN'T HONOR THE RECALL, SINCE MY CAR DOESN'T HAVE THIS RECALL WHEN I APPLY THE VIN#. HE GAVE US A PHONE # TO CALL: 1800 NISSAN1, SO I HOPE THEY CAN REIMBURSE THE MONEY WE PAID FOR IT. PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS, REPORT IT, SO THEY CAN SEE THERE IS MORE VEHICLES AFFECTED THAT DON'T QUALIFY FOR THIS RECALL AND I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR BECAUSE IT IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE. THANK YOU!

20 of 142 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202615110Routine
202530400Routine
202438300Routine
202319100Routine
202281200Routine
2021131310Routine
2020204400Above average
2019222210Above average
2018185231Fatalities reported
2017230360Above average
2016270620Above average
2015351330Above average
2014380560Above average
2013638641Fatalities reported
2012180040Routine
2011 — this page142260Routine
2010144340Routine
200955101Fatalities reported
2008167330Routine
20071541102Fatalities reported
2006116610Do not drive
2005170640Do not drive
2004197501Do not drive
20031801010Do not drive
20023181480Do not drive
2001236820Above average
2000171740Routine
199959300Routine
199858521Fatalities reported
1997108712Fatalities reported
1996141710Routine
1995117732Fatalities reported
199499050Routine
199358020Routine
1992620150Routine
1991632101Fatalities reported
199039231Fatalities reported

Compare every Sentra year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.