2011 Nissan Sentra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 142 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (20% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
“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”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
“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.”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2023
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2023
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2023
“Transmission failed at 92k miles. Started to "kick" on the highway and by the time we got home it's too unsafe to drive.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2021
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2020
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2020
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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).
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sentra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra reliable?
NHTSA has 142 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Nissan Sentra. The most complained-about area is electrical system (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Sentra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.