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Nissan · NHTSA safety record

2011 Nissan Sentra

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 142 safety complaints about the 2011 Nissan Sentra with the US government. Of those, 19 describe a crash, 6 mention a fire, 14 people were injured and no death is recorded. 2 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the electrical system.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 34 complaints, 24% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 71,000 miles, the median across the 116 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2011 to July 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

142 complaints on file

142

Complaints

19

Describe a crash

6

Mention fire

14

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34 · 24%
ENGINE 30 · 21%
AIR BAGS 20 · 14%
POWER TRAIN 18 · 13%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 18 · 13%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 17 · 12%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 6%
STEERING 8 · 6%
STRUCTURE 7 · 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5 · 4%
0 15 31

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 142.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2018 at 21.

24 18 12 6
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2011 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2011 Nissan SENTRA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 11.6%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

2 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

11V579000 · December 15, 2011

The 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).
The 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.
The 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.

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · up to 33,803 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

10V555000 · November 12, 2010

The 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.
The 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.
The 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 NORTH AMERICA, INC. · up to 13,737 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 injured · crash · 6,000 miles

I PURCHASED THE CAR MARCH 14, 2011 AND THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES WITH MAKING NOISES AND VIBRATING. I RETURN THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING WEEK AND DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS, BUT REFERRED TO NISSAN SERVICE. ON JULY 29, 2011, MY MOTHER MOVED MY CAR OUT OF A FIRE LINE AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH. THE GAS PEDAL WENT WAY TO THE FLOOR AND SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES. AT THAT TIME THE PEDAL TRAVELED MORE THAN 3/4 TO THE FLOOR ALMOST INSTANTLY. SHE DID LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRUSHED INTO A TREE TO STOP THE CAR. SHE NEVER REGAINED THE USE OF THE BRAKES. I DID GO TO THE TOWNG COMPANY AND TOOK PICTURE WHERE THE GAS PEDAL IS STILL IN 3/4 INCH FROM THE FLOOR. DJ

NHTSA complaint 10417220. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

2 injured · crash · 26,000 miles

MY SON WAS DRIVING MY CAR NISSAN SENTRA 2011 ON 405 FREEWAY IN THE CARPOOL LANE AT ABOUT 65MPH. THE ENGINE CUT OFF. HE TOLD ME THAT HE TRIED TO GET OVER WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL COASTING BUT THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED IN ONE OF THE LANES. HE PUT ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND CALLED HOME. HE TOLD US THAT THE CAR HAD CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START BACK UP. HE SAID THAT OTHER CARS WERE JUST FLYING BY AT FAST SPEED. WE TOLD HIM AND HIS FRIENDS TO STAY IN THE CAR WHERE WE FELT IT TO BE SAFER AT THE TIME. THEN HE SAID I AM ABOUT TO GET HIT. FOR MINUTES WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE DRIVER THAT HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR LET MY SON AND 2 OTHER PEOPLE GET IN HIS CAR AND HE DROVE THEM OFF OF

NHTSA complaint 10509472, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 47,000 miles

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT LOCK ONCE MY CAR WAS HIT BY THE OTHER VEHICLE WHO CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSED MY BROTHER THE DRIVER TO GO FORWARD. ALSO THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK. CAUSING MORE HARM AND WORSE INJURIES, BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO KEEP MY BROTHER FROM GOING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING STILL WAITING TO TURN, WHEN IT WAS STRUCK BY A TRUCK THAT FAILED TO BRAKE AND JUST CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON A CITY STREET .

NHTSA complaint 10809292. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 65,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS PULLING OFF FROM A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BUT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE

NHTSA complaint 10855289, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towed · 107,000 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11749986, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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

NHTSA complaint 11662893, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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

NHTSA complaint 11662586, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11618227. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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

NHTSA complaint 11601912. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
Getting a airbag control module open code.

NHTSA complaint 11599315. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Nissan Sentra

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 16 1 —
2025 30 4 —
2024 41 3 —
2023 20 1 —
2022 81 2 —
2021 132 3 —
2020 205 4 —
2019 222 2 —
2018 185 2 1
2017 230 3 —
2016 270 6 —
2015 351 3 —
2014 380 5 —
2013 638 6 1
2012 180 0 —
2010 144 3 —

Other 2011 Nissan models

Rogue 362 Versa 269 Altima 241 Juke 153 Murano 148 Maxima 106 Leaf 95 Quest 66

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Nissan on this site — 205 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst