Sentra (B16)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Nissan Sentra Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 140 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
MR20DE
2.0L 4-cyl / 140 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
2.5-I4-Gas
2.5L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
QG18DE
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
VQ35DE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Nissan Sentra regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
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).
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.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SENTRA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH MASTER CYLINDERS. BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. IF THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES TO BELOW THE MINIMUM LEVEL, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL ILLUMINATE AS DESIGNED AND THE BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
NISSAN IS RECALLING 169,202 MY 2007-2008 SENTRA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED ROBERT BOSCH MASTER CYLINDER. DUE TO THE MACHINING IRREGULARITY BY THE SUPPLIER, THE INTERNAL SEAL GROOVE IN THE BODY OF SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP IN THE GROOVE CONTACT AREA OF THE SEAL. THIS MAY RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID SLOWLY LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra problems?
The 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra has accumulated 832 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Nissan Sentra engine is most reliable?
The 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra a good used car?
The 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 832 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra have?
The 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra has 832 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Sentra?
Before buying a used Nissan Sentra, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Engine, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sentra?
The 2012 Nissan Sentra received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 3 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 832 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.