This page covers 2 recalls, 141 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Nissan Sentra.
24–29 mpg combined
8.1–9.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2011 Nissan Sentra cluster most heavily around the engine and electrical system, with the powertrain close behind. On the engine side, owners describe stalling or sudden loss of power at low speeds, warning lights illuminating across the dashboard, and emissions-related failures tied to the mass airflow sensor. The electrical complaints cover a range of issues including warning lights cycling on and off and airbag control module faults. The powertrain complaints center almost entirely on the CVT, owners report the transmission warning light appearing without warning, accompanied by shuddering, hesitation under acceleration, and the vehicle struggling to move. Several owners describe these CVT symptoms occurring at highway speeds.
141
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 2 recalls, both involving a battery terminal connection that can cause the engine to stall while driving and may prevent the vehicle from restarting, raising the risk of a crash.
In both cases, the positive battery cable terminal can lose contact due to fitting irregularities at the connection point, cutting power to the engine without warning. The two recalls cover different production date ranges but share the same consequence: an unexpected stall at speed or low speed with a difficult or impossible restart.
At a glance
What can fail
The zinc coating on the battery terminal stud bolt is thicker than intended, causing excessive voltage drop that can make starting difficult and damage the engine control module.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover at no cost to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing flaw on the positive battery terminal cable end may create a gap where the bolt connects, reducing electrical contact. This can cause voltage drop, making the vehicle hard to start and potentially damaging the engine control module.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive battery terminal cable end with a new part at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
