2012 Nissan Sentra problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 180.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Power train
Engine
Vehicle speed control
Safety recalls (0)
Recalls that cover the 2012 Nissan Sentra. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
No safety recalls on file for this model year.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
68 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 34,199 and 90,500 miles.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
39 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 53,500 and 103,044 miles.
Any unexpected acceleration, surging, or cruise control problems? Test cruise control on the highway.
22 owner complaints mention the throttle or cruise control, half of the reports with mileage are between 31,796 and 95,000 miles.
Has the airbag warning light ever stayed on? Was any airbag replaced after a crash?
20 owner complaints mention the air bags, half of the reports with mileage are between 33,122 and 103,750 miles.
Any rust, frame damage, or body repairs? Look underneath and ask whether the car has been in an accident.
17 owner complaints mention the body or structure, half of the reports with mileage are between 1,700 and 34,000 miles.
Other Nissan Sentra years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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