2009 Nissan Sentra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Sentra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1519.5%
- Steering1114.3%
- Brakes1013.0%
- Electrical67.8%
- Engine67.8%
- Body & structure67.8%
- Suspension56.5%
- Tires & wheels45.2%
- Fuel system45.2%
- Powertrain (other)33.9%
- Other / unspecified22.6%
- Interior & seats22.6%
- Seat belts11.3%
- Exterior lighting11.3%
- Driver assistance11.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car is included by year in the current airbag recall. However it comes up negative and the airbag icon started blinking last week. There were no incidents prior to the blinking.
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT POP ON WHEN I WAS STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH ,FIRE , OR FLOOD. THE AIR BAG MODULE MUST BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM, THIS IS NOT NO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. THERE ARE OTHER NISSAN MODELS WITH SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE DON'T LET MANUFACTURERS GET AWAY WITH THIS, IT IS PUTTING ME AND MY PASSENGERS IN VERY HIGH DANGER. THIS IS A ITEM ONLY MANUFACTURERS HAVE EASY ACCESS TO.I PAYED ALOT OF MONEY FOR VEHICLE, PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE FOR RECALL , THERE'S NO WHERE ELSE TO TURN TO. THANK FOR YOUR HELP AND CONSIDERATION.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My brake line broke in three pieces while I was driving on the highway visiting my son I almost lost my life the brakes did not work all of the fluid came out thank God I didn’t die there was no sign on the dashboard also my brakes even when I change the pads the rotors and calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the best quality even when purchased fluids always buy CVT oil and I get it from the Nissan dealership.
I was driving on the interstate to go and visit my granddaughter from PA to New York when all of a sudden I press on the break pedal and the brakes stopped working there was no warning sign on the dashboard I was alone in the car and afraid I started to slow down there was a lot of traffic trucks and I pulled over on the side slowly and use the emergency break and thank God I’m alive today to tell you my ordeal thank God I didn’t get hurt and no one got hurt and the best part I got to see my granddaughter 9 hours later. Basically I was informed that my brake line was broke in three pieces I cannot believe it just be careful always check your brake line thank you stay safe out there!!
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL CAR STALLS OUT AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY WARNING SIGNAL, EVERY TIME I BRAKE TO QUICKLY WHEN HITTING A RED LIGHT BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T REGULARLY ON. MY PROBLEM MATCHES ANOTHER TYPE OF 2009 NISSAN SENTRA PROBLEM BUT MY EXACT MODEL IS NOT RECALLED. PURCHASED BRAND NEW STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO NO AVAIL ANOTHER RECALL SAYS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP.
I HAVE A 2009 NISSAN SENTRA I BOUGHT IT A FEW MONTHS AGO AND EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE IT THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY LACKS WHEN I'M OUTSIDE AND CLOSE IT CLOSED AND IT HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO DO NOT STAY OUT OF THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO LOWER THE WINDOWS OR HAVE A SPARE KEY IN MY WALLET
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, REACH THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ENGINE STALL WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AT THE STOP LIGHT. AFTERWARDS, I CAN RESTART THE CAR NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES, ABOUT ONE MONTH APART.
I'M CURRENTLY FINANCING A CAR. MY OIL RUNS OUT TOO FAST. IN ONE MONTH I PROBABLY USED 1000 MILES MAX AND I'VE ALREADY HAD TO GET A OIL CHANGE 3 TIMES. I'M AFRAID MY ENGINE IS EITHER GOING TO LOCK UP OR BLOW UP AND AS A YOUNG DRIVER I'M VERY SCARED OF MY SAFETY ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON THE PARKWAYS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
My brake line broke in three pieces while I was driving on the highway visiting my son I almost lost my life the brakes did not work all of the fluid came out thank God I didn’t die there was no sign on the dashboard also my brakes even when I change the pads the rotors and calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the best quality even when purchased fluids always buy CVT oil and I get it from the Nissan dealership.
WAS TOWED IN AND THE LF BALL JOINT IS RUSTED AND FELL APART. THE STUD AND NUT ARE STILL ATTACHED TO THE KNUCKLE AND THE BALL PULLED OUT OF THE SOCKET. THIS ALLOWED THE SUSPENSION OF DROP THAT CORNER OF THE CAR DOWN AND PULL THE CV AXLE OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. JUST PULLING OUT FROM HOME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN SENTRA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK ROADHANDLER SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 215/55R/16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SIDEWALL WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO SEARS AND THEN TO THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE DOT NUMBER, VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE, AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED.
WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 40F LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. TIRE PRESSURE IS FINE UPON CHECKING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL CAR STALLS OUT AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY WARNING SIGNAL, EVERY TIME I BRAKE TO QUICKLY WHEN HITTING A RED LIGHT BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T REGULARLY ON. MY PROBLEM MATCHES ANOTHER TYPE OF 2009 NISSAN SENTRA PROBLEM BUT MY EXACT MODEL IS NOT RECALLED. PURCHASED BRAND NEW STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO NO AVAIL ANOTHER RECALL SAYS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP.
I HAVE GONE THROUGH 5 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS ONE BLEW UP UNDER MY HOOD. I CHANGED THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLY AFTER THAT HAPPENED. IT HASN'T HELPED IN KEEPING BATTERIES FOR MORE THAN A YEAR IN THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD THE SYSTEM CHECKED EVERYTHING COMES BACK NORMAL. I CAN CHARGE ANYTHING IN MY CAR WHILE THE CAR IS OFF AND NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WOULD THINK THAT THERE WOULD BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT. MY DOORS LOCK/UNLOCK INCONSTANTLY WHEN USING MY FOB TO PERFORM EITHER FUNCTION. I HAVE TO DO IT MANUALLY. THE GAS TUBE HAS PULLED AWAY AND IS UNSTABLE. MY VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. IT HAPPENED IN A SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT, ON AN ON RAMP TO GET ON A FREEWAY, IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET. AAA KNOWS ME WELL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT IT BEFORE ON ANOTHER WEBSITE, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN THIS WEBSITE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE BEEN GETTING GRINDING NOISES FROM MY TRANSMISSION SINCE THE FALL OF 2016. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE GEORGESVILLE NISSAN SHOP IN COLUMBUS, OH WHERE THEY STATED THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE NOISE OR HEAR IT EVEN THOUGH THE NOISE IS NOTICEABLE WHEN THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE AFTER SITTING STILL FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR. IT SOUNDS AS IF SOMEONE ISN'T PUSHING ON THE CLUTCH BEFORE CHANGING GEARS, THE PROBLEM IS THOUGH THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE GONE TO THE SHOP A FEW TIMES WHERE I'VE BEEN GIVEN THE SAME THING, THEY CAN'T RECREATE IT. MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME AND NOW IT'S NOT. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS WAS THEM TRYING TO NOT REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS AROUND 90K MILES WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED AND I'VE BEEN THERE TWO OR THREE TIMES. NOW MY CAR IS AT 123K MILES AND I AM NO LONGER COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I AM CURRENTLY AT WORK AND CAN NOT UPLOAD MY RECEIPTS FROM MY VISIT BUT WILL SEND PICTURES WHEN NEED BE. I'M SURE I HAVE A VIDEO I RECORDED OF THE NOISE TO, IF NOT, I HAVE A DASHCAM THAT I'M SURE HAS RECORDED THE SOUND MANY TIMES OVER.
MY VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WARRANTY ENDED AT 120,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 145,500 MILES. I'VE READ ONLINE THESE VEHICLES WITH CVT TRANSMISSION HAVE ISSUES WITH REPAIR CODE P0744. THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR OLDER VEHICLES EXCEPT MINE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT HELP BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND VEHICLE IS OLD. ALL I'M ASKING FOR THEM TO COVER MOST OF THE REPAIRS OR ALL OF IT. IN THIS CASE VEHICLE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLES RPM FLUCTUATED? JERKED AND LOST SPEED, THEN SPEED WOULD INCREASE. REPAIRS IS GOING TO COST ME OVER $1200.00.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 40F LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. TIRE PRESSURE IS FINE UPON CHECKING. *TR
SO I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING THAT DAY. MY SPEED WAS 40MPH WHEN I WAS MAKING LEFT TURN ON A HIGHWAY, AND THEN ALL OF SUDDEN ONE OF MY BACK TIRE ON THE RIGHT POP. MY CAR GOES OUT OF CONTROL AND MADE 180 DEGREES TURN. SO I END UP ROLLING MY CAR. LUCKILY THEIR WAS NO ONE COMING FROM OTHER LANE. AT THE END I WAS SURPRISE THAT NONE OF MY AIRBAG DEPLOY. ALSO MY CAR GOT TOTAL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK WITH CAR REMOTE. BATTERY WAS CHANGED IN REMOTES AND STILL DOES NOT WORK. KEY TO OVERRIDE DOOR LOCKS DOES NOT WORK. AFTER HITTING THE OPEN LOCK BUTTON ON KEY REMOTE FOR 5 MIN NON STOP IT FINALLY OPENED ALL DOORS. EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. I REFUSE TO LOCK CAR ANYMORE UNTIL I CAN GET TO DEALER TO REPAIR THE LOCKS AND REMOTE LOCK SENSORS. *TR
AT FIRST THE REAR DOORS STARTED NOT TO UNLOCK, NOW ALL THE DOORS EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVERS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE POWER LOCKS. YOU MUST MANUALLY FLIP EACH LOCK TO OPEN THE DOORS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE DRIVER IS SAFE, PASSENGER SEATBELT (FRONT SIDE OF DRIVER) IS LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW PASSENGER TO BUCKLE UP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOMBILLA QUE INDICA BOLSAS DE AIRE PARPADEA EN EL PANEL DE CONTROL Y DICE AIR BAG OFF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR WAS STATIONARY. I HAD JUST DROVE THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC. ONCE TRAFFIC CLEARED I ACCELERATED THROUGH THE FIRST LANE BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER. MY FOOT WAS ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. AT A FEW SECONDS AND NEAR MISS COLLISION MY CAR DECIDED TO FINALLY GO. IT FELT LIKE IT STALLED AND I HAD NO CONTROL. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE SUMMER AND ALL I CAN THINK OF IS THAT THE CAR IS GETTING TO HOT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .