ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
2011 Nissan Sentra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 142 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 107 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2015 | 1 | 54 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 56 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 57 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 58 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 59 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 60 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 61 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 62 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 63 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 65 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 67 |
| Jun 2016 | 2 | 69 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 70 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 71 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 72 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 73 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 74 |
| Feb 2017 | 2 | 76 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 78 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 79 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 80 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 81 |
| Oct 2017 | 2 | 83 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 84 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 85 |
| Mar 2018 | 3 | 88 |
| Apr 2018 | 2 | 90 |
| May 2018 | 3 | 93 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 94 |
| Jul 2018 | 3 | 97 |
| Aug 2018 | 2 | 99 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 101 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 102 |
| Dec 2018 | 2 | 104 |
| Mar 2019 | 5 | 109 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 110 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 112 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 113 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 115 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 116 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 118 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 119 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 120 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 121 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 123 |
| Mar 2020 | 3 | 126 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 127 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 128 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 129 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 130 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 131 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 132 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 133 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 134 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 135 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 136 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 138 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 139 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 141 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 142 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine3418.9%
- Electrical3418.9%
- Airbags2011.1%
- Driver assistance2011.1%
- Powertrain (other)1810.0%
- Brakes147.8%
- Steering84.4%
- Body & structure73.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that an unknown recall with a similar failure was performed in 2012. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11749986
- Incident
- Jun 13, 2026
- Mileage
- 107,000 mi
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 requesting Nissan’s urgent attention to this matter, including a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history and any potential recalls or service bulletins related to these transmission issues. As a consumer, I expect better disclosure and support from Nissan, especially regarding vehicles with known defects or salvage histories. I urge you to take responsibility and help resolve this matter promptly to ensure customer safety and trust. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious concern.
- NHTSA ID
- 11662893
- Incident
- May 17, 2025
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 do things the right way. I understand warranties expire, but Nissan is a million-dollar company, and the CVT transmission issues are a known and ongoing defect. You should not continue to profit while customers are left stranded and burdened with thousands in repairs due to faulty engineering. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s harmful. This kind of failure makes life significantly harder for people who are already struggling. I’ve contacted Consumer Affairs. I was disconnected mid-call and haven’t received help opening a case. I now need reliable transportation to care for my child and maintain the progress I’ve worked so hard for. I’m requesting that Nissan review this case and offer some form of goodwill assistance or reimbursement. I should not have to choose between feeding my family and fixing a transmission that should have never failed this early. Please take responsibility. Do better for the people who trusted your brand.
- NHTSA ID
- 11662586
- Incident
- May 16, 2025
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 ID
- 11618227
- Incident
- Oct 4, 2024
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 ID
- 11601912
- Incident
- Jul 4, 2024
Getting a airbag control module open code.
- NHTSA ID
- 11599315
- Incident
- Jul 2, 2024
I am having issues with registering car due to failed emissions for the Mass Air Flow Sensor as well as the CVT light that comes on while driving. The CVT light pops on out of no where which makes the car shake and not want to move too well. To be driving on freeway and have this happen would be very dangerous if not fatal.
- NHTSA ID
- 11597710
- Incident
- Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11554938
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2023
- Mileage
- 160,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 50.8 |
| 2025 | 26 | 4 | 0 | 64.4 |
| 2024 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 62.2 |
| 2023 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2022 | 80 | 2 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2021 | 129 | 3 | 0 | 59.6 |
| 2020 | 204 | 4 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 2019 | 221 | 2 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 2018 | 184 | 2 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2017 | 230 | 3 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2016 | 267 | 6 | 0 | 55.0 |
| 2015 | 350 | 3 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2014 | 380 | 5 | 3 | 61.6 |
| 2013 | 638 | 6 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2012 | 180 | 0 | 0 | 36.8 |
| 2011Viewing | 142 | 2 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2010 | 144 | 3 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2009 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2008 | 167 | 3 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 2007 | 154 | 1 | 1 | 51.6 |
| 2006 | 116 | 6 | 3 | 63.9 |
| 2005 | 170 | 6 | 3 | 61.1 |
| 2004 | 197 | 5 | 3 | 62.9 |
| 2003 | 180 | 10 | 2 | 59.9 |
| 2002 | 318 | 14 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2001 | 236 | 8 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2000 | 171 | 7 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 1999 | 59 | 3 | 0 | 55.7 |
| 1998 | 58 | 5 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 1997 | 108 | 7 | 0 | 59.2 |
| 1996 | 141 | 7 | 1 | 65.9 |
| 1995 | 117 | 7 | 1 | 64.1 |
| 1994 | 99 | 0 | 1 | 49.0 |
| 1993 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 45.3 |
| 1992 | 62 | 0 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 1991 | 63 | 2 | 2 | 64.0 |
| 1990 | 39 | 2 | 1 | 60.4 |
| 1989 | 41 | 1 | 1 | 54.5 |
| 1988 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 1987 | 36 | 1 | 1 | 51.4 |
| 1986 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 6 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.