Nissan Sentra 2007–2012 problems by year and mileage
6th generation (B16)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026842 complaints, 641 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2007 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 154
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system41 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Steering30 reports
- Transmission and driveline17 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 67,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 167
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system53 reports · median 104,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline20 reports
- Engine15 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 55
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2009
- Airbag system15 reports
- Steering11 reports
- Brakes7 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 69,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 144
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2010
- Electrical system50 reports · median 83,000 mi
- Engine35 reports
- Airbag system31 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 142
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2011
- Electrical system34 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Engine30 reports
- Airbag system20 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Nissan Sentra
Close- Median failure report
- 64,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 180
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2012
- Transmission and driveline68 reports · median 71,000 mi
- Engine39 reports
- Throttle and speed control22 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2009, and the 2009 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2007–2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 65,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 130,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 641
- Recalls
- 5
Most reported
- Airbag system21.4% of complaints · median 82,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline17.1% of complaints · median 74,000 mi
- Engine15.9% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
Owners filed 842 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2012 Nissan Sentra; the airbag system leads with 21.4% of them, and half of the 641 that record an odometer reading came by 65,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 22,000 to 99,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2007–2012 Nissan Sentra last?
On the 2007–2012 Nissan Sentra, half of the 641 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 65,000 miles and 90% by 130,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
38 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 5 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sentra reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Nissan Sentra 2007–2012 · 641 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 108 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 5 complaints (0.8%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 3,000
- 25%
- 22,000
- Median
- 65,000
- 75%
- 99,000
- 90%
- 130,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 108 | 16.8% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 39 | 6.1% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 32 | 5.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 39 | 6.1% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 32 | 5.0% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 42 | 6.6% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 53 | 8.3% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 51 | 8.0% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 41 | 6.4% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 47 | 7.3% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 39 | 6.1% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 27 | 4.2% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 25 | 3.9% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 15 | 2.3% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 13 | 2.0% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 16 | 2.5% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 11 | 1.7% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 3 | 0.5% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 5 | 0.8% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sentra problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Nissan Sentra 2007–2012
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Steering82 reportsmedian 51,000middle half 20,000–84,000
- Throttle and speed control61 reportsmedian 62,000middle half 10,000–107,000
- Transmission and driveline144 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 50,000–103,000
- Electrical system125 reportsmedian 79,000middle half 45,000–106,000
- Engine134 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 52,000–110,000
- Airbag system180 reportsmedian 82,000middle half 60,000–115,000
- Problems owners could not categorise77 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 42,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 180 | 21.4% | 82,000 | 60,000–115,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 144 | 17.1% | 74,000 | 50,000–103,000 |
| Engine | 134 | 15.9% | 80,000 | 52,000–110,000 |
| Electrical system | 125 | 14.8% | 79,000 | 45,000–106,000 |
| Steering | 82 | 9.7% | 51,000 | 20,000–84,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 77 | 9.1% | 90,000 | 42,000–120,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 61 | 7.2% | 62,000 | 10,000–107,000 |
| Suspension | 44 | 5.2% | 19,000 | 1,500–64,000 |
| Body structure | 40 | 4.8% | 42,000 | 7,500–92,000 |
| Brakes | 37 | 4.4% | 45,000 | 10,000–98,000 |
Known problems with the 2007–2012 Sentra
Transmission (CVT) 2007–2012
CVT fluid-temperature protection logic derates the vehicle after sustained high-speed or uphill operation in hot ambient conditions (documented at roughly 4000+ rpm and 65+ mph above ~96 F), and belt/pulley failures follow overheating. Nissan extended CVT coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles on affected 2007-2010 vehicles.
Engine (2.0L MR20DE) 2007–2012
Timing chain guide wear and elevated oil consumption at higher mileage.
Before you buy a 2007–2012 Sentra: the 3-minute check
Generated from 641 mileage-tagged complaints, 5 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission (CVT) on 2007–2012 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine (2.0L MR20DE) on 2007–2012 cars.
- Years differ here: from 55 to 180 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sentra problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi46% below | At 90k mi68% below | At 120k mi86% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 60,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 50,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 52,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 45,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 20,000–84,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 42,000–120,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 10,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Nissan Sentra 2007–2012 · 641 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 46% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 68% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2007–2012 Nissan Sentra recalls (5)
NHTSA records 5 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the electrical system (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2), equipment (1) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2011 · 2010–2011 · Electrical SystemThis issue can cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion and it may not be possible to restart…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. This issue can cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion and it may not be possible to restart the engine after it stopped, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover, free of charge. The recallbegan on january 23, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Nov 2010 · 2010–2011 · Electrical SystemThis issue can cause the engine to stop running while the vehicle is in motion at low speed with a difficult…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. This issue can cause the engine to stop running while the vehicle is in motion at low speed with a difficult or no start increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the positive battery terminal cable end with a new one free of charge. The safety recall began pn november 29, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Sep 2010 · 2008–2010 · EquipmentOverheated batteries could result in a fire.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
The free fix. Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on…
Nov 2009 · 2008 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the warning lamp is continuously ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may fail increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder brake booster assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 14, 2009. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Jul 2008 · 2007–2008 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the warning lamp is ignored, one of the brake circuits on the vehicle may not operate as designed increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the master cylinder/brake booster assembly and if brake fluid leakage is detected, the master cylinder will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The recall began on august…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 842 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 90 (10.7%)
- Fires
- 27
- Injury reports
- 62
- Fatality reports
- 2
Sentra problems by model year
The 2012 drew the most complaints of this generation, 180, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2009 the fewest, 55. A typical year drew about 149.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 154 | 119 | 60,000 | Airbag system (41) | 1 |
| 2008 | 167 | 124 | 67,000 | Airbag system (53) | 3 |
| 2009 | 55 | 48 | 57,000 | Airbag system (15) | 1 |
| 2010 | 144 | 105 | 69,000 | Electrical system (50) | 3 |
| 2011 | 142 | 116 | 71,000 | Electrical system (34) | 2 |
| 2012 | 180 | 129 | 64,000 | Transmission and driveline (68) | 0 |
What Sentra owners reported
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…
2011 · 107,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to turn on the headlights, the air bags deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520…
2012 · 174,000 miles · Airbag system
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…
2011 · 160,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side seat fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
2011 · 147,000 miles · Seats
Built from 641 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sentra generations
- Sentra 2000–2006 898 reports with mileage, most about the engine and its cooling system
- Sentra 2013–2019 1,396 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Sentra 2020–2025 101 reports with mileage, most about the steering