Most common 2011 Nissan Sentra problems
Share of the 142 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Sentra complaints by model year
Best Sentra years: 2023, 2024. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2016. Compare all years →
2011 Nissan Sentra recalls (2)
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
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 specification.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
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 contact area of the terminal.
Remedy: 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.
What 2011 Nissan Sentra owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
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. …
Electrical system: battery: cables - Nissan Sentra 2011 - my car was running well for all these years, no problems at all, but one day, didn't want to start, it didn't make no noise, nothing. My husband checked the battery right away, it was a little bit loose and he adjusted it. The car wanted to start but never did completely. The tow guy said it looked like the key was deprogrammed so we were hoping it was just that. So we towed the car to Nissan dealership and found out it was the engine control module. It costed more than $2,000 dollars to get if fixed. Searching online I found out that Nissan Sentra's 2010-2011 have a recall on this issue. The article says: (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 contact area of the terminal. …
Engine & cooling all 34 →
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 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.
Air bags all 20 →
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
The Airbag Light, came on a few months ago. UNKNOWN why or exact date. Air Bag inspection, has outrageous cost, to just diagnose why it's on. I have never had a issue with air bags with this car or another car. This is uncommon. Especially with, No Car Incidents.
2011 Nissan Sentra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra a good car?
Based on 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Sentra rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Sentra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery › cables. Next are the engine & cooling (34) and air bags (20).
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, the most recent from December 15, 2011 (cables). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Sentra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2016. See the full Nissan Sentra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Sentra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.