Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
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
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.
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. …
In 2007, Nissan recalled more than 140,000 altimas due to the possibility of fire related to the cars air filter. There was substantial media coverage of the large recall. We own a 2011 Nissan Sentra, which we purchased for our teenage daughter. According to courtesy Nissan in richardson, texas, the cause of a recent vehicle break down with our Sentra was an air filter fire, which also caused fire damage to the airbox. This is the same defect which resulted in Nissan's 2007 recall. (I have photos of the fire-damaged air filter and airbox, as well as the fire-damaged parts.) this is obviously a serious and unresolved safety issue, one that Nissan publicly acknowledged and proactively addressed with the 2007 recall. …
Takata recall I was driving my car and came to a stop sign and the whole car shut off, while I was in drive. My battery was corroded and so we thought that was the issue and changed the battery and the problem worsended up until yesterday while I was riding to work, I arrived at a stop light and before the light even turned red the whole car shut off and locked up. The battery is new, oil had been changed hat same day as the air filter and the mass airflow sensor were changed. The mass airflow sensor was changed because that's what I was told was why my engine light was on. The very day the same issues occurred and the whole car stopped and did not start again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. While driving and making a turn, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving, but the failure recurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to vallejo Nissan (located at 3287 sonoma blvd, vallejo, ca 94590, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally as it independently decelerated. The contact mentioned that after merging to the side of the road, she attempted to inspect the engine compartment when she noticed a burning odor. Several minutes later the vehicle exploded. The fire department was contacted and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to determine what caused the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 62,000.
Engine complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Nissan Sentra, 24% of the model year's 142 complaints. The component named most often is engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Nissan Sentra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Sentra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.