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2011 Nissan Sentra problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Nissan Sentra is electrical system, typically around 82,300 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sentra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
76/100
Owner complaints
142
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
108
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
24-29mpg

The worst 2011 Nissan Sentra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Nissan Sentra

Stalling 17Check engine light 15Jerking 12CVT failure 9Hesitation 8ABS 6Loss of power 6Overheating 6Won't start 6Fire or smoke 5Transmission failure 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2011 Nissan Sentra mention

P0101 3

Recalls 2

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported December 15, 2011 · 33,803 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. This can result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the vehicle and could cause damage to the engine control module (ECM).
Risk
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.
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.

Recall number 11V579000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported November 12, 2010 · 13,737 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. This can result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the vehicle and could cause damage to the engine control module.
Risk
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.
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.

Recall number 10V555000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Nissan Sentra

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Nissan Sentra 108

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 108 bulletins for the 2011 Nissan Sentra

2011 Nissan Sentra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD24-2630-3426-29
2.5L 4‑cylFWD21-2328-3024-26

What 2011 Nissan Sentra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 107,000 miles · MO

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 federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed May 24, 2025 · Engine · VA

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.

Filed May 22, 2025 · Engine · VA

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.

Filed Oct 5, 2024 · Engine · IL

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.

Filed Jul 14, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · IN

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

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Airbags · CA

Getting a airbag control module open code.

Filed Jun 29, 2024 · WI

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.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Engine · 160,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Airbags · WI

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.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Seats · 147,000 miles · FL

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 was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Nissan Sentra before you buy

Compare the 2011 Nissan Sentra

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2011 Nissan Sentra

Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners have filed 142 complaints about the 2011 Nissan Sentra, fewer than a typical Sentra model year.

What is the 2011 Nissan Sentra year score?

The 2011 Nissan Sentra scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Sentra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?

Electrical system, with 34 complaints, typically around 82,300 miles. Next is engine (34).

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Nissan Sentra electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 11V579000, 10V555000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Sentra have the most electrical problems?

The Nissan Sentra model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (65 complaints), 2002 (54 complaints) and 2010 (50 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Sentra get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Nissan Sentra range from 24 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24-26 city and 30-34 highway.

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