2011 Nissan Sentra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 142 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Sentra model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 19 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesDec 15, 2011
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).
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.
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.
Campaign 11V579000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 12, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 10V555000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
34 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2026
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.
Engine, May 24, 2025
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.
Engine, May 22, 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.
Engine, Oct 5, 2024
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.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Jul 14, 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
Engine, Nov 13, 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.
Engine, Mar 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL KAY NISSAN LOCATED AT (1601 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,200.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 23, 2020, crash
HELLO, MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. SHE DEVELOPED SOME DEEP CUTS ON HER HEAD AND I BELIEVE A FRACTURE. I AM CONCERNED THAT HER CAR MIGHT BE PART OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THERE WERE PIECES OF METAL FROM THE AIRBAG THAT CAUSED THE DEEP CUTS ON HER HEAD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. I DON'T HAVE ANY PHOTOS RIGHT NOW OR POLICE REPORTS, BUT I CAN GET THAT INFORMATION IF REQUIRED.*DT *TP *JB THANKS
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 13, 2019
ALL IGNITION COILS AND SPARK PLUGS ARE FAILING AFTER 2 MONTHS OF BEING REPLACED. $700 WAS PAID BACK ON MAY 20, 2019 TO REPLACE ALL COILS AND SPARK PLUGS. ENGINE MISFIRED AGAIN THE OTHER DAY AND SAME ISSUE DIAGNOSED WITH COIL/PLUG FAILURE! THERE IS AN UNDERLYING ISSUE THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO HAVE ADDRESSED WITHIN ENGINE AS SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE COILS TO CONTINUALLY MISFIRE! MY CAR WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT THE OTHER DAY ON SUNDAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BUCK WILDLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING ON.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2019
WE PUT OUR VIN INTO THE RECALL DATABASE AND IT DID NOT COME BACK AS BEING ONE OF THE CARS AFFECTED. HOWEVER, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL: ENGINE STALLING AND HAVING TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED; NO POWER TO ENGINE WHEN STEPPING ON GAS WHILE IN DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN OKAY ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT WILL OFTEN CUT OUT WHEN DRIVING IN CITY, ESPECIALLY WHEN STARTING BACK FROM A START OR ROLLING START. HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WITH NO PREDICTABILITY OTHER THAN HAS NEVER HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2018
I HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WHEN IT WAS ONLY 20K MILES { 2 YEARS WITH WARRANTY}. THEY DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND I WAS NOT HAPPY. ON 3RD YEAR (BEFORE 3 YEARS OR 36 MONTHS EXPIRATION DATE), I SENT IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUE (NO ACTION OR ANYTHING BEEN FIXED). IT KEEP HAPPENING AND I HAD TO SEND IT BACK AGAIN TO RECHECK WHEN IT WAS 50K. AND NOW IT'S 80K MILES AND THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I KEEP CALLING NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND ASKING FOR ADVICES. THEY CAN NOT HELP ME OR FIX IT. I WAS ALMOST GOT HIT FEW TIMES WHEN I DROVE THIS NISSAN
Steering, Engine, Dec 11, 2018
CAR HAS 75,000 MILES. JUST HAD IT SERVICED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON, THEN NEXT START, THEY ARE OFF. THE CAR STALLS ON EVERY TURN AND STEERING FREEZES.
Engine, Oct 17, 2018
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, (707) 656-4483) 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.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Jul 28, 2018
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. PRIOR TO THIS, MY CAR SAT FOR A FEW DAYS, LIKE ANY CAR DOES ON THE WEEKEND AND I NEEDED A JUMP THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY NIGHT AND AFTER CHANGING THE BATTERY, THE PROBLEMS WORSENED AND AS I WAS DRIVING, IF I TURNED SLIGHTLY OR MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, MY SKIP CONTROL WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON AND I DRIVE ROUTINELY SO I KNEW IT WAS A NEW PROBLEM. WHEN I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, THE SLIP CONTROL WOULD COME ON OR IN REVERSE, THE SLIP CONTROL WOULD COME ON OR THE WHOLE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF IN THAT GEAR.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2018
MY VEHICLE TURNS OFF BY ITSELF AND BLACK SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE MUFFLER.THE CAR BRAKES ARE ACTING WEIRD. THE CAR OVERHEATS
Engine, Apr 26, 2018
THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, JERKS, AND HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE RPM JUMPING UP AND DOWN WHAT IS GOING ON HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE ABOUT THE WHINING NOISE AND THE RPM...
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 14, 2017
I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. AT TIMES, THE ENGINE STALLS AND IT CANNOT GO ABOVE 15-20 MPH, EVEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO LOCKS UP, AS WELL. THE VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL INDICATOR THEN TURNS ON. LUCKILY, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO A SAFE LOCATION WHEN THIS HAPPENS, BUT I FIND IT ALARMING. I ALSO THINK THIS DEFECT IS AFFECTING OTHER IMPORTANT COMPONENTS IN MY VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SPORADICALLY FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COULD NOT BE CRANKED OR RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOLDER FUSE LINK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V579000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Engine, Dec 26, 2016
MY ENGINE BLEW THE MECHANIC SAID IT COULD BE MY TRANSMISSION OR MY HEAD GASKET 3,500 TO FIX
Power train, Engine, Jun 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO 25 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATED AND NEEDED THE CVT COOLER UPGRADE SERVICE KIT AND PERFORMANCE OF CVT FLUID FLUSH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,600.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 2, 2015
DRIVING ALONGON A MAJOR HIGHWAY 301 IN THE STATE OF GEROGIA AND THE CAR CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT BATTERY TERMINAL CAUSED COMPUTER TO MALFUNCTION.
Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Engine, May 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE DEALER RESET THE CODES BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,076.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2015
IT WAS DRIVING OK ON A SCHOOL PARKING LOT, NO WARNING LIGHTS FOR CHECK ENGINE OR BATTERY; AND AFTER PARKING & TURNING OFF THE ENGINE THE CAR DID NOT RESTART ANYMORE. BATTERY IS GOOD, FUEL PUMP IS GOOD TOO, NO BLOWN FUSES, NOTHING SEEMS WRONG BUT SIMPLY IT WON'T RESTART! *TR
Engine, Sep 13, 2014
ACTUALLY LESS THAN A YEAR FROM PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, A TICKING STARTED IN THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER ROUTINE OIL CHANGES. BEFORE IT HIT 50000 MILES, WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT WOULD HESITATE AND WHEN IT WAS CHECKED OUT A CELL IN THE BATTERY BURNED OUT AND IT WAS A LITTLE OVER A YEAR OLD. WHEN I LOOKED UP RECALLS THERE WAS SOMETHING CONCERNING THE BATTERY AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED SINCE IT WAS JUST OVER THE 50000 MARK IT WASN'T COVERED. AS FOR AS THE ENGINE THEY STATED STATED " THAT'S JUST THE ENGINE, THEY ALL HAVE A TICK." *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 15, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 138 UNION CITY WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUTTER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL LOAD DROPPED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP. I WAS ABLE TO JUMP IT OFF AND THE CAR HAD NO ISSUES I HAD THE BATTERY TESTED AND ALTERNATOR TESTED BOTH ARE GOOD/. *TR