2011 Nissan Sentra: common problems and reliability
An average Sentra year.
142 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Sentra?The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 142 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sentra years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Sentra?
Across the 31 Sentra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2023) to 638 (2013). With 142 complaints, the 2011 Sentra sits about the same as the model's median of 167.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Sentra
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 11V579000NISSAN 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).
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 10V555000NISSAN 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by transmission history.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sentra. See the full Sentra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sentra listings typically run $11,385–$18,397.
Other Sentra model years
Compare every Sentra year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sentra against its rivals
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