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2012 Nissan Sentra: common problems and reliability
An average Sentra year.
180 owner complaints, most about power train. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Sentra?The 2012 Nissan Sentra has 180 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Nissan Sentra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sentra years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Sentra?
Across the 31 Sentra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2023) to 638 (2013). With 180 complaints, the 2012 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
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 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sentra against its rivals
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