Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Nissan Sentra ranks #11 of 21 among Sentra model years (Complaint Index 50/100, verdict: Caution). It has 142 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?

The most reported problem areas are engine (40 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), and brakes (28 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 71,000 miles.

Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, most recently reported 2011, covering electrical system.

What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Sentra?

EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Sentra at 26 MPG combined (23.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2011 Nissan Sentra Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#11 most-complained of 21 Sentra years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 142 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #11 highest of 21 Sentra model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (40 complaints, 28% of the total). Complaints report 19 crashes, 6 fires, and 14 injuries.

Complaints: 142
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 19 / 6
Injuries / deaths: 14 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: 4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 26; 23.5 city / 30 hwy

2011 Nissan Sentra recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 11V579000Dec 15, 2011Electrical System33,803 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
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.
NHTSA 10V555000Nov 12, 2010Electrical System13,737 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
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.

2011 Nissan Sentra fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 23.5 MPG
Highway: 30 MPG
Combined: 26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $2,500; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other Sentra years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2009	Good	15	55	1	27
2010	Good	30	144	3	26.5
2011	Caution	50	142	2	26
2012	Good	40	180	0	26
2013	Avoid	100	638	6	33

All Nissan Sentra years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Nissan Sentra ranks #11 of 21 among Sentra model years (Complaint Index 50/100, verdict: Caution). It has 142 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?: The most reported problem areas are engine (40 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), and brakes (28 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 71,000 miles.
Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, most recently reported 2011, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Sentra?: EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Sentra at 26 MPG combined (23.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.