Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Sentra has a complaint index of 40, the 13th worst of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other Sentra years.

Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?

NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2012 Sentra, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.

What is the biggest problem area for the 2012 Nissan Sentra?

Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 38% of reports, followed by Engine complaints at 30%, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 and 84,000 miles respectively.

Are airbags a concern in the 2012 Nissan Sentra?

Airbag complaints account for 11% of reports and are linked to 8 of the 10 crashes reported for this model year, with owners describing non-deployment during collisions.

How does the 2012 Sentra compare to the 2013 model?

The 2013 Sentra has a much higher complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, compared to the 2012's index of 40 and Good verdict.

2012 Nissan Sentra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2012 Nissan Sentra ranks 13th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 40 and a Good verdict. It has zero recalls and no fires reported at fatal levels, with transmission and engine issues making up most owner complaints.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 40/100; #13 of 21 Sentra years
Verdict: Good; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 180; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 10; reported in complaints
Fires: 4
Injuries: 10
Top issue: Transmission & Powertrain
Best nearby year: 2023; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: 4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 26; 23.5 city / 30 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 10 / 0

2012 Nissan Sentra recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2012 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.

2012 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
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
2014	Avoid	90	380	5	32.5

All Nissan Sentra years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Sentra has a complaint index of 40, the 13th worst of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other Sentra years.
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?: NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2012 Sentra, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2012 Nissan Sentra?: Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 38% of reports, followed by Engine complaints at 30%, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 and 84,000 miles respectively.
Are airbags a concern in the 2012 Nissan Sentra?: Airbag complaints account for 11% of reports and are linked to 8 of the 10 crashes reported for this model year, with owners describing non-deployment during collisions.
How does the 2012 Sentra compare to the 2013 model?: The 2013 Sentra has a much higher complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, compared to the 2012's index of 40 and Good verdict.