2012 Nissan Sentra Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 68 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Nissan Sentra, 38% of its 180 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure is 71,000 miles, with 1 crash and 3 injuries reported and no related recall on file.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 68
- 38% of 180
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 71,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power or complete stall while driving at highway speeds, sometimes with power steering also cutting out.
- Several describe the CVT going into a 'limp' or 'safe' mode without warning, cutting engine power and disabling steering and brake assist.
- Some owners say the transmission would not engage any gear (drive, reverse, or low) after braking or stopping.
- Multiple complaints describe slow, progressive transmission slipping over months that eventually led to full failure.
- A few owners report the car unexpectedly decelerating on the highway even with the accelerator pressed or cruise control engaged.
- One owner reported unusual noise from the transmission followed by a dealer diagnosis of needing a full transmission replacement at a low age for the car.
When 2012 Nissan Sentra transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 28, 2011, latest May 31, 2024.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Nissan Sentra
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sentra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have?
- NHTSA lists 68 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Sentra, which is 38% of the 180 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Nissan Sentra transmission?
- No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this transmission & powertrain issue on the 2012 Sentra.
- At what mileage do 2012 Sentra transmissions typically fail?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 71,000 miles.
- Are the 2012 Sentra transmission problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data tied to this issue shows 1 crash and 3 injuries reported, with owners describing sudden power loss on highways as a safety concern.
- Is the 2012 Sentra worse than other Sentra years for this problem?
- Yes, relative to other years: 2012's 38% share is higher than 2010 and 2011 (13% each), though lower than the 2013-2016 model years, which show shares between 47% and 49%.