Model-year record

2012 Nissan Sentra
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Complaints filed
180
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
26
EPA estimate
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (36% of 180 reports), followed by air bags (11%).
+ 12 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 180 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11291934, ODI 11591810, ODI 11580187, ODI 11500622, ODI 11485164.
Individual complaint reports(180)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsEngineAug 2025 · ODI 11677777Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,504.
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesFeb 2025 · ODI 11642312Details +Close −
My ABS light and skid light is staying on all the time.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2024 · ODI 11626015 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at 40 MPH and passing a side street, another driver traveling in a Subaru failed to yield. As a result, the Subaru collided with the passenger side of the contact's vehicle sending the vehicle careening off the roadway and into a wooded area only coming to a complete stop after colliding with a tree. The air bags did not deploy resulting in the driver sustaining injuries that the contact attributed to the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. A police report was filed and injuries were reported. The driver was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for bruised ribs and pain in his neck, chest, back, abdomen, and knees. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Nov 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2024 · ODI 11622787Details +Close −
car stalled no power in gas pedal traveling across for lane traffic just lost power to the gas pedal. was able to pull over and tuned off car after a few minutes of sitting power was restore and was able to drive again I have been told this is a transmission issue I am not sure but defiantly a safety issue losing power like that
- Reported
- Oct 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2024 · ODI 11615049Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to turn on the headlights, the air bags deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module; however, the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
- Reported
- Sep 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperAug 2024 · ODI 11608044Details +Close −
The rearview mirror fell off the windshield and was hanging by the wires, which was found when entering the vehicle to drive; when touched, the wires and everything fell the rest off the way off the windshield. Glass from the windshield broke off with the rearview mirror. This was hazardous to be missing while driving and has prevented visibility and impacted safety. A mechanic is repairing the vehicle and has never seen anything like this issue, but upon looking up this specific problem, it appears many Nissan Sentra owners have experienced the same issue.
- Reported
- Aug 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2024 · ODI 11591810Details +Close −
Our nissan Sentra with 106K miles the car lost nearly all power as my son was turning onto the freeway. He could only drive 16 miles an hour and it was hopping and jumping through a 8 lane freeway/highway intersection while he tried to get into a parking lot off the road. He turned it off, waited 5 minutes, and turned it back on, but it was still slowly hopping and jumping. After another 10 minutes my husband drove it for about 10 minutes and it operated normally. This same behavior happened in 2019 with 82k miles at a large intersection. It suddenly lost power and slowly hopped through the intersection. At 60k the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel quit working. When we asked the Nissan Dealership about it, we were told that was typical and it would slowly lose all the functionality of the steering wheel controls. All the functionality was gone by 70k miles. We have learned that Nissan's transmissions are very problematic and these situations are typical as you get closer to 120k miles. We planned to have this car for several more years. If we sell it and buy a different car we are out several thousand dollars or if we keep it we will likely have to pay for a new transmission also several thousand dollars.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2024 · ODI 11580187Details +Close −
Leaking transmission oil. Also burning engine oil a week after doing an oil change to the point there is no oil but no leaks.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Feb 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2024 · ODI 11575624Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled and, on several occasions, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the ignition switch, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Feb 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2023 · ODI 11502677 · fireDetails +Close −
The contact’s husband owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to smoke at an unknown location of the vehicle and caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The local authorities were notified, and the fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Reported
- Jan 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
EngineJan 2023 · ODI 11502678 · fireDetails +Close −
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11502677*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
- Reported
- Jan 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
Power TrainJan 2023 · ODI 11500622Details +Close −
The Transmission is making a whining nose and smells terribly bad! When driving on the interstate and parkways; after the car reaches 60 -70 miles, the car starts shaking and slows down; almost coming to a complete stop and we have to either get over in the slow lane and/ or sometimes, we have to pull over, off the interstate, because it has came to a complete stop and would not accelerate and/or move forward ! We sat there for an hour waiting for help/ and I called my Granny! When she got there; she checked the oil, added a quart of oil! After sitting there for over an hour; the car accelerated and we drove onto a side road and drove it slowly back to the house! WE took it to Unitires on Charolette ! He told us, the whining noise appeared to be the Transmission ! He repaired the wheel bearing , which stopped some of the shaking; but not all of it!
- Reported
- Jan 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlNov 2022 · ODI 11492573Details +Close −
While traveling down the interstate doing the normal speed limit, I was forced to pull over to the emergency lane so cars can pass me. My car lost power to the engine without notice. No check system engine lights were not activated during this time. Car and Trucks were having to swerve over in other lanes to keep from rear ending me and causing a major wreck. This happen several weeks ago again with no lights lighting up on dash. I was able to pull over for a few minutes and restart the car and it was back to normal. I looked things up online and took my car into a repair shop to let me know the problem, They stated that they have seen this issue with Nissan vehicles. It is the CVT transmission issue. The loss of power comes from the CVT fluid getting too hot and reduces power to save the CVT transmission, I have a 2012 Nissan Sentra that was Manufactured 6/2012.
- Reported
- Nov 2022
- Incident date
- Nov 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2022 · ODI 11485164Details +Close −
--- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission malfunction, yes available for inspection by NHTSA. 28k miles on odometer. --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving and starting from a stop, the car loses power momentarily and then jerks forward, causing a dangerous driving condition. --- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. --- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, an accident was not caused. --- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None. ----
- Reported
- Sep 2022
- Incident date
- Sep 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainAug 2022 · ODI 11480032Details +Close −
While driving on the freeway pulling approximately 70 miles per hour, my car will begin to shake violently, continuously decelerate and my RPMs drop significantly. I am unable to go over 55 miles per hour when this happens. This has happened to me a total of four times now within the last 2 months. I had my car take this one auto repair shop in which my spark plugs were changed out a brand new air intake hose was put in my coils were changed out and everything. Today while driving on the freeway, going 72 mph my car decelerated and would not go above 55. This is a major safety issue considering I drive on the freeway a lot. I just paid $970 to have my car fixed and can't continue to pay to have the car fixed along with still paying a car note and insurance on this car. Well researching transmission issues I came across this page when filing a complaint. I looked to see if there was a recalls on my car and noticed that there is not. My VIN number is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Reported
- Aug 2022
- Incident date
- Jun 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2022 · ODI 11477475Details +Close −
When driving at 70 or above mph for a long distances, speed automatically declines to 60 mph and will not increase. When trying to accelerate, nothing happens. After a few miles, my vehicle then starts to accelerate on its own. The problem is extremely unsafe and frightening, especially with express highway traveling. Ive traveled out of state and the past 6 months when I've moticed this now frequent problem. I informed my mechanic who said it could be my transmission or possibly fuel pump, which are not his areas. He advised talk to NISSAN and stated Nissan is known for faultly transmission s on Sentras. Mines is a 2012 with only 126k of mileage. Was was there no recalls on this? I will now see what Dealer has to say. What can be done to hold Nissan responsible? I 've screenshot an article regarding many complaints on this. Now my transmission seems to have my engine feeling like it is not in drive gear. I am making an appointment w/ NISSAN ASAP.Please respond.
- Reported
- Aug 2022
- Incident date
- Jan 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2022 · ODI 11475974Details +Close −
Transmission died. For a few weeks, the transmission will randomly have a high whine at about 55mph, sometimes hard shifting or high revving when I feel it should have shifted. A mechanic told me the CVT transmission wasn't good and would eventually need replacement. As I made a left turn, the car started jerking and lunging. The vehicle behind had to stop fast to avoid hitting me. I was almost stranded in the intersection, but was able to limp the car out of traffic. No warning lights. I had the car towed home. I am trying to sell it as is.
- Reported
- Jul 2022
- Incident date
- Jul 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainApr 2022 · ODI 11462524Details +Close −
While driving at around 70 mph on the highway the car suddenly lost power and was no longer able to accelerate. This issue persisted for the duration of the drive and has happened now on more than one occasion. There were no warning lights or messages before or after the car stopped accelerating and this very nearly caused and accident when the car wouldn’t accelerate during a lane change even with the gas pedal fully depressed. After a few minutes of no acceleration the car also begins to accelerate suddenly and without warning. I haven taken the car to an auto shop and they were able to pull codes that indicate an issue with the transmission. I have not yet paid for the issue to be fixed and the car is available for inspection upon request.
- Reported
- Apr 2022
- Incident date
- Apr 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainFeb 2022 · ODI 11453110Details +Close −
Vehicle transmission appeared to slip from gear causing vehicle to lose power while in heavy interstate traffic at 70mph, vehicle lost acceleration and began to slow then "bucked" jolting vehicle several times almost suffered rear collision from following cars. Upon stopping to check fluid in transmission, stick read full for hot.
- Reported
- Feb 2022
- Incident date
- Feb 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2022 · ODI 11446568Details +Close −
I was driving on thruway and I pushed the gas pedal and there was no power. I was a nervous wreck. This definitely is dangerous. I would like something done.
- Reported
- Jan 2022
- Incident date
- Jan 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJan 2022 · ODI 11445880Details +Close −
I was getting on the freeway all of a sudden my steering wheel gets stiff and my car comes to a complete stop traffic is going at full speed me and my children could of being in a serious accident and then a few minutes later the car is back to normal. I would really appreciate if it's looked into someone can get hurt.
- Reported
- Jan 2022
- Incident date
- Dec 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Latches/Locks/LinkagesDec 2021 · ODI 11443889Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while leaving the ignition on and exiting the vehicle, the doors would lock independently after closing the door. The contact stated she had to leave a window down to be able to manually open the door from the inside. The contact stated she had experienced the failure on multiple occasions. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer turned off the safety feature that would lock the doors independently within 10 seconds. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2021
- Incident date
- Jan 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainNov 2021 · ODI 11440458Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact drove at a slow speed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
- Reported
- Nov 2021
- Incident date
- Nov 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2021 · ODI 11432543Details +Close −
I was stopped at an intersection. When the light turned green, I pressed the gas pedal, and the car started forward, but it would lunge forward and stop repeatedly, all the way through the intersection until I pulled over and turned the car off. The "slip indicator" light was on when this was happening. The light was not on previously and did not come back on when I restarted the car. I believe the jerking motion was due to the CVT transmission or the Vehicle Dynamic Control system not operating properly,. This was dangerous because I didn't have control of how the car was accelerating. If this had occurred at a faster speed, someone could have easily crashed into me. The problem has only happened once, and has not been inspected by anyone other than me.
- Reported
- Sep 2021
- Incident date
- Sep 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainAug 2021 · ODI 11427547Details +Close −
I was going on a road trip with my sister that should have taken 5 hours and I had enough gas to make it there with no stops. I had gotten an emissions test done a few days prior for registration purposes and the car passed (there were no engine lights present). When we started the drive between Nevada and Arizona, there were many steep inclines and downhill areas. The first few inclines were fine, but about an hour into the trip we were going up a hill and I could not get the car to accelerate past 45mph with the pedal fully to the floor. At first I suspected that I may have made poor use of my momentum, but after cross-checking my RPM gauge, I noticed that the car was not making effort to go over 3000 RPM's. I was very fearful being that the car was barely able to hold 45mph in the 65mph zone and we may not be able to make it over the hill. After suffering through many steep inclines in the middle of nowhere, I was finally able to pull over and turn the car completely off. There were no mechanics within an hour drive in either direction, so I chose to continue. I got back on the highway and the car was behaving normally again. I thought the whole thing was a hoax until it happened again on another bout of uphill stretches. We were trying to find another town to pull over in and hit a thunderstorm at one point. It was absolutely terrifying because we were practically crawling up the hills and unable to hold a constant speed, but it was not safe to pull over because of the weather. We eventually made it through and were able to turn the car off. The problem went away again for a short time and came back a final time on a flat stretch of road. I was unable to accelerate over 70mph. The only problem that I've ever had with the car was that the transmission wasn't changing gears smoothly, and it caused an engine light at one point. I got the engine light checked and it was for the transmission, but the engine light went away soon after and has not come back.
- Reported
- Aug 2021
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJul 2021 · ODI 11426868Details +Close −
I purchased a 2012 Nissan Sentra for my daughter for school. Sunday July 25th she was driving on I95 when the vehicle began to lose speed while driving in the middle lanes. She proceeded to pull the vehicle over and turned it off to see if the car needed to cool down. Once started, the car was fine but the car began to lose speed once again. This was ongoing on a Sunday night while she was on here way home from DE into NJ (2hour drive). The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed the car as having transmission failure and the car will need a new transmission. This is extremely frustrating and this car should be recalled based on the danger while on the road and continued reported issues with the CV.
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJul 2021 · ODI 11426648Details +Close −
Continuously Variable transmission (CVT) failure. Specifically the torque converter and valve body. While operating the vehicle, without warning, it goes into safe mode, effectively losing all power. When in the mode, power to the engine stops and power steer and brakes are disabled. The risk of an accident, when this occurs, is extremely high and very dangerous. Especially with a newer driver (17 years old). No warning lights or chimes come on indicating a problem. The vehicle was taken to the Nissan dealership where it was confirmed that it needed a new transmission (99988). Nissan has extended the warranty for the CVT for model years 2003-2010 and for 2013 and later but not 2012 (or 2011). As there were no changes in the transmission for those two years, they are aware of the high risk of failure but appear not to be concerned with the increased risk of injury or death from an accident caused by the transmission going into safe mode.
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJul 2021 · ODI 11425388Details +Close −
CVT Transmission Failure: My son was driving on an Interstate at 75 miles per hour when suddenly the 2012 Nissan Sentra he was driving, suddenly powered down and he was not able to go over 40 miles per hour. No warning lights came on and the only indicator was the vehicle making a knocking sound and jerking around on the highway. This created a very dangerous situation with other traffic going 75 MPH or faster. He pulled onto the shoulder to avoid a wreck and being rear-ended. He called a tow company to take him and the vehicle to the nearest town and to a non-Nissan dealership which was the only option. They did a diagnostic and stated that they thought it was the CVT transmission but recommended we tow to a Nissan dealership. We then had to tow the vehicle over 100 miles back to our hometown and to a Nissan dealership. They ran diagnostics and found that the CVT transmission went out and would need to be replaced. Counting a 100 mile tow, this CVT transmission problem is going to cost my family around $5,000 for repairs. I can't believe that the 2012 Nissan Sentra is not included in the Nissan Extended Warranty for the CVT transmission as it is basically the exact same transmission of the other years that were having the same problem. In researching this problem, I found that hundreds if not thousands of 2012 Nissan Sentra owners were having the same problem. Imagine going 75 MPH on an interstate and suddenly your vehicle drops down to 40 MPH in traffic with traffic behind you. That is a very serious safety risk and I am thankful that my son was able to pull over before getting in an accident.
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresJul 2021 · ODI 11423295Details +Close −
There are several Cooper tires recalled and I was told this line is not one. This tire failed with a sidewalk bulge and now the rear passenger one is starting to bulge as well.
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Jun 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainApr 2021 · ODI 11406153Details +Close −
I REALIZED I WAS LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE SAGTIKOS PARKWAY. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART. THE CAR WOULD START, BUT WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO DRIVE, NOR REVERSE (OR WOULD NOT REGISTER). I WAS EFFECTIVELY STRANDED ALONG THE PARKWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY CAR EXPERIENCED -- WHAT I UNDERSTAND TO BE -- TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I PURCHASED THE CAR ONLY SIX (6) MONTHS AGO.
- Reported
- Apr 2021
- Incident date
- Mar 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2021 · ODI 11398331Details +Close −
WAS DRIVING ON SNOW WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, UPON RUNNING A CODE SCAN IT SHOWED TCM LOST COMMUNICATION. WHEN DEALER CHECKED THEY SAID THEY DETECTED A SHUTTER IN THE CVT.
- Reported
- Mar 2021
- Incident date
- Feb 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2020 · ODI 11355244Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE FORWARD WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND HER DAUGHTER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO ROCKING NISSAN OF STAFFORD (1 COACHMAN CIR, STAFFORD, VA 22554) AND NISSAN OF ORANGEBURG (2827 ST MATTHEWS RD, ORANGEBURG, SC 29118) ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND BOTH DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A TRANSMISSION ISSUE LINKED TO THE RPM'S. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
- Reported
- Sep 2020
- Incident date
- Apr 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringAug 2020 · ODI 11351048Details +Close −
DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST 90% OF POWER AND COULD ONLY GO ABOUT 25MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING. CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY STEERING BECOMES HARDER. YOU TRY TO PUNCH DOWN ON THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENS. ALSO WAS FORCED TO TAKE CITY STREETS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO GO A SAFE SPEED TO STAY ON FREEWAY/HIGHWAY.
- Reported
- Aug 2020
- Incident date
- May 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2020 · ODI 11338877Details +Close −
WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND STOPPING QUICKLY, THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED EVEN THOUGH I WAS GOING 10 MILES PER HOUR AT 1000 RPM, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, OIL LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ALL TURNED ON. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE WAS TO TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME WHILE RETURNING TO OUR HOME. AS I WAS GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AND STOPPING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO DO THIS WITH A HARD STOP AT 1000 RMP OR 10-20 MPH.
- Reported
- Jul 2020
- Incident date
- Jul 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2020 · ODI 11325325Details +Close −
WHILE DRIVING FROM AZ TO CA ON THE HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO SPEED UP WHILE PUSHING THE PEDAL. IT HAPPENED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES ON 2 DIFFERENT DAYS.THE FIRST TWO TIMES I COULDN'T GET ABOVE 60 HOWEVER ON ONE OCCASION, IT DROPPED DOWN TO 3-5 MILES PER HOUR AND THE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH SEMI TRUCKS HAVING TO PASS ME ON THE LEFT. I WAS TERRIFIED, HAD NO CELL SERVICE AND HAD TO DRIVE ON THE SHOULDER WITH MY HAZARDS ON UNTIL THE SHOULDER DISAPPEARED. EVENTUALLY IT RETURNED TO NORMAL, BUT IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. I SEE NOW THAT NISSAN HAS HAD A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT RECALLING THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
- Reported
- May 2020
- Incident date
- May 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsFeb 2020 · ODI 11308165Details +Close −
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME AND THE HORN DON'T WORK
- Reported
- Feb 2020
- Incident date
- Dec 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2020 · ODI 11301392Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AS THE BRAKE PEDAL SHAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PREMIER NISSAN OF SAN JOSE 1120 W CAPITOL EXPY, SAN JOSE, CA 95136 (408) 978-1234 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR RETRIEVE ANY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATE 4,444.
- Reported
- Jan 2020
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2020 · ODI 11299374Details +Close −
RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING OUR NISSAN SENTRA, MY DAUGHTER WENT ON A ROAD TRIP TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STARTED STUTTERING. AS IT TURNS OUT THE CVT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. WE HAD TO PURCHASE A USED TRANSMISSION TO GET THE CAR RUNNING. THE CAR ONLY HAD 118,000 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED WHICH IS RIDUCLOUS.
- Reported
- Jan 2020
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainDec 2019 · ODI 11291934 · crash · 3 injuriesDetails +Close −
2012 NISSAN SENTRA WAS BOUGHT 3 WEEKS PRIOR WITH NO PROBLEMS. WHILE TRAVELING 60 - 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STEER OUT OF THE TROUBLED AREA ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. AFTER RESEARCH IT SEEM TO BE THE SAME ACTIONS THAT HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER NISSAN SENTRAS. THE DEFECTED CVT TRANSMISSION CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. LUCKILY MY SON WAS NOT KILLED DURING A ACCIDENT THAT WAS CAUSED AFTER HE WAS REAR ENDED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
- Reported
- Dec 2019
- Incident date
- Oct 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 3 injuries
Power TrainNov 2019 · ODI 11282626Details +Close −
WHEN TAKING OFF FROM ANY LOCATION ENGINE REVS TO 4000 RPM UNTIL UP TO SPEED , NEED TO BE VERY EASY ON GAS TO GET GOING UP TO SPEED , CAN BE DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS TO GET MOVING QUICKLY IF NEEDED
- Reported
- Nov 2019
- Incident date
- Nov 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2019 · ODI 11281978Details +Close −
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT. 2ND OWNER
- Reported
- Nov 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2019 · ODI 11281924Details +Close −
EVERY NOW AND THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT WITH START FLASHING. BUT NOW IT'S BEEN EVERY TIME I TURN THE CAR ON. I'VE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Reported
- Nov 2019
- Incident date
- Oct 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherOct 2019 · ODI 11268106Details +Close −
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR WILL JUST SHUT OFF. IT ALSO WILL SHUTOFF WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A COUPLE OF SHOPS AND THEIR TEST SAY BAD OXYGEN SENSOR SO I HAD IT REPLACED, BUT THIS HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE.
- Reported
- Oct 2019
- Incident date
- Jul 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainOct 2019 · ODI 11267151Details +Close −
IT LOOSES POWER AND THEN IT TURNS OFF,, AND THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY, REALLY DANGEROUS, THEN I HAD TO TURN OFF THE KEY SWITCH AND AND TURN A BREAK BACK ON IT TURNS ON AND THEN IT KEEPS GOING SLOW BUT IT KEEPS GOING, EVENTUALLY GOES BACK TO NORMAL
- Reported
- Oct 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2019 · ODI 11257687Details +Close −
CAR WON'T GO OVER 20 MPH. RPMS INCREASE BUT NO ADDITIONAL SPEED. THE PANEL FLICKERS OF AND THEN RIGHT BACK ON. THE WHEEL JERKS. HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. TWICE WHILE TURNING. ONCE WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. LUCKILY I WAS. IT ON A HIGHWAY ONLY RESIDENTIAL STREETS AND RTE 5. IT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF A MECHANIC FOR THE DEALERSHIP.
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Aug 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2019 · ODI 11256820Details +Close −
NUMBER 3 CYLINDER LOW COMPRESSION WITH ONLY 83K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. ROUGH ENGINE DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. CODES P0300 AND P0303 DISPLAYED. THIS KIND OF ENGINE FAILURE SHOULDN'T HAPPEN WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionSep 2019 · ODI 11255953Details +Close −
TAKATA INFLATOR. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR THE ESC LIGHT IS ON AND I DONT KNOW WHATS HAPPENS, THE STABILITY IS NOT GOOD WHEN IT'S RAINING AND I CONNECT A COMPUTER AND THE COMPUTER DONT WANT TO READ WHAT IS THE PROBLEM
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Sep 2019 · ODI 11255959Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS TRYING TO CHECK WHY MY CAR HAS THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON AND THE MAIN COMPUTER CANNOT CONNECT TO MY CAR TO GIVE ME A DIAGNOSIS, IT JUST SAYS THAT THERE IS AN ERROR IN THE CONNECTION
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2019 · ODI 11255500Details +Close −
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING THEY TOLD ME THAT WAS NORMAL NOW AFTER 100K IT SLIPS ALL THE TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND THE CAR NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THEN 20 TO 30 MILES WITHOUT OVER HEATING THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE DONE A RECALL. ALL THEY DID WAS EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO 110 WHICH BY THE TIME I REPORTED I AM AT 112000 MILES AND NOW I HAVE NO RECOURSE. I FEEL THAT THESE COMPANIES ARE AVOIDING RECALLS AND DOING THESE EXTENSIONS TO AVOID HAVING MULTIPLE CLAIMS. THE GOVERNMENT IS FAILING TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS!!!
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Aug 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringSep 2019 · ODI 11254460Details +Close −
CANNOT MOVE CAR OUT OF PARK.
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 34 | 29 |
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 24 | 30 | 26 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 28 | 24 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2012 Nissan Sentra: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Owners filed 180 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Nissan Sentra. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (36% of complaints) and air bags (11%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2012 Nissan Sentra as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Sentra between 24 and 29 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.