2011 Nissan Sentra Reliability
The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 142 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Compared with other Sentra model years, it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Sentra's typical year, while the 2013 drew 638 complaints.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
142
NHTSA owner complaints
2
Recall campaigns
19
Complaints citing a crash
6
Complaints citing a fire
2011 Nissan Sentra complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 model year, filed between 2011 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 34 | 24% |
| Engine | 30 | 21% |
| Air bags | 20 | 14% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 18 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 13% |
| Stability control | 17 | 12% |
| Service brakes | 14 | 10% |
| Steering | 8 | 6% |
2011 Nissan Sentra recalls
2 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2011 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10V555000 | Nov 12, 2010 | 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… |
| 11V579000 | Dec 15, 2011 | 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… |
How the 2011 compares with nearby Sentra years
Verdicts come from CarWhere's year-by-year Sentra analysis where it covers the year, otherwise from the years shown here.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 55 | 1 | Air bags | Better year |
| 2010 | 144 | 3 | Electrical system | Solid |
| 2011 (this page) | 142 | 2 | Electrical system | Solid |
| 2012 | 180 | 0 | Powertrain / transmission | Better year |
| 2013 | 638 | 6 | Powertrain / transmission | Avoid |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2011 Nissan Sentra
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Air bags: make sure the air bag warning light goes out after start-up and that any air bag recall was completed on this VIN.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 2 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2011 Nissan Sentra can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2011 Nissan Sentra reliability FAQ
Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra reliable?
The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 142 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Compared with other Sentra model years, it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Sentra's typical year, while the 2013 drew 638 complaints.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Sentra problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Sentra are electrical system (34), engine (30), air bags (20), powertrain / transmission (18). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Sentra, including 10V555000 (electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery / cables) and 11V579000 (electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery / cables). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2011 Nissan Sentra compare with the 2010 and 2012 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2010 has 144 complaints and 3 recalls (solid); the 2012 has 180 complaints and 0 recalls (better year). The 2011 has 142 complaints and 2 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2011 Nissan Sentra?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Nissan Sentra research
Other Nissan Sentra model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2011 Sentra, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.