2011 Nissan Sentra recalls and problems

The 2011 Nissan Sentra has 2 safety recalls and 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
142
Crashes / fires
19 / 6
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Nissan Sentra recalls

Recall 11V-579: Electrical System

Reported Dec 15, 2011 · 33,803 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-555: Electrical System

Reported Nov 12, 2010 · 13,737 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System34
Engine30
Air Bags20
Power Train19
Unknown or Other18
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)17
Steering8
Service Brakes8
Structure7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Nissan Sentra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 107,000 miles · reported Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop where it was diagnosed with ECM failure. The contact was informed that a heavy voltage overload had…
Engine · reported May 24, 2025
I purchased a Nissan vehicle that was represented as reliable and safe. Considering I’m a single mother also still young enough to wanna live not be on the highway and have my car declined speed and a tractor trailer almost hit me like that’s already happened. This is a known problem. Yeah I can’t get any help However, the vehicle has ongoing transmission problems that significantly impact its drivability and safety. Upon reviewing the paperwork, I discovered the vehicle was previously with a salvage company, a fact that was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. This lack of…
Engine · reported May 22, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with Nissan over the CVT failure in my 2011 Nissan Sentra. There are no active recalls listed for my vehicle, yet I’m experiencing the same transmission failure thousands of others have reported—jerking, hesitation, loss of power, and check engine codes P1778 and P0776. I purchased this car 3–4 months ago as a single mother trying to rebuild my life. I chose this vehicle specifically because I thought it would be a dependable, affordable option to get back on my feet. Instead, I’m now stuck with a…
Engine · reported Oct 5, 2024
I was driving at low speed 20 mph , stopped at the stop sign , when I pressed acceleration the vehicle did not respond . I checked Dash and I could see all engine warnings light up. I switched off the vehicle and started again it started back with no issues and started running again. The vehicle sounds normal .there was no engine related warnings afterwards.
Engine · reported Jul 14, 2024
I was in the highway at about 60 mph and the air bag light came on also the check engine light and I heard a sound and my car lost power I was able to get to the side lane then when it stopped all the way I started the car but would not go pass 30 mph and would barely go on reverse took it to mechanic they said it was the transmission tried to charge me $ 4,700 haven’t drove it since

Other Nissan Sentra years

Compare all Nissan Sentra years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Nissan Sentra: 11V-579 (electrical system), 10V-555 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (34 reports), followed by engine (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.