There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Sentra, but owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Nissan Sentra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 68 | |
| Engine | 39 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 | |
| Unknown or Other | 21 | |
| Air Bags | 20 | |
| Structure | 17 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | |
| Visibility | 11 | |
| Steering | 9 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | |
| Suspension | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 8
- Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 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 2012 Nissan Sentra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 160,504 miles · reported Aug 1, 2025
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.
Air Bags · reported Nov 18, 2024
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 30, 2024
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
Air Bags · at 174,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2024
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.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Aug 12, 2024
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Sentra as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Owners report power train problems most often (68 reports), followed by engine (39). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 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.