2012 Nissan Sentra reliability
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Sentra over 15 years — 14 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Sentra years here — under the median of the other years, which is 22. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
180
14
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (68 of 180), then Engine (39) and Speed control (22). Those filings include 10 that report a crash, 4 that report a fire, and 7 that report an injury.
The 2013 Sentra has 638 complaints, 50 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Nissan Sentra. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (180 total)
Show 15 more Show less
10
4
7
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"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…"
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"My ABS light and skid light is staying on all the time."
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"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…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | 4 stars | 3 stars | 3 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-wheel drive | 23 | 30 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| Sentra | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 30 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| Sentra | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG | $3300 |
| Sentra | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 26 | 34 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 17V253000. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash. In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Sentra over 15 years — 14 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Sentra years here — under the median of the other years, which is 22. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Nissan Sentra?
The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (68 of 180), then Engine (39) and Speed control (22). Those filings include 10 that report a crash, 4 that report a fire, and 7 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 Sentra has 638 complaints, 50 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Nissan Sentra been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Owners have filed 180 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2012 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Nissan Sentra is 26.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What oil does a Sentra take?
0W-20 (1.8L and 2.0L)
What does NHTSA recall 17V-253 cover on the Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA campaign 17V253000.
What generation is the 2013 Nissan Sentra?
7th generation (B17) (2012-2019).