2012 Nissan Sentra Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. Part of Generation 6 — 2007–2012.

20112013
Complaints
260
per 10K Sold
22.2
US Sales
117,000
Crashes
22
Fires
4
Injuries
18
Fatalities
Recalls
0

Worst 2012 Nissan Sentra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#168 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:63,022 mi
Crash-related:1
#239 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:80,929 mi
Crash-related:4
Fires:3
#322 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:68,660 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.

Transmission / Drivetrain
68
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
63,022
Engine Problems
39
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
3
Avg Miles
80,929
Unintended Acceleration
22
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
68,660
Airbags
20
complaints
Crashes
8
Fires
1
Avg Miles
75,442
Body Structure
14
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
30,383
Electrical Faults
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
40,401
Fuel System
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
53,303
Steering Defects
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
56,585
Sunroof/Moonroof
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
21,836
Suspension Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
45,260
Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
21,906
Electronic Stability Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Trunk Lid
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Nissan Sentra Years

2012 Nissan Sentra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Nissan Sentra has 260 NHTSA complaints, 22 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 68 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (68 complaints, avg 63,022 mi); Engine Problems (39 complaints, avg 80,929 mi); Unintended Acceleration (22 complaints, avg 68,660 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 60,925 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Nissan Sentra include 22 crash-related reports, 4 fire reports, 18 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2012 Nissan Sentra as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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