The Lemon Index2011 Nissan Sentra.
The 2011 Nissan Sentra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 47 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 35, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 24 to 29 mpg combined. It's the best Nissan Sentra year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.9× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2013
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 142 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Sentra year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 109K miles on the car (116 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 51K–116K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 30K–118K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 37K–111K miles
Recalls 2
- electrical 2011
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.
- electrical 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 22, 2010, THROUGH JULY 8, 2010.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 107 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil is leaking from the upper end of the engine oil cooler
- Affecting all nissan with abs or abs/vdc
- After certain continuous operation and vehicle speed has been reduced due to the fail safe
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I bought a car from emotors west less than 30 days ago and the car died on me in the next 3 days and they kept my car for 3 days I just got it back today and just died on me again... I just want to get my money back...
2011 Nissan Sentra owner · NHTSA complaint 10620763
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 35; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Sentra year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Sentra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), electrical (17%) and brakes (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Sentra get?
24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Nissan Sentra safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Sentra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,100 and 109,200 miles. The middle report was at 71,000 miles, from 116 complaints.
Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Nissan Sentra cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works