2012 Nissan Sentra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 260 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Sentra year — the 2012 model ranks #11 of 45 Sentra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 68 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
260
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
22
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2012 compare to other Sentra years?
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Sentra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 68 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 40 | 15% | — flat |
| Other | 22 | 8% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 22 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 20 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 17 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 17 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 12 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 9 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2012 NISSAN SENTRA WAS BOUGHT 3 WEEKS PRIOR WITH NO PROBLEMS. WHILE TRAVELING 60 - 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STEER OUT OF THE TROUBLED AREA ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. AFTER…”
“VEHICLE WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT NIGHT, JUST BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE, AND STRUCK A TRAILER THAT WAS NOT CLEARLY NOTICEABLE (DID NOT HAVE CLEAR REFLECTORS). AT 5 MPH, THE HOOD WAS CRUNCHED LIKE AN ACCORDION, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE CAR IS CONSIDERED TOTALED. WHAT WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES…”
“2012 NISSAN SENTRA WAS BOUGHT 3 WEEKS PRIOR WITH NO PROBLEMS. WHILE TRAVELING 60 - 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STEER OUT OF THE TROUBLED AREA ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. AFTER…”
“AT ABOUT 1130 PM ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, APPROACHING A INTERSECTION, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR SEEMED TO INCREASE SPEED AND WENT THROUGH INTERSECTION THROUGH LAWN AND STRIKING ANOTHER CAR, TOTAL LOSE OF CONTROL, NO BRAKES, A REAL SCARY FEELING. *TR”
“VEHICLE WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT NIGHT, JUST BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE, AND STRUCK A TRAILER THAT WAS NOT CLEARLY NOTICEABLE (DID NOT HAVE CLEAR REFLECTORS). AT 5 MPH, THE HOOD WAS CRUNCHED LIKE AN ACCORDION, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE CAR IS CONSIDERED TOTALED. WHAT WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES…”
2012 Nissan Sentra — common questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 260 complaints put the 2012 model at #11 of 45 Sentra years. It is one of the Sentra years to avoid.
What are the most common 2012 Sentra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (68 complaints), engine (40 complaints), speed control (22 complaints).
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Which Nissan Sentra years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sentra years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2002, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2001, 2018, 2012, 2003, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2005, 1996, 1995, 2006, 1994. The cleanest record among Sentra years belongs to 1983.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Nissan Sentra earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.