Model year guide

2011 Nissan Sentra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Nissan Sentra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 511 on record.

2011 Nissan Sentra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Nissan Sentra at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints142
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$7,752

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Nissan Sentra recalls 2

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #11V579000 · 15/12/2011

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. THE ZINC COATING APPLIED TO THE TERMINAL STUD BOLT WAS THICKER THAN SPECIFICATION. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM).

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND COVER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JANUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #10V555000 · 12/11/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 22, 2010, THROUGH JULY 8, 2010. DUE TO A MACHINING IRREGULARITY, THE BOLT/WASHER SURFACE ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP TO OCCUR IN THE CONTACT AREA OF THE TERMINAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODUL…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN PN NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Nissan Sentra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2011 Nissan Sentra safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 Nissan Sentra MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,488

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Nissan Sentra worth?

Low
$5,400
Typical price
$7,752
High
$9,800

From 510 comparable 2011 Nissan Sentra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Nissan Sentra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,440
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,650
Total$17,090
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,752) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,100), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Nissan Sentra trims & engines on record

Trims
2.0 SR · 2.0 S · 2 · 2.0 SL · SE-R · SE-R Spec V
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 140 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 200 hp · 2.5L

2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles on record

2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP5BL722263 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S3N1AB6AP0BL718508 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP9BL680826 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL3N1AB6AP1BL626310 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL3N1AB6AP1BL610379 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S3N1AB6AP2BL681087 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP3BL724562 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP5BL725745 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP4BL699946 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP1BL719473 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S3N1AB6AP6BL719596 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP4BL725638 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL3N1AB6AP8BL698511 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP1BL719179 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S3N1AB6AP8BL670529 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP2BL623710 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL3N1AB6AP8BL723598 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP0BL730089 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6APXBL625639 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R3N1BB6AP5BL687972 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR3N1AB6AP6BL715337 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP7BL684793 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP3BL615261 2011 Nissan Sentra 2011 Nissan Sentra 23N1AB6AP7BL631799

Other Nissan Sentra model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

2011 Nissan Sentra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Nissan Sentra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2011 Nissan Sentra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Sentra?

Based on 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, electrical system.

What is the 2011 Nissan Sentra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 Nissan Sentra an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 3★, side 3★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Sentra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Sentra at about 26 mpg combined (24 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2011 Nissan Sentra worth?

Comparable 2011 Nissan Sentra listings run roughly $5,400–$9,800, typically around $7,752 (from 510 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.