DecodedCars2011 Nissan Sentra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0sl/Se-R/Se-R Spec V
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,857–2,978 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Nissan Sentra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,857 lb (4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 25% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 95 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Sentra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Sentra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,857 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0sl/Se-R/Se-R Spec V | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,978 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +25% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nissan Sentra (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Dec 15, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V579000 · 33,803 vehicles
- Problem
- 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).
- Risk
- THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER IT STOPPED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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 · Nov 12, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V555000 · 13,737 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 MODULE.
- Risk
- THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED WITH A DIFFICULT OR NO START INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
Not every 2011 Nissan Sentra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Nissan Sentra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 16 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,458 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Sentra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sentra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2025 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2024 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 41 |
| 2023 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2022 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 81 |
| 2021 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 133 |
| 2020 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 207 |
| 2019 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 223 |
| 2018 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 185 |
| 2017 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 231 |
| 2016 Sentra | 33 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 270 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →