DecodedCars2012 Nissan Sentra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0s/2.0sl/Sr, 4dr Sedan FWD 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
- 2,862–3,071 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 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 2,862 lb (4dr Sedan FWD 2.0).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 21% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sentra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sentra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0 | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,862 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0s/2.0sl/Sr | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 3,001 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Se-R Spec V | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 3,071 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 | +21% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Sentra (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Nissan Sentra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Nissan Sentra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 56 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 31 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 20 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 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 2012 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 →