2012 Nissan Sentra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Nissan Sentra: 0 recalls, 180 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (68): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (20), stalls / loses power (11), warning light on (11).
- Engine (39): the most common themes are warning light on (9), stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (5).
- Speed control / throttle (22): the most common themes are warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (3).
- Other / unknown (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (2).
The 2012 Nissan Sentra has 180 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 37 Sentra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 158). Complaints peaked in 2019 (34 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (142 complaints, 2 recalls), 2013 (638 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Sentra problems?
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (68), engine (39), speed control / throttle (22).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Sentra get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Nissan Sentra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.