Owners have filed 81 complaints
about the 2009 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 2009 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Nissan Sentra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
811.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
68.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1520.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1926.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1419.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
34.1%
150,000+ miles
45.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2009peak 7Jun 2024
Recalls on the 2009 Nissan Sentra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20093131,282 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, an incorrectly manufactured brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to slowly leak into the brake booster assembly. Brake fluid leakage could ultimately result in a reduction of braking capability, which could increase the vehicle's stopping distance and cause a crash with personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the brake master cylinder assembly.
Recall 200912525,517 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, one or both of the side curtain airbags may have been incorrectly positioned during vehicle assembly. If this occured, in certain types of crashes where side curtain airbag deployment is expected, a portion of the bag may be restricted from fully deploying. The side curtain airbag will still timely deploy, meet and exceed applicable safety standards. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reposition the curtain airbag. This action is deemed a voluntary service campaign and is not being conducted under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Jessup, PA
AIR BAGS
My car is included by year in the current airbag recall. However it comes up negative and the airbag icon started blinking last week. There were no incidents prior to the blinking.
NHTSA complaint #11592217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nanticoke, PA
SUSPENSION
My brake line broke in three pieces while I was driving on the highway visiting my son I almost lost my life the brakes did not work all of the fluid came out thank God I didn’t die there was no sign on the dashboard also my brakes even when I change the pads the rotors and calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the best quality even when purchased fluids always buy CVT oil and I get it from the Nissan dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11517083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nanticoke, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake line broke in three pieces while I was driving on the highway visiting my son I almost lost my life the brakes did not work all of the fluid came out thank God I didn’t die there was no sign on the dashboard also my brakes even when I change the pads the rotors and calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the best quality even when purchased fluids always buy CVT oil and I get it from the Nissan dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11517083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nanticoke, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving on the interstate to go and visit my granddaughter from PA to New York when all of a sudden I press on the break pedal and the brakes stopped working there was no warning sign on the dashboard I was alone in the car and afraid I started to slow down there was a lot of traffic trucks and I pulled over on the side slowly and use the emergency break and thank God I’m alive today to tell you my ordeal thank God I didn’t get hurt and no one got hurt and the best part I got to see my granddaughter 9 hours later. Basically I was informed that my brake line was broke in three pieces I cannot believe it just be careful always check your brake line thank you stay safe out there!!
NHTSA complaint #11492364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesFAR Rockaway, NY
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT POP ON WHEN I WAS STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH ,FIRE , OR FLOOD. THE AIR BAG MODULE MUST BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM, THIS IS NOT NO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. THERE ARE OTHER NISSAN MODELS WITH SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE DON'T LET MANUFACTURERS GET AWAY WITH THIS, IT IS PUTTING ME AND MY PASSENGERS IN VERY HIGH DANGER. THIS IS A ITEM ONLY MANUFACTURERS HAVE EASY ACCESS TO.I PAYED ALOT OF MONEY FOR VEHICLE, PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE FOR RECALL , THERE'S NO WHERE ELSE TO TURN TO. THANK FOR YOUR HELP AND CONSIDERATION.
NHTSA complaint #11360797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,550 milesFAR Rockaway, NY
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES CONTINUESLY
NHTSA complaint #11355218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesProspect, OH
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE BEEN GETTING GRINDING NOISES FROM MY TRANSMISSION SINCE THE FALL OF 2016. TOOK THE CAR INTO THE GEORGESVILLE NISSAN SHOP IN COLUMBUS, OH WHERE THEY STATED THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE NOISE OR HEAR IT EVEN THOUGH THE NOISE IS NOTICEABLE WHEN THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE AFTER SITTING STILL FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR. IT SOUNDS AS IF SOMEONE ISN'T PUSHING ON THE CLUTCH BEFORE CHANGING GEARS, THE PROBLEM IS THOUGH THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE GONE TO THE SHOP A FEW TIMES WHERE I'VE BEEN GIVEN THE SAME THING, THEY CAN'T RECREATE IT. MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME AND NOW IT'S NOT. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS WAS THEM TRYING TO NOT REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS AROUND 90K MILES WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED AND I'VE BEEN THERE TWO OR THREE TIMES. NOW MY CAR IS AT 123K MILES AND I AM NO LONGER COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I AM CURRENTLY AT WORK AND CAN NOT UPLOAD MY RECEIPTS FROM MY VISIT BUT WILL SEND PICTURES WHEN NEED BE. I'M SURE I HAVE A VIDEO I RECORDED OF THE NOISE TO, IF NOT, I HAVE A DASHCAM THAT I'M SURE HAS RECORDED THE SOUND MANY TIMES OVER.
NHTSA complaint #11254406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,500 milesYucaipa, CA
POWER TRAIN
MY VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WARRANTY ENDED AT 120,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 145,500 MILES. I'VE READ ONLINE THESE VEHICLES WITH CVT TRANSMISSION HAVE ISSUES WITH REPAIR CODE P0744. THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR OLDER VEHICLES EXCEPT MINE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT HELP BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND VEHICLE IS OLD. ALL I'M ASKING FOR THEM TO COVER MOST OF THE REPAIRS OR ALL OF IT. IN THIS CASE VEHICLE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLES RPM FLUCTUATED? JERKED AND LOST SPEED, THEN SPEED WOULD INCREASE. REPAIRS IS GOING TO COST ME OVER $1200.00.
NHTSA complaint #11240492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesYukon, OK
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTS BLINKING .I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO 2 DEALERSHIPS AND THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT IT IS THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE CAR. AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IF I WERE TO GET INTO A WRECK OR IF SOMEONE WAS TO HIT ME AND MY CHILDREN THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY . THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STARING WILL ALSO CONTROLS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND THAT WILL NOT DEPLOY AS WELL .
NHTSA complaint #11217674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,535 milesSouth Charleston, WV
SUSPENSION
WAS TOWED IN AND THE LF BALL JOINT IS RUSTED AND FELL APART. THE STUD AND NUT ARE STILL ATTACHED TO THE KNUCKLE AND THE BALL PULLED OUT OF THE SOCKET. THIS ALLOWED THE SUSPENSION OF DROP THAT CORNER OF THE CAR DOWN AND PULL THE CV AXLE OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. JUST PULLING OUT FROM HOME.
NHTSA complaint #11162005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesParkersburg, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL CAR STALLS OUT AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY WARNING SIGNAL, EVERY TIME I BRAKE TO QUICKLY WHEN HITTING A RED LIGHT BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T REGULARLY ON. MY PROBLEM MATCHES ANOTHER TYPE OF 2009 NISSAN SENTRA PROBLEM BUT MY EXACT MODEL IS NOT RECALLED. PURCHASED BRAND NEW STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO NO AVAIL ANOTHER RECALL SAYS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #11155793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesParkersburg, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL CAR STALLS OUT AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY WARNING SIGNAL, EVERY TIME I BRAKE TO QUICKLY WHEN HITTING A RED LIGHT BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T REGULARLY ON. MY PROBLEM MATCHES ANOTHER TYPE OF 2009 NISSAN SENTRA PROBLEM BUT MY EXACT MODEL IS NOT RECALLED. PURCHASED BRAND NEW STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO NO AVAIL ANOTHER RECALL SAYS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #11155793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesParkersburg, WV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL CAR STALLS OUT AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY WARNING SIGNAL, EVERY TIME I BRAKE TO QUICKLY WHEN HITTING A RED LIGHT BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T REGULARLY ON. MY PROBLEM MATCHES ANOTHER TYPE OF 2009 NISSAN SENTRA PROBLEM BUT MY EXACT MODEL IS NOT RECALLED. PURCHASED BRAND NEW STARTER, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO NO AVAIL ANOTHER RECALL SAYS MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #11155793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesAustin, TX
POWER TRAIN
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, REACH THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ENGINE STALL WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AT THE STOP LIGHT. AFTERWARDS, I CAN RESTART THE CAR NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES, ABOUT ONE MONTH APART.
NHTSA complaint #11112947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, REACH THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ENGINE STALL WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AT THE STOP LIGHT. AFTERWARDS, I CAN RESTART THE CAR NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES, ABOUT ONE MONTH APART.
NHTSA complaint #11112947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,500 milesPaterson, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2009 NISSAN SENTRA I BOUGHT IT A FEW MONTHS AGO AND EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE IT THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY LACKS WHEN I'M OUTSIDE AND CLOSE IT CLOSED AND IT HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO DO NOT STAY OUT OF THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO LOWER THE WINDOWS OR HAVE A SPARE KEY IN MY WALLET
NHTSA complaint #11080320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesRedlands, CA
SEAT BELTS
VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE DRIVER IS SAFE, PASSENGER SEATBELT (FRONT SIDE OF DRIVER) IS LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW PASSENGER TO BUCKLE UP.
NHTSA complaint #11078433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN SENTRA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK ROADHANDLER SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 215/55R/16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SIDEWALL WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO SEARS AND THEN TO THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE DOT NUMBER, VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE, AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11047780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON DRIVER'S SIDE, KNOCKED BE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WHEN I CAME TOO THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT A IRON POLE IN FRONT OF WAL-GREEN'S. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IN WHICH THEY PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11045993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesHawkinsville, GACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
NHTSA complaint #11046001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR BEGAN FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THE AIR BAGS, BUT NO MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11040405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.