PROBLEM GUIDE

2007–2012 Nissan Sentra Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated April 2026

55

complaints filed for the 2009 model year

2007–2012

Model years affected

$800 – $1,100

Typical repair cost, by problem

There are few reports for this vehicle, well below most others, so treat what follows as directional rather than statistically solid. The clearest pattern is a link kit (sway bar end link) that failed, was replaced, and then failed again within about 2 years on the same vehicle — a "repair doesn't hold" pattern worth knowing about, though no US-dollar repair cost is on record for it. Separately, NHTSA data includes a serious individual brake-line rupture complaint with no recall tie found — it isn't listed above as a common problem because it is a single report.

Quick Scan: 10 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

Think this sounds like your Nissan Sentra?

Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.

Get a Second Opinion

Compare estimates before authorizing major work.

Compare Estimates →

Talk to MyGearGuru

Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.

Start my diagnosis →

PROBLEM DETAILS

Strut assembly / strut mount failure

a fluid leak from the struts, requiring replacement

Check engine light: Off

Strut assembly failure — a fluid leak requiring replacement of both assemblies — was documented at $1,000 at 70,000 miles, suggesting an $800-$1,100 range. A separate strut-mount failure was documented at C$492 (Canadian dollars) at 46,360 miles; we're not converting that figure given exchange-rate uncertainty, so it isn't reflected in the range above. This is a mechanical suspension fault, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

$800 – $1,10046,360–70,000 mi

the $1,000 USD figure is widened into the range shown; a separate C$492 strut-mount case is not converted to USD and isn't reflected in the range.

↑ Back to the problem table

Failed mass air flow sensor, driveability issues

Driveability problems from a failed mass air flow sensor

Check engine light: On

Driveability problems from a failed mass air flow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 206 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check engine light and loss of power due to throttle body unit failure

Check engine light and loss of power from a throttle body unit failure

Check engine light: On

Check engine light and loss of power from a throttle body unit failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 182 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check engine light due to catalytic converter failure closest to cylinder head

Check engine light from a catalytic converter failure at the position closest to the cylinder head

Check engine light: On

Check engine light from a catalytic converter failure at the position closest to the cylinder head. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 116 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Fuel pressure regulator bleeds off pressure overnight

Fuel pressure regulator loses pressure overnight

Check engine light: Off

Fuel pressure regulator loses pressure overnight. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Timing chain noise, possible failure at higher mileage

Timing chain noise that can progress to failure at higher mileage

Check engine light: Off

Timing chain noise that can progress to failure at higher mileage. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 45 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Hesitation and rough idle due to faulty EGR valve

Hesitation and rough idle traced to a faulty EGR valve

Check engine light: On

Hesitation and rough idle traced to a faulty EGR valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Crankshaft/camshaft sensors leaking oil into connector

Oil leaks into the electrical connector at the crankshaft or camshaft sensors

Check engine light: Off

Oil leaks into the electrical connector at the crankshaft or camshaft sensors. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Growling noise from manual transmission

Growling noise from the manual transmission

Check engine light: Off

Growling noise from the manual transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

We did not find a specific recall or campaign number referenced in our NHTSA sample for this generation, despite a serious brake-line rupture complaint and an airbag warning-light complaint in the data. Given the small sample size, that absence shouldn't be read as confirmation there's no applicable recall — enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

Free instant car diagnosisKnow what's wrong before you go to the mechanic — takes 1 minute.