2009 Nissan Sentra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Nissan Sentra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 55 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Nissan Sentra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Nissan Sentra has 55 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Sentra
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 55
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2009 Nissan Sentra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Steering Defects
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Nissan Sentra?
The 2009 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Nissan Sentra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Nissan Sentra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Nissan Sentra are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, steering defects, and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of the total. The data is based on a single model year with low confidence.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component with 15 complaints.
- Steering defects and brake system issues are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints represent 9 out of 55 total complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Steering Defects
- Brake System
All 2009 Nissan Sentra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 5 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 4 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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 calip…
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 …
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…
AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES CONTINUESLY
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…
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…
"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…
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…
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…
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.
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 N…
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.
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 CON…
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 C…
THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT
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 …
BOMBILLA QUE INDICA BOLSAS DE AIRE PARPADEA EN EL PANEL DE CONTROL Y DICE AIR BAG OFF
MY CAR WAS STATIONARY. I HAD JUST DROVE THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC. ONCE TRAFFIC CLEARED I ACCELERATED THROUGH THE FIRST LANE BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER. MY FOOT WAS ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. AT A FEW SECO…
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 4/15/17 WHEN MY BRAKES ON MY CAR STOP WORKING WE TRIED TO STOP BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T WE EVEN TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARKING GEAR BUT IT STILL KEEP ON GOING.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Nissan Sentra.
2009 Nissan Sentra Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Sentra. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Nissan Sentra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Nissan Sentra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 55 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2009 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Sentra?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (15 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (11 complaints). #3: Brake System (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Nissan Sentra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Nissan Sentra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Nissan Sentra, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 55 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2009 Nissan Sentra. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Sentra?▾
The 2009 Nissan Sentra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Sentra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Nissan Sentra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.