2012 B16 (6th generation, final year)
2012 Nissan Sentra Common Problems and Years to Avoid
4 documented problems with the 2012 Nissan Sentra, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 1 of them are serious.
Last verified
Quick answer
CVT failure / whine (RE0F10A)
majorThe B16's Xtronic CVT can whine, shudder, overheat and eventually fail outright, usually between 80,000 and 130,000 miles, owners report an average repair around $3,300–$3,600. Nissan's famous CVT warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles covered 2003–2010 models only, so 2011–2012 cars are typically out of pocket. Fresh NS-2 fluid every 30–60k miles is the best prevention; a failed unit means a reman transmission.
Engine and transmission mount wear
moderateWorn motor mounts (especially the front and upper torque mounts) cause a shudder or clunk at idle in Drive and on throttle tip-in, and are frequently misdiagnosed as CVT trouble. Mounts are inexpensive; replace in pairs and re-evaluate before condemning the transmission.
Steering column clicking / clock-spring noise
minorA clicking or rubbing noise when turning the wheel, often from the spiral cable (clock spring) or upper column bearing. Annoying more than dangerous, but a failing spiral cable can eventually throw an airbag warning light. Steering complaints are one of the top categories for the 2012 car on CarComplaints.
Slow/failed power window regulators
minorWindow regulators and motors, usually the driver's door, slow down and fail with age. Aftermarket regulator-with-motor assemblies make this a straightforward repair.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Nissan Sentra model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Nissan Sentra built from 2012 through 2012 — the B16 (6th generation, final year), compact sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012 Nissan Sentra
- 2012Final year of the B16 generation and the last year for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V performance trims. This file covers 2012 only; 2007–2011 cars are mechanically similar.
2012 Nissan Sentra problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
- The recurring ones are: cvt failure / whine (re0f10a); engine and transmission mount wear; steering column clicking / clock-spring noise; slow/failed power window regulators. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2012 Nissan Sentra years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by cvt failure / whine (re0f10a) (2012 (whole 2007–2012 generation)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
How much do 2012 Nissan Sentra repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: cvt failure / whine (re0f10a), $2,500–$4,500 (replacement CVT installed); engine and transmission mount wear, $150–$450 parts and labor; steering column clicking / clock-spring noise, $100–$400; slow/failed power window regulators, $120–$350 per door.
Sources
- 2012 Nissan Sentra Owner's Manual (capacities, tires, plugs, CVT NS-2, CR2025)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Sentra 2.0L MR20DE (5W-30, 4.1 qt, drain plug 22–29 ft-lb)
- Goodyear tire fitment, 2012 Nissan Sentra by trim
- Nissan parts, 16546-ET00J engine air filter, 2007–2012 Sentra
- Nissan parts, 22401-JA01B spark plug, 2008–2012 Sentra 2.0
- CarComplaints, 2012 Sentra transmission failure reports
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Sentra EPA ratings