2012 Nissan Sentra — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Nissan Sentra is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Sentra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Nissan Sentra: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4565 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Nissan Sentra across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 29 mpg (US), or 29 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/34) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $3,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Nissan Sentra
Running Costs: 2012 Nissan Sentra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Nissan Sentra at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Sentra as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Sentra. The most-reported areas are Power train (68), Engine (39), Vehicle speed control (22). Complaints include 10 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 10 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 180 complaints across the 17 Nissan Sentra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Nissan Sentra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (68 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (39 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Throttle & cruise control (22 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Nissan Sentra's 35 mpg is 6 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 50 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Sentra model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 15th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 41 mpg). See every Nissan Sentra year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Nissan Sentra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Nissan Sentra: 2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Nissan Sentra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Sentra as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Among the 180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (68 complaints), Engine (39 complaints), Vehicle speed control (22 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Nissan Sentra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.