2009 Nissan Sentra: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Fewest complaints of the 6th generation and inexpensive to own; main items are a Takata airbag recall and the early-CVT caveat. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Nissan Sentra ranged from $15,350 to $21,160 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Fewest complaints of the 6th generation and inexpensive to own; main items are a Takata airbag recall and the early-CVT caveat.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=sentra…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/nissan-sentra-reliability-and-common-problems/
nissanproblems.comhttps://www.nissanproblems.com/models/sentra/

Known issues

Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars.

commonly reported · 160 NHTSA complaints · other
First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models.

commonly reported · 126 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–100k miles · transmission
Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment.

occasional · 50 NHTSA complaints · steering
Electrical issues, faulty sensors and dash/warning-light problems, cluster on the 2010-2011 cars.

occasional · 77 NHTSA complaints · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=sentra…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=sentra…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=sentra…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/nissan-sentra-reliability-and-common-problems/
nissanproblems.comhttps://www.nissanproblems.com/models/sentra/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

SE-R and SE-R Spec V variants offered genuine sporty performance.
Surprisingly spacious interior and trunk for a compact.
Affordable and economical to run.

Cons

Bland driving dynamics and a dated, plasticky interior on base trims.
Early Xtronic CVT reliability problems, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2007-2010 cars.
Takata airbag recall, heaviest on 2007-2008 models.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
2.0	$15,350	discontinued	—	—
2.0 S	$16,960	$22,600	—	—
2.0 SR	$17,760	$25,000	—	—
2.0 SL	$19,660	$27,990	—	—
SE-R	$20,660	discontinued	—	—
SE-R Spec V	$21,160	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-nissan-sentra-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-sentra-price

Depreciation

2009 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($15,350). Higher trims started higher (up to $21,160), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-sentra/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $450–500/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,700–1,800/yr
Expected lifespan	~150k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/sentra
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-sentra-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2009 Nissan Sentra have?

Documented issue patterns include: Front Takata airbag inflators were recalled for rupture risk; airbags are the most-reported area on 2007-2008 cars; First-generation Xtronic CVT (introduced 2007) is prone to power loss, shuddering and stalling; Nissan extended the CVT warranty for 2007-2010 models; Steering complaints on the 2007 car and pull-to-one-side reports on the 2012 even after alignment; Electrical issues, faulty sensors and dash/warning-light problems, cluster on the 2010-2011 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2009 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Fewest complaints of the 6th generation and inexpensive to own; main items are a Takata airbag recall and the early-CVT caveat.

How much did the 2009 Nissan Sentra cost new?

Between $15,350 and $21,160 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Nissan Sentra expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.