Nissan Sentra Reliability: How Long will it Last?

Gilbert Smith
Feb 16, 2022

Though not quite on par with Toyota and Honda compacts for overall longevity, the Sentra remains one of the most dependable compacts on the road today, breezing past the industry-average life expectancy of 150,000 miles.

2021 Nissan Sentra - Photo by Nissan

Key Points

  • Consumer Reports suggests that Nissan Sentra owners should expect above-average longevity out of their compact, putting it in the 150,000 to 200,000-mile range, with some drivers reporting twice that on the original transmission.
  • The Sentra’s continuously variable transmission requires a fluid change every 25,000 miles, which is critical to keeping your Nissan running.
  • Newer Sentras–those made in the last four or five years–should cost an average of a dollar a day in regular maintenance, while older models may run closer to $500 a year.
  • Somewhere between 200,000 and 250,000 miles is when the Sentra may wind up costing you more money to repair it than to replace it, and you’ll want to start making arrangements.
  • You should expect to get at least a decade out of a new Sentra, and maybe twice that if you maintain it well and keep the mileage low.

2019 Nissan Sentra - Photo by Nissan

Expect to Get a Minimum of 150,000 to 200,000 Miles out of Your Sentra

Nissans have a well-earned reputation for dependability. Take care of a Sentra, and it’ll go the distance for you. But, the iconic compact doesn’t quite make the top 10 for longest-lasting cars on the market today, at least not according to a 2020 study of cars with more than 200,000 on the odometer.

While the automaker’s Titan made the list for longest-lasting pickups, with 2.3% having topped 200,000 miles, the Sentra doesn’t have the numbers to make the list.

For a nameplate dating back to the early 1980s, this means that you’ll probably want to start thinking about a new set of wheels as soon as you cross the 150k mark.

According to Consumer Reports, the average life expectancy of a car is around 150,000 miles. But, considering that the Sentra has far lower than average numbers for complaints and recalls with the NHTSA, it would be a fair estimate to put the life expectancy somewhere in the 150,000 to 200,000-mile range.

That said, you can definitely get your Sentra above 200,000 miles. With proper maintenance, careful driving, and a bit of luck, you could well pass a quarter-million.

It’s not hard to find comments and forum posts from Sentra drivers running in the 250,000 to 300,000 range. At least one driver is on record as having hit 400,000 in a 2012 model, and another driver hit the half-million-mile mark in a 1997 model.

But 200,000 is where you should expect expensive repairs to start piling up. Simply put, somewhere between 200,000 and 250,000 miles is when the Sentra may wind up costing you more money to repair it than to replace it, and you’ll want to start making arrangements.

Typical mileage per year should add up to around 14,000 miles for the average driver. So, you should expect to get at least a decade out of a new Sentra, and maybe twice that if you maintain it well and keep the mileage low.

2021 Nissan Sentra - Photo by Nissan

Maintaining the Continuously Variable Transmission is Key to Reaching High Mileage

The one-speed continuously variable transmission has become, more or less, the go-to for compact and mid-size vehicles these days. CVTs have a reputation for early failure and major problems, but the fact is that they can be as safe and dependable as any automatic or manual system.

The confusion comes down to the service schedule. If you have an automatic transmission, your owner’s manual will typically recommend that you get the transmission fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or so. In a manual, the number is more like 30,000 to 60,000.

In most Nissan CVTs, you want to change the fluid every 25,000 miles.

If you’ve been driving an automatic for years and expect that you only have to change the fluid once or twice a decade, you’re going to leave that old fluid in there, and you’re going to have major transmission problems at low mileage.

Why some people buy a new car and never bother to read the owner’s manual, who can say. But this is something you’ll need to look out for on the used market.

If you’re buying directly from the previous owner, the car has not been inspected, and there’s no telling if they actually serviced their vehicle on time. So, you might be looking at a car with just 75,000 miles on it, but it drives like it has 175,000 miles on it.

2021 Nissan Sentra - Photo by Nissan

Nissan Sentras Offer Higher Mileage with Fewer Hassles

Even the worst years for the Nissan Sentra aren’t all that bad. The 2013, for instance, has 565 complaints and six recalls on file with the NHTSA, but that year’s Ford Focus has nearly 2,000 complaints and 10 recalls.

Annual maintenance for a typical Sentra should run just under $500 a year, but that’s averaged out over all model years. A newer Sentra should cost you closer to $350 a year, putting it roughly in the dollar-a-day range.

In terms of reliability, the Nissan Sentra doesn’t wind up on quite as many top 10 lists as the Honda Civic or the Toyota Highlander. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t built to go the distance.

The discrepancy may simply be that Toyota and Honda attract a lot of gearhead drivers who are more likely to take extra care of their vehicles. While the Sentra is regarded as simply a dependable, efficient, safe, and headache-free daily driver for people who might not have the time and energy for twice-annual tune-ups.

Photos: Nissan

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rod on June 19, 2023
I love my 2023 Sentra
Thank you for the review. I think your conclusion helped me understand a little bit more the reason why Honda and Toyota are more popular than Nissan even though the latter has more years in the market, so I would think they got more experience and reliability too building cars. Your review also made me want to learn more about the CVT engines. I'm not a gearhead as I wish I was, so I did not know about the ups and downs of the CVTs, or just in general aware of what vehicles has it or not. I like taking care of my vehicles, so I hope that regular maintenance and safe driving will extend the life of my Sentra. Plus, the Midnight package just makes it look so s**y.
accountCircle Kimberly on May 18, 2023
2015 Nissan sentra
I got my car with 128,000 and I'vehad to replace both sensors one 4 times the other twice becausethe check engine light kept coming on. Every time it said the same thing sensor problem.no matter how many times I replaced them with new parts the engine light came on. My mechanic said he couldn't understand why.he checked the wiring and everything related to the sensors, my check engine light still remains on. I've put 30,000 miles on it replaced the tires,battery ,brakes and regular maintenance like oil change,wipers,had transmission serviced. Pretty reliable but my gas mileage has dropped since I bought it.
accountCircle Alex S on January 27, 2022
2010 Nissan Sentra review.
2010 Nissan Sentra is a very affordable and reliable car for its year. As there are no significant problems that occur with this car it's very durable and has lasted about 9 years so far with the only issue it being it squeaks and makes rough sounds when I hit a heavy hole in the ground. It's a very comfortable car and again VERY reliable, I recently took a trip to mammoth and San Francisco, both trips were different but my car made it through easy and it wasn't to uncomfortable considering both trips were about a 7 hour drive.
accountCircle Ellie B on December 16, 2021
Long-lasting comfort and durability.
My 2010 Nissan Sentra has been a reliable and comfortable car. The seats are comfortable and durable. I have used it throughout the years to commute to college, work, and have driven into the city and nearby states and I have never had it break down on me or any major issue. Throughout the past few years the natural wear and tear is inevitable. Overall the car is durable and I would say a safe ride.
accountCircle Guest O on January 7, 2022
Reliable Nissan Sentra 2015
First it's reliable, I've never had an issue with the engine. Of course I do my monthly maintenance, oil change, fluids, tire rotation, ect. I've been on 8 hour road trips and have yet to have any issues. I got my car at 28k miles and now on 94k miles. Again, with no problems. I would recommend this car to almost anyone looking for a reliable car.
accountCircle Sequoia M on August 30, 2021
It is important to maintain the maintenance on the car for Optimal experience.
My car has been reliable. I purchased my first car battery for this car last week. I have had it since July of 2014. It is great on gas mileage. I especially like the tire pressure sensor alert. When I put air in my tires, the car horn beeps once then twice when finished. This helps me know when to stop adding air to each tire.
accountCircle Jessica L on December 8, 2021
2016 Nissan sentra s car review.
My vehicle has had issues with the alternator which I had to replace once I got over 95,000 miles. It is still have shifting issues and has been becoming a problem when driving on the highway. It has done good driving other than those few issues. I believe if those issues could be resolved it could be a very reliable car.
accountCircle City driver on September 6, 2023
2016 Sentra SV
Got the car around 40k miles Major repairs were starter and alternator at around 70k miles Transmission was replaced under warranty at 80k miles Currently has 110k miles.I've done two 2500 miles trip with it. Car is ok- city driving takes a beating...front shocks and sway bar usually has to be replaced every two years
accountCircle Anne B on November 2, 2021
2011 Sentra is always broken, not dependable transportation!
Every time I fix one thing, another one breaks. I have owned this car for 2 years and not a month goes by that I have to replace/fix something on it! I hate it! I will never buy another Nissan as long as I live. I do not feel safe enough to take any trips. What a disappointment.
accountCircle Zayra M on June 13, 2021
Standard reliable vehicle.
I haven't any problems out of regular wear with my vehicle. It is a standard vehicle. I have only had to inquire on basic yearly maintenance on my vehicle. This vehicle is extremely reliable. I have driven it from Miami to Orlando and Miami to Key West with no problems.
accountCircle Gena on March 9, 2022
2016 Nissan S
I bought my rebuilt 2016 S Nissan Sentra 4 1/2 years ago. Tranny was replaced after 90,000 kilometers; (warranty covered) It runs beautifully now and I hope to get at least 6 more years out of her. It’s a little slow but fuel efficient. No other problems so far…..
accountCircle Brent K on October 10, 2021
The sentra is a great blend of technology and design, roomy and comfortable.
Excellent gas mileage upwards of 39 mi/gal. Comfort level of ride is average but with great reliability. Like most Nissan's brakes require early maintenance and upgrades are always recommended. Air conditioning usually requires maintenance every 5 years.
accountCircle Adam E on December 6, 2021
2015 Nissan Sentra - A Decent Car
The 2015 Nissan Sentra has been a reliable car for the 80,000 miles I've racked up so far. It doesn't have a lot of power, but it's reasonably quick and has pretty good fuel consumption (I average 37 mpg). All in all, a reasonable vehicle for the price.
accountCircle Taylor B on July 22, 2021
The 2020 Nissan sentra is one of the most reliable cars ever made.
The 2020 Nissan sentra s is one of the most safe and comfortable cars I have ever been in. It has all new safety features to assist with driving. I absolutely love this car and haven't had any issues with anything.
accountCircle Wendy D on September 11, 2021
Overall durable 2013 Sentra
I've road tripped with it 1000+ miles and it's been durable enough for me. I've had issues with my headlights so I've gotten them replaced and the AC and aux cord works just fine. It's been a good first car.
accountCircle Rachel T on August 18, 2021
Have a comfy ride with extra room!
I do not put much wear and tear on my car. My Nissan is very comfortable to drive. I have not had any issues thank goodness. The car is very reliable and I maintain it constantly at the mechanics.
accountCircle Donae J on September 16, 2021
This car also allows for apple carplay which is a plus.
The cars performance is wonderful in its new state. As long as you maintain it the car will last you a long time. I love Nissan brand cars because they are durable, cute, and easy to maintain.
accountCircle Brittany I on December 6, 2021
2019 Nissan Sentra with gas saving technology and provides safe traveling
New vehicle which drives great. Easy maintenance and very reliable. This car is able to go a long distance, I'd say 2 hours without filling up the tank.
accountCircle Shannon F on October 12, 2021
Dependable and long lasting
Very Dependable, enjoyable to ride in even on long drives. Can trust to drive with no problem for at least another hundred thousand miles.
accountCircle Jamie B on October 2, 2021
Efficient, comfortable 2018 Nissan Sentra
This vehicle is very reliable and get a great gas mileage. I average 44 mpg. Easy maintenance with no problems at 25,000 miles.
accountCircle Miracle R on December 16, 2021
2012 Sentra is very reliable, it's still runs like the day I bought it.
High mileage. Car has 80000 miles and still run like it's new if you up keep the maintenance. Never had problems with this car.
accountCircle Taylor S on December 14, 2021
It just goes and goes and goes. It's very reliable, we haven't had any trouble with the car at all.
It's a really great car. We bought it used, but it hardly had any miles on it. It gets great gas mileage.
accountCircle Denisha M on November 10, 2021
My 2017 Sentra is very dependable.
The car is reliable it feels comfortable and it rides smooth. It's a really good car to have.
accountCircle Bill on July 11, 2023
2023 nissan sentra
Jusr bught a new sentra 2023 and regrer it big time. Just 1k mile and i have engine problem.
accountCircle Lauren H on February 16, 2022
I would recommend if you're looking
My car is very reliable, I have only had 2.5 years so no problems so far with it.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.
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