Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)
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NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Research · Midsize Cars
2009 Nissan SentraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 55 owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Most complaints involve air bags (15) and steering (11). The EPA rates it 24–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
24–29mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2010
Owner complaints
55
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
55 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2009 – Jun 2024
- Air bags15
- Steering11
- Service brakes7
- Electrical system6
- Structure6
- Suspension5
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Engine4
- Tires4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Sentra model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 171 |
| 2001 | 245 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 197 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 167 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 144 |
| 2011 | 142 |
| 2012 | 180 |
| 2013 | 638 |
| 2014 | 380 |
| 2015 | 352 |
| 2016 | 270 |
| 2017 | 231 |
| 2018 | 185 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 207 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 19 |
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 11
- Deaths reported
- 1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
15 reports5 crashes
“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.”
Steering
11 reports2 crashes
“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 CAR AND TOOK IT AWAY.”
Service brakes
7 reports2 crashes
“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 calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the best quality even when purchased fluids always buy CVT oil and I get it from the Nissan dealership.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FE Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,150 | 306 |
| Sentra Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Sentra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Sentra Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Sentra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Sentra as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 5331
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 Sentra questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Sentra have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2009 Nissan Sentra problems?
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (15), steering (11), service brakes (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Sentra at 24–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026