2012 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Nissan Sentra, 5% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle drifts both directions while driving, when braking it seriously pulls right. I have only had the car 6 weeks and haven't hit anything yet but if there are narrow lanes with parked cars I may not be so lucky. There are other problems the heat shields that cover the exhaust come loose and the air sensors in the tires leak so you need to put air in the tires weekly.”
NHTSA complaint #10733737, filed 2015-07, 54,000 miles“Power steering assist (electric in this vehicle) suddenly failed while driving on city street at 25 MPH. The ps warning light came on car had been driven about 5 minutes before this incident, and I had just made a right turn. Steering became difficult, but I was able to return home. The next day, I started the car and drove around the block; the power steering worked and the warning light was off. I have not driven this car since then.”
NHTSA complaint #11076544, filed 2018-03, 28,016 miles“We own a Nissan Sentra 2012. I was driving my car to the mechanic in order to do an oil change. Five blocks before entering the mechanic shop, I heard a strong metallic noise on the left bottom part of my car. I asked the mechanic to check such noise. He told me that it was the electric rack and pinion unit. It was broken. According to him it is very rare that this part of the car could be broken in a 2012 car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746693, filed 2015-08, 49,100 miles“Driving down the freeway then all of a sudden my car lost 90% of power and could only go about 25mph. There was no warning. Car jerks violently steering becomes harder. You try to punch down on the gas and nothing happens. Also was forced to take city streets due to not being able to go a safe speed to stay on freeway/highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11351048, filed 2020-08, 95,000 miles“I was getting on the freeway all of a sudden my steering wheel gets stiff and my car comes to a complete stop traffic is going at full speed me and my children could of being in a serious accident and then a few minutes later the car is back to normal. I would really appreciate if it's looked into someone can get hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #11445880, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192196Jun 17, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm there is a need to replace the steering wheel switches on an Applied Vehicle for any reason: - Do not replace the driver air bag module. The…
- 10052406Jun 17, 2013Nissan: information provided regarding removal and installation of steering wheel switch service parts, if needed, on certain vehicles. Models 2007-2012 sentra.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 24% |
| 2023 | 4 | 20% |
| 2022 | 31 | 38% |
| 2021 | 40 | 30% |
| 2020 | 55 | 27% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 14 | 6% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 16 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% |
| 2007 | 30 | 19% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Sentra
68 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Sentra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology