46/100
2011Midsize CarsRegular

2011 Nissan Sentra

EPA ID: 30672
23
City MPG
26
Combined MPG
26MPG· Average
30
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2011 Nissan Sentra achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2011 Sentra produces approximately 342 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Sentra performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions342 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
25.7
Impact vs EPA
+$24
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$585/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
45.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,096
28.8%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
24.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$35,096

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #11V579000·2012-01-23
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MR20 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 11, 2010, TO MAY 22, 2010, AND JULY 8, 2010, TO OCTOBER 25, 2010. THE ZINC COATING APPLIED TO THE TERMINAL STUD BOLT WAS THICKER THAN SPECIFICATION. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM).

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER IT STOPPED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND COVER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JANUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign #10V555000·2010-11-19
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SENTRA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 22, 2010, THROUGH JULY 8, 2010. DUE TO A MACHINING IRREGULARITY, THE BOLT/WASHER SURFACE ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END MAY ALLOW FOR A GAP TO OCCUR IN THE CONTACT AREA OF THE TERMINAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED WITH A DIFFICULT OR NO START INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN PN NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Nissan Sentra configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City23 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined26 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

68.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 85 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.7 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.