DecodedCars2009 Nissan Sentra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0sl/Se-R/Se-R Spec V
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,857–2,978 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2009 midsize car (21.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints28 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 85 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Nissan Sentra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,857 lb (4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 34% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Sentra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Sentra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0/S | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,857 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.0sl/Se-R/Se-R Spec V | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 59.4 in | 105.9 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 2,978 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +34% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +30% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sentra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +25% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +20% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sentra | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +11% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Nissan Sentra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan Sentra (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V401000 · 7,948 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2009 Nissan Sentra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Nissan Sentra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 5 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,550 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sentra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sentra | 33 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2025 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2024 Sentra | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 41 |
| 2023 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2022 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 81 |
| 2021 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 132 |
| 2020 Sentra | 33 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 207 |
| 2019 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 223 |
| 2018 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 185 |
| 2017 Sentra | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 231 |
| 2016 Sentra | 33 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 270 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →