The Good
The 2009 Nissan Sentra provides excellent fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers. Its comfortable ride and relatively spacious interior add to its appeal. While not a performance car, the SE-R trim offers a bit more excitement. Generally, the Sentra's known for its reliability and overall value, making it a sensible and dependable choice.
The Bad
The 2009 Nissan Sentra can suffer from CVT transmission issues, especially in earlier models. Some owners have reported problems with the mass airflow sensor and catalytic converter. Check for excessive oil consumption. The interior plastics can feel cheap and the base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers. Rust can be an issue in colder climates.
2009 Nissan Sentra: Quick Overview
Here's a summary of key specifications for the 2009 Nissan Sentra:
- Engine Options:
- 2.0-liter inline-4 (S, FE+, SL): 140 horsepower
- 2.5-liter inline-4 (SE-R): 177 horsepower
- 2.5-liter inline-4 (SE-R Spec V): 200 horsepower
- Horsepower: Ranging from 140 hp to 200 hp depending on the engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.0L: Up to 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
- 2.5L (SE-R): Approximately 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.0L: Around 9 seconds
- 2.5L (SE-R): Around 7.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- S: Basic features, air conditioning, power windows and locks, CD player.
- FE+: Enhanced fuel economy features.
- SL: Leather upholstery, alloy wheels, upgraded audio system.
- SE-R: Sport-tuned suspension, unique styling, upgraded interior.
- SE-R Spec V: 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats.
2009 Nissan Sentra Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Sentra |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Mexico |
| Manufacturing City | CANTON |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | MR20DE |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
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Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 Nissan Sentra Have?
Another common issue is related to the mass airflow sensor, which can cause the engine to run poorly or stall. The catalytic converter also has a relatively high failure rate, leading to emissions problems and the need for replacement.
Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be a sign of internal engine wear and should be investigated. Interior components, particularly the dashboard and door panels, are prone to cracking and fading over time. Some recalls may have been issued for certain components, so checking the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any open recalls is crucial before purchasing a used 2009 Sentra. Rust can also be a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters and road salt.
How long will the 2009 Nissan Sentra last?
Weaknesses over time include the aforementioned CVT issues, potential for increased oil consumption as the engine ages, and deterioration of interior plastics. Rust can also become a significant problem in regions with harsh winters. Keeping up with maintenance and addressing issues promptly will significantly impact the car's long-term durability.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
In terms of safety, all 2009 Sentras came standard with antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, and a suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. Driver-assistance features were limited, with no available features like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning. Optional features included a sunroof and keyless entry.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) generally awarded the 2009 Sentra four or five stars for frontal and side-impact protection. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave the Sentra a "Good" rating in frontal offset crash tests. Keep in mind that safety standards and testing procedures have evolved significantly since 2009, so these ratings should be considered in the context of the vehicle's age.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2009 Nissan Sentra Prices and Market Value
2009 Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership
2009 Nissan Sentra Fuel Efficiency
2009 Nissan Sentra Safety Rating
NHTSA
2009 Nissan Sentra Recalls & Defects
Equipment:electrical:navigational System(Global Positioning System)
2009 Nissan Sentra Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Sedan?
In terms of features, the Sentra offered a comparable range, but its technology was less advanced than some rivals. Price-wise, the Sentra was often slightly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. If reliability is a top priority, the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic would be better choices, even at a slightly higher price point. The Mazda3 offers a more engaging driving experience. A similar alternative, depending on budget, could be the Hyundai Elantra, offering good value and a long warranty (when new).
Ranks #1181 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1181 | 2009 Nissan Sentra | (3.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Nissan Sentra a Good Sedan?
Jay on September 1, 2023
Great Communter CarSince owning in 2017 outside of regular maintenance it has only needed repairs to the front arm levers. It has gotten me through an accident and I have no issues with the transmission on engine at 189k+ miles.
Luann Prosser on July 5, 2022
Unhappy with Nissan Corp They resigned on the warrTransmission failure Electric issues Hub caps peeled The transmission is whining again At this point I am going to use it as long as possible The car now has 185900 miles on it
SPORTRAINER66 on May 1, 2021
I have 2 months whit himNow its ok, have 160K miles on it . CVT trasmnision drives and runs ok but Im worried about the CVT. I dont have problems yet but I hear a lot of bad things about it.
Stardazler9 on July 14, 2020
It’s stayed niceVery uncomfortable, has been reliable but difficult for mechanics to know what is going on with the vehicle readings have a computer don’t seem quite clear
Soccer Pop on June 16, 2020
Great Family owned a car that runs great!This car got too small for me but I almost hate to get rid of something so reliable. I would not hesitate to go anywhere in this vehicle tomorrow. Its great on gas and has fog lights. It was my dads who leased and never drove it.Great car for a high school student.
wessam on November 12, 2019
Good carworks great no mechanical problems Air condition works new transmission new tires car totaled on 2014 from the first owner no information was available on Carmax till 2017 car runs great
Natalie1 on September 27, 2019
First car and has taken me states away,amazing.This car runs amazing,smooth drive and beautiful sound system.Clean and comfortable seats help with long drives,fabric seats are so beneficial.Car is always kept clean and never had an any accidents.Amazing A/C system and outstanding on gas.Drive it everyday and only fill up once every 2 weeks.
Haley on December 16, 2018
OK, except a lor of repairs related to steeringThe car drives fine. I bought mine used and so I don't know if this just applies to my car or all Sentra's but everything related to the wheels and steering has needed to be replaced, some more than once. The wheel bearings, axle, sway bar links have all been replaced; very costly repairs. Again, I don't know if this is just because I bought it used or if all Sentra's eventually have this problem.
Ginags on August 3, 2018
Gerat car i like everything about itIts a nice car runs great i been very satifed with my purchase an i was looking for a camery untit i test drove the nissan
Shatonya on July 3, 2018
Plenty of pepThe Nissan Sentra is a comfortable small car with plenty of pep. It seems to be solidly made. It is an older car so it's not perfect, but over all it's a nice car for my husband to use for work.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.