Sell your 2012 Nissan Sentra for cash

The 2012 Nissan Sentra is a midsize car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl engines. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2012 Nissan Sentra at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AV-S6)
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
Fuel economy21–26 city / 28–34 highway / 24–29 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$2,300–$3,400 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂306–370 grams per mile
Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle)2,917 lb
Gross vehicle weight rating3,950–4,065 lb
Versions tested by EPA4 configurations
Age14 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 14 years old, most of a 2012 Sentra's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2012 Sentra weighed 2,917 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the power train, typically around 71,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2012 Nissan Sentra recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 2012 Sentra problems

Owners have filed 180 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA. 10 reports involved a crash and 4 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 10 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Power Train68
  • Engine39
  • Vehicle Speed Control22
  • Unknown or Other21
  • Air Bags20
  • Structure14

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Power Train71,000 mi
  • Engine85,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control84,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other68,000 mi
  • Air Bags72,000 mi
  • Structure8,000 mi

2012 Nissan Sentra crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Sentra.

VersionOverallFrontal crashSide crashRolloverRollover risk
4 Dr, FWD★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆11.6%

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.

2012 Nissan Sentra service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 107 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Nissan Sentra. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Electrical System18
  • Equipment9
  • Wheels9
  • Fuel System8
  • Gasoline5
  • Power Train5

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2026 · NTB09-131C

    CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2026 · NTB09-131C

    CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 2024 · NTB10-066C

    CAN COMMUNICATION CODES - DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 2024 · NTB13-027D

    CAN COMMUNICATION - NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulleti

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 2012 Sentra: questions

How much is a 2012 Nissan Sentra worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2012 Sentra that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2012 Sentras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2012 Sentra?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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