P0101 on Nissan Sentra
Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Nissan Sentra context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P0101.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What P0101 Means on Your Nissan Sentra
P0101 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Nissan Sentra Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"Purchased the vehicle in june 2016, service engine light came on in october (approximately 60,000-70,000 miles) when temp dropped below 55 degrees. took it to a mechanic, code read p0101. find nissan has posted a bulletin on this.followed all guidelines. he cleaned the maf sensor. light went off."
"It is ridiculous that so many people with the same car have had the same exact problem and no investigation or action has been done by the nhtsa yet."
"While driving to work headed towards the altamont pass on highway 580 west.just past grant line rd at 6:15 a.m. on 03/17/2015, my car started to hesitate, then immediately lost all power with no prior warning to be able to pull over. i was stranded in the second lane over from the fast lane."
"Code P0101 came on, service Bulletin from NHTSA.gov was done. Car came back worst. Engine stalled in the middle of the street. It wouldn’t turn on, we had to push it to get it out of the street. Car will accelerate on its own when turn on."
""mass air flow sensor recall" and components there of or intake fuel/performance reductors...check engine code p0101. while running the vehicle looses power and struggles to go faster entering freeways or up hills also have to use more gas lately. check engine light lit up..."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Nissan Sentra
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.