2010 Nissan Sentra Problems
Compared with other Nissan Sentra years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
31/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Nissan Sentra year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 144 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Stalling or no-start tied to battery terminal cable and ECM (55 complaints, median 79,900 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 144filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 69,316miles, 105 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Nissan Sentra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Sentra report two recurring themes: electrical problems that leave the car unable to start or cause it to stall while driving, and an airbag warning light that comes on without a crash. Many complaints link stalling to the battery terminal cable and the engine control module, and describe repeated trips to the dealer. Reports come in across a wide mileage range, with electrical complaints tending to appear at higher mileage and airbag complaints at moderate mileage.
- Electrical system
Stalling or no-start tied to battery terminal cable and ECM
- 55 complaints (38%)
- median 79,900 mi at 7.0 yrs old (42 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Complaints describe the car stalling without warning at highway and city speeds, or failing to start after sitting. Owners say dealers diagnosed a damaged or burned engine control module and a failed or fractured positive battery terminal cable, sometimes both together. Several owners note their VIN was not covered by the battery cable recalls, and some had the cable replaced but the problem returned. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 155,000 miles, with several reports near 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Recall 11V579000Recall 10V5550003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether either battery cable recall (10V555000 or 11V579000) was performed on this VIN, and have a mechanic inspect the positive battery cable end and terminal for corrosion, looseness or signs of arcing. A scan tool check for stored engine control module codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The first incident I was reversing out of spot and the engine just shut off, I had no control of gas however lights and dashboard errors were displayed. I put car in park, turned ignition off and tried to start up car with success . So I thought maybe something strange happened and I went on with my life. Over the next few years this kept happening months even years apart at the strangest times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10664727, filed 2014-12, 9,000 miles“Takata recall the vehicle was working perfectly since 04/14/2016 until 08/20/2016 I drove the vehicle for 30 minutes then I park it at my place, and the next day I try to start it and was completely dead. It just had the airbag light. I replaced the battery for a new one, it started again. I went for a drive for 1 hour and when I stop at the car wash place to vacuum my car it didn't start at all, acting the same way as the day before. It was completely dead.”
NHTSA complaint #10897727, filed 2016-08, 123,236 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on, seat occupancy light wrong
- 27 complaints (19%)
- median 64,553 mi at 5.9 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2024
Owners describe the airbag warning light flashing or staying lit with no crash involved, sometimes along with the passenger seat belt or occupancy light not responding when someone sits down. Dealers reportedly told some owners the airbag or its module needed replacement, and in at least one case the horn also stopped working and a clockspring was named. Some owners report the repair was not covered. Reported from about 45,000 to about 172,000 miles, with many around 65,000 to 80,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the key to the on position and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; test the passenger occupancy light with someone in the seat and try the horn. Ask whether any airbag module or clockspring work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was in a head on collision on 1-19-14, my airbag did not deploy when it hit the tree, only my passenger curtain bags. I was not diagnosed with my injuries by the er, I received 15 fractured ribs diagnosed on 1-31-14 and an acetabuler fracture diagnosed last wednesday. I am unable to put any weight on my right leg as it is a displaced fracture.this injury is directly related to my airbag not deploying. I have exhausted all the time I can possibly take from work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575276, filed 2014-03, 64,107 miles“Airbag light began flashing intermittently (not during motion). Taken to dealer to reset, came back on almost immediately. Was told airbag and module would need to be replaced. No cause as far as I can tell (not involved in accident, airbag didn't deploy, etc).”
NHTSA complaint #10983693, filed 2017-05, 65,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Loss of power, poor acceleration or CVT fail-safe
- 20 complaints (14%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2026
Owners describe the car refusing to accelerate beyond roughly 45 to 60 mph, revving high without picking up speed, or dropping into a reduced-power mode after sustained highway driving. Some say it clears after shutting the engine off and restarting, and that dealers cited the CVT or a stepper motor. Others report complete loss of power while driving, with a transmission replacement recommended and warranty coverage refused. Spread from very low mileage (under 3,000 miles) up to about 170,000 miles, with several reports in the 65,000 to 120,000 mile range.
What to check: Test drive long enough to get the transmission fully warm, including a highway stretch, and note any hesitation, high revs at low speed or reduced-power messages. Ask for transmission service records and whether the CVT fail-safe bulletin work was ever done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After driving for about 10 minutes, the transmission did not want to come out of low gear. At 35 MPH, I was at about 6,000rpms in drive. I confirmed the overdrive off button is not engaged, nor is it in l , and the emergency brake is off. When it has been cooled off for about 3+ hours, it will drive fairly normal for about 10-12 minutes until warmed up, then it all starts again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524036, filed 2013-07, 110,000 miles“I was driving on a wooded back road when an animal ran out in front of the car. I hit the brakes hard enough to engage the ABS and come to a full stop. Immediately after stopping I took my foot off the brake and stepped on the gas. The car acted like the brakes were still applied. I shifted between drive and reverse multiple times in an attempt to free up the brakes. Eventually I just pressed heavily on the gas and the car began to move forward slowly and gradually picked up speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10470625, filed 2012-08, 1,500 miles - Engine
Engine noise, knocking and oil loss
- 18 complaints (13%)
- median 72,011 mi at 7.3 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2020
Complaints describe valve or lower-engine knocking, a check engine light, and oil level dropping with no visible leak, requiring frequent top-offs. Some owners report a rod coming through the block or the engine shutting off entirely while driving, and dealers recommending a long block replacement. A few mention coolant leaks at the thermostat housing area. Reported from about 30,000 to about 154,000 miles, often around 75,000 to 100,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition on a cold engine and listen for ticking or knocking at idle and light throttle. Ask about oil consumption between changes and whether any engine work or replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own the sr trim with the 2.0 litre engine, I too experienced the valve knocking and it would trigger a check engine light. I took it to a near by Nissan dealer and they said that this is a known issue. This was at 75,000 miles. On 12/12/2018 with no warning the engine through a rod on the lower portion of the engine. I was driving 30 MPH I heard a rattle and a thump, everything went dead on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11171218, filed 2019-01, 99,000 miles“Started back in the beginning of 2019. I noticed that the oil has been going down and no external leak. I have to put 1/2 a quart of oil a week into the engine at this point. I have noticed that there are others that are having the same issue with no resolve from Nissan.”
NHTSA complaint #11299443, filed 2020-01, 140,000 miles
Buying note. Give this model year a careful electrical and transmission check: verify the battery cable recalls were completed, scan for stored engine control module codes, and test drive long enough to warm the CVT. An airbag light or a soft or noisy steering feel should be diagnosed before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 144 consumer complaints for the 2010 Nissan Sentra. 105 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 69,316 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 103 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Nissan Sentra model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 31 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system50 35%
- Engine35 24%
- Air bags31 22%
- Other or unknown13 9.0%
- Vehicle speed control11 7.6%
- Steering9 6.3%
- Engine cooling8 5.6%
- Suspension7 4.9%
Also reported: Tires (4), Exterior lighting (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Fuel system (2), Seat belts (2), Body and structure (2), Brakes (1), Equipment (1), Seats (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Different times on highway and on street driving my car is in gear, when you start to use the brake to slow down the car turns off ,you have to come to a complete stop and put it back in park then restart, it turns back on. My mechanic does not no what is wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11097221, filed 2018-05, 98,000 milesEngine: “While driving, many times my car lose power and stall out. Rate of speed doesn't seem to affect whether the car stalls. I have to throw the car in park real fast and re-crank it and it typically starts back up. If the car were to stall out while making a turn or in heavy traffic, this could cause a major accident. It is unknown what is causing this, but I did see a recall online that stated the battery terminal might be the cause of the loss of electrical operation.”
NHTSA complaint #11194528, filed 2019-04, 45,000 milesAir bags: “The operator of vehicle #1 was traveling inbound on rutherford ave. When she admitted to the officer I was distracted ...while I was driving , and ran a red light. She struck vehicle #2, then lost control of the car and struck vehicle #3 which was stopped at a red light. None of the 3 vehicles' air bags deployed!”
NHTSA complaint #10588576, filed 2014-05, 38,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I went to service center several times, but they couldn't fix these. When I am driving my car slowly under 10 MPH, there is noise from front wheels everyday, it is loud. I can hear a continuing sound when I turn my car to left or right on road. When I am driving my car on local road, there is noise from gear-knob button(shift-knob button). I found my car doesn't have door-lock with key. When I lock the front door, other doors are not lock together. But the manual doesn't say like that.”
NHTSA complaint #10536191, filed 2013-08, 10,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
39% of the 105 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Nissan Sentra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Nissan Sentra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sentra FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Sentra FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sentra FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V579000Dec 15, 2011Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Nissan Sentra 2010–2011
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…
- 10V555000Nov 12, 2010Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Nissan Sentra 2010–2011
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…
- 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Nissan Sentra 2008–2010, Versa 2008–2010, Altima 2008–2010 +4 more
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.
Recall details for the 2010 Nissan Sentra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 103 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. 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 bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Sentra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 | 300 | 1 | — | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 7,950 | 4 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 30,000 | 3 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 20 | 75,300 | 1 | 5 | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 81 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 33 | 27 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 133 | 24,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 207 | 28,879 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 223 | 34,500 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 185 | 40,000 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 231 | 44,000 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 270 | 60,255 | 6 | 4 | 32 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 352 | 55,500 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 380 | 67,000 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 638 | 61,000 | 6 | 4 | 33 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 180 | 64,000 | 0 | 4 | 26 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 142 | 71,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 144 | 69,316 | 3 | — | 27 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 55 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 167 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 27 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 116 | 78,832 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 170 | 76,200 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 197 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 180 | 69,012 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 304 | 71,000 | 10 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 236 | 61,000 | 7 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 171 | 57,110 | 6 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 59 | 72,900 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 58 | 102,500 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 105,000 | 3 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 141 | 66,500 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 117 | 157,994 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 99 | 180,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 58 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 62 | 107,500 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 82,958 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 41 | — | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | 122,487 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | — | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Sentra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Sentra?
Owners of the 2010 Sentra report two recurring themes: electrical problems that leave the car unable to start or cause it to stall while driving, and an airbag warning light that comes on without a crash. The issues reported most often: Stalling or no-start tied to battery terminal cable and ECM; Airbag warning light on, seat occupancy light wrong; Loss of power, poor acceleration or CVT fail-safe.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA recorded 144 consumer complaints for the 2010 Nissan Sentra as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Nissan Sentra is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 50 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine with 35.
Has the 2010 Nissan Sentra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Sentra (Sentra, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Nissan Sentra reported?
Among the 105 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 69,316 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 100,000 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.