Owners have filed 212 complaints
about the 2010 Nissan Sentra with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 23 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Nissan Sentra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
95.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2213.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
127.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
159.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2113.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3622.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3521.7%
150,000+ miles
116.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Nissan Sentra 4-DR.w/SAB
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 7Jan 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Nissan Sentra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V579000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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 SPECIFICATION. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM).
Risk: THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER IT STOPPED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
10V555000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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 CONTACT AREA OF THE TERMINAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VOLTAGE DROP THAT MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE.
Risk: THIS ISSUE CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED WITH A DIFFICULT OR NO START INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20114213,227 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the zinc coating applied to the positive battery terminal stud bolt (during the manufacturing process) may be thicker than desired. This could result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the engine. This can also damage the Engine Control Module (ECM), which could cause the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the positive battery terminal.
Recall 20104031,873 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a machining irregularity of bolt/washer surface on the positive battery terminal cable end may allow for a gap to occur in the contact area of the terminal. This could result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the vehicle and could result in damage to the Engine Control Module (ECM). This issue may also cause the engine to stop running while the vehicle is in motion at low speed, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the positive battery terminal cable end.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Glover, VTCrash
AIR BAGS
Involved in a motor vehicle t-bone collision. Driver airbag deployed but the panel did not fully come off. Bottom section of the airbag/horn cover came off. Top section did not separate from the rest of the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11620845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsville, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
Driver airbag randomly went off while driving down the road. Did NOT hit anything, no potholes, or anything that could have set the airbag off. Additionally, the airbag was extremely hot when it went off and burned the drivers arms and face.
NHTSA complaint #11568272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CACrash1 injured
TIRES
CPSC:2010 NISSAN SENTRA.: CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, AND SHE LOST CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. *SS AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10925857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AUTO ACCIDENT 2 5 2016 HIT A TREE HEAD ON. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY MAJOR HEAD INJURY. RT 295 NEW JERSEY . I FILE THIS ON BEHALF OF MR WILLIAM VANVELSON AGE 55 . HE IS IN COOPER HOSPITAL CAMDEN NJ. HE IS STILL IN COMA
NHTSA complaint #10839860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesFresno, CACrash
SEAT BELTS
CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF ME WHILE TEST DRIVING A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. APPRX SPEED 25- 30 MPH. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER. HOWEVER, WE WERE GREATLY AND PAINFULLY BRUISED IN ABDOMEN FROM LAP BELT..? NO SHOULDER SORENESS SO DO NOT BELIEVE SHOULDER HARNESS DEPLOYED AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10786459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesFresno, CACrash
AIR BAGS
CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF ME WHILE TEST DRIVING A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. APPRX SPEED 25- 30 MPH. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER. HOWEVER, WE WERE GREATLY AND PAINFULLY BRUISED IN ABDOMEN FROM LAP BELT..? NO SHOULDER SORENESS SO DO NOT BELIEVE SHOULDER HARNESS DEPLOYED AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10786459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Linda, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
As I was driving on the freeway 65 mph my car completely lost all Speed and the more I accelerated the more my car decreased speed and eventually it shut itself off as i stopped the car as I pulled over there was no time to make it to a safe area for a safe pull over i was on a bridge calling for help from my insurance. The car did not want to start at first about 45 minutes later my car started again and was able to drive away. I had no idea what happened. Then I was driving almost to 3 months down the road it does it again on the freeway i was in slow lane driving 65 was able to exit quickly so there was no accident as I pulled over it did the same exact thing to me again and I waited till it was able to go again. for the third time it did it in parking lot as I was driving about 3 to 5mph when it happened last and it did not start again and i had to get it towed it's been needing a new computer module ecu. Because the computer when plugging in to obd2 diagnostic monitors it does not read or communicate with my car to diagnose any issues so monitor does engage
NHTSA complaint #11708564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linda, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving on the freeway 65 mph my car completely lost all Speed and the more I accelerated the more my car decreased speed and eventually it shut itself off as i stopped the car as I pulled over there was no time to make it to a safe area for a safe pull over i was on a bridge calling for help from my insurance. The car did not want to start at first about 45 minutes later my car started again and was able to drive away. I had no idea what happened. Then I was driving almost to 3 months down the road it does it again on the freeway i was in slow lane driving 65 was able to exit quickly so there was no accident as I pulled over it did the same exact thing to me again and I waited till it was able to go again. for the third time it did it in parking lot as I was driving about 3 to 5mph when it happened last and it did not start again and i had to get it towed it's been needing a new computer module ecu. Because the computer when plugging in to obd2 diagnostic monitors it does not read or communicate with my car to diagnose any issues so monitor does engage
NHTSA complaint #11708564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, IA
POWER TRAIN
Driving and all the sudden went from 20mph to not even 5mph was able to limp it to a mechanic who said the trans cvt was most likely the problem didnt know nissans has that issue of a fail safe.. thankfully wasn't on a busy road going 80. Have also hurd knocking under the hood a couple times before were couldn't get that figured out.
NHTSA complaint #11671211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving and all the sudden went from 20mph to not even 5mph was able to limp it to a mechanic who said the trans cvt was most likely the problem didnt know nissans has that issue of a fail safe.. thankfully wasn't on a busy road going 80. Have also hurd knocking under the hood a couple times before were couldn't get that figured out.
NHTSA complaint #11671211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, IA
ENGINE
Driving and all the sudden went from 20mph to not even 5mph was able to limp it to a mechanic who said the trans cvt was most likely the problem didnt know nissans has that issue of a fail safe.. thankfully wasn't on a busy road going 80. Have also hurd knocking under the hood a couple times before were couldn't get that figured out.
NHTSA complaint #11671211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBirmingham, AL
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the rear glass fractured after the contact activated the defroster to attempt to defrost the windows. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11643393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car stalls while the vehicle is in motion and has difficulty starting. The car stalls each time after it comes to a complete stop at lights or a stop sign makes it very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11641718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
ENGINE
The car stalls while the vehicle is in motion and has difficulty starting. The car stalls each time after it comes to a complete stop at lights or a stop sign makes it very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11641718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glover, VTCrash
AIR BAGS
Involved in a motor vehicle t-bone collision. Driver airbag deployed but the panel did not fully come off. Bottom section of the airbag/horn cover came off. Top section did not separate from the rest of the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11620845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsville, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
Driver airbag randomly went off while driving down the road. Did NOT hit anything, no potholes, or anything that could have set the airbag off. Additionally, the airbag was extremely hot when it went off and burned the drivers arms and face.
NHTSA complaint #11568272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MO
SEAT BELTS
Airbag light came on a week ago. Have reset it several times and returns. When the Airbag light goes off the Seat Belt light comes on, and sometimes simultaneously.
NHTSA complaint #11487296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MO
AIR BAGS
Airbag light came on a week ago. Have reset it several times and returns. When the Airbag light goes off the Seat Belt light comes on, and sometimes simultaneously.
NHTSA complaint #11487296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,630 milesRiverside, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and slowing down due to traffic; after slowing down and attempting to accelerate the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off to the side of the highway and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the stepper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,630.
NHTSA complaint #11483320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,630 milesRiverside, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and slowing down due to traffic; after slowing down and attempting to accelerate the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off to the side of the highway and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the stepper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,630.
NHTSA complaint #11483320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
AIR BAGS
The airbag suddenly stopped working. Now the airbag sign is always on, signifying that the airbag is not active.
NHTSA complaint #11457018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
Airbag light blinking all time
NHTSA complaint #11449906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Miami Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts with an unknown red warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart, and the contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V579000 (Electrical System) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11429646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120 milesEL Monte, CA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LITGH IS ON. I STARTED THE CAR AND THEN SUDDENLY AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAY LIKE IT SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #11397235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
POWER TRAIN
ISSUE WITH THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE KNOCK SENSOR SENDING WRONG INFORMATION TO THE ECU CAUSING THE ENGINE TO ADJUST TIMING. I'VE GONE THROUGH 3 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. NISSAN SAYS THEY'RE UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND KNOW OF NO FIX. GOING THROUGH FORUMS, IT APPEARS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP ENGINE FROM OVER COMPENSATING THE TIMING IS TO ISOLATE THE KNOCK SENSOR FROM THE ENGINE WITH A RUBBER O RING. I HAVE DONE THE REPAIR, BUT CAN ONLY USE PREMIUM FUEL OR RISK CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT ONLY APPEARS TO HAPPEN TO THE 2007 TO 2012 SE-R SPEC-V (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). I HAVE REPLACED ALL WIRING HARNESSES, ECU, SENSORS AND EVERYTHING ELSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. IT TENDS TO HAPPEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF TURNING CAR ON. GOES AWAY SOMETIMES AND REAPPEARS SUDDENLY. ENGINE BUCKS AND CONVERTER TURNS BRIGHT RED. HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2018 AND IS RECORDED ONLINE FORUMS AS FAR BACK AS 2008. ONE EXAMPLE: HTTPS://WWW.NISSANCLUB.COM/THREADS/2010-SENTRA-SER-SPEC-V-BOGGING.335872/
NHTSA complaint #11385354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,166 milesGardena, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARDENA NISSAN (1670 W REDONDO BEACH BLVD, GARDENA, CA 90247, (310) 532-1600) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO THE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,166.
NHTSA complaint #11377305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,166 milesGardena, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARDENA NISSAN (1670 W REDONDO BEACH BLVD, GARDENA, CA 90247, (310) 532-1600) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO THE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,166.
NHTSA complaint #11377305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,166 milesGardena, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARDENA NISSAN (1670 W REDONDO BEACH BLVD, GARDENA, CA 90247, (310) 532-1600) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO THE CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,166.
NHTSA complaint #11377305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesMayfield, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2010 NISSAN SENTRA (WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME) FAILED TO START SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND IT BEGAN STARTING FOR A WEEK.THEN ONE MORNING IT FAILED TO START AGAIN. I CLEANED BOTH THE CABLE ENDS ON THE BATTERY AND EACH POST. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND LASTED A FEW DAYS AND THE SAME PROBLEMS ARISES AGAIN. THIS TIME THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. PUT A CODE MACHINE ON THE CAR AND RECEIVED A CODE FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR OR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I HAVE DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO NOT GET GOOD CONNECTION AND CREATE FAILURE FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER BUT THE NHTSA SYSTEM IS NOT RESPONDING. COULD PLEASE RESPOND TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE IS ON THE RECALL LIST?
NHTSA complaint #11340336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesMayfield, KY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY 2010 NISSAN SENTRA (WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME) FAILED TO START SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND IT BEGAN STARTING FOR A WEEK.THEN ONE MORNING IT FAILED TO START AGAIN. I CLEANED BOTH THE CABLE ENDS ON THE BATTERY AND EACH POST. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND LASTED A FEW DAYS AND THE SAME PROBLEMS ARISES AGAIN. THIS TIME THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. PUT A CODE MACHINE ON THE CAR AND RECEIVED A CODE FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR OR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I HAVE DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO NOT GET GOOD CONNECTION AND CREATE FAILURE FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER BUT THE NHTSA SYSTEM IS NOT RESPONDING. COULD PLEASE RESPOND TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE IS ON THE RECALL LIST?
NHTSA complaint #11340336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAuburn, NY
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LEBRUN NISSAN (396 GRANT AVE, AUBURN, NY 13021), AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11338635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
