2010 Nissan Sentra
The Verdict
The 2010 Nissan Sentra has 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (60 complaints) and engine (44 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 65/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Sentra, consider the 2023 model year which has 87% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2023 has 87% fewer complaints
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Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 COATIN...
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.
Remedy
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND COVER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JANUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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 BAT...
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE END WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN PN NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Reported Dec 11, 2010
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 47 | 7 | 34 | 81 | 7 |
| 2001 | 61 | 21 | 45 | 111 | 7 |
| 2002 | 62 | 10 | 78 | 169 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 | 3 | 37 | 117 | 6 |
| 2004 | 18 | 8 | 52 | 113 | 6 |
| 2005 | 19 | 12 | 25 | 110 | 4 |
| 2006 | 24 | 4 | 35 | 46 | 7 |
| 2007 | 53 | 17 | 40 | 30 | 14 |
| 2008 | 48 | 18 | 53 | 31 | 17 |
| 2009 | 16 | 10 | 18 | 9 | 2 |
| 2010 | 27 | 1 | 60 | 44 | 12 |
| 2011 | 36 | 13 | 39 | 38 | 15 |
| 2012 | 47 | 5 | 26 | 47 | 55 |
| 2013 | 66 | 85 | 95 | 117 | 275 |
| 2014 | 53 | 30 | 63 | 75 | 159 |
| 2015 | 61 | 13 | 49 | 77 | 147 |
| 2016 | 43 | 18 | 46 | 58 | 101 |
| 2017 | 49 | 15 | 48 | 53 | 63 |
| 2018 | 47 | 35 | 34 | 25 | 42 |
| 2019 | 51 | 34 | 66 | 24 | 44 |
| 2020 | 124 | 24 | 38 | 9 | 7 |
| 2021 | 58 | 23 | 33 | 7 | 4 |
| 2022 | 43 | 4 | 21 | 8 | 4 |
| 2023 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2010 Nissan Sentra stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The airbag suddenly stopped working. Now the airbag sign is always on, signifying that the airbag is not active.
Airbag light blinking all time
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.
AIRBAG LITGH IS ON. I STARTED THE CAR AND THEN SUDDENLY AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAY LIKE IT SINCE.
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/
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.
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?
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN SENTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, AND SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN, THE CAR WAS STILL IN MOTION WHEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR SHIFTER TO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE ISSUE MENTIONED ABOVE, THE CAR STARTED FOR A BRIEF SECOND, THEN WOULD NOT RESTART AND NISSAN FOUND THE ISSUE TO BE THE ECM THAT WAS DAMAGED BY THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. THIS ALSO MADE SENSE AS TO WHY WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD TO BUY NEW BATTERIES EVERY 1-2 YEARS, WHICH CAUSED ISSUES WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GAINESVILLE NISSAN LOCATED AT (3915 N MAIN ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32609) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ECM FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,668. *LN*JB
WAS DRIVING AND CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T ACCERLATE AND JERKING ALONG WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. TRIED TO DRIVE IT NEXT DAY BUT COULDN'T BECAUSE CAR WAS SHAKING BAD AND WOULDN'T MOVE
HAD A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. PASSENGER GOT OUT OF CAR, THEN BACK IN CAR. WHEN I SEEN AIR BAG FOR PASSENGER LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN LIGHT APPEARED. AIRBAG HAS NOT DEPLOYED OR BEEN IN ACCIDENT.
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.
144 total