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2010 Nissan Sentra problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Nissan Sentra is electrical system, typically around 83,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sentra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
78/100
Owner complaints
144
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
105
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
24-29mpg

The worst 2010 Nissan Sentra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Nissan Sentra

Stalling 24Airbag light 19Won't start 10CVT failure 7No deployment 5

Recalls 3

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported December 15, 2011 · 33,803 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 11V579000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported November 12, 2010 · 13,737 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 10V555000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported September 10, 2010 · 7,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1‑866‑957‑1981 or nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 10V401000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2010 Nissan Sentra

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Nissan Sentra 105

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 105 bulletins for the 2010 Nissan Sentra

2010 Nissan Sentra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD24-2631-3427-29
2.5L 4‑cylFWD21-2428-3024-26

What 2010 Nissan Sentra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

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

Filed Jul 4, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IA

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.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Visibility · 100,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Feb 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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

Filed Oct 20, 2024 · Airbags · VT · crash

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.

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Airbags · TX · 1 injury

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.

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Airbags, Seat belts · MO

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.

Filed Sep 7, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · 169,630 miles · CA

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.

Filed Mar 16, 2022 · Airbags · TN

The airbag suddenly stopped working. Now the airbag sign is always on, signifying that the airbag is not active.

Filed Feb 2, 2022 · Airbags · NC

Airbag light blinking all time

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2010 Nissan Sentra before you buy

Compare the 2010 Nissan Sentra

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2010 Nissan Sentra

Is the 2010 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2010 Nissan Sentra, fewer than a typical Sentra model year.

What is the 2010 Nissan Sentra year score?

The 2010 Nissan Sentra scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Sentra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Nissan Sentra?

Electrical system, with 50 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles. Next is engine (43).

How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Sentra have?

3 recalls, covering electrical system and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Nissan Sentra electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 11V579000, 10V555000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Sentra have the most electrical problems?

The Nissan Sentra model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (65 complaints), 2002 (54 complaints) and 2010 (50 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Sentra get?

Official estimates for the 2010 Nissan Sentra range from 24 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24-26 city and 31-34 highway.

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