2010 Nissan Maxima: Engine won't turn over won't start
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Maxima report: engine won't turn over won't start. CarComplaints.com lists 18 owner complaints, average mileage 74,500 miles.
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints for the 2010 Maxima in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11406530 (filed 04/05/2021): “My steering wheel locking assembly went out and i'm not able to crank my car. apparently my 2010 wasn't available in the recall or campaign . it quit working in my driveway…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11353062 (filed 09/03/2020): “Panaromic sunroof glass exploded while driving on 395…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace steering wheel lock (10 reports) install electronic steering lock (2 reports) tap the communicator box under the steering column (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $1,030 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Engine won't turn over won't start (2010 Maxima)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2010 Maxima
Estimated diagnostic cost: no-crank / no-start diagnostic
Average shop cost
$120
Range $50–$210 (labor)
0.5–1.5 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$180
Range $75–$315 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this diagnostic and its cost
Same diagnostic on other models: 2010 Nissan Sentra: Engine won't start · 2012 Dodge Durango: Engine won't turnover won't start · 2016 Chevrolet Traverse: Battery dead · 2017 Ford Fusion: Dead battery · 2017 Jeep Compass: Won't start won't turn over · 2025 Nissan Frontier: Battery completely dead
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