2010 Nissan Sentra: Engine won't start
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Sentra report: engine won't start. CarComplaints.com lists 5 owner complaints, average mileage 45,100 miles.
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints for the 2010 Sentra in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11671211 (filed 07/04/2025): “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 knock…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11641718 (filed 02/10/2025): “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…”
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 computer (1 reports) the vehicle was recalled for this issue (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $800 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
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 Maxima: Engine won't turn over 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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