Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that the electronic locks were not working and the vehicle would not start from a cold start. Sterling mccall Nissan (12230 southwest fwy, stafford, tx 77477) was contacted and stated that there were no recalls. The dealer attempted to schedule an appointment, but the contact refused. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure…
2010 Nissan 370Z electrical problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 12 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Nissan 370Z, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2010 370Z has two serious electrical defects: a steering column lock that commonly fails between 30k–40k miles, stranding owners with repair bills of $1,200–$1,500, and an SRS occupant sensor that costs $4,767 to replace. Nissan issued recalls for some early-2010 units and other platforms, but late-2010 370Z models are excluded despite identical failures.
The 2010 370Z electrical system has two dominant failure patterns. The electronic steering column lock fails most commonly, typically between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, leaving owners stranded with vehicles that will not start and ignitions locked in place. The Intelligent Key System warning light illuminates during these failures. Nissan issued a recall for 2009 and early-2010 370Z models, but explicitly excluded late-2010 production despite the identical failure mode. Owners report out-of-pocket repair bills of $1,200–$1,500. The same steering lock defect has prompted recalls on Altima and Maxima, yet Nissan has declined to extend coverage to affected 370Z owners, citing different manufacturing plants even though the part comes from the same supplier.
The second major issue is the SRS occupant classification system sensor integrated into the front passenger seat base. Error code B1018 indicates sensor failure, triggering an illuminated and blinking SRS light on the dashboard—a condition that fails state safety inspection. Nissan quotes $4,767 to replace the entire seat assembly because the sensor cannot be serviced separately. Notably, Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletin 08-095D and ran a voluntary recall on the 2007–2008 350Z for the exact same varistor failure, but has not extended that remedy to 370Z owners, citing warranty expiration.
Owners also report intelligent key recognition failures where the car displays a "no key in car" warning despite the key being present, preventing engine start.
Same Nissan 370Z electrical reports on nearby years: 2009
Failure modes owners describe
SRS Occupant Classification System Sensor Failure
Front passenger seat occupant sensor (varistor in cushion) fails, triggering SRS warning light and passenger airbag indicator. Nissan diagnosed via error code B1018. Manufacturer integrates sensor into seat base assembly, requiring $4,767 replacement of entire seat cushion instead of sensor alone. Nissan had issued TSB 08-095D for the same failure on 2007-2008 350Z models and ran a voluntary recall campaign on that platform, but has not extended coverage to 370Z.
When: 10 years, 24,073 miles
Symptoms owners cite: SRS warning light blinking intermittently on dash; Passenger airbag indicator light permanently lit; Vehicle fails state safety inspection
Codes mentioned: B1018
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan quoted $4,767 for passenger seat base assembly replacement; owner repaired with used seat
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan TSB 08-095D describes faulty occupant classification system varistor; voluntary recall on 350Z (2007-2008) but no recall or warranty extension to 370Z; Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case 42872979) denied coverage citing out-of-warranty status
Electronic Steering Column Lock Failure
Electronic steering lock unit fails, rendering vehicle unable to start and preventing ignition from rotating to accessory or start position. Typically occurs around 30,000–40,000 miles on 2010 models. Intelligent Key System warning light illuminates. Vehicle becomes stranded and requires towing. Some 2009 and early-2010 units covered under recall, but late-2010 production (second half) explicitly excluded from recall coverage despite identical failure mode.
When: 20,000–55,000 miles; commonly 30,000–40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Start button remains locked or will not advance to accessory mode; Intelligent Key System warning light on; Electronic door locks malfunction; Ignition stuck in lock position after battery change; Vehicle immobilized while parked or during cold start
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair cost $1,237–$1,500 per owner reports; some owners paid out of pocket when VIN excluded from recall coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2009 and first-half 2010 370Z, but second-half 2010 production excluded; same failure also recalled on Altima and Maxima but Nissan denied 370Z coverage citing different manufacturing plant despite identical part from same supplier; manufacturers declined to notify or assist some complainants
Intelligent Key System Recognition Failure
Vehicle fails to recognize intelligent key or fob even when inserted or used correctly. Dashboard displays 'no key in car' warning despite key present. System prevents engine start and restricts vehicle operation. Occurs both at rest and while driving.
When: Occurs at various mileages; timing not specified in all narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning displays 'no key in car' when key is present; Vehicle will not start; Failure with both fobs; Occurs both parked and while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Owner forced to use physical key to access vehicle; repair cost not specified
Headlight Ballast Failure
Headlight ballast defect causes flickering or complete headlight failure. One complaint mentions this as a known failure product occurring under 55,000 miles alongside steering lock issues.
When: Under 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flickering headlights; Headlight failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost provided
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Car would not start, it went into immobilization and would not come out. Windows rolled down, bottom displayed 'lock' and would not go into acc or start. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Nissan 370Z?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Nissan 370Z?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 31,000 and 51,350 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 51,350. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Nissan/370Z.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.