Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Nissan 370Z owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a Nissan 370 z and up to this point I really enjoyed the car that was until an known issue of the steering lock went out on my car and left me stranded for 16 hours. I called Nissan after I spent $1162.00 to try to get reimbursed. I was initially told I would not reimbursed which after reading online how some people were refused reimbursement initially I kept pursuing a reimbursement. Stephanie from a regional office called and basically tried to low ball me by offering $500 reimbursement. Below is a forum link for the known issue of the steering lock. Other customers were offered a full reimbursement but for some reason I am not. This is after I bought the car brand new and have been a loyal customer ever since. I therefore would like a full reimbursement. I feel that this is only fair. …
So I have a 2010 370z (31K miles) and it has been running great up until yesterday. I got in to start it and it wouldn't start. The only thing I noticed was the intelligent key system warning light was on. Just to be sure, I checked the battery in my remote and, of course, also put the remote in the override slot and nothing. The battery in the car is also fine. Everything else seamed to work, lights, horn, doors unlock/lock. The start button said lock and it would not even turn to accessory mode. Steering wheel was in the un-locked position. Doing a little research online I've found that it is more than likely a steering wheel lock problem that leads to the intelligent power distribution module. Apparently this is a fairly common problem and it seems to happen around 30-40K miles. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when the engine button was pressed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric steering column lock failed. The vehicle was then towed to ray brandt Nissan (4000 lapalco boulevard, harvey, la 70058, [phone]) where the steering column failure was confirmed. The contact spoke with the manufacturer to have the vehicle repaired per the Nissan warranty regarding the steering lock mechanism, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer provided case number: 34390382. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 19,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when the key was used. Also, the power steering became very stiff and failed to turn right or left. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to modern Nissan of lake norman (18615 statesville rd, cornelius, nc 28031) where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering column lock part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that they could not do anything since the VIN was not included in a recall. Case number: 29498996 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 72,300.
Tl* the contact owns 2010 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when attempted. The intelligent key system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to grainger Nissan of anderson located at (3510 clemson blvd, anderson, sc 29621) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without warning. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lockout unit malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of a voluntary service campaign for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 67,879......updated 02/11/16
Driving my car to my brother's house to babysit my niece, no issues or warnings. Go back to my car to leave and my car will not start. Tried changing the battery and reprogramming my key, had to get my car towed to Nissan dealership only to be told that I need to spend $1100 for Nissan to order a part which has caused my car to lock/stall. This is a known issue yet nothing has been done about it, instead Nissan are leaving customers stranded only to pay an insane amount of money.
Intelligent key system warning light had been flashing on and off. Took it immediately to Apple Nissan in york per the owners manual and was told nothing was wrong with the vehicle. About 2 weeks later, warning light came on again and vehicle will not start. Push start is indicating lock only. Seems to be a common problem that warrants either a recall or an extended warranty on the electronic steering lock mechanism. Will not ever purchase another Nissan.
Steering lock unit failed. Had a key emblem the night before, thought it was maybe a fob battery issue. Next morning vehicle would not start or go into accessory position. Researched and found the common steering lock unit issue. Had it towed to dealership, and sure enough the unit had failed. Replaced part out of pocket, as the issue was covered for 2009 and first half 2010 cars with similar issues. Mine is a second half 2010 so no coverage.
Electronic steering column lock failed and disabled the vehicle. Vehicle wouldn't recognize intelligent key even when inserted. Vehicle was parked however it left car stranded without being able to start the engine. Had to have it towed to local Nissan dealership where they diagnosed it as this issue. There was a recall for my year, make and model but they told me my VIN didn't qualify for replacement. Had to pay $1,237 out of pocket for repair.
Electrical complaints in other 370Z years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Nissan 370Z?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Nissan 370Z, 27% of the model year's 110 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan 370Z electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 Nissan 370Z. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan 370Z electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.