Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Nissan Cube owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Problem is the anti theft module located on the steering column has malfunctioned for my wife's 2010 Nissan Cube keyless ignition. Vehicle would not restart for my wife after sitting for 5 hours, luckily she was not way off somewhere. From what I've seen Nissan did a recall of a similar defective module on other models but did not include the Cube. Nissan doesn't even have the parts readily available for repair. Vehicle has been sitting at a repair shop for over a month now. This should be a safety issue as it could leave people totally stranded in the middle of nowhere with no meaningful way to repair the vehicle. The part number of the module is 487001 FA0C. It is believed that Nissan did not recall the Cube because of the low quantity of vehicles manufactured in relation to the other problem models.
Electronic steering column lock (escl) was malfunctioning, as diagnosed by a Nissan dealer. The car was parked on the side of the road, and it would not start, no engine, or into acc mode because the escl did not sense the brake pedal being pressed or the wheel in locked position. Pushing the brake pedal too start the car did nothing, and engine start button did not work but a solid amber key icon on the dash board would come up and disappear. The car had to be towed to the dealership. Did some research, and it turns out that Nissan had problems w 2009 same escl part = steering lock part# on my unit - we have photos -487001fa0b manufacture date 09-30-09 the same as the only Cube model year recalled.- from 2009-2010 including Cube 2009 and altima/maxima 2010 which seemed to share the same escl part used my Cube 2010 which is not part of the recall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Cube. While the vehicle was stationary, it failed to start when prompted. The contact was able to get the vehicle to start. Directly after removing the key from the ignition, the vehicle continued to operate. Germaine Nissan in columbus, ohio was made aware of the failure and replaced the battery and ignition switch, but the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the previous repairs were not the cause of the failure. After further inspection, it was determined that the pressure release valve was faulty and allowed water to enter the vehicle's electrical system. The failure caused severe rust and corrosion in the driver's side door panel. In addition, the contact's insurance company sent a mechanic out to assess the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the failure was due to a manufacturer's defect and there were no recalls. …
My vehicle would not start. I had to have it towed to my mechanic where his computer diagnostic found the problem to be the steering module that starts the vehicle. I had to have it replaced at my cost of $971.00. My mechanic informed me that this same problem was prevalent in the year prior to mine and that they were being repaired by the manufacturer. I contacted the manufacturer and was told there was no campaign for my particular VIN number. I don't understand why the year prior to mine is covered but mine is not. I am the original owner of the vehicle and I have had this vehicle serviced as required through the dealership originally, then continued by my mechanic. I would like to file a complaint against this manufacturer to get reimbursed for this defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Cube. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a location and parked. When she attempted to restart the vehicle, it would not start and a flashing orange key illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was towed to alexander Nissan (10 alexander dr, muncy, pa 17756) where it was diagnosed that the emergency safety lock needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
The steering wheel lock went out on the coldest day of the year, there is a recall on the 09 Cube and 10 maximas and altimas, and many many complaints of this happening on the 10 Cube,however Nissan will not cover the faulty part they have in so many of these cars in this range of years including this one. When this part goes out you cannot start the vehicle leaving you stranded and an tow bill plus $870 to fix a part Nissan already knows is faulty.
My car starts when it feels like it. I've been stranded at the store after dropping off a child at sports practice, stranded in my own garage unable to take my child to school or get to work. It appears to be the steering lock mechanism issue that abounds in the 2010 Cube. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. I now have to phone a friend and tell them I'm leaving and where I'm going in case I get stranded and can't make it back!
Steering wheel does not lock. Dash lights come on, key is recognized, but sometimes engine does not start due to dead battery. Failure seems to be steering lock mechanism in unlocked position at all times causing battery to drain. Battery replaced 2 times in 9 months.alternator checks out good. Tired of being stranded!!!!car was stationary when incidents occur. Happening every other day for past 2 months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Cube after turning the vehicle off, the engine could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition lock assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 05/05/17
The electronic steering interlock mechanism failed, on and off until it finally quit working and the car would not start as a result (the car was stationary each time the problem occurred, which happened at several locations around lexington, ky). I had it towed to a dealer, glenn Nissan, lexington, ky. Initial and follow-up repairs cost $1,053.35. This was definitely a safety hazard in terms of potentially being stuck without transportation, and a faulty mechanism affecting the steering performance of the car. Today I learned that Nissan extended the warranty on the vehicle due to a significant number of problems experienced by their customers worldwide. My car is past the 3-year extension period (by the way, I did not receive any notice of the warranty extension). The nature of this vehicular problem demanded a recall of the vehicle, not an extension of the warranty. …
Electrical complaints in other Cube years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Nissan Cube?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Nissan Cube, 36% of the model year's 56 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan Cube electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 Nissan Cube, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 Cube electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.