Why does my Nissan NV200 only start sometimes?

Short answer: If your NV200 sometimes cranks once and goes dead, with the radio, dash and wipers cutting out, look at the ignition switch and battery connections first. One owner paid the dealer $144 for a check that found no codes, then discovered pushing on the key made it start every time. A heavy keyring (theirs had 12 keys) can wear the ignition switch. Lighten your keyring and get the switch checked. Also look up your VIN; NV200s have recalls for battery fusible-link wiring and fuel pump fuse wiring.

Symptom: It turns over once and dies, and the dash lights, radio, turn signals and wipers stop working, though headlights may stay on. Other times it starts normally. The check engine light may blink.

What to check first

1. Clean and tighten the battery terminals and have the battery tested.
2. Try pushing gently on the key while starting. If that makes it work, the ignition switch is worn.
3. Take the extra keys off the ring. A heavy keyring hanging from the key wears the switch.
4. Check your VIN for recalls (fusible link harness and fuel pump fuse harness, below).
5. If it won't start hot, have spark and fuel checked during a failure; a member suggested the crank sensor.

Likely causes

1. Worn ignition switch. The owner's fix: pushing on the key made it start every time.
2. Loose or corroded battery connections. First thing members suggested.
3. Wiring problems covered by recalls. Fusible link harness (2013) and fuel pump fuse harness (2013–2021).
4. Crankshaft position sensor. Suggested in a separate NV200 thread.

What it usually costs

The owner paid the Nissan dealer $144 for a check that found no codes. The dealer suggested a fuel pump for about $800, but the problem turned out to be the ignition switch. Get a second opinion before a big repair.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not reliably. A switch that cuts power can kill the engine while driving. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for battery terminals and lightening your keyring. Ignition switch replacement involves the steering column and key system; most owners use a shop.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Nissan NV200: 13V521000 (2013-2013 model years, electrical system); 25V676000 (2013-2021 model years, fuel system, gasoline). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 16 keyword-matched complaints for Nissan NV200 2013–2021 (of 134 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-25; keywords: won't start or crank, no start, click, starter, ignition switch, stall, shut off, key, ignition) (NHTSA returned no complaint data for 2 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2014 Nissan NV200 intermittent starting problem on Car Talk, a 74,000-mile NV200 would start some times and not others, with the check engine light sometimes blinking. Members suggested driving it to let modules relearn after the battery cables had been off.
• In 2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van electrical problem? on Car Talk, the same owner described the van turning over once and going dead, with dash, radio, wipers and turn signals cutting out. The dealer charged $144, found no codes and guessed fuel pump for $800. The owner then found pushing on the key made it start every time: the ignition switch, worn by 12 keys on the ring.
• In 2014 Nissan NV200 - computer problem? on Car Talk, another NV200 owner had starting trouble and a member suggested the crankshaft position sensor.

Quick tip

Before you approve an $800 fuel pump, check the free stuff: battery terminals, recalls, and whether pushing on the key changes anything. And keep the keyring light.

Vehicle focus: 2013–2021 Nissan NV200 cargo van and taxi (2.0L four-cylinder).

Safety / mechanic note

An ignition switch that cuts power can shut the engine off while driving. Verify with a mechanic.