Why does my Nissan NV200 only start sometimes?

Short answer: If your NV200 sometimes goes completely dead when you turn the key, then later starts fine, suspect the ignition switch. That's especially likely with a heavy key ring. One owner fixed it after a dealer suggested an $800 fuel pump. Nissan recalled 2017 NV200s for key-ring weight moving the ignition. Check battery cables first and run your VIN.

Symptom: The van cranks once and the dash goes dark, or it cranks without starting, or it starts fine other times. Some vans also overheat and need water every day.

What to check first

1. Take extra keys off the ring.
2. Clean and tighten both battery cables.
3. Try wiggling or pushing on the key. If that makes it start, the switch is the problem.
4. If it cranks normally but won't fire, have the crankshaft sensor checked.
5. For overheating, check for leaks and have a shop test for combustion gas in the coolant.
6. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Likely causes

1. Worn ignition switch or heavy key ring. The ignition switch inside the key cylinder can lose contact, so the dash goes dead while cranking. Heavy key rings make it worse, and Nissan recalled 2017 vans for this.
2. Battery or battery connections. Loose or corroded cables cause the same random no-start. It's the first and cheapest thing to check.
3. Crankshaft position sensor. This sensor tells the computer the engine is turning. If it fails, the computer won't fire the injectors, so the engine cranks but never starts.
4. Coolant leak or head gasket. If you're adding water every day, coolant is going somewhere. Check hoses and the radiator first, then test for a head gasket leak.

What it usually costs

One owner paid a dealer $144 for a diagnosis that found nothing, and was quoted $800 for a fuel pump that wasn't the problem. Owners didn't post other prices.

Is it safe to keep driving?

An ignition switch that loses contact while driving can shut the engine off and kill power steering and braking assist. Daily overheating can destroy the engine. Get both looked at.

DIY or shop?

Lightening the key ring and cleaning battery cables are DIY. Ignition switch, sensors and head gasket are shop work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists 18V551000 (2017 NV200 and other Nissans: key ring weight or a jolt can move the ignition out of RUN, turning off the engine), 13V521000 (some 2013 NV200: a wiring harness at the fusible link can wear through) and 14V138000 (2013 NV200: passenger seat sensor software). If your van is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 28 keyword-matched complaints for Nissan NV200 2013–2021 (of 134 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-29; keywords: overheat, coolant, start, electrical, transmission, cvt, gear) (NHTSA returned no data for 12 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 2014 NV200 with 74,000 miles started some times and not others, with the check-engine light sometimes blinking. Members said to drive it so the computers could relearn after the battery cables were off.
• In 2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van electrical problem? on Car Talk, the same 2014 van would turn over once and go dead with the dash, radio and turn signals off. The dealer charged $144, found no codes and suggested an $800 fuel pump. The owner later found pushing on the key made it start every time, blamed the ignition switch and a 12-key ring, and cited Nissan's ignition switch recall.
• In 2014 Nissan NV200 - computer problem? on Car Talk, a 2014 NV200 cranked but the injectors didn't fire. A member said a bad crankshaft position sensor prevents the fuel pump and injectors from working.
• In 2014 Nissan NV200 - overheating daily on Car Talk, a 2014 NV200 overheated daily and the owner was adding water. Members said to check the radiator and hoses for leaks, warned that using plain water instead of coolant causes problems, and said no visible leak points to a head gasket.

Quick tip

Before paying for a fuel pump on a random no-start, take your keys off the ring and see if the problem goes away.

Vehicle focus: Nissan NV200 compact cargo van, 2013-2021.

Safety / mechanic note

Stalling and overheating are safety items. Verify with a mechanic.