diff --git a/docker/nova/nova-api/extend_start.sh b/docker/nova/nova-api/extend_start.sh
index 65d759d2fb..40210f81c2 100644
--- a/docker/nova/nova-api/extend_start.sh
+++ b/docker/nova/nova-api/extend_start.sh
@@ -8,14 +8,14 @@
 # of the KOLLA_BOOTSTRAP variable being set, including empty.
 if [[ "${!KOLLA_BOOTSTRAP[@]}" ]]; then
     nova-manage api_db sync
-    nova-manage db sync
+    nova-manage db sync --local_cell
     nova-manage db online_data_migrations
     exit 0
 fi
 
 if [[ "${!KOLLA_UPGRADE[@]}" ]]; then
     nova-manage api_db sync
-    nova-manage db sync
+    nova-manage db sync --local_cell
     exit 0
 fi
 
diff --git a/releasenotes/notes/nova-sync-local-cell-8e3258f4b410d25c.yaml b/releasenotes/notes/nova-sync-local-cell-8e3258f4b410d25c.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0da2cde3ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/releasenotes/notes/nova-sync-local-cell-8e3258f4b410d25c.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+---
+fixes:
+  - |
+    The Nova API container extended startup script has been updated to only
+    sync the local Nova cell. This resolves an error that would occur when the
+    Nova database password changes. More details can be found on `this bug
+    report <https://bugs.launchpad.net/kolla/+bug/2045558>`__.