Vehicle pulled out in front of me exiting from parallel park into oncoming traffic causing me to skid(slam brakes) & steer off into the other lane of traffic. When I got out to check the scenery & make sure she was okay, she flipped me off & Proceeded to curse me out
The worst 2010 Nissan Altima problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical74
- Transmission73
- Airbags61
- Engine54
- Brakes32
- Suspension31
- Body30
- Visibility28
- Acceleration20
- Steering20
- Driver assistance9
- Fuel system7
- Lights7
- Seat belts6
- Tires6
- Locks4
- Seats4
- Wheels3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Nissan Altima
Won't start 32Airbag light 22CVT failure 22ABS 15Stalling 15Loss of power 14Jerking 13Key fob 12Fire or smoke 10Check engine light 8Steering lock-up 8Transmission failure 8No deployment 7Hesitation 6Knocking 5Overheating 5
Recalls 3
Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat.
- Risk
- Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1‑866‑957‑1981 or nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 10V401000 · Recall details
Structure
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 altima vehicles manufactured from april 7, 2010 through april 13, 2010. Some of the front side member assembly components may not have been welded to specification due to a tool maintenance error.
- Risk
- If several structural welds are out of specification on a single vehicle, it may have an effect on the vehicle crash performance.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary repair free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 10V193000 · Recall details
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 altima and maxima passenger cars. The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack.
- Risk
- If the strut insulator is cracked, there is a potential for the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, which could affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace both left and right side front strut insulators free of charge. The safety recall began october 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-nissan1 (1‑800‑647‑7261).
Recall number 09V358000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Nissan Altima 137
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (DRIFT) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
2010 Nissan Altima fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23 | 31-32 | 26-27 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18-20 | 27 | 21-23 |
What 2010 Nissan Altima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The sunroof completely dislodged from the vehicle and flew off into the traffic behind me on a highway. This included the entire sunroof - the frame, casing, window, mechanics and all! This was obviously a major safety issue for any vehicle driving behind me as well as a safety issue for me driving while such an explosive event occurred - highly alarming and dangerous. The problem has not yet been inspected by a shop, dealer, police officer, or insurance adjuster. I do not have the part for inspection as it is shattered in or off the highway somewhere and trying to retrieve it would have been very dangerous.
Vehicle caught on fire my be a electrical problem
Vehicle doesn't work properbaliy
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion on the rear cross-member. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the corrosion affected several parts of the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact about the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Dashboard has started melting. Front half of dash has started oozing a black, sticky, shiny tar-like substance in addition to an odor. Sticks to everything and does not come off or stop oozing. Spreading to more area of the dashboard. Does create a glare on the windshield, obstructing visibility. Have always used a sun shield since purchasing the car in 2022. This just started ~7/31/2025.
Unknown
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the incident and they said they will take care of it and to make a police report. I call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Batteries continue to go dead, have had at least 8 batteries since 2012. Nissan started charging me for batteries got too be expensive & told them this is a huge concern because I travel alone & if I get stranded this is unsafe for me. Gave me all kinds of excuses as to why batteries are going dead. Again, my car is in the driveway with a dead battery. Thank goodness I wasn't travelling, stopped at a rest area & came out to a dead battery. I have to pull my backup for the mileage reference first time I had a dead battery. I can't upload any information because of not enough memory, but I do have all backup.
Compare the 2010 Nissan Altima
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2010 Nissan Altima
Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?
Owners have filed 381 complaints about the 2010 Nissan Altima, close to a typical Altima model year.
What is the 2010 Nissan Altima year score?
The 2010 Nissan Altima scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Altima: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Nissan Altima?
Electrical system, with 74 complaints, typically around 46,760 miles. Next is transmission (73).
How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Altima have?
3 recalls, covering equipment, structure and suspension.
What year does the Nissan Altima have the most electrical problems?
The Nissan Altima model years with the most electrical complaints are 2009 (466 complaints), 2013 (159 complaints) and 2005 (97 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Altima get?
Official estimates for the 2010 Nissan Altima range from 21 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23 city and 31-32 highway.
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