2010 Nissan Altima: steering wheel locks up

8 of the 381 complaints about the 2010 Nissan Altima describe steering wheel locks up.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 82,253
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Steering wheel locks up by model year

2020
1
2017
3
2015
2
2014
3
2013
2
2012
2
2011
4
2010
8
2009
610
2008
16
2007
2
2006
3
2005
3
2004
1
2003
4
2002
2
2000
1

What owners say

Filed Jan 25, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 82,253 miles · TX

Steering lock indicator light comes on and engine will not start. This has happened 3 times now in the last 2 mos, always on cold temp mornings. Later the light will go out and the engine will start...except this time, later the engine started with the steering lock light will not go out even when running.

Filed Feb 9, 2018 · Steering · VA

I went to start my altima one day and it wouldn't start. Noticed the steering wheel was locked and it never does this. Went on youtube and saw videos about a quick fix on the electronic steering lock column. Did what the video said and the car started up. Called nissan because I found a customary replacement on this part for known defects but no full recall wa issued. My VIN did not populate saying I could get mine replaced and they quoted me $1000 for replacement and labor. This default in leaves you stranded with no vehicle. Asked nissan corporate if they could make an exception for my VIN and they told me no. Very displeased with this service.

Filed Jul 31, 2017 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · NY

When the car is turned off, the steering wheel locks and the car does not turn back on. To turn the car in can take an upwards of 15 min of fighting with the wheel. We believe there is a problem with the escl.

Filed Jun 23, 2017 · Electrical · 101,224 miles · IL

Just filed complaint # 11000784. Found additional information on internet dated march 7, 2017 - "nissan altima and maxima steering lock problem will be fixed for free after the automaker announced a 'service campaign' for 243,000 model year 2009-2010 nissan altima, altima coupe, altima hybrid and maxima cars. Although not a recall, the service campaign will fix steering locks (ecls) that lock the steering wheel when the altima and maxima cars are parked and turned off. However, those steering locks have serious problems and can leave owners and their cars sitting in parking lots or driveways." "nissan has agreed to replace the steering lock with an electronic steering column box at no charge for parts and labor, a job that should take an authorized nissan dealer about an hour to complete." "the electronic steering column box will replace the escl assembly but will no longer lock the steering wheel when the car is parked and turned off. The automaker says the steering wheel locking function is not necessary because the altima and maxima are equipped with anti-theft immobilizers to help prevent theft." "if you have already paid for repairs to the steering column lock, nissan will reimburse what you spent as long as you can show proof of repairs. If those repairs were above $1,000., you'll need to show proof of ownership of the car." please add this to complaint #11000784 filed a few moments before this one.

Filed Aug 30, 2016 · Steering · 43,800 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 nissan altima. The contact stated that the steering locked up when using the push to start feature. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the repair. The vehicle was part of a manufacturer communication, which had expired. The failure mileage was 43,800.

Filed Mar 21, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 150,000 miles · AL

The steering lock mechanism is faulty and will not let the car start. The vehicle was stationary where failure occurred. I've done research on this problem and it appears nissan extended the warranty for this part but never issued a recall so that it could be fixed. It is a safety issue that needs to be taken care of by nissan. People are being stranded because their car will not start but seems no one knows about the potential problem until they are stranded. This is an issue that nissan has admitted is a manufacturing problem. I for one will never buy a nissan again because of the poor customer service. Things break, and parts fail, but this particular issue is very very common on 2009-2011 models.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 74,400 miles · NC

The car will not start, steering lock malfunction.

Filed Dec 13, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 39,590 miles · PA

Went out to start vehicle ,no start...towed to dealer ,denied under warranty,made me pay for replacement..dealer towed to a nissan dealer to perform install of steering lock assay. And misc hardware.