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2010 Nissan Maxima problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Nissan Maxima is steering, typically around 67,000 miles. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical Maxima model year.

Year to avoid2.6x the typical complaints
Year score
41/100
Owner complaints
275
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
118
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
22mpg
Typical repair
$967

The worst 2010 Nissan Maxima 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Steering lock-up 85Won't start 85Key fob 21Stalling 9Airbag light 7CVT failure 7Sunroof shattered 7No deployment 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2010 Nissan Maxima mention

P1778 2

Recalls 1

SuspensionReported September 16, 2009 · 26,398 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Nissan Maxima 118

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 118 bulletins for the 2010 Nissan Maxima

2010 Nissan Maxima fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192622

What 2010 Nissan Maxima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Suspension · TN

Yes the tire sensor light is on and the suspension has gone out and I have been advised that it needs struts and sway bar links and that I can not drive it or it will cause a wreck/collision.. Nissan has a recall on Nissan maximas for suspension but said my model is not included and what is recalled on other maximas is exactly what’s wrong with mine! My car sounds like it’s about to fall apart.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 260,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Transmission · 157,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then stated that the RPM’s failed to increase. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into reverse, he heard a whining sound then the vehicle half shifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Filed May 31, 2023 · OH

Things keep getting into my air filter/ air filter box and airflow sensor such as leaves, sunflower seeds, cigarette butts, sticks. This has happened multiple times. Drive my car daily

Filed May 30, 2023 · Airbags · 6,247 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the mechanic retrieved DTC: B10180CS (Passenger Side Air Bags sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,247.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Body · TN

Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction sun hits dash. If sun is coming from straight ahead makes a glare that is very difficult to see anything in front of you. Makes it difficult to see traffic lights or pedestrians which could cause dangerous harm to pedestrians, other drivers, or myself and passengers. Went to local Nissan dealer and was told the only fix would be to replace dashboard at my expense even though it is a common problem because there are no recalls on this issue. I purchased the vehicle used from another owner and was not aware of the problem and just thought it was something sticky that could be wiped off but found out it is a known problem when I went to dealer with issue.

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Brakes, Engine · TN

While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.

Filed Sep 18, 2022 · TN

Car shuts down while driving. Hard to get back started. It runs for 30 min and when you apply gas the car shuts down. Seems like this is an issue on several year models. Try replacing fuel pump and that didn’t happen. Has a new battery and there is still and issue

Filed Jun 28, 2022 · Acceleration, Airbags · 149,000 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Locks · 70,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from the door and frame. The contact had to force and push the door back closed and attempt to reopen the door, but it would not open at all. The contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger side door. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure latch assembly was disconnected and repaired the latch assembly, however, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

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Compare the 2010 Nissan Maxima

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners have filed 275 complaints about the 2010 Nissan Maxima, 2.6 times a typical Maxima model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2010 Nissan Maxima year score?

The 2010 Nissan Maxima scores 41 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Maxima: 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 Maxima?

Steering, with 158 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is electrical (79).

How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have?

1 recall, covering suspension.

What year does the Nissan Maxima have bad steering?

The Nissan Maxima model years with the most steering complaints are 2009 (168 complaints), 2010 (158 complaints) and 2004 (37 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Maxima get?

Official estimates for the 2010 Nissan Maxima range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.

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