KnownCarProblems2010 Nissan Altima Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 381 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Nissan Altima, most often about the electrical (19% of complaints, typically around 47,000 miles). It is 14th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2010 Nissan Altima problems
Electrical
74 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 47,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument cluster/panel, alternator/generator/regulator, wiring.
When driving door come unlocked .. Once car is parked and locked both windows are coming down and both doors are unlocked car wide open every hour or so ... I am not pressing key fob or anything..
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the automatic push-to-start ignition would not operate when engaged. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000 and…
Transmission
73 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
I bought the 2010 Nissan Altima used in april 2012. Vehicle was previously part of a fleet unit in washington dc. During my drive to work, I made a left hand turn at a low rate of speed and the vehicle acted as if the transmission was skipping. The car jerked as if I had pushed the gas too hard for the turn. I had to…
My check engine light came on and I made an appointment for monday at planet Nissan. On saturday 1/24/15 the light went off, but I've heard some knocking and the steering makes a rubbing sound. So far the master cylinder had to be replaced, which I filed a complaint here, and was reimbursed, but before reimbursement…
Other or unspecified
70 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
My 2010 Nissan Altima has a "melting" dash, particularly around the defroster area. It is sticky in other parts of dash on sides and where it is molded. This problem has been reported on nbc5 in dallas, tx in the month of july for 2008-2009 models. To my surprise, my 2010 has same issue. I took car to dealer and they…
Noise coming from air conditioning system whether car in motion or still with air still cooling. Dealer had never seen where air compressor was loose and only being held by belts. Could have caused great issues in the engine compartment. Replaced air compressor at a cost of over $1200.
Air bags
61 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, sensor.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. When the contact released the brake pedal coming from a complete stop, the vehicle tapped the rear of the preceding vehicle. Without warning, the driver and passenger air bags deployed. The contact and passenger sustained injuries to the neck that did not require medical…
Takata recall I was driving 45 MPH down the street and the air bag light came on my dash. I see that there were recalls for newer models but not my model. Can you tell me why?
Engine
54 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
My check engine light came on and I made an appointment for monday at planet Nissan. On saturday 1/24/15 the light went off, but I've heard some knocking and the steering makes a rubbing sound. So far the master cylinder had to be replaced, which I filed a complaint here, and was reimbursed, but before reimbursement…
On 9/10/17 about noon while driving on the highway, the brake light on the dash board came on, pulled to the side of the road. While looking for service phone number, smelled something burning, exited the car, and almost immediately the engine compartment and then the car was engulfed in flames.
Brakes
32 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. While driving 25 MPH, the ABS, vdc, and slip indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Also, the brakes seized and failed to engage. The dealer stated that the ABS sensor and caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
When I tried to start the cay with the push button start it would not respond. I tested the battery which is only 1 year old and is in good condition. I took it to the dealership (Nissan legacy) who reported that there was an issue with the brake switch and harness which need to be replaced. I have ready online that…
Suspension
31 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle swerved violently and rattled when a bump in the road was struck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a diagnostic, which located failures with the front struts, bushing, and coil spring. The vehicle…
Right and left side strut insulator manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack. Car will not pass inspection.
Body and structure
30 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 61,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, interior panels.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting and the material was lifting on the driver side. Due to the failure, the dashboard had a glossy surface which obstructed the contact's vision out of the front windshield. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracking and became sticky to the touch. The contact also stated that there was a glare in the windshield from the dashboard. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 Nissan Altima recalls
Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)
Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: If several structural welds are out of specification on a single vehicle, it may have an effect on the vehicle crash performance.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension
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.
Fix: 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).
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2010 Nissan Altima
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Altima?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (74 complaints, typically around 47,000 miles); transmission (73 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); other or unspecified (70 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Altima have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 10, 2010 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the Nissan Altima?
- It is 14th of 27 Altima model years by number of complaints, with 381 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.