2010 Nissan Altima problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Nissan Altima, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
74
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Median mileage
106,324 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 12 of 74 complaints (16%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11) and visibility & wipers (10) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 106,324 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2010 Nissan Altima has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 15th of 22 Nissan Altima model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 38% fewer complaints than the 2009 model year (119).

2010 Nissan Altima problems by category

  • Other / Unknown
    34 complaints
  • Engine
    12 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    10 complaints
  • Electrical System
    10 complaints
  • Airbags
    9 complaints
  • Suspension
    8 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Unknown or other34
Engine12
Power train11
Visibility/wiper10
Electrical system10
Air bags8
Suspension8
Structure:body5

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k860k–100k6100k–150k4150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2010 Nissan Altima complaints that list mileage.

2010 Nissan Altima recalls (2)

  • Recall 10V401000Sep 10, 20107,948 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

    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 10V193000May 7, 2010113 vehicles
    STRUCTURE

    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.

Recent 2010 Nissan Altima complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026NCBrakesWheels & Tires
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11767632 · source
  2. Filed May 13, 2026FLOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11737533 · source
  3. Filed Sep 25, 202595,000 miMASuspension
    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 NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11689691 · source
  4. Filed Aug 3, 2025OHOther / Unknown
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11678043 · source
  5. Filed Jun 21, 2025CTElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11668297 · source
  6. Filed Nov 24, 2024CAAirbagsOther / UnknownSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11627076 · source
  7. Filed Sep 1, 2024NJElectrical System
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11612021 · source
  8. Filed Jul 26, 2024NJOther / Unknown
    Since 2011/2012 at times Altima won't start. Stopped going to dealer because of excuses & expense after warranty expired. Have been calling AAA. Have had at least 8 batteries replaced. This is a safety issue for me when I travel alone. When I turn the car off I pray evertime that the car starts. I have to pull my paperwork for exact date this started. I only have 92,000 miles on my Altima. So far so good with the latest battery, fingers crossed. Start date below is…
    NHTSA complaint #11604659 · source

Compare the 2010 Nissan Altima with another vehicle →

Other 2010 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology