2010 Nissan Altima
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 381
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2010
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 381 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 125 |
| 1994 | 113 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1,047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1,029 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,310 |
| 2014 | 1,114 |
| 2015 | 954 |
| 2016 | 553 |
| 2017 | 391 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 231 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
19% · 74 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle caught on fire my be a electrical problem
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-06
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-03
Also filed under Engine
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-28
Also filed under Engine
Power train
19% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Air bags
16% · 61 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
In oct 2011 car surged at stopped sign called dealer he said if happen again bring it in nov 2011 car surged again took it to dealer he could not find anything wrong in jan 2012 car surged again but this time there was a vehicle in front...
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-09
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and vehicle speed control
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. While traveling at speeds of 60 MPH, the vehicle began abruptly veering to the right without driver intent.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-17
Also filed under Steering and suspension
Engine
13% · 50 reportsService brakes
9% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
Also filed under Wheels
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2009-10-08Suspension09V358000 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…
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…
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2010Complaint volume 381 complaints filed for this model year.
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2010-05-13Structure10V193000 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…
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.
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2010-09-16Equipment10V401000 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.
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 74 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 61 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09V358000 · Suspension
- Recall 10V193000 · Structure
- Recall 10V401000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Nissan Altima is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Altima?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Altima have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.