2010 Nissan Maxima
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 63 |
| 1987 | 178 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 103 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
59% of complaints: steering — 161 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anti-theft device and electric power assist system.
29% of complaints: electrical system — 79 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I ARRIVE HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM (PACIFIC) AND PARK MY VEHICLE (I DONT MOVE IT AT ALL). AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 AM (PACIFIC) ABOUT 13 HOURS LATER... THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES!! THE FIRE DEPT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150418
11% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing multiple axle and front.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CRACKED STRUT HOUSINGS ON MY 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA .. BADLY. FEELS UNSTABLE IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI report, 20200422
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240208
Also filed under TIRES
7% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220628
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK TWICE BY ANOTHER MOTORIST ON THE FRONT AND REAR ENDS. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160810
I WAS HIT BROADSIDE, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BY ANOTHER DRIVER GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH BUT MY SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150605
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 TH
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
Campaign 09V358000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (161 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V358000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Nissan Maxima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.