2010 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 381 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 25 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)Sep 10, 2010
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.
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
Campaign 10V401000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMay 7, 2010
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.
IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.
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.
Campaign 10V193000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionSep 16, 2009
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.
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.
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).
Campaign 09V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 21, 2025
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
Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2024, fire
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. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it to the front seat and passenger side seat of the vehicle. I didn’t call 911 and fire services responded and put the fire out. According to the Montgomery Police Department, Delano police support Center vehicle was not involved in any type of car accident.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
At some point on the highway the car throttles down to less than 60 mph. Mashing the gas pedal to the floor results in nothing happening. This causes a dangerous road situation with the slower speed, but the worst part is when it suddenly begins to accelerate again, potentially hitting the car in front of you unexpectedly. No mechanic can reproduce the effect as it only takes place after driving on the highway for an hour or so.
Power train, Seat belts, Engine, Jun 21, 2023
Ever since i got the car in May of 2022 I have had problems with my transmission, engine and problems with excessive oil leaking. I’ve tried to get it fixed. None of the repairs have fixed my car even with my warranty and I’m still having problems with it. I have also needed to get a valve cover replacement and many repairs to my engine. My dashboard also has difficulties working and turning on. Sometimes my brakes are faulty and require changes frequently. I also have no seatbelts in my backseat
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Apr 10, 2023, fire
Inspection is available, but note that car is in very poor shape and melted. All persons in the vehicle at the time of the incident were in extreme danger as the car showed no warning signed in the engine heat or check lights in the dashboard before the engine sputtered and slowed, the electrical sparked, and the whole front of the car caught on fire. The fire spread on a matter of 10 minutes and burst the windshield and front tires from the flames. Police inspected the remains of the vehicle and were unable to discover the source outside of the leaking oil still on fire by the electrical unit. Claim has been reported to insurance provider for their review.
Engine, Jun 1, 2022
Before I started my trip to New Smyrna Beach, FL on May 28, 2022. I made sure my son checked the oil, the coolant, and my tire pressure. Car was running fine. Got on the highway and the car started making a load noise. I was able to get off the exit in Ormondo Beach, FL to check and see what was wrong. In the process I had to call my Husband and son. They came from Jacksonville, FL to check the car. The car temperature gauge went over half then back down. After resting for a while. My husband check the oil and it was low. He added oil and Lucas's oil. He drove the car back to Jacksonville, because I was afraid it might catch fire. We got 3 minutes from home; the car stalled out because he had to stop for a traffic light. And the black cloud of smoke came from the hood and back of the car. When had to push the car home. The car didn't give me no warning on the oil being low.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 22, 2021
The right side motor mount is broken for starters and then on the left drivers side front struts are making a noise and sometimes my back up camera goes out also the transmission is starting to jerk a little or it may be the broken motor mount.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Mar 21, 2021
AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE VERY NEXT DAY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AN IT STARTED HAVING ELECTRIC PROBLEMS
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 4, 2021
I DROVE MY CAR THE DAY BEFORE IT WAS FINE. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR A 2010 ALTIMA 3.5 SR I HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . I PRECISELY PRECEDED TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE I HAD TO GO TO WORK. MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE OVER 20 MPH. CAR INTERMEDIATELY STARTED OVERHEATED AND DIED . I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A LOCAL INFINITI DEALER BECAUSE THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE, THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND THAT NISSAN HAD A RECALL ON THE CAR BUT THE 1ST OWNER NEVER FIXED IT. THE PROBLEM WAS A STEP MOTOR , THE CAR HAD NO POWER , NOW AFTER PAYING 3K FOR A NEW RADIATOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DATES BACK TO A RECALL YEARS BACK NISSAN HAD. THIS IS UNSAFE . I COULD'VE LOST MY LIFE . I STILL HAVE A LEAN ON MY VEHICLE IT HAS WORN CONTROL ARMS , AND CVT ISSUES GALORE IF THIS IS NOT FIXED SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED I PROMISE YOU . TOTALED OVER 8K IN REPAIRS SHAME ON NISSAN AND COMMON FUCCIN SAFETY BRO !!!!!! TOTAL JUNK AND UNSAFE AND IS INOPERABLE AND STILL ISN'T PAID OFF WHOOO HOOO JUST KILL US ALL NISSAN !!!!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 19, 2020
ERROR CODES THROUGH SENSOR WARNINGS, I REPLACE ONE SENSOR NOW ANOTHER SENSOR ERROR. I'M ABOUT 1000.00 IN REPLACING ELECTRICIAL ISSUES AND MECHANIC SAYS THE CAR IS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND HE CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. CAR WON'T RUN LONGER THAN 30 MINS. REPLACED CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND APP SENSOR.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 21, 2020
AFTER BUYING THE CAR IN LATE 2019, IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. I LATER FOUND THAT THE YEAR, MODEL, AND MAKE OF MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL OF THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS, AMONG OTHER SAFTEY ISSUES. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS, THE CONCLUSION WAS MADE THAT IT WAS INDEED THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND STEPPER MOTOR CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD A RECALL REPLACEMENT OF THE FAULTY PARTS AS OF YET. THE CAR HAS ONLY 96K MILES ON IT. WHEN THE ISSUE ARISES, THE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO A "SAFE" MODE. THIS MODE CREATES A THROTTLE PROBLEM AS THE VEHICLE CANNOT TRAVEL FASTER THAN 40 MPH WITHOUT A HIGH PITCH WIND UP SOUND AND A CUT IN POWER OF ALMOST 50%.
Engine, Jan 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE FLOORBOARD UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WAS HEATING UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN ORDER TO COOL DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 16, 2019
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CLOGGED CAUSING CAR TO NOT HAVE ANY POWER.IT HAPPENED COMING OFF THE FWY .
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION FRACTURED AND WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jun 22, 2019
MY STRUTS BEGINNING TO SOUND HORRIBLE. I WAS TRAVELING AND AS I WOULD SPEED UP THE RPMS WOULD GO HIGHER MAKING A WHISTLING NOISE. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT HAD IT PUT ON A COMPUTER AND IT'S SAID TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID.
Engine, Jun 3, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE FLAMES CAME FROM DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. SMOKE FIRST SHOWED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER BEFORE THE FLAMES QUICKLY APPEARED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE 2 PASSENGERS INJURED THAT DID NOT REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION. THE TYPES OF INJURIES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Engine, Mar 23, 2019
MY ENGINE IS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN ACCELARATING AND IT HAS EXCESSIVE BLOWBY WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SAYING CATALYTIC CONVERTER ,EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL GETTING PAST MY PVC SYSTEM IT ONLY HAS 129880 MILES ON IT
Steering, Engine, Jan 25, 2019
STEERING LOCK INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE WILL NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW IN THE LAST 2 MOS, ALWAYS ON COLD TEMP MORNINGS. LATER THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT AND THE ENGINE WILL START...EXCEPT THIS TIME, LATER THE ENGINE STARTED WITH THE STEERING LOCK LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN RUNNING.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2018
2010 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT MANY OTHER CONSUMERS ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING, NOT JUST ME. (SEE NHTSA ID # 10899578). I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES, SOMETIMES WITH MY SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR, BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT IS THE CAR TURNS OFF COMPLETELY WHILE COMING TO STOP, WHEN STOPPED, AND/OR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP. ALL SYSTEMS TURN OFF INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO STEER AND STOP. AFTER TURNING OFF, THE CAR WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY TURN BACK ON. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIME BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, SINCE IT HAD A RECALL AND WAS UNDER WARRANTY, TO SEE IF IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT, AS THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF THIS MORNING, 8/14/18, WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON A MAIN CITY STREET. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BECAUSE THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY TURNED OFF AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT SEEM TO WORK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE CAR DID NOT TURN BACK ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION AND RECALL OF THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT.
Engine, Aug 11, 2018
MY VEHICLE SLOWS SEVERELY DOWN WHEN I DRIVE IN STEEP HILLS..
Engine, Dec 18, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED NOR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-647-7261 AND STATED THAT THE INVESTIGATORS WOULD CONTACT HIM WITHIN THREE DAYS. CASE NUMBER: 27217273 WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 28, 2017, fire
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.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 10, 2017
I HAVE HAD THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO A CORNER THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AND LOSES ALL POWER AND ABILITY TO STEER. THE FIRST TWO OCCASIONS OCCURRED WHERE I COULD SIMPLY PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. THE LAST OCCURRENCE 2/9/17 HAPPENED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE WAS TURNING INTO AN ALLEY GOING LESS THAN 20MPH WHEN CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART, THE CAR TURNED ON BUT WHEN PUSHING THE GAS THE CAR WOULD BARELY ACCELERATE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND THE WRECKER TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR ONTO THE TOW TRUCK BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET IT UP THE BED AS IT DIDNT HAVE ANY POWER TO DRIVE UP THE BED. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO CODES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED. THEY STATED IT WAS RUNNING JUST FINE, AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZZARD AS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NOTICE WHEN THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF AND LOSE POWER STEERING. THIS COULD EASILY BE A HUGE ACCIDENT IF OCCURS ON THE FREEWAY. I WOULD LIKE ANSWERS AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE CAR. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS (ALL REPORTING THAT NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES PROMPTED DURING DIAGNOSING).
Suspension, Engine, Aug 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A BUMP, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILING MOTOR MOUNT AND ONE STRUT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Engine, Jul 13, 2016
TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AT 140,000. CAR IS LOSING POWER ON HIGHWAY PUTTING ME AND MY KIDS IN DANGER. CAR LOSING POWER GOING DOWN TO ZERO ON BUSY HIGHWAY.