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, Engine, Apr 30, 2016
MY CAR WAS ONLY 30,000 KM WHEN THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN. AS MY CAR WARMS UP MY ACCELERATION WILL DECREASE. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR A FEW YEARS AND HAS BEEN AVOIDING TO PUT A RECALL IN PLACE AND INSTEAD STARTED OFF WITH ONLY A EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING TO THEIR CVT PROBLEMS ON THE ALTIMA COUPE. I HAVE KNOWN A FEW SENIOR MECHANICS AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND BEEN TOLD THAT THEY ARE INVESTGATING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY ALREADY KNOW IT'S A FAULTY PROBLEM AND THEY ARE TRYING TO AVOID. I HAD A NISSAN DEALERSHIP TRY TO SCARE ME AWAY WHEN I TRIED TO TALK ABOUT WARRANTY. JUST CAUSE I HAD A FEW MINOR MODIFICATION THEY SAID MY WARRANTY IS MOST LIKELY VOIDED BUT THEY ARE ABLE TO CHECK. THEY WERE RIDICULOUSLY TRYING TO CONVICE ME THAT WITH JUST AFTERMARKET WHEELS MY WARRANTY WILL VOID MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I KNOW IN THE US THERE IS CURRENTLY A LAW THAT DOES NOT ALLOW CAR COMPANY TO VOID WARRANTY UNLESS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM DIRECTLY RELATE TO THE MODIFICATION. THE JUDGE MENTION AND STATED THAT CAR COMPANY OFFERS WARRANTY TO HELP PRODUCT CONSUMERS AND NOT SUPPOSE TO GET SCREW OVER FOR IT. THIS IS COMPLETELY ABSURD OF WHAT NISSAN IS DOING. THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE CONCERN TO ME DUE TO SAFETY ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY ONLY AT 44,000 KM. A FEW ALTIMA COUPE OWNER HAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. O HAVE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING TO MY FAMILY AND I. A ALTIMA COUPE FORUM MEMBER RECENTLY HAD A FAULTY TRANNY AND WAS INVOLVED A HUGE ACCIDENT DUE TO UNEXPECTED DECREASE IN ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY. I THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION.
Engine, Sep 30, 2015
THERE IS CURRENTLY A EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE 2010 NISSIAN ALTIMA (CSC-10043941-7009)(NTB12-040D SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN) - UNFORTUNATELY IT APPARENTLY DOESN'T INCLUDE MY VIN # ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE DEMONSTRATES THE IDENTICAL ISSUES THAT THE RECALL COVERS. CATALYTIC CONVERTER DEFECTIVE DUE TO IMPROPERLY CALIBRATED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) THAT MAY INCORRECTLY DETECT ENGINE VALVE CLOSURE AS ENGINE KNOCK. THE ECM WILL INCREASE THE FUEL FLOW TO COMPENSATE THIS FALSE READING WHICH IN TURNS CAUSES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO OVER HEAT. CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACE 7/14/2014 AT 105000 MILES - IN 9/08/2015 IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN 122000 MILES (15000 MILES) - CURRENTLY HAVING ECM REPROGRAMMED WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE AT CUSTOMER COST - THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SINCE IT'S A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE (AUTOMOBILE EMISSIONS) - THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.
Engine, Jun 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEALS ON THE REAR OF THE ENGINE FAILED AND STARTED LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine, Jun 1, 2015
ENGINE OIL IS LEAKING ON THE GROUND CAUSING POSSIBLE FIRE AND OR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND I INDICATED THAT THE REAR ENGINE OIL SEAL SHOULD NOT PREMATURELY LEAK ENGINE OIL ON THE GROUND WITH A 4 YEAR OLD CAR THAT HAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000 MILES SHOULD NOT LEAK OIL. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE. I ALSO INDICATED THAT NISSAN EXTENDED SUPPORT ON THE LEAKING CVT TRANSMISSION AND WHY NISSAN WILL NOT COVER FOR THE LEAKING ENGINE OIL?
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2015, crash
TRAVELING EAST ON I-20 IN ARLINGTJON TEXAS OUR CAR BEGAN LOSING POWER AND COASTED TO A STOP. WE WERE POWERLESS TO MOVE AND COULD NOT GET OFF THE FREEWAY. WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND AND AS REPORTED OUR CAR WENT AIRBORNE. THE TRUCK THAT HIT US ALSO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND FLIPPED ONTO ITS TOP. IN ALL 4 PEOPLE WENT TO HOSPITAL INCLUDING MY SELF AND MY WIFE. IN RESEARCHING THE REASON THE CAR STOPPED, I FOUND A NUMBER OF OTHER CASES OVER SEVERAL YEARS OF PEOPLE ONLINE THAT LOST POWER IN THIS TYPE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A SENSOR FOR THE CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT THAT FAILS CAUSING STALLING. I CONTACTED NISSANS REPRESENTATIVE(CASE NUMBER18593816) AT 615-725-7539. TOLD THEM THE CAR HAD BEEN SEALED AND SECURED AWAITING THEIR INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE SAYING THEIR WERE NO RECALLS ON IT. I FEEL THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE KILLED US AND OTHERS.
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 28, 2015
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 THEY TOLD ME MY VIN DID NOT MATCH. SO I FIND THAT QUESTIONABLE. I'VE PUT ON NEW STRUTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR. NISSAN SAID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN REPAIRED. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTS ARE CRACKED WHICH IS NOT COVERED. I'VE BEEN ON LINE AND SEE THAT 2010 MODELS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOT LOCATED THE RUBBING SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I'VE CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER DEPARTMENT AND AM AWAITING A REPLY. SO FAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, STRUTS FRONT AND BACK, THE TRANSMISSION, AND NOW THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTS. ON A CAR WITH THIS LITTLE MILEAGE, I DON'T FEEL SECURE IN THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER NISSAN. I THINK THEY SHOULD REPAIR THE STRUT MOUNTS. I'VE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAR BEFORE. I WOULD SAY VERY POOR WORKMANSHIP. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO PAYING THE CAR OFF AS I OWE VERY LITTLE AT THIS TIME AND I KEEP MY CARS A LONG TIME, BUT FEEL I HAVE A LEMON AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. AS MUCH AS WE PAY FOR CARS TODAY THERE SHOULDN'T BE SO MANY PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine, Jan 10, 2015
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC, THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD AN ERROR P0402 CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTION. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE NISSAN ALTIMA AND THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT IT AND DOES NOT CARE TO ANYTHING ABOUT IT; HE TOLD ME TO GOOGLE IT AND SEE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. I DID JUST THAT AND WAS AMAZED AT HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE WERE. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THEY WON'T FIX IT FOR FEAR OF MAKING IT WORSE AND TOLD ME TO GET RID OF THE CAR!. *TR
Power train, Engine, Dec 8, 2014
I WAS OWNER 2010 ALTIMA .THE UNDER EXCELLENT MAINTAIN.WHEN I BUY THIS .WE WORRY ABOUT CVT TRANSMISSION WEAK AND BUY 100K MILE WARRANTY. THE CAR ONLY OVER 125 MILE OF 100 K THE TRANSMISSION FAIL. AND TOWING TO DEALER .THE DEALER DIAGNOSE CVT FAIL BUT NISSAN REFUSE DEALER REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND REQUEST DEALER REPLACE TCM(TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) FIRST.THAT WASTE MY TIME .10 DAYS IN DEALER SHOP STILL NOT ANY RESULT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 1, 2014
AFTER PURCHASING THIS USED 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN 2012, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING PART OF A GIRL'S SOCCER TEAM TO REDDING, CA. THE CAR PERFORMED WELL ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT WHEN WE REACHED REDDING FROM OUR HOME TOWN APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 HOURS AWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AT A SLOW SPEED. IT LIMPED TO A PARKING LOT, WHERE WE WERE UNABLE TO START IT FOR ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS. SINCE THEN, IT HAS INTERMITTENTLY STALLED, USUALLY IN VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES, AFTER DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT WERE TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T ASCERTAIN THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A TRUSTED TRANSMISSION MECHANIC, AND OUR OWN MECHANIC, WHO CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. I REPORTED IT TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY PEOPLE OVER A YEAR AGO, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THEM NOR HAVE I SEEN ANY ATTEMPT BY THEM TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH MANY ATTEST TO IT. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 24, 2014
WHEN YOU TRY TO START VEHICLE YOU PUSH ON BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL DOESN'T GO DOWN 1/16 OF AN INCH. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WONT EVEN COME ON. IF YOU PUSH THE START BUTTON IT WILL ONLY GO TO THE ACCESSORY THEN OFF. WHEN I ASKED SERVICE MANAGER AT NELSON NISSAN IN BROKEN ARROW, OK AND I QUOTE "HE SAID YOU HAD TO HAVE KEY ON BEFORE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON"... I AM LIKE REALLY!!! THE BRAKE LIGHTS UMM NO THEY SHOULD COME ON ANYTIME YOU PUSH THE BRAKE IF THE KEY IS ON OR NOT. PLEASE HELP US AMERICAN'S AND OTHER HARD WORKING TAX PAYING PEOPLE GET OUR CARS FIXED. WE PAID GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR THEM AND NOW ALL WE HAVE IN A LEMON IN ARE GARAGE. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOU TIME, GOD BLESS YOU! AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! *TR
Engine, Sep 24, 2014
GO INTO MY CAR AFTER WORK DROVE TO THE HIGHWAY WHICH WAS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY. MERGED INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR WAS STUCK AT 40 MPH AND BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED TIL EVENTUALLY THE CAR JUST STOPPED. LUCKILY I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON TO SHOULDER AND AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2014
MY WIFE JUST PHONED TO TELL ME THE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED-AGAIN- LEAVING HER STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT IN A BAD PART OF HOUSTON (SW). THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO NISSAN DEALER IN ANGLETON, TEXAS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IN DECEMBER OF 2014 THEY INSTALLED A TRANSMISSION COOLER,THINKING IT'S AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM. MY WIFE STATED SHES GLAD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY AS IT MIGHT HAD CAUSED A COLLISION WITH POSSIBLE DEATH,ETC. NISSAN HAS NOT RESOLVED THESE CVT ISSUES AND YOU-NHTSA- HAVE NOT FORCED THEM TO DO SO EITHER. WHEN THE CVT FAILS YOU LOSE POWER AS IT GOES INTO A DEFAULT MODE. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSES LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND ABILITY TO MOVE OUT OF HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS. THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO PARK THE CAR AND WAIT FOR IT TO COOL,THUS RESETTING THE DEFAULT MODE. AT THIS POINT NISSAN HAS ADVISED TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR A CODE SCAN. THIS IS DANGEROUS ENOUGH THAT I PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR IN WITH THE INTENTION OF GETTING RID OF IT!!! I WILL TRADE IT IN FOR A TOYOTA CAMRY BUT UNFORTUNATELY SOME OTHER PERSON WILL BE STUCK WITH THE SAME DANGEROUS CVT ISSUES AND COULD ALSO BE KILLED OR INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT FORCED NISSAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO YOU OF THIS SAME ISSUE WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. *TR
Engine, Jul 29, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO POWER ON HOWEVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, May 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,500.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 24, 2014
MY 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD COME ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULDN'T TURNOVER. AT FIRST I COULD GET IT TO START AFTER A FEW TRIES (I WOULD PUMP THE BRAKES, SLAM THE CAR HOOD, BANG ON THE STEERING WHEEL). THEN I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THE VDS (TRACTION CONTROL), ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THIS MEANT THAT MY VDS WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AND AS SUCH I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES ON WET SURFACES. ON 4/22/2014 I TRIED STARTING MY CAR AND COULD NOT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP (ORR NISSAN IN CORINTH TEXAS) WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT IT REQUIRED A NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, HARNESS AND BAND HOSES. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS A NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN AS THIS WAS A "KNOWN ISSUE". SO MUCH SO THAT NISSAN HAD ACTUALLY DEVELOPED A MORE DEPENDABLE BRAKE SWITCH. THE SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER IS NTB10-139- WHICH WAS RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 23RD 2010. HE TOLD ME TO REPAIR IT WAS GOING TO COST OVER 500.00. THE FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAUSES THE CAR TO THROW ERROR CODES WHICH DEACTIVATES THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN A RECALL? WHY IS A DEALERSHIP CHARGING 500 DOLLARS TO REPAIR A MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENT THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR WAS RELEASED, THE MANUFACTURE ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS FAULTY? FURTHERMORE, BASED ON MY CALCULATIONS THE DEALERSHIP IS PUTTING A 300% MARK UP ON THE PARTS REQUIRED. WHY WOULD THE NHTSA WAIT UNTIL SOMEBODY DIES IN A CRASH CAUSED BY THE VDS AND ABS FEATURES NOT WORKING BEFORE THEY FORCE A RECALL/REPAIR OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE? I AM SENDING A COPY OF THIS TO LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS ORGANIZATIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 14, 2014
MOST OF THE 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA CARS DO HAVE A PUSH BUTTON FOR THE IGNITION TO START. IN ORDER TO START THE CAR'S ENGINE, THE DRIVER WOULD NEED TO LIGHTLY PRESS THE BRAKES BEFORE PRESSING THE BUTTON. I PURCHASED THE BRAND-NEW CAR BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND I AM STILL THE ONLY OWNER. IN FEBRUARY 2014 WITH APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES, THE IGNITION STARTED TO STOP WORKING. AFTER A FEW STRUGGLES, THE IGNITION BUTTON WOULD FINALLY ALLOW ME TO START THE ENGINE. THEN THE PROBLEM GRADUALLY GOT WORSE. I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD SUCK IN SO HARD THAT I WOULD BE UNABLE TO "PRESS" THE BRAKES ANYMORE IN ORDER FOR THE IGNITION BUTTON TO "ENABLE" SO I CAN START THE ENGINE. AT ONE POINT LAST WEEK, THE CAR REFUSED TO START BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES AND I WAS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING BUT TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH THE CAR BACK AND FORTH IN THE MIDDLE OF A MCDONALD'S DRIVE-THRU ROUTE IN BALTIMORE, MD. MY ROOMMATE HAD TO TAKE LEAVE IN ORDER TO COME AND HELP ME OUT. AFTER 2 HOURS OF STRUGGLING, WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE "BRAKES LIGHT" ON AND THE IGNITION WOULD FINALLY BECOME ENABLED AND WE WERE ABLE TO START THE ENGINE. WE DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN BOWIE, MD AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. NISSAN ABOUT THIS AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY DRIVERS AND THAT THE "BRAKE SWITCH" IS CAUSING IT. AT THE END, MY WARRANTY COMPANY HAD TO PAY MORE THAN $800 AND I HAD TO PAY ALMOST $300 OUT OF MY POCKET JUST FOR THIS ISSUE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SAW SO MANY DRIVERS ARE COMPLAINING THE SAME THING AND THAT NISSAN IS REFUSING TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS BECAUSE THEY KNEW IT IS A "COMMON PROBLEM" THAT THEY COULD MAKE A PROFIT OUT OF THE REPAIRS CHARGES. MANY DRIVERS HAD TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $1,000 JUST FOR THIS "COMMON ISSUE" AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT NHTSA & DOT ARE AWARE OF THIS ONGOING ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine, Feb 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Engine, Jan 5, 2014
WE HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH OUR CARS CVT TRANSMISSION SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2010. THE TRANSMISSION, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, GOES INTO A SAFE MODE WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO LOOSE ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US SEVERAL TIMES,USUALLY AFTER LONG TRIPS (70 MILES OR MORE) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED IN PARKING LOTS OR JUST STOPPING TO MAKE A TURN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE NISSAN DEALER 2-TIMES AND BOTH TIMES THEY REMOVED OIL,CLAIMING THE EXCESS OIL CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO OVERHEAT WHICH PUT IT INTO THE SAFE MODE. ON DEC. 31,2013 WE WERE ON A RETURN TRIP OF 70 MILES OR SO WHEN WE EXITED THE FREEWAY. WE CAME TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE,THE TRANSMISSION ONCE AGAIN WENT IN THE SAFE MODE,HINDERING OUR ABILITY TO ACCELERATE ACROSS THE INTERSECTION. WE SLOWLY DROVE THE SHORT DISTANCE HOME PARKING THE CAR. IN THE PAST,WE PARKED THE CAR ALLOWING IT TO COOL SO IT WOULD "RESET" BUT THIS TIME THE CAR REMAINED IN THE SAFE MODE THE NEXT DAY. WE HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN. NISSAN CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND OUR CAR IS READY FOR PICKUP. THIS TRANSMISSION FAILS WITHOUT WARNING AND UPON DOING SO MAKES IT ACCELERATE VERY,VERY SLOWLY WHICH PUTS US IN GRAVE DANGER. I WILL NOT PUT MY GRAND KIDS IN THIS DEATH TRAP NOR DOES MY WIFE WANT TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE SEEN THE MANY,MANY INTERNET COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME CVT PROBLEM. IF I OR MY WIFE GET KILLED TRYING TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURS,THIS WILL BE THE REASON WHY. WHEN I PICK UP OUR CAR JAN 6TH,2014,I PLAN TO DRIVE IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO SEEK A TRADE IN ON A CAMRY. THIS NISSAN IS GOING TO GET PEOPLE KILLED. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 29, 2013
IF I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET THE CAR STARTED, WILL I SOON HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP?????? VEHICLE NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO 6/15/2013. JUST THOUGHT THE KEY NEEDED TO BE CHARGED. BUT ON THIS DATE I PULL UP AT A HOTEL, CHECKED IN AND WENT TO MOVE THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. SAT FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. REPLACED BATTERY A FEW WEEKS PRIOR SO IT WASN'T THAT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO A PEPBOYS. TOO LATE FOR A DEALERSHIP, A SATURDAY EVENING, AND I WAS OVER 5 HOURS FROM HOME. THE CAR WAS DROPPED OFF ACROSS FROM THE BAYS THEREFORE THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONNECT THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. AFTER SETTING FOR A COUPLE MORE HOURS IT FINALLY CRANK. THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER, AS OF TODAY I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE STARTER. IN AUGUST IT DID IT AGAIN TWICE WHILE MY 16 YR WAS DRIVING IT TO SCHOOL. A COUPLE OF TIMES IN SEPTEMBER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ON 10/14/2013, THEIR DIAGNOSIS WERE: REPLACE BRAKE SW, SUB HARNESS, AND TIE STRAPS. AND NOW ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS WANT START WITHOUT PUMPING THE BRAKES. I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES THE CAR NOW BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF THE BRAKES EVENTUALLY GIVING OUT. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 24, 2013
THIS VEHICLE STALLS OR LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING LONG TRIPS, ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER DURING PROLONGED DRIVING (SEVERAL HOURS). IT SEEMS TO DO WELL IF KEPT AT HIGHWAY SPEED, BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR MAKES A STOP OR SLOWS DOWN, IT COMPLETELY STALLS OR ACCELERATES WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY AT INSUFFICIENT SPEED. IT IS A DANGEROUS TRAFFIC HAZARD. THE NISSAN DEALER EXPRESSED SURPRISE WHEN I CALLED HIM REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. HE SAID IT WAS PROBABLY A BATCH OF POOR GASOLINE. AFTER WE EXPERIENCE ANOTHER POWER FAILURE, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER RUNNING TESTS, OUR PERSONAL MECHANIC SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, BUT WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION ANALYZED AND SERVICED, AND THE BATTERY CABLES CHECKED. THE CAR RECENTLY LOST POWER AGAIN ON A TRIP FROM MONTANA TO CALIFORNIA. IT LOST POWER AT STOP SIGNS OR WHEN I HAD TO DECELERATE AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE. AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF FOR THE EVENING, IT DID NOT START THE NEXT MORNING, AT FIRST. LATER IT STARTED AND DROVE FINE. I SEE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER NISSANS LOSING POWER OR STALLING. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD TELL ME WHAT STEPS YOU ARE TAKING TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *JS
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2013
THERE WERE 3 INCIDENTS. FIRST, I WAS DRIVING ON THE WASHINGTON BELTWAY, IN OCTOBER 2012. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS TERRIFIED. SECOND, I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 AT AROUND 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR. I GAVE IT GAS BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. THIRD, I WAS ONCE AGAIN ON THE FREEWAY, TRAVELING AT SPEED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NON RESPONSIVE TO THE ACCELERATOR. I COASTED AND EVENTUALLY IT DID RESPOND. THE 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA IS EQUIPPED WITH THE CVT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ALL AROUND THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. I AM READING ABOUT PEOPLE BEING SCARED FOR THEIR LIVES WHEN THEY DRIVE THESE CARS--HTTP://WWW.AUTOGUIDE.COM/AUTO-NEWS/2012/05/SHOULD-YOU-BUY-A-CAR-WITH-A-CVT-TRANSMISSION PEOPLES' LIVES ARE IN DANGER WHEN THEY DRIVE THESE VEHICLES. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO SOMETHING ASAP TO HELP RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. THANK YOU. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 13, 2012
WENT OUT TO START VEHICLE ,NO START...TOWED TO DEALER ,DENIED UNDER WARRANTY,MADE ME PAY FOR REPLACEMENT..DEALER TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALER TO PERFORM INSTALL OF STEERING LOCK ASSAY. AND MISC HARDWARE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 13, 2012
ENGINE PING NOISE FROM ENGINE AT TIMES REALLY LOUD NOISE GOT WORSE THEN MORE PROBLEMS HAPPENED OVER TIME AT A STOP CAR WAS ACCELERATING LIKE IF WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE AND THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME,NEXT CAR WOULD COME TO A STOP THEN LOST POWER WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN A FEW MPH THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AND ONCE DOWN HILL THE CAR WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE AND ALMOST HIT A PARKED CAR ALSO ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT CLEAR AN INTERSECTION , I ALSO GOT VIDEO FOOTAGE OF INCIDENT ,DEALER KEEPS SAYING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THE CAR IS SAFE EVEN AFTER THEY SAW THE VIDEO THEY SAY THE COMPUTER SHOWS NOTHING THEN A RECORDER WAS INSTALLED IN THE CAR AND THE CAR WAS ACCELERATED BY ITSELF THE RECORDER BUTTON WAS PRESSED AND THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE RECORDER WAS TAKEN OFF AND THE MAIN NISSAN COMPANY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT THE INFORMATION ON THE RECORDER WAS ACCIDENTALLY ERASED. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I HAD IT THIS IS MY MAIN CONCERN BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE WINDOWS NOT ROLLING DOWN TO THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING THE DEALER IS NOT HELPING NEITHER NISSAN DIRECT AND AT THIS POINT IM CONCERNED OF MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY'S. *TR
Engine, Aug 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.