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: suspension
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Sep 25, 2025
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 that she would receive a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Suspension, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2024
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 call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2023
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2023
When parked letting the car warm up constant shaking kinda a rough ideal at times. From park to reverse it shifts hard the to drive its ok I guess then on the go it's like driving a boat on land loud knocking sounds seems like the tires are flat or about to explode off the car really nerve-wracking
Suspension, Sep 12, 2022
The rear sub-frame where the hub is connected to (drivers side), blew out /rusted out completely while driving. I just inspected the car recently and while I saw some surface rust on the rear sub-frame, I had no indications that the whole rear tire hub support-mount was about to fail. Inspecting the passenger side of the sub-frame, I suspect that mount is about to blow too. I was driving on the interstate which was curving left, when this happened. I lost control and the tire started screeching as it was not making flat contact after the failure. It was difficult to re-gain control and I am blessed that there was no accident. Nissan Altima driver's should be cautious driving a car that appears completely fine. I've attached pictures of the bad side and the other side to show how a 'good side' appears before it goes out. Also, there is a recall for 02-05 Nissans for rear sub-frame corrosion issues, but no recalls for the later years like my 2010.
Suspension, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and was wobbling. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and diagnosed with corrosion in the lower rear suspension. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the collision center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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.
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 !!!!
Steering, Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALL NISSAN CHESAPEAKE (3417 WESTERN BRANCH BLVD, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23321, (877) 475-0728) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE WAS LEAKING FLUID, BOTH CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE WAS NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,194.
Suspension, Oct 1, 2019
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHILST TURNING AT AT A JUNCTION. BACK END OF THE VEHICLE SWUNG OUT OF THE TURN AS IF ON ICE. STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR RIGHT-HAND WHEEL WAS BENT AS IF THE WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF. ON FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE REAR SUBFRAME HAD BROKEN UP.
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.
Suspension, Mar 28, 2019
RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE STRUT INSULATOR MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION.
Suspension, Aug 21, 2018
MECHANIC FOUND CRACKED STRUTS AND ADVISED IS A DANGER TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM (09V358000) FOR MY YEAR AND VEHICLE TYPE. MY VIN INCLUDED IN RECALL. WHY? THE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR IS $940 + A $140 DIAGNOSTIC. THE CAR IS JERKY AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING. I AM NOW CONFINED TO ONLY DRIVE LOCALLY UNTIL I CAN AFFORD THE $1K COST TO REPAIR. WHY IS MY CAR NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL?
Suspension, Apr 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (ANTWERPEN NISSAN SECURITY, 1701 WOODLAWN DR., BALTIMORE, MD 21207) WAS NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
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.
Suspension, May 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SCRAPE THE TOP OF ANY SPEED BUMP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUT INSULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V358000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Suspension, Mar 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V358000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Suspension, Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED VIOLENTLY AND RATTLED WHEN A BUMP IN THE ROAD WAS STRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH LOCATED FAILURES WITH THE FRONT STRUTS, BUSHING, AND COIL SPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V358000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,134.
Suspension, Jul 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. MA 09/22 UPDATED 12/05/2017*CN
Suspension, Jul 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
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
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Oct 3, 2014
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT DATE WAS ON 8/7/14 BUT ALSO REPORTED 8/23/14 & 9/30/14 AT TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS. I WAS DRIVING AT 65MPH FOR 1 HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND FELT A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE STEERING WHEEL ABRUPTLY TURNED RIGHT, I HAD TO ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE LANE AND SLOWLY DECELERATED TO A STOP ON THE ROADSIDE WITHOUT IMMEDIATE BRAKING. WHILE BRAKING AT 15-20MPH I APPLIED THE BRAKE WHICH JERKED THE ENTIRE CAR TO THE RIGHT, SUSPENSION WAS STIFF ON PASSENGER FRONT STRUT. THE CAR HAD BARELY 70000 MILES, HAD BEEN UP TO DATE ON SERVICES, WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE STEERING INCIDENT. 8/23/14 THE CAR EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING WITH A "DRAGGING" FEEL AND NEARLY HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAR SEEMED TO "FLOAT" AND COULD NOT FIND A "STRAIGHT" LINE, EITHER IT TURNED SLIGHTLY LEFT OR SUDDEN RIGHT. THIS WAS INCREDIBLY CONCERNING AND I FELT IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE, TOLD TO INSTALL BRAKE BOOSTER. 9/30/14 UNABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE, UPON START IT WOULD "KNOCK" WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, GRINDING NOISE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE, TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT IF COASTING AT 5MPH. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE ON A TEST DRIVE BUT ADVISED A NEW STEERING RACK, A DIAGNOSIS TO A PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT SEEN IN THE SHOP. ALMOST EVERY TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR LONGER THAN AN HOUR OR AT HIGHWAY SPEED I HAVE LOST STEERING CONTROL. I HAVE HAD MY WIFE WITH ME ON TWO EVENTS, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS, I WILL BE TOWING THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP AS I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE STEERING, "KNOCK" FROM SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION ARE ALL COMPROMISED AND DOCUMENTED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 5, 2014
THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. I HAVE HEARD SAME NOISE FROM OTHER ALTIMA'S. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE A CRACK IN THE STRUTS FOR THIS MODEL. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 19, 2014
DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. SINCE THIS IS A CRITICAL PART OF THE CAR IN TERMS OF STABILITY AND SINCE THERE WAS ONLY 39000 MILES ON THE CAR I THOUGHT IT WAS LIKELY A FAULT IN MANUFACTURE. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN AND ONLY DRIVE ON WELL PAVED ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. I DO NOT PULL A TRAILER OR THE LIKE. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THIS BUT THEY DECLINED TO TAKE ACTION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT REPRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD FOR OTHERS WHO MAY NOT HAVE THIS DEFECT DISCOVERED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 26, 2014
I STARTED TO HEAR A RATTLING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. IT WAS FOUND TO BE THAT THE ALTERNATOR/CLUTCH WAS ABOUT TO GO OUT. I COULD ALSO HEAR IT WHEN DRIVING AND PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT WHEN I WAS IN PARK OR REVERSE. *TR