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
381 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
the whole dashboard area cracked and is melting
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 22, 2021
concern: melting dashboard safety: visibility - the dashboard is very shiny and sticky, potential glare confirmation: Florida recalls have already been made against 2008 and 2009 Nissan vehicles, but nothing further. symptoms: no idea that the dashboard was melting; college student used vehicle corrective action taken: washing/cleaners do not improve or correct the issue. Also, the replacement cost and/or labor required to fix the issue is extremely limited for consumers to take on personally.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2021
The dashboard is melting and causing a large glare on the dashboard. This makes it a safety hazard to see out of the window. Nissan does not want to do anything about this but does acknowledge that it is happening.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2021
The heater core in the car started leaking and it cost almost $2400 to replace it. Dealer told me that it is due to the fact that the whole dashboard in the car needs to be taken out and is very labor intensive. This is a big expense and wanted to check if there has been a repeated issue like this.
Other or unspecified, May 21, 2021
I purchased my 2010 Nissan in 2016. I had no issues up until now when I made my final payment. I do not travel no more than 2 hours on my car once a month. Outside of 2 hour travels I drive 15 minutes to work everyday. Wednesday, May 19, 2021 my car stop working out of the blue! When I was driving home, I was at a stop light. When it was time for me to go, my car did not move. So that’s when I pushed the gas pedal all the way down just so the car could move. If it went over 20 miles it will start shaking and jerking. I took my car to Nissan and they told me it’s my transmission. How is this possible? And they are asking fit 5,000.00! I don’t have that. On top of that I had to pay $252.00 just for them to tell me it’s my transmission. I could’ve caused an accident yesterday. What’s going on with Nissan transmissions
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
Power train, Mar 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,324.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2021
THE AIRBAG PASSENGER NOTIFICATION LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING ON IN THE DASH. IT CAN BE RESET, BUT AS SOON AS A PASSENGER SITS IN THE CHAIR THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. ACCORDING TO THE ADVISOR THE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THE NISSAN ADVISOR NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON. THIS SEEMS TO ME A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
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 !!!!
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2020
THE VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED AN OVERLY REFLECTIVE FINISH ON MOST OF THE PLASTIC/RUBBERIZED DASHBOARD SURFACES, LIKELY DUE TO NORMAL SUN AND/OR HEAT EXPOSURE. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED BY REFLECTED LIGHT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2020
DASH IS CRACKING AND DASH MATERIAL IS BECOMING SOFT AND SEMI-STICKY. IT IS NOT YET TO THE POINT OF BEING MELTED AND PRODUCING GLARE LIKE 2008/2009 MODELS BUT IS QUICKLY HEADED IN THAT DIRECTION. CAR IS GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 8, 2020
THE MATERIAL THE DASH IS MADE FROM GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND MELTS, AND THE UPPER DASH HAS A GLARE THAT SHINES AND COMES OFF THE DASH INTO THE WINDSHIELD AREA & CAUSES A MAJOR DISTRACTION FROM THE GLARE. MY 20-YR OLD DRIVES THIS CAR AND HAS ALMOST CRASHED DUE TO THE GLARE. THE DASH NEEDS REPLACED. I TRIED A PHOTO, BUT DOES NOT SHOW THE GLARE.
Structure, Aug 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A GLARE FROM THE SUN LIGHT REFLECTING OFF THE MELTING DASHBOARD POSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER JACKIE COOPER LOCATED AT 9898 S MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74133 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Power train, Aug 20, 2020
MY CAR LOSES POWER ON THE FREEWAY AND IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I TYPICALLY DRIVE ON NORTH DALLAS TOLLWAY IN DFW AREA AND THE OTHER DAY I HAD TO EXIT BECAUSE ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST POWER AFTER DRIVING ON FREEWAY FOR 60 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING INTERMITTENT ISSUE SINCE DAY ONE. I FOUND ONLINE THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR.
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%.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2020
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND MAKING IT SHINY THAT REFLECTS TO MY WINDSHIELD MAKING IT HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2020
MY CAR IS SHOWING A CRACK WHICH STARTED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AND HAS SLOWLY STRETCHED ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE OTHER END. I NEED MY CAR FOR TRANSPORT AND AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY THE DASHBOARD COULD OPEN UP WHILE I AM DRIVING, WHICH COULD CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO ME AND MY GRANDDAUGHTERS. I AM A SENIOR WITH NO INCOME AT THIS TIME AND UNABLE TO MAKE ANY UPGRADES OR REPAIRS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN DO OR IF I NEED TO REACH OUT TO ANYONE ELSE THAT CAN HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Apr 27, 2020
I BOUGHT A NISSAN ALTIMA 2010 WHICH I THOUGHT WAS SHINNY DUE TO CLEANING TO REALIZED LATER THAT IT IS ACTUALLY STICKY BECAUSE IT IS DEFECTIVE. IT GETS WORSE AFTER IT IS EXPOSED TO HEAT. THE SHADE COVER STICKS TO THE DASHBOARD AND LEAVES PARTICLES ATTACHED TO IT, THE WORSE THING IS THE REFLECTION OR GLARE IT CREATES WHEN DRIVING IN THE SUN. IT MAKES HARD TO SEE FORWARDS.
Power train, Air bags, Seats, Mar 14, 2020
SEAT SLID OFF THE BRACKET .. PASSENGER AIR BAG NEVER WAS ON AND THE TRANS SOMETIME WOULD NOT SHIFED WHEN IT SHOULD ..
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2020
VEHICLE WAS GARAGED FOR FIRST FOUR YEARS IN NEW YORK. NOW IN FLORIDA FOR 6 YRS. AND DASHBOARD IS MELTING MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON SUNNY DAYS. I FEAR HAVING AN ACCIDENT AS THE GLARE FROM THE MELTED DASHBOARD IS OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT BREATHING THESE CHEMICALS.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT HERE ANYTHING REGARDING THE COMPLAINT.*JB
Visibility/wiper, Feb 29, 2020
IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO I NOTICED MY DASH START CHANGING. ITS STARTED HAVING SPOTS BTHAT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS MELTING. I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE THAT COULD BE CLEANED. I WAS WRONG, IT JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE. THE DASH IS GOOEY AND STICKY AND NOW HAS SUCH A SHINE ON IT THAT REFLECTS ONTO THE WINDSHIELD THAT I HAVE ALMOST HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND COME NEAR HITTING PEDESTRIANS BECAUSE YOU JUST CANT SEE FROM THE GLARE IT CREATES,
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.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 17, 2019
DASHBOARD IS "MELTING." THIS IS CAUSING WINDSHIELD GLARE CREATING A VISIBILITY HAZARD.