2010 Nissan Altima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Nissan Altima has a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 380 complaints, led by electrical system issues (20%), plus 3 recalls covering GPS batteries, front side member welds, and front strut insulators.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #9 of 21 Altima years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 380
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 25
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 37
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 37 / 0
Top 2010 Nissan Altima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System77 (20%)
- Other73 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain73 (19%)
- Engine70 (18%)
- Airbags61 (16%)
- Structure & Body38 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires38 (10%)
- Brakes36 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers28 (7%)
- Steering20 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in rear-end and side-impact crashes, even in vehicles later declared totaled.
- Some owners describe the steering wheel becoming hard to turn or resistant to input at highway speed, causing loss of control.
- Drivers report sudden unintended surging or acceleration at stops or low speed, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Transmission reportedly hesitated or felt disengaged during turns or after hard stops, with the engine revving but the car not accelerating.
- Owners describe a brake pedal that seemed to lose effectiveness along with steering shake, ending in loss of control.
- Some drivers say the dashboard lighting indicator is too dim to tell if headlights are on, making dusk and dawn driving harder to judge.
2010 Nissan Altima recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Other7,948 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
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.
Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 10V193000May 7, 2010Structure & Body113 vehicles
Structure
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.
Risk: If several structural welds are out of specification on a single vehicle, it may have an effect on the vehicle crash performance.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 09V358000Sep 16, 2009Suspension, Wheels & Tires26,398 vehicles
Suspension
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.
Risk: 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.
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 (1-800-647-7261).
2010 Nissan Altima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Altima has a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 9th worst out of 21 model years, which earns it a Caution rating relative to other Altima years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are the electrical system (20% of complaints), transmission and powertrain (19%), engine (18%), and airbags (16%).
- Does the 2010 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Altima: overheating batteries in bundled Garmin GPS units, improperly welded front side member assemblies, and front strut insulators that could crack.
- How does the 2010 Altima compare to other model years?
- The 2010 model's Complaint Index of 60 is worse than the 2011 (30, Good) and 2007 (45, Good) model years but better than the 2009 (95, Avoid) and 2013 (100, Avoid) model years.
- What mileage do 2010 Altima problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA complaint data lists a median mileage at failure of 53,128 for the 2010 Altima overall, with electrical system complaints centering around 44,708 miles.