How common are steering problems in the 2010 Nissan Maxima?

NHTSA lists 158 steering complaints for the 2010 Maxima, which is 57% of all 275 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any Maxima year.

Is there a recall for the 2010 Nissan Maxima steering lock?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue on the 2010 Maxima, even though owners note a similar part was addressed under warranty extensions on the 2009 Maxima and Altima.

At what mileage does the steering problem usually happen?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 67,000 miles for steering-related issues on the 2010 Maxima.

Did the 2010 Maxima steering problem cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the steering complaints for the 2010 Maxima.

Do later Maxima model years have the same steering issue?

No. Complaint counts drop sharply after 2010, with 9 complaints in 2011 and 10 in 2012, compared to 158 in 2010.

2010 Nissan Maxima Steering Problems

NHTSA received 158 steering complaints for the 2010 Nissan Maxima, 57% of all 275 complaints filed for the year, far more than any other model year. Most describe the electronic steering column lock failing, leaving the car unable to start, with a median failure mileage of 67,000. No related recall is listed.

Steering complaints: 158; 57% of 275
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 67,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failing, leaving the vehicle stuck in the "lock" position and unable to start.
Drivers describe the intelligent key light turning on while the key fob still locks and unlocks doors but the ignition stays locked and the car cannot be started.
Several owners say the vehicle became stranded away from home and had to be towed after the steering lock solenoid malfunctioned.
Some report the same steering lock part is covered by an extended warranty or recall on the 2009 Maxima and Altima but not on the 2010 model.
One owner describes vibration and clicking noises from the steering during minor bumps, later linked to a strut insulator issue.

When 2010 Nissan Maxima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 17, 2010, latest Sep 19, 2022.

158 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Sep 2022; peak Nov 2014 (13).

Steering recalls for the 2010 Nissan Maxima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Maxima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010158 (57%)
20119 (8%)
201210 (9%)
20131 (2%)
20144 (4%)
20150 (0%)
20169 (6%)
20174 (4%)
20180 (0%)
20191 (6%)
20201 (5%)
20210 (0%)
20220 (0%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems in the 2010 Nissan Maxima?: NHTSA lists 158 steering complaints for the 2010 Maxima, which is 57% of all 275 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any Maxima year.
Is there a recall for the 2010 Nissan Maxima steering lock?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue on the 2010 Maxima, even though owners note a similar part was addressed under warranty extensions on the 2009 Maxima and Altima.
At what mileage does the steering problem usually happen?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 67,000 miles for steering-related issues on the 2010 Maxima.
Did the 2010 Maxima steering problem cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the steering complaints for the 2010 Maxima.
Do later Maxima model years have the same steering issue?: No. Complaint counts drop sharply after 2010, with 9 complaints in 2011 and 10 in 2012, compared to 158 in 2010.