2010 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 378 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2010 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2010 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2010 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2010 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Nissan Altima has 378 owner complaints, 25 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 378
- Crash-related complaints
- 25
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Nissan Altima?
The 2010 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for signs of slipping or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for signs of slipping or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and airbag system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2010 Nissan Altima are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems, each with 73 reports. Airbag malfunctions and engine problems also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but confidence is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Transmission/drivetrain and electrical faults each account for 73 complaints, the highest counts.
- Airbag malfunctions are reported 61 times, indicating a possible recurring theme.
- Engine problems (54 complaints) and suspension failures (31 complaints) are also notable.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues, such as hesitation or failure.
- Electrical Faults, including battery or wiring problems.
- Airbag Malfunctions, potentially involving non-deployment or inadvertent activation.
All 2010 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 73 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 73 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 69 | — | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 61 | 14 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 54 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 31 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 31 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 30 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle doesn't work properbaliy
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 mechani…
Dashboard has started melting. Front half of dash has started oozing a black, sticky, shiny tar-like substance in addition to an odor. Sticks to everything and does not come off or stop oozing. Spreading to more area of the dashboard. Does create a glare on the windshield, ob…
UNKNOWN
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
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 …
Batteries continue to go dead, have had at least 8 batteries since 2012. Nissan started charging me for batteries got too be expensive & told them this is a huge concern because I travel alone & if I get stranded this is unsafe for me. Gave me all kinds of excuses as to why bat…
Since 2011/2012 at times Altima won't start. Stopped going to dealer because of excuses & expense after warranty expired. Have been calling AAA. Have had at least 8 batteries replaced. This is a safety issue for me when I travel alone. When I turn the car off I pray evertime…
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it …
THIS CAR DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY MELTING AND THE CHEMICALS THATS BEING RELEASED ARE VERY SMELLY AND EYE BURNING. FROM THE VENTS DOWN TO RIGHT BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFT HAS PIECES MISSING CONTROL UNITS DONT EVEN SIT IN ORIGINAL PLACE BECAUSE THE ENTIRE DASH IS MELTING AND WONT HOLD TO…
I HAVE A CVT TRANSMISSION IS MY CAR, AND ITS TERRIBLY SCARY. IT SHIFTS IF IT WANT TOO I TRY TO SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY HOPING TO HELP IT SHIFT IT STILL DONT I HAVE TO COME ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP. I GET OFF THE GAS CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND OR STALLS AND SHAKES AND THEN TAKES OF…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that seat air bag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informe…
The dashboard is melted. The shiny surface that this melted area has created causes a terrible glare when driving during the day to the point where it is difficult to see the road or oncoming traffic well. The surface is extremely sticky to the touch. Melting has progressively be…
- Fuel system and Gauge - Smell of gas in the car, gas gurgles out of the filler tube. Concerned of driving the car with the smell of gas. - Dealer says repair it's not covered yet there's a recall bulletin on this problem (Nissan TSB NTB17-030). Say's diagnosing the problem i…
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 showin…
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 re…
Dashboard is melting and cracking. Glare makes it hard to see out of the windshield.
At some point on the highway the car throttles down to less than 60 mph. Mashing the gas pedal to the floor results in nothing happening. This causes a dangerous road situation with the slower speed, but the worst part is when it suddenly begins to accelerate again, potentially h…
Today my 16 year old daughter drove my 2010 Nissan Altima. At 45 mph it started to jerk. She pulled over to check things out and saw nothing. She went to put it back in drive and the gear shifter wouldn’t stay in proper drive position, but she started driving. It continued and be…
I've owned my Ultima for approximately 9 years the dashboard is melting and cracking causing poor visibility, glares, melting dashboard with cracks causing wires to be exposed to hot heat and sun.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Nissan Altima.
2010 Nissan Altima Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Nissan Altima. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 378 owner complaints, 25 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (73 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (73 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (69 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 25 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 378 total complaints. 37 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2010 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.