2010 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 275 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2010 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2010 Nissan Maxima.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2010 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 Maxima has 275 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 275
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Suspension Failures. 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 Maxima?
The 2010 Nissan Maxima 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 Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs or replacements.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and steering before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs or replacements.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and steering before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Nissan Maxima, 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
Based on 275 NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Nissan Maxima, the data suggests that steering defects are the most frequently reported issue, followed by electrical faults. A small number of crash-related complaints (7) were also recorded. However, the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Steering defects account for the largest share of complaints (158 out of 275).
- Electrical faults are the second most common complaint category (79 complaints).
- Only 7 crash-related complaints were reported, which is a small fraction of total complaints.
- Steering Defects: 158 complaints, the most reported issue.
- Electrical Faults: 79 complaints, the second most common.
- Suspension Failures: 29 complaints, a notable concern.
All 2010 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 158 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 79 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 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 Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Yes the tire sensor light is on and the suspension has gone out and I have been advised that it needs struts and sway bar links and that I can not drive it or it will cause a wreck/collision.. Nissan has a recall on Nissan maximas for suspension but said my model is not included…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illumina…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then stated that the RPM’s failed to increase. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted …
Things keep getting into my air filter/ air filter box and airflow sensor such as leaves, sunflower seeds, cigarette butts, sticks. This has happened multiple times. Drive my car daily
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the mechanic retrieved DTC: B10180CS (Passenger Side Air Bags sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The ma…
Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction sun hits dash. If sun is coming from straight ahead makes a glare that is very dif…
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, co…
Car shuts down while driving. Hard to get back started. It runs for 30 min and when you apply gas the car shuts down. Seems like this is an issue on several year models. Try replacing fuel pump and that didn’t happen. Has a new battery and there is still and issue
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wal…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from the door and frame. The contact had to force and push the door back closed and a…
Passenger side strut insulator is cracked
Motor mount is cracked causing engine to shudder
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to violently shake without warning as his vehicle also began to wobble uncontrollably. The contact stated that the wobbling came to a stop once he released his foot of…
CVT torque converter codes p0774 leading to total transmission replacement.
I bought this vehicle used and with the dash being defective from the heat and humidity, it puts off a glare on the windshield which makes it extremely difficult to see through.
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ASSEMBLY WENT OUT AND I'M NOT ABLE TO CRANK MY CAR. APPARENTLY MY 2010 WASN'T AVAILABLE IN THE RECALL OR CAMPAIGN . IT QUIT WORKING IN MY DRIVEWAY
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING CAUSING A GLARE FROM THE WINDSHIELD! WHEN I CALLED NISSAN, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. HOWEVER THIS A DEFECTIVE PART FROM THEIR MANUFACTOR THATS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NOT SEE!
THE DASHBOARD IN MY 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA BEGAN TO MELT AND IS VERY STICKY TO THE TO TOUCH AND THE GLARE MAKE IT HARD TO DRIVE IF THE SUN IS SHINING ON THE DASHBOARD.THIS BEGIN TO HAPPEN IN 2018.I CALLED TO DEALER AND THE NISSAN COMPANY,BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED THERE WAS…
MY TRANSMISSION SOUNDS VERY LOUD WHEN I ACCELERATE UNTIL I GET TO ABOUT 55 MPH. IT SEEMS TO FEEL ROUGH AS WELL DURING THAT PERIOD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE. MY PASSENGER SEAT DOESN'T BLOW COLD AIR
MY POWER STEERING PUMP HAS A SLOW LEAK IN IT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Nissan Maxima.
2010 Nissan Maxima Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. 1 recall campaign is 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 Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 275 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2010 Nissan Maxima 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 Maxima?▾
#1: Steering Defects (158 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (79 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (29 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Nissan Maxima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 275 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2010 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is SUSPENSION. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2010 Nissan Maxima 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 Steering Defects 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 Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Nissan Maxima 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.