2010 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 275 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (46% of complaints); the 2008 and 2011 and 2012 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 275 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 and what is recalled on other maximas is exactly what's wrong with mine! My car sounds like it's about to fall apart.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2024
“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 illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger's side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 2024
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,247.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2023
“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, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2022
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2022
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2021
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2021
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2021
“For while the car would vibrate when hitting even the slide is bump causing instability in not only steering noises clicking but once we save enough money to pay for the fix finally finding out it was the insulator for the strut this part of the same recall which stated this insulator was a different manufacturer therefore not applicable to this recall”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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).
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2010 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Maxima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?
NHTSA has 275 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. The most complained-about area is steering (46% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan Maxima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.