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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-NISSAN-ALTIMA
2010 · nissan

nissan Altima problems

2 safety recalls. 378 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
67 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
60 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
50 reports · avg $1,100
severe
body
26 reports · avg $1,500
severe
suspension
24 reports · avg $900
moderate
engine
20 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
20 reports · avg $700
severe
visibility
16 reports · avg $350
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Altima · brakes
MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOPPED IT OFF WITH OIL AND IT WENT HOME. THIS WAS ON SUNDAY. I TOOK IT IN MONDAY TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING AND I HAD IT REPLACED FOR $612.73. I CALLED NISSAN AS I FOUND THERE WERE SOME COMPLAINTS AND FOUND A SITE WHERE…
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668733.0
2010 Altima · other
THE VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED AN OVERLY REFLECTIVE FINISH ON MOST OF THE PLASTIC/RUBBERIZED DASHBOARD SURFACES, LIKELY DUE TO NORMAL SUN AND/OR HEAT EXPOSURE. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED BY REFLECTED LIGHT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
12/26/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11384990.0
2010 Altima · electrical
THE CAR FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THE ENTIRE HARNESS SUB FAILED. I HAD TO TOW AWAY THE CAR TO THE NEAREST NISSAN SHOWROOM AND WAS CHARGED $440 TO REPLACE HARNESS-SUB, SWITCH ASSY STO, BAND HOSE PLUS LABOR. PS: THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT NISSAN WONT…
12/22/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667789.0
2010 Altima · airbags Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON A DAMP ROAD, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE OVERPASS. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE…
12/21/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811405.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 09V358000 16/09/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS

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.

Fix: 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).
severe NHTSA 10V193000 07/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010

IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 378 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Nissan Altima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Nissan Altima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 67 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Altima has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Nissan Altima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 378 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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