CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Nissan Altima electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Nissan Altima have filed 61 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 46,760 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Altima | 54 |
| 2007 Altima | 34 |
| 2008 Altima | 66 |
| 2009 Altima | 208 |
| 2010 Altima (this page) | 61 |
| 2011 Altima | 26 |
| 2012 Altima | 38 |
| 2013 Altima | 127 |
| 2014 Altima | 59 |
1crash
4fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 61 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 61 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect âTest with DCAâ and âReplaceâ results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: ï· CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-500
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The brake light switch and wiring harness stand out as the dominant failure across these 60 complaints. Owners describe a stiff brake pedal that won't depress, blocking the push-button start even when all electrical functions light up. Nissan issued technical service bulletin NTB10-139 in November 2010 acknowledging this as a known issue—yet the repair (~$500–$800) remains the owner's responsibility. Some owners report the same problem recurs or that subsequent parts need replacement when the fix doesn't take.
Battery drain is a close second concern. Several owners replaced batteries five to eight times, with dealers finding nothing wrong through diagnostics. One service manager confided that the faulty brake switch itself bleeds current continuously, heating the wiring harness until the battery dies within 1–2 weeks.
Less common but more alarming: multiple owners report the engine shutting down without warning while driving—loss of all power including steering and brakes—with no diagnostic codes afterward. Dealers can't reproduce it. Two owners describe fires, one linked to the electrical unit. A handful report airbag occupancy sensor failures, steering wheel locking when parked, sunroof leaks, melting dashboards, and headlight accessibility costs exceeding $100 per bulb.
Key-fob-only ignition is a safety concern. If the fob breaks or battery dies, you cannot start the vehicle; Nissan won't sell a backup fob, only charges $300+ for one.
Same Nissan Altima electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Brake light switch and wiring harness failure
Faulty brake light switch and associated wiring harness prevents push-button start operation. Owners report the brake pedal becomes difficult or impossible to depress, blocking start function. The switch also controls brake lights and integrates with the immobilizer security system. Nissan issued TSB NTB10-139 in November 2010 acknowledging this as a known issue, offering a replacement switch and new harness at owner expense (~$500-$800 per multiple reports).
When: Typically appears between 20,000 and 100,000 miles; several owners report issues within the first 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button start does not respond or requires multiple attempts; Brake pedal becomes stiff and difficult or impossible to depress; Vehicle immobilized until pedal can be depressed; ABS, VDC (traction control), and slip lights illuminate on dashboard; Sometimes accompanied by clicking sounds at start button; Brake lights may not function while driving
Codes mentioned: TSB NTB10-139
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan service bulletin NTB10-139 calls for replacement of stop lamp switch (part 25320-JN00A), wiring harness sub-assembly (part 24167-ZX00J), and band hoses. Labor and parts typically $500–$800 at dealership; some owners report ~$567 parts and labor, others over $800. One owner reported dealer quoted $569.35 just for BCM replacement after initial switch/harness work failed to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB10-139 issued November 23, 2010; Nissan acknowledged as 'known issue' per service managers in owner narratives. Service bulletins exist but are not issued as recalls; repairs remain owner responsibility.
Parasitic battery drain
Battery goes dead repeatedly despite being fully charged or newly installed. Owners report replacing batteries multiple times (5–8 replacements over vehicle lifetime in some cases) with no root cause found by dealer diagnostics. One service manager stated off-record that a faulty brake switch and wiring harness continuously bleed electrical current, heating the harness and draining battery over 1–2 weeks.
When: Can occur as early as first year of ownership; some owners report ongoing issues through 5+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains completely within days or weeks despite recent replacement; Vehicle will not start after sitting, even with fully charged battery; Jump-start provides temporary fix; vehicle dies again shortly after; Multiple battery replacements do not solve problem; Dealer diagnostics find nothing conclusive; Vehicle may be stationary at time of failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement costs variable; owners paid for multiple replacements out of warranty. One owner had 8 batteries installed from 2012–2018. Diagnostic testing by dealers showed nothing definitive; one independent mechanic suggested parasitic drain in electrical system but could not isolate cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan USA declined buyback or warranty repair when contacted by out-of-warranty owner; dealership blamed weather and insufficient mileage accumulation.
Loss of power while driving
Engine stalls or shuts down completely while vehicle is in motion, typically during stops, deceleration, or cornering at low speed. All electrical systems including power steering and brakes shut down. Vehicle may not restart immediately. Multiple owners report this is most likely to occur during extended highway driving in hot weather or when making a turn at low speed.
When: Occurs during operation at various mileages; one owner reports first incident around 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving or coming to stop; Loss of power steering and brake power assist; All electrical systems go dark; Vehicle does not immediately restart (takes several minutes in some cases); No warning lights or error codes present before shutdown; Occurs most often during long highway trips, hot weather, or low-speed turns; Dealer unable to diagnose or reproduce issue; no diagnostic codes generated
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted or completed by owners; dealer diagnostics found no codes and could not reproduce issue. One owner had transmission replaced under recall as exploratory measure, but problem persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall issued for this failure mode.
Passenger airbag occupancy sensor failure
Airbag system does not recognize passenger in seat. 'Airbag off' warning light illuminates intermittently even when adult passenger is seated. Entire seat was replaced in one case without resolving the issue. Light may take 5+ minutes to indicate occupancy or never does.
When: Can occur throughout vehicle ownership; one owner reports issue persisted from new vehicle purchase (2010) through years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: 'Airbag off' light illuminates when passenger seated; Light comes on erratically, approximately 10% of the time in one owner's report; Passenger unprotected by airbag during extended periods (up to 4 miles in one case); Delay of up to 5 minutes before airbag system recognizes occupancy; Problem persists after seat replacement
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had entire passenger seat replaced; issue recurred. Dealership told owner this is 'normal' behavior. No other repair attempts documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated behavior is normal; no recall or service bulletin issued.
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction
Tire pressure warning light comes on and off sporadically with no actual tire pressure problems found during inspection. Light may blink or remain constant. One owner reports tire pressure light has been coming on since purchase (2009) with intermittent false warnings.
When: Intermittent throughout vehicle ownership; one owner reports starting from date of purchase in 2009
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure light blinks and/or illuminates constantly; No tire pressure problem found when inspected; Light comes on and off randomly; One instance of actual nail found and tire plugged; light continued to malfunction
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One tire plugged after nail found, but light continued to malfunction. No other repairs documented.
Key fob and push-start system failures
Vehicle does not recognize key fob input or push-start button becomes unresponsive. System may fail to recognize fob on multiple attempts or require extended wait periods. Vehicle also lacks traditional key cylinder and cannot be started without functioning fob, creating stranding risk if fob is lost, damaged, or battery dies.
When: Occurs at various mileages; one owner reports first occurrence at ~26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not recognize key fob; Push-start button does not respond to input; Vehicle will not start despite multiple attempts; May start after waiting 15–20 minutes or after jump-start; System functions intermittently; sometimes starts, sometimes does not; No physical key access available as backup
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had starter replaced by non-dealer mechanic without resolution. Dealer diagnostic fee quoted at $119. Brake switch and harness replacement attempted in other cases (see brake light switch failure mode) without success in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refuses to sell backup key fob or provide aftermarket key cylinder; charges over $300 for replacement fob. Trunk also lacks physical key access.
Dashboard melting and sun glare
Dashboard material deteriorates and melts, creating a glossy finish that reflects sunlight and impairs driver visibility. One owner reports blinding glare preventing safe windshield viewing in direct sunlight. Quoted repair costs are high (~$3,500 at one dealership, ~$1,750 at another using salvage dash).
When: Occurs under sun exposure; one owner reported issue within vehicle lifetime of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard material disintegrates or warps; Glossy finish creates severe sun glare; Blinding glare impairs windshield visibility; Affects driver safety in daytime driving
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Quoted repairs: $3,500 for new OEM dash, ~$1,750 for salvage yard dash. One owner installed aftermarket dash cover (~$300) instead of dealership repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership stated not a manufacturing defect; owner declined high-cost repairs.
Sunroof leaking and water intrusion
Sunroof leaks water into cabin during rain, accumulating up to 3 inches of water in rear floorboard. Requires dealership removal of headliner to clean and address water line. Multiple service visits required.
When: Occurs during ownership when it rains; one owner reports needing multiple service visits over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks into cabin from sunroof; Rear floorboard fills with water (up to 3 inches in one case); Water requires professional cleanup and headliner removal
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Service visits cost approximately $150 each; one owner reports 2–3 visits needed. Owner resorted to duct-taping sunroof shut as temporary fix.
Engine fire
Engine caught fire while driving at 55 mph on highway, spreading from front passenger side to hood and seats. No prior warning lights or indication of overheating. Fire services responded; police unable to determine ignition source outside of leaking oil still burning at electrical unit.
When: Occurred during normal highway driving; vehicle inspection available
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from front passenger side at 55 mph; Flames spread from front passenger area to center hood to seats; No warning lights or heat indication prior to fire; Electrical unit area with leaking oil noted as potential source
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; fire services extinguished fire. Police unable to confirm ignition source.
Alternator failure
Alternator fails, causing battery to discharge. Vehicle shakes uncontrollably after starting with abnormal engine noise. Occurs randomly during normal operation.
When: Documented at approximately 76,087 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from engine after starting; Vehicle shakes uncontrollably without warning; Battery discharge leads to starting difficulty
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required; repair not completed per narrative.
Electronic steering column lock (ESCL) failure
Steering wheel locks when vehicle is parked and turned off, trapping driver in vehicle or preventing normal operation. Nissan issued service campaign (not recall) in March 2017 for 2009–2010 Altima models to replace ESCL with electronic steering column lock box at no charge. Campaign statement indicates the locking function is unnecessary due to anti-theft immobilizers.
When: Occurs when vehicle is parked and turned off
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes locked when vehicle is parked; Prevents driver from moving vehicle or leaving safely; Electronic steering lock system malfunction
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan service campaign (not official recall) offers free replacement of ESCL with electronic steering column lock at authorized dealers (~1 hour labor). Nissan will reimburse prior repairs if owner can provide proof, with reimbursement threshold of $1,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued service campaign (March 2017) offering free replacement of steering column lock assembly with electronic steering column box. No parts cost, labor free at authorized dealers. Reimbursement available for prior repairs with proof of ownership and repair receipts.
Dashboard warning light malfunction and illumination error
Brake light indicator and other dashboard warning lights (VDC, slip, ABS) remain illuminated or blink intermittently during normal driving when no actual fault is present. Lights do not respond to system reset attempts. In some cases, brake light instruction contradicts known safety function (dealer stated brake lights should only come on with key on, contrary to standard automotive safety).
When: Occurs intermittently during operation at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, VDC (traction control), and slip lights remain constantly illuminated while driving; Lights may blink erratically; No actual system fault present when diagnostics run; Lights do not extinguish after reset attempts; Some owners report lights cycling on and off unpredictably
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch and harness replacement attempted in multiple cases with mixed results. Some owners report lights persist even after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership instruction to 'disregard brake light' when no actual fault found. One dealership manager provided incorrect guidance that brake lights should only activate with key on.
Inadequate headlight accessibility and high replacement cost
Headlight bulb replacement requires dealership service at prohibitive cost (over $100 per bulb per owner report). No owner-accessible bulb replacement procedure available. High cost discourages maintenance and creates potential safety issue if drivers delay replacement.
When: When bulb burns out requiring replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulb failure; No access for owner to replace bulb
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid over $100 for single bulb replacement; high cost noted as deterrent to timely maintenance.
Dashboard light indicator inadequacy
Dashboard illumination insufficient to clearly indicate whether lights are in 'on' or 'off' position, creating human factors safety risk. Dashboard does not dim distinctly when lights are off, unlike conventional vehicles. Driver cannot reliably determine lighting status at dusk and dawn. Professional engineer with expertise in human reliability analysis attributed vehicle involvement in collision to this design defect.
When: During dusk and dawn driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard does not clearly indicate light switch position; Insufficient illumination difference between 'on' and 'off' states; Driver unable to determine if lights are active; Risk of driving without lights during low-light conditions
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in collision; one occupant suffered four broken ribs; others sustained additional injuries.
HVAC system and electrical corrosion
Air conditioning and heating unit fails to operate. Dashboard and HVAC components corrode. Radio malfunctions. Occurs at higher mileage (138,000+ miles). Requires replacement of dashboard and HVAC system.
When: Documented at 138,025 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning and heating unit failure; Dashboard disintegration; Radio malfunction and failure to operate; Component corrosion
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dashboard and HVAC replacement required per dealer diagnosis; repair scheduled but not completed per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per narrative.
Cruise control unexpected shutdown
Cruise control disengages suddenly without warning or driver input. No warning lights or alerts precede shutdown. Causes immediate loss of speed and potential traffic hazard.
When: At highway speed (65 mph noted); occurred twice within one month
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control shuts off suddenly with no warning; No alert or indicator light precedes shutdown; Immediate speed loss
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Owner planned to take to dealership for diagnosis; no repair documented.
Pushbutton start system unable to enable with stiff brake pedal
Brake pedal becomes stiff and immobile, preventing depression needed to enable push-button start function. Brake pedal may not move even 1/16 inch. System locks transmission in Park and prevents engine start. Brake lights also non-functional when pedal cannot be depressed.
When: Occurs intermittently; can happen repeatedly in succession
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes completely stiff and will not depress; Start button only reaches accessory position when pushed without functional brake pedal; Transmission locked in Park; Brake lights non-functional despite key being on; Vehicle immobilized until brake pedal can be manually moved
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch and harness replacement attempted as repair per TSB NTB10-139 in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided incorrect guidance that brake lights should only come on when key is on, contrary to standard automotive safety function.
Body control module (BCM) and electrical integration failure
Body control module fails or loses communication with brake switch and wiring harness, preventing proper integration of brake input with push-start system. Dealer diagnostics confirm power switching at BCM but no engagement of starter. BCM replacement quoted as necessary repair in at least one case.
When: Related to brake switch and harness failures; one case documented after initial switch/harness replacement failed
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite brake pedal depression; Power confirmed at BCM but starter not engaging; VDC, ABS, and slip lights illuminate
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement quoted at $569.35 plus diagnosis; owner declined. Related to brake switch failure (see TSB NTB10-139).
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 refund my money. How can a vehicle just under 50k fail for such a thing if not for a bad factory harness. *tr
My 2010 altima had been going dead for the last 3 days. I have to get a jump a jump in the am for work and after work when I leave. I took the vehicle to an auto parts store to test the battery and was told the battery was efficient so I am puzzled as to why this has been happening. I was told it may be the alternator. Today my car wouldn't start or even take a jump from another vehicle so I was…
Over the years ived had multiple problems with the branke and engine of my 2010 altima. The panel lights up but the engine does not crank. Pushing the ignition button only locks the brake.no warning signals either the car just dies on you ived paid over 700 everytime it needs repair, im very frustrated with my car and will never buy another Nissan vehicle.
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 61 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 24,524 and 67,500 miles, with the median around 46,760. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,524; a quarter make it past 67,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.