2010 Nissan Maxima Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 19, 2024 · 275 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Maxima years
Far more complaints than other years 6th of 29 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Nissan Maxima. That ranks 6th out of 29 Maxima model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (158 complaints, 57%), typically at around 67,000 miles. Complaints mention 7 crashes, 2 fires, 11 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Nissan Maxima
2009 Nissan Maxima photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2010 Nissan Maxima problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering158 · ~67,000 mi
Electrical System79 · ~67,500 mi
Suspension29 · ~74,062 mi
Unknown or Other24 · ~68,000 mi
Engine20 · ~66,475 mi
Air Bags15 · ~21,000 mi
Power Train15 · ~96,500 mi
Structure11 · ~47,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control7 · ~35,000 mi
Seats6 · ~113,800 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering problems15857%67,000“steering lock” (26%)$1,400
Electrical System problems7929%67,500“steering lock” (27%)$1,350
Suspension2911%74,062——
Unknown or Other249%68,000——
Engine207%66,475——
Air Bags155%21,000——
Power Train155%96,500——
Structure114%47,000——
Vehicle Speed Control73%35,000——
Seats62%113,800——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)41%82,000——
Visibility41%55,500——
Visibility/wiper41%101,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling31%2,975——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility31%72,000——
Service Brakes31%45,000——
Tires31%65,000——
Wheels31%86,233——
Exterior Lighting21%55,816——
Fuel/propulsion System21%30,000——
Latches/locks/linkages10%70,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2014, with 71 complaints
2010: 102010102011: 992012: 6201262013: 23232014: 712014712015: 58582016: 362016362017: 13132018: 122018122019: 882020: 8202082021: 12122022: 3202232023: 442024: 220242

n = 275 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2010 Nissan Maxima recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

SuspensionSep 16, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V358000 · 26,398 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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).

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Suspension · received Mar 19, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11578189

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…

Suspension · received Feb 8, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11570830

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 into reverse, he…

Power Train · received Sep 8, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11543366

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

Unknown or Other · received May 31, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11524727

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…

Air Bags · received May 30, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11524424

Other Nissan Maxima years

← 2009 Maxima · 2011 Maxima →

See all Nissan Maxima problems by year, every Nissan model, or the Nissan VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?

Owners most often report steering, electrical system, suspension problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 158 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Nissan Maxima?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2010 Nissan Maxima a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Maxima model years, the 2010 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.