2010 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2010 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2010 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and airbags.
381 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 9th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2010 Nissan Altima problems
Electrical problems
74 complaints (19%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and instrument cluster / panel.
Transmission problems
73 complaints (19%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Airbag problems
61 complaints (16%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and sensor / control module.
Engine problems
54 complaints (14%) name the engine, most often the engine.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (268 of 381). The amber line is the middle value, about 54,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2010 Nissan Altima recalls
Navigational system(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Fire riskThe batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat. Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge.
Recall 10V401000 · Sep 2010Front side member welds may be substandard
Crash riskSome front side member assemblies were not welded to specification because of a tool maintenance error. If several structural welds are out of specification on one vehicle, it may reduce how well the car protects occupants in a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the front side member welds and repair them if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 10V193000 · May 2010Front strut insulators may crack
Crash riskSome front strut insulators may have been made outside specifications and can crack. A cracked insulator can let the strut rod slip out of place, which can hurt vehicle stability and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace both left and right front strut insulators free of charge.
Recall 09V358000 · Sep 2009Get an email when your 2010 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2010 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and airbags.
What are the most common 2010 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, transmission, airbags and engine. 74 complaints (19%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and instrument cluster / panel.
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan Altima electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 24,000–75,000 miles, with a middle value near 47,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Altima have?
3. Navigational system(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) (10V401000); Front side member welds may be substandard (10V193000); Front strut insulators may crack (09V358000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2010 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.