Owners have filed 541 complaints
about the 2010 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 44
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 80
15.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1740.5%
Automatic Transmission
1126.2%
Frontal
49.5%
Dashboard
24.8%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
24.8%
Ignition
24.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
24.8%
Front
24.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
205.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
276.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5113.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8321.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7519.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
369.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7719.7%
150,000+ miles
225.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2010peak 14May 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Nissan Altima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
10V193000
STRUCTURE
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO A TOOL MAINTENANCE ERROR.
Risk: IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.
09V358000
SUSPENSION
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20092632,276 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the metal upper strut insulators may have been manufactured incorrectly and, as a result, could fail. In the worse case this could allow the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, adversely affecting vehicle handling. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the front strut insulators.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rex, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught on fire my be a electrical problem
NHTSA complaint #11736078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it to the front seat and passenger side seat of the vehicle. I didn’t call 911 and fire services responded and put the fire out. According to the Montgomery Police Department, Delano police support Center vehicle was not involved in any type of car accident.
NHTSA complaint #11586905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, ALFire
ENGINE
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it to the front seat and passenger side seat of the vehicle. I didn’t call 911 and fire services responded and put the fire out. According to the Montgomery Police Department, Delano police support Center vehicle was not involved in any type of car accident.
NHTSA complaint #11586905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seneca, ILFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today my 16 year old daughter drove my 2010 Nissan Altima. At 45 mph it started to jerk. She pulled over to check things out and saw nothing. She went to put it back in drive and the gear shifter wouldn’t stay in proper drive position, but she started driving. It continued and began jerking, making a popping sound, and then started pouring smoke. She pulled over, got out and got my 10 year old daughter out when she saw a flame by the windshield and they ran away from the vehicle before it became engulfed in flames very quickly. The entire vehicle is ash except the frame in a short period of time.
NHTSA complaint #11533849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herndon, VAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
Inspection is available, but note that car is in very poor shape and melted. All persons in the vehicle at the time of the incident were in extreme danger as the car showed no warning signed in the engine heat or check lights in the dashboard before the engine sputtered and slowed, the electrical sparked, and the whole front of the car caught on fire. The fire spread on a matter of 10 minutes and burst the windshield and front tires from the flames. Police inspected the remains of the vehicle and were unable to discover the source outside of the leaking oil still on fire by the electrical unit. Claim has been reported to insurance provider for their review.
NHTSA complaint #11516222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herndon, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Inspection is available, but note that car is in very poor shape and melted. All persons in the vehicle at the time of the incident were in extreme danger as the car showed no warning signed in the engine heat or check lights in the dashboard before the engine sputtered and slowed, the electrical sparked, and the whole front of the car caught on fire. The fire spread on a matter of 10 minutes and burst the windshield and front tires from the flames. Police inspected the remains of the vehicle and were unable to discover the source outside of the leaking oil still on fire by the electrical unit. Claim has been reported to insurance provider for their review.
NHTSA complaint #11516222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
NEW Smyrna Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof completely dislodged from the vehicle and flew off into the traffic behind me on a highway. This included the entire sunroof - the frame, casing, window, mechanics and all! This was obviously a major safety issue for any vehicle driving behind me as well as a safety issue for me driving while such an explosive event occurred - highly alarming and dangerous. The problem has not yet been inspected by a shop, dealer, police officer, or insurance adjuster. I do not have the part for inspection as it is shattered in or off the highway somewhere and trying to retrieve it would have been very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11737533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rex, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught on fire my be a electrical problem
NHTSA complaint #11736078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle doesn't work properbaliy
NHTSA complaint #11712942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Vehicle doesn't work properbaliy
NHTSA complaint #11712942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFranklin, MA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion on the rear cross-member. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the corrosion affected several parts of the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maineville, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard has started melting. Front half of dash has started oozing a black, sticky, shiny tar-like substance in addition to an odor. Sticks to everything and does not come off or stop oozing. Spreading to more area of the dashboard. Does create a glare on the windshield, obstructing visibility. Have always used a sun shield since purchasing the car in 2022. This just started ~7/31/2025.
NHTSA complaint #11678043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11674819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
POWER TRAIN
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
NHTSA complaint #11668297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
NHTSA complaint #11668297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
ENGINE
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d
NHTSA complaint #11668297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the incident and they said they will take care of it and to make a police report. I call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the incident and they said they will take care of it and to make a police report. I call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SUSPENSION
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the incident and they said they will take care of it and to make a police report. I call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bound Brook, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Batteries continue to go dead, have had at least 8 batteries since 2012. Nissan started charging me for batteries got too be expensive & told them this is a huge concern because I travel alone & if I get stranded this is unsafe for me. Gave me all kinds of excuses as to why batteries are going dead. Again, my car is in the driveway with a dead battery. Thank goodness I wasn't travelling, stopped at a rest area & came out to a dead battery. I have to pull my backup for the mileage reference first time I had a dead battery. I can't upload any information because of not enough memory, but I do have all backup.
NHTSA complaint #11612021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bound Brook, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since 2011/2012 at times Altima won't start. Stopped going to dealer because of excuses & expense after warranty expired. Have been calling AAA. Have had at least 8 batteries replaced. This is a safety issue for me when I travel alone. When I turn the car off I pray evertime that the car starts. I have to pull my paperwork for exact date this started. I only have 92,000 miles on my Altima. So far so good with the latest battery, fingers crossed. Start date below is approximate, have to pull my paperwork.
NHTSA complaint #11604659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it to the front seat and passenger side seat of the vehicle. I didn’t call 911 and fire services responded and put the fire out. According to the Montgomery Police Department, Delano police support Center vehicle was not involved in any type of car accident.
NHTSA complaint #11586905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, ALFire
ENGINE
Yes, while driving down Atlanta Highway I was going around 55 mph then all of a sudden saw smoke was coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. When I pulled over Flames was coming from the front right side and spread it to the center of the front hood, then spread it to the front seat and passenger side seat of the vehicle. I didn’t call 911 and fire services responded and put the fire out. According to the Montgomery Police Department, Delano police support Center vehicle was not involved in any type of car accident.
NHTSA complaint #11586905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hugo, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY MELTING AND THE CHEMICALS THATS BEING RELEASED ARE VERY SMELLY AND EYE BURNING. FROM THE VENTS DOWN TO RIGHT BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFT HAS PIECES MISSING CONTROL UNITS DONT EVEN SIT IN ORIGINAL PLACE BECAUSE THE ENTIRE DASH IS MELTING AND WONT HOLD TOGETHER AND CHEMICALS ARE RELEASED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. TURN THE AC DEBRIS COMES OUT AND EYES BURN TO THE POINT EVERY ONE HAS TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. EYES BURN REGUARDLESS OF AC BUT WHEN ITS ON ITS 10X WORSE. IVE OWNED THIS CAR 2 YEARS AND ITS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE I GOT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11582136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hugo, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A CVT TRANSMISSION IS MY CAR, AND ITS TERRIBLY SCARY. IT SHIFTS IF IT WANT TOO I TRY TO SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY HOPING TO HELP IT SHIFT IT STILL DONT I HAVE TO COME ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP. I GET OFF THE GAS CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND OR STALLS AND SHAKES AND THEN TAKES OFF. TRY TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR LITERALLY GOES NO WHERE THAN MINS LATER IT JUST TAKES OFF WITHOUT FOOT BEING ON GAS PEDAL. LOTS OF HESISTATION SHUDDERING LURCHING STALLING ITS REALLY SCARY TO DRIVE AT NIGHT TIME AND THROUGH BUSY PLACES. YOU PUT IT GEARS AND IT EVEN JUMPS AND OR ROCKS BACK AND FORTH
NHTSA complaint #11582140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesDenton, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that seat air bag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
NHTSA complaint #11569497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dashboard is melted. The shiny surface that this melted area has created causes a terrible glare when driving during the day to the point where it is difficult to see the road or oncoming traffic well. The surface is extremely sticky to the touch. Melting has progressively been getting worse.
NHTSA complaint #11565799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Fuel system and Gauge - Smell of gas in the car, gas gurgles out of the filler tube. Concerned of driving the car with the smell of gas. - Dealer says repair it's not covered yet there's a recall bulletin on this problem (Nissan TSB NTB17-030). Say's diagnosing the problem isn't covered nor the repair. - NO - Fuel gauge reacts very slowly, won't go past halfway point. Can only fill $5 dollars of gas into the tank.
NHTSA complaint #11565002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
STEERING
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11551595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11551595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
SUSPENSION
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11551595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.