Owners have filed 399 complaints
about the 2010 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between 2010 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 27 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 — 68
Against the median year of the Nissan Maxima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 27
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% 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
1040.0%
Anti-Theft Device
312.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
312.0%
Automatic Transmission
312.0%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
28.0%
Frontal
28.0%
Electric Power Assist System
14.0%
Multiple Axle
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
30.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
144.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
205.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5716.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
11633.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6518.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5315.3%
150,000+ miles
185.2%
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.
Feb 2010peak 23Mar 2024
Recalls on the 2010 Nissan Maxima
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.
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.
at 149,000 milesDecatur, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesDecatur, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSnellville, GACrash
SUSPENSION
CRACKED STRUT HOUSINGS ON MY 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA .. BADLY. FEELS UNSTABLE IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11321888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,600 milesPenn Hills, PA1 injured
SEATS
DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUSED SECOND - THIRD DEGREE BURN ON THIGH ON 1/3/18. I FELT A TINGLING SENSATION WHILE DRIVING SO I TURNED THE HEATED SEAT OFF. THE SEAT HEATER WAS ON LOW WHEN THIS HAPPENED. ONCE HOME AND UPON INSPECTION OF MY SKIN I NOTICED THE BUR ON THE BACK OF MY RIGHT THIGH.
NHTSA complaint #11058554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS AT HOME ASLEEP WHEN A TEXT CAME THROUGH ON MY PHONE. IT WAS A TEXT FROM MY HOME ALARM LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE GARAGE. WHEN I WENT TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, THERE WERE BLACK STAINS ON THE WALLS BY THE GARAGE ENTRY DOOR. WHEN I REALIZED WHAT WAS GOING ON,I CALLED 911. I RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE LEAVING MY CAR KEYS AND PURSE ON THE BAR. WHEN I RAN TO THE ALLEY, MY NEIGHBOR AND A POLICE OFFICER TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT THAT CAME OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE DOOR(GARAGE DOOR WAS STILL CLOSED). WHEN THE FIREFIGHTERS PULLED THE GARAGE DOOR OFF, THE CAR WAS RUNNING WITH THE LIGHTS ON. ONCE THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY OUT, THE FIREFIGHTERS LOCATED MY CAR KEYS AND PURSE WHERE I LEFT THEM. THE CAR WAS STILL LOCKED BECAUSE I ALWAYS SET THE ALARM WHEN I GET OUT OF IT AND I DID NOT HAVE A REMOTE START. SO HOW DID THE CAR START BY ITSELF AND THE KEYS WERE INSIDE OF THE HOUSE?I LOST MY HOUSE AND CAR IN THE FIRE. HAD CAR SERVICED AT CLAY COOLEY NISSAN IN IRVING, TX APRIL 25,2017 FOR BATTERY DYING,BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON,VDC LIGHT WAS ON, BRAKES WERE MAKING A NOISE, AND WHEN ON BRAKES VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. TOTALLY CONFUSED AT THIS POINT NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11013838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFT Campbell, KYCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY HEADED TO NASHVILLE,TENNESSEE. I HAD BEEM DRIVING APROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES WHEN MY GAS PEDAL STOP WORKING ON ME. THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I START PULLING OVER TO GET OUTBOF OTHER CARS WAYS. THE BREAKS WERE STILL WORKING BUT THE GAS WAS NOT WORKING. I TURNED THE CAR ON AND OFF AND STILL NO GAS BUT ALLL OF THE SUDDEN ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON SO I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL MY INSURANCE FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I HAVE NEVER HAD OR HEARD OF AN ISSUE LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10896118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Knoxville, TN
SUSPENSION
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 recalled on other maximas is exactly what’s wrong with mine! My car sounds like it’s about to fall apart.
NHTSA complaint #11578189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesMontgomery, AL
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
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 was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesMontgomery, AL
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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 was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesMontgomery, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesHyattsville, MD
POWER TRAIN
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 heard a whining sound then the vehicle half shifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11524727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,247 milesRoanoke, VA
AIR BAGS
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 aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,247.
NHTSA complaint #11524424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction sun hits dash. If sun is coming from straight ahead makes a glare that is very difficult to see anything in front of you. Makes it difficult to see traffic lights or pedestrians which could cause dangerous harm to pedestrians, other drivers, or myself and passengers. Went to local Nissan dealer and was told the only fix would be to replace dashboard at my expense even though it is a common problem because there are no recalls on this issue. I purchased the vehicle used from another owner and was not aware of the problem and just thought it was something sticky that could be wiped off but found out it is a known problem when I went to dealer with issue.
NHTSA complaint #11513409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TN
STEERING
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11485332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TN
ENGINE
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11485332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11485332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisburg, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car shuts down while driving. Hard to get back started. It runs for 30 min and when you apply gas the car shuts down. Seems like this is an issue on several year models. Try replacing fuel pump and that didn’t happen. Has a new battery and there is still and issue
NHTSA complaint #11485064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesDecatur, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesDecatur, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesRochester, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from the door and frame. The contact had to force and push the door back closed and attempt to reopen the door, but it would not open at all. The contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger side door. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure latch assembly was disconnected and repaired the latch assembly, however, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11444852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
SUSPENSION
Passenger side strut insulator is cracked
NHTSA complaint #11443685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
ENGINE
Motor mount is cracked causing engine to shudder
NHTSA complaint #11443688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to violently shake without warning as his vehicle also began to wobble uncontrollably. The contact stated that the wobbling came to a stop once he released his foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked strut insulator. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11441426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, OH
POWER TRAIN
CVT torque converter codes p0774 leading to total transmission replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11436958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought this vehicle used and with the dash being defective from the heat and humidity, it puts off a glare on the windshield which makes it extremely difficult to see through.
NHTSA complaint #11429443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boiling Springs, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ASSEMBLY WENT OUT AND I'M NOT ABLE TO CRANK MY CAR. APPARENTLY MY 2010 WASN'T AVAILABLE IN THE RECALL OR CAMPAIGN . IT QUIT WORKING IN MY DRIVEWAY
NHTSA complaint #11406530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ruskin, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING CAUSING A GLARE FROM THE WINDSHIELD! WHEN I CALLED NISSAN, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. HOWEVER THIS A DEFECTIVE PART FROM THEIR MANUFACTOR THATS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NOT SEE!
NHTSA complaint #11400274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnsboro, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD IN MY 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA BEGAN TO MELT AND IS VERY STICKY TO THE TO TOUCH AND THE GLARE MAKE IT HARD TO DRIVE IF THE SUN IS SHINING ON THE DASHBOARD.THIS BEGIN TO HAPPEN IN 2018.I CALLED TO DEALER AND THE NISSAN COMPANY,BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE ABOUT MY PROBLEM .
NHTSA complaint #11397251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesNampa, ID
SEATS
MY TRANSMISSION SOUNDS VERY LOUD WHEN I ACCELERATE UNTIL I GET TO ABOUT 55 MPH. IT SEEMS TO FEEL ROUGH AS WELL DURING THAT PERIOD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE. MY PASSENGER SEAT DOESN'T BLOW COLD AIR
NHTSA complaint #11394562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesNampa, ID
POWER TRAIN
MY TRANSMISSION SOUNDS VERY LOUD WHEN I ACCELERATE UNTIL I GET TO ABOUT 55 MPH. IT SEEMS TO FEEL ROUGH AS WELL DURING THAT PERIOD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE. MY PASSENGER SEAT DOESN'T BLOW COLD AIR
NHTSA complaint #11394562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.