VehicleVerdict

2010 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 399 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Maxima year — the 2010 model ranks #6 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 40% of all reports (161 of 399), far ahead of electrical system at 83.

399

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted1,725 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 74 complaints1987: 194 complaints1988: 73 complaints1989: 78 complaints1990: 138 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 140 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 195 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 123 complaints1998: 133 complaints1999: 215 complaints2000: 467 complaints2001: 225 complaints2002: 278 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 1,725 complaints2005: 1,152 complaints2006: 733 complaints2007: 169 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 399 complaints2011: 138 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 126 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 224 complaints2017: 154 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering16140%
Electrical System8321%
Suspension297%
Other277%
Engine236%
Transmission154%
Airbags154%
Body & Structure113%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Speed Control72%
Seats62%
Tires & Wheels62%
Brakes31%
Lighting21%
Fuel System21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V358000SuspensionSeptember 16, 2009 · 26,398 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE AND STAYED LIT AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 30, 2015

“I ARRIVE HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM (PACIFIC) AND PARK MY VEHICLE (I DONT MOVE IT AT ALL). AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 AM (PACIFIC) ABOUT 13 HOURS LATER... THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES!! THE FIRE DEPT. SAYS IT COULD BE - IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 18, 2015 · fire

“FOR WHILE THE CAR WOULD VIBRATE WHEN HITTING EVEN THE SLIDE IS BUMP CAUSING INSTABILITY IN NOT ONLY STEERING NOISES CLICKING BUT ONCE WE SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR THE FIX FINALLY FINDING OUT IT WAS THE INSULATOR FOR THE STRUT THIS PART OF THE SAME RECALL WHICH STATED THIS INSULATOR WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 11, 2020

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 11, 2016 · crash

“WHILE DOING NORMAL DRIVING, ON TWO OCCASIONS, ONE COMING DOWN A SLIGHT HILL AND PLANNING TO STOP AT A CORNER, AND ONCE WHEN PULLING INTO MY CARPORT, WITH FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE RACING AT 2000 RPM OR SO, TRYING TO ACCELERATE. WAS ABLE TO HOLD CAR WITH FOOTBRAKE, AND, AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 7, 2010

2010 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 399 complaints put the 2010 model at #6 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (161 complaints), electrical system (83 complaints), suspension (29 complaints).

Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.