2010 Nissan Altima recalls and problems

The 2010 Nissan Altima has 3 safety recalls and 381 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
381
Crashes / fires
25 / 9
Injuries / deaths
37 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Nissan Altima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Nissan Altima recalls

Recall 10V-401: Equipment

Reported Sep 10, 2010 · 7,948 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall 10V-193: Structure

Reported May 7, 2010 · 113 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary repair free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall 09V-358: Suspension

Reported Sep 16, 2009 · 26,398 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

2010 Nissan Altima problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System74
Power Train73
Unknown or Other70
Air Bags61
Engine50
Suspension31
Structure30
Service Brakes28
Visibility/Wiper22
Steering20
Vehicle Speed Control20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)7

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 17
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 4
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,128 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Sep 29, 2026
Vehicle pulled out in front of me exiting from parallel park into oncoming traffic causing me to skid(slam brakes) & steer off into the other lane of traffic. When I got out to check the scenery & make sure she was okay, she flipped me off & Proceeded to curse me out
Unknown or Other · reported May 13, 2026
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…
Suspension · at 95,000 miles · reported Sep 25, 2025
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 3, 2025
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.
Engine · reported Jun 21, 2025
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

Other Nissan Altima years

Compare all Nissan Altima years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Nissan Altima: 10V-401 (equipment), 10V-193 (structure), 09V-358 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Nissan Altima?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (74 reports), followed by power train (73). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,128 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.