Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Before I started my trip to New Smyrna Beach, FL on May 28, 2022. I made sure my son checked the oil, the coolant, and my tire pressure. Car was running fine. Got on the highway and the car started making a load noise. I was able to get off the exit in Ormondo Beach, FL to check and see what was wrong. In the process I had to call my Husband and son. They came from Jacksonville, FL to check the car. The car temperature gauge went over half then back down. After resting for a while. My husband check the oil and it was low. He added oil and Lucas's oil. He drove the car back to Jacksonville, because I was afraid it might catch fire. We got 3 minutes from home; the car stalled out because he had to stop for a traffic light. And the black cloud of smoke came from the hood and back of the car. When had to push the car home. The car didn't give me no warning on the oil being low.
Ever since i got the car in May of 2022 I have had problems with my transmission, engine and problems with excessive oil leaking. I've tried to get it fixed. None of the repairs have fixed my car even with my warranty and I'm still having problems with it. I have also needed to get a valve cover replacement and many repairs to my engine. My dashboard also has difficulties working and turning on. Sometimes my brakes are faulty and require changes frequently. I also have no seatbelts in my backseat
At some point on the highway the car throttles down to less than 60 mph. Mashing the gas pedal to the floor results in nothing happening. This causes a dangerous road situation with the slower speed, but the worst part is when it suddenly begins to accelerate again, potentially hitting the car in front of you unexpectedly. No mechanic can reproduce the effect as it only takes place after driving on the highway for an hour or so.
The right side motor mount is broken for starters and then on the left drivers side front struts are making a noise and sometimes my back up camera goes out also the transmission is starting to jerk a little or it may be the broken motor mount.
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
Traveling east on I-20 in arlingtjon texas our car began losing power and coasted to a stop. We were powerless to move and could not get off the freeway. We were hit from behind and as reported our car went airborne. The truck that hit us also hit another vehicle and flipped onto its top. In all 4 people went to hospital including my self and my wife. In researching the reason the car stopped, I found a number of other cases over several years of people online that lost power in this type vehicle. The problem seems to be a sensor for the crankshaft/camshaft that fails causing stalling. I contacted nissans representative(case number18593816) at [phone]. Told them the car had been sealed and secured awaiting their inspection to determine the problem. They refused to inspect the vehicle saying their were no recalls on it. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder and exit the vehicle while the vehicle burned to the ground. The flames came from directly underneath the hood. Smoke first showed and the vehicle lost all power before the flames quickly appeared. It was unknown if a report was filed. There were 2 passengers injured that did not require hospitalization. The types of injuries were unknown. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company. It was unknown if the dealer or manufacturer were contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. While the contact's wife was driving 40 MPH, there was a strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, lifted the hood, and noticed flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was not towed nor taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that the investigators would contact him within three days. Case number: 27217273 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Engine complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Nissan Altima, 14% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan Altima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Nissan Altima, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan Altima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 7 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.