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).
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.
My check engine light came on and I made an appointment for Monday at planet Nissan. On Saturday 1/24/15 the light went off, but I've heard some knocking and the steering makes a rubbing sound. So far the master cylinder had to be replaced, which I filed a complaint here, and was reimbursed, but before reimbursement they told me my VIN did not match. So I find that questionable. I've put on new struts on the front and rear. Nissan said the check engine light had to do with the transmission and it was under warranty and has been repaired. Now they are telling me that the front strut mounts are cracked which is not covered. I've been on line and see that 2010 models have had this problem. They have not located the rubbing sound in the steering wheel. I've called Nissan consumer department and am awaiting a reply. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. While traveling at speeds of 60 MPH, the vehicle began abruptly veering to the right without driver intent. The contact attempted to maintain control of the vehicle; however; the steering wheel became hard and resistant to driver input. The contact was unable to move the steering in either direction. The vehicle then spun out of control and proceeded to crash into a cement wall. The air bags did not deploy on impact. The police arrived and a report was filed at the scene accordingly. The driver suffered from minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. She was advised that the front suspension and tires were damaged. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. …
The steering lock mechanism is faulty and will not let the car start. The vehicle was stationary where failure occurred. I've done research on this problem and it appears Nissan extended the warranty for this part but never issued a recall so that it could be fixed. It is a safety issue that needs to be taken care of by Nissan. People are being stranded because their car will not start but seems no one knows about the potential problem until they are stranded. This is an issue that Nissan has admitted is a manufacturing problem. I for one will never buy a Nissan again because of the poor customer service. Things break, and parts fail, but this particular issue is very very common on 2009-2011 models.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to hall Nissan chesapeake (3417 western branch blvd, chesapeake, va 23321, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure line was leaking fluid, both control arms needed to be replaced, and the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the high pressure line was not. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 145,194.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the steering locked up when using the push to start feature. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the repair. The vehicle was part of a manufacturer communication, which had expired. The failure mileage was 43,800.
Steering lock indicator light comes on and engine will not start. This has happened 3 times now in the last 2 mos, always on cold temp mornings. Later the light will go out and the engine will start...except this time, later the engine started with the steering lock light will not go out even when running.
My vehicle was parked inside a garage. Upon attempting to move the vehicle it would not start. My key light was/is illuminated on the dash, car goes into the on position but does not start vehicle. Unable to turn off after pushing the "start button".
I was driving normal speed limit 60 MPH on the fwy when we heard a noise like a big pop sound. Right away when I tried to slow down to get over ( when I applied the brake) the steering wheel began shaking so bad that I was unable to control the wheel. It felt as if the brakes weren't working. The car spun out of control and crashed in the carpool divider. This was a brand new Nissan Altima 2010 coupe with 60K miles on the car. We did not hit anything at the time or even before the accident occurred, all parts on the car was brand new. I remembered that the more that I tried to apply the brakes the steering wheel shock harder and harder to where I was unable to even control it.
I went to start my Altima one day and it wouldn't start. Noticed the steering wheel was locked and it never does this. Went on youtube and saw videos about a quick fix on the electronic steering lock column. Did what the video said and the car started up. Called Nissan because I found a customary replacement on this part for known defects but no full recall wa issued. My VIN did not populate saying I could get mine replaced and they quoted me $1000 for replacement and labor. This default in leaves you stranded with no vehicle. Asked Nissan corporate if they could make an exception for my VIN and they told me no. Very displeased with this service.
Steering complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2010 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Nissan Altima, 5% of the model year's 381 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan Altima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to steering 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.