Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and was wobbling. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and diagnosed with corrosion in the lower rear suspension. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the collision center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The rear sub-frame where the hub is connected to (drivers side), blew out /rusted out completely while driving. I just inspected the car recently and while I saw some surface rust on the rear sub-frame, I had no indications that the whole rear tire hub support-mount was about to fail. Inspecting the passenger side of the sub-frame, I suspect that mount is about to blow too. I was driving on the interstate which was curving left, when this happened. I lost control and the tire started screeching as it was not making flat contact after the failure. It was difficult to re-gain control and I am blessed that there was no accident. Nissan Altima driver's should be cautious driving a car that appears completely fine. I've attached pictures of the bad side and the other side to show how a 'good side' appears before it goes out. …
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [redacted] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the incident and they said they will take care of it and to make a police report. I call immediately and am put on hold for nearly 90 minutes then am disconnected. I go to make an in person report and the police department is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I notify the department of transportation and the California attorney general of my situation and how my car is not working like before. This should be investigated.
When parked letting the car warm up constant shaking kinda a rough ideal at times. From park to reverse it shifts hard the to drive its ok I guess then on the go it's like driving a boat on land loud knocking sounds seems like the tires are flat or about to explode off the car really nerve-wracking
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.
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.
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. …
I drove my car the day before it was fine. I came out to my car a 2010 Altima 3.5 sr I had a check engine light . I precisely preceded to drive my car because I had to go to work. My car would not move over 20 MPH. Car intermediately started overheated and died . I had to have it towed to a local Infiniti dealer because the car was inoperable, the problem was found that Nissan had a recall on the car but the 1st owner never fixed it. The problem was a step motor , the car had no power , now after paying 3K for a new radiator the check engine light dates back to a recall years back Nissan had. This is unsafe . I could've lost my life . I still have a lean on my vehicle it has worn control arms , and CVT issues galore if this is not fixed someone will be killed I promise you . Totaled over 8K in repairs shame on Nissan and common fuccin safety bro !!!!!! …
Related recalls
Suspension
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.
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).
Suspension complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2010 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the suspension of the 2010 Nissan Altima, 8% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan Altima suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-358 (suspension, Sep 16, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan Altima suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to suspension 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.