Most common 2010 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of the 275 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Maxima complaints by model year
Best Maxima years: 2022, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2010 Nissan Maxima recalls (1)
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).
What 2010 Nissan Maxima owners say
Steering all 158 →
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.
My car would not start was able to open the doors to the car but could not start the car. Car was towed to Nissan service station was told the steering lock had to be replaced for internal failure and it was no longer under warranty. $899.67 dollars later and as I'm leaving the service station I'm told my warranty was up by a few days and also Nissan had extended the warranty for 2009 models but not 2010 models this is a copy taken from nissanassist.com released in 2013 (q1.what is the reason for warranty extension? A. To ensure customer satisfaction. Model year 2009 altima and Maxima vehicles are equipped with an electronic steering column lock (escl) unit that locks the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off to help prevent theft. …
Electrical system all 79 →
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 and off and still no gas but alll of the sudden all the lights came on so I had no choice but to call my insurance for roadside assistance. I have never had or heard of an issue like this.
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.
Suspension all 29 →
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to violently shake without warning as his vehicle also began to wobble uncontrollably. The contact stated that the wobbling came to a stop once he released his foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked strut insulator. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger's side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
2010 Nissan Maxima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Based on 275 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Maxima rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Maxima at the same age. It is one of the Maxima years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
The steering — 158 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column locking › anti-theft device. Next are the electrical system (79) and suspension (29).
How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have?
There is 1 recall for the 2010 Nissan Maxima, the most recent from September 16, 2009 (suspension). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Maxima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005 and 2006. See the full Nissan Maxima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Nissan Maxima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.