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 Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I have 2010 Nissan Maxima sv . Stopped by for gas and the start button did not respond. Read online and found potential steering lock issue. Called Nissan consumer service before contacting dealer. Say have to bring to dealer to diagnose. Nissan consumer totally useless. Confirm and did not help. Say there was a campaign for recall on steering wheel lock failure but does not applies to my vehicle. I asked at least help on the cost or discount on parts since it's manufacture defect. They say no. Have no choice. Paid 110 to tow to dealer and 900 bucks for part and labor to fix out of pocket. Not happy consumer. Hopefully if we get enough complaints in.. Nissan will do mandatory recall if we get government involvement. Please every one with similar issues file the complaint reports.!!!!
Unexpectedly the 2010 Nissan Maxima wouldn't start. I then check this website, and find a ton of complaints about the same issue! The electronic steering lock control! I don't understand how Nissan isn't held responsible for this faulty part. I paid almost $40,000 for a car that won't start. This can happen without any warning. My issue occured with my 4 month old son in the vehicle while everyone else I knew was at work. This is completely unacceptable! This same part number was recalled in previous years for the Maxima! The vehicle was stationary after stopping at the bank to make a deposit. Will someone please hold Nissan responsible for this ongoing issue!
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. While driving at 15 MPH, there was an abnormal noise under the front of the vehicle. The failure occurred when making a turn or going over a bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where the technician stated that the failure could be from the motor mount. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,123.
My engine light came on yesterday morning car was stalling a little was driving in my neighborhood when my car started slowing down once I put my foot on the accelerator it started to make noises like a motorcycle and wouldn't move fast. Car stop on my street and we had to push it into my driveway. Now when I crank my car it makes the motorcycle noise for a few seconds and then goes away. Can't drive it but can change the gears with ease. Took it to a shop and stated that it is the transmission.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. When the contact applied the brake pedal to shift the vehicle into drive, the engine stalled and an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock control unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000. Updated 04/06/15 updated 9/21/2017
Unable to push start car ignition. A key signal shows on dash and car will not start after shutting down engine. The key is in the car at the time. My daughter has been stranded several times because she can't get push start ignition to start. I have read that other owners of this make and more have had same issue.
My transmission began making a winning noise, then it got louder and louder. Now my transmission is done. There have been lots of complaints about the make and model vehicle. I gave a CVT transmission. Also have issues with struts.had noise since 2019.
EVAP recall; severe rust; power steering is weakening; motor has extremely loud start; not safe to drive more than 2 miles - stopped driving today after the car's brakes and rotors were changed due to horrible rust issue
My husband & I purchased the 2007 Nissan Maxima for our daughter who is now expecting her first child. My husband borrowed her car to drive my sister husband and children back to atlanta airport mind you speed limit on i75 is 70mph, when this Maxima locked up and shut down in the middle of a 6 lane hwy. Thankfully he was able to coast across the hwy to the shoulder and the car smelled so my husband called my insurance co. My sister ended up taking a taxi and we had to have the car towed 95 miles ($282.00). Pye Nissan has the car in dalton and the service tech said the compressor locked up and blew all the belts due to me not having the compressor lubricated. The car warranty expired just a few months ago and Nissan said that there is nothing they can due and wants $1000.00 to fix this. …
Engine complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Nissan Maxima, 8% of the model year's 275 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Nissan Maxima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Nissan Maxima, though it has 1 recall 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 Maxima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 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.