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2010 Nissan Altima Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Nissan Altima carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering navigational system(global positioning system) and suspension. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear subframe and strut corrosion affecting suspension.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Campaign #10V401000 · Oct 9, 2010

Issue: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Risk: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

SUSPENSION

Campaign #09V358000 · Sep 16, 2009

Issue: 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.

Risk: IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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).

STRUCTURE

Campaign #10V193000 · Jul 5, 2010

Issue: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO A TOOL MAINTENANCE ERROR.

Risk: IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Nissan Altima.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear subframe and strut corrosion affecting suspension

SUSPENSION

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689691
“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHILST TURNING AT AT A JUNCTION. BACK END OF THE VEHICLE SWUNG OUT OF THE TURN AS IF ON ICE. STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR RIGHT-HAND WHEEL WAS BENT AS IF THE WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11265365
“MECHANIC FOUND CRACKED STRUTS AND ADVISED IS A DANGER TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM (09V358000) FOR MY YEAR AND VEHICLE TYPE. MY VIN INCLUDED IN RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121323

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Repeated battery failure requiring replacement

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2024-09

“Since 2011/2012 at times Altima won't start. Stopped going to dealer because of excuses & expense after warranty expired. Have been calling AAA. Have had at least 8 batteries replaced. This is a safety issue for me when I travel alone”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604659
“Batteries continue to go dead, have had at least 8 batteries since 2012. Nissan started charging me for batteries got too be expensive & told them this is a huge concern because I travel alone & if I get stranded this is unsafe for me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612021
“VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. ORIGINAL BATTERY WENT DEAD IN 2012, ADDITIONAL BATTERIES INSTALLED IN 2013, 2014, 2015 BY THE DEALER AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. AAA INSTALLED BATTERIES IN 2016 AND MAY OF 2018., I DID NOT GO BACK TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100154

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Melting, sticky dashboard causing windshield glare

STRUCTURE

72 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2025-08

“The dashboard is sticky and melty. It has also cracked open continuously from left to right across the entire front face of the dashboard. It continues to widen such that I can see some of the inside of the dashboard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494290
“My Nissan altima dashboard is melting and the reflection is causing glare on windshield in the sun. Salt buildup on the windshield in combination with a flash of bright sunlight suddenly caused visibility out of the windshield to be nonexistent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455348
“THE DASH IS MELTING AND STICKY, CAUSING IT TO BE SHINY. THIS CREATES A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE, CAUSING A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120774

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission stalling, hesitation, and power loss

POWER TRAIN

42 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2024-04

“The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated without warning. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442151
“VEHICLE WILL NOT GO PAST 60 MPH, THEN WITHIN 24 HOURS WOULD NOT GO PAST 40 MPH, WITHIN 24 MORE HOURS, VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH AND HAS EXTREME POWER LOSS. WAS EVALUATED BY TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151613
“MY CAR HESITATES TO PULL OUT UNTIL OVER 20 MPH I HAVE THE CVT TRANSMISSION WHICH IS THROWING A CODE I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A CAR LOT!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229969

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light from passenger seat sensor fault

AIR BAGS

32 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2024-02

“Sensor in the front passenger seat is out making the airbag light blink in the cluster panel. I was told by the Nissan dealership that I would need a whole new seat and that would cost over $1000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506209
“The airbag lights came on and when I took it to Nissan, I was told that it will not deploy if a person was to get in an accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459703
“AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES WHEN CAR IS ON WHETHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. WAS TOLD ITS THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND THE WHOLE CUSHION HAS TO BE REPLACED. AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF NOT FIXED ASAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11280909

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic steering lock preventing vehicle from starting

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11071968
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899505
“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"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120891

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

351 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

25

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Nissan Altima reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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