This page covers 2 recalls, 392 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Nissan Altima.
21–34 mpg combined
6.9–11.2 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 8 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2010 Nissan Altima, powertrain and airbag complaints account for the heaviest complaint volume. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report transmission problems including shuddering, hesitation, and rough or delayed engagement, along with CVT-related failures that sometimes leave the vehicle undriveable. Airbag complaints center on warning lights illuminating unexpectedly and concerns about whether the system would deploy correctly. Electrical system complaints are also common, with owners describing warning lights, modules behaving erratically, and in a smaller number of cases, vehicle fires they attribute to electrical faults. A recurring theme across multiple complaints is a melting or sticky dashboard, owners describe a tar-like substance oozing from the dash surface, creating glare on the windshield. Structural corrosion, particularly on the rear undercarriage, appears in multiple reports as well, with owners noting the deterioration was severe enough to affect drivability.
392
Total Complaints
25
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
20
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Nissan Altima has two recalls, the more serious involving front strut insulators that can crack and allow the strut rod to pull free from its mounting, which reduces vehicle stability and raises the risk of a crash.
The second recall affects a narrow range of vehicles built over a one-week window in April 2010. On those cars, certain front structural welds in the side member assembly may not meet specification, which can reduce the body's ability to absorb and distribute crash forces properly.
At a glance
What can fail
Front side member assembly components may not be properly welded due to a tool maintenance error, potentially compromising structural integrity.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the welds and repair them at no cost if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The upper front strut insulators may crack because they were manufactured outside proper specifications, potentially affecting vehicle suspension performance.
What the fix does
Nissan dealers will replace both front strut insulators on the left and right sides at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
