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Research · Midsize Cars

2010 Nissan AltimaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 381 owner complaints for the 2010 Nissan Altima. Most complaints involve electrical system (74) and power train (73). The EPA rates it 21–27 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
21–27mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2010
Owner complaints
381
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)

Free remedy

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.

EquipmentReported Sep 10, 2010NHTSA 10V401000

Structure

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported May 7, 2010NHTSA 10V193000

Suspension

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Sep 16, 2009NHTSA 09V358000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

381 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2010 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system74
  2. Power train73
  3. Air bags61
  4. Engine50
  5. Suspension31
  6. Structure30
  7. Service brakes28
  8. Visibility/wiper22
  9. Steering20

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Altima model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998125
199996
2000176
2001168
20021,062
2003883
2004276
20051,091
2006824
2007498
20081,031
20091,547
2010381
2011242
2012426
20132,315
20141,113
2015955
2016555
2017393
2018226
2019234
2020182
202171
202220
202330
202443
20257
20261
Crashes reported
25
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
37
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

74 reports2 crashes4 fires
“I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. I'm having all the same issues as the recall campaign reference number NTB 12-040 d”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11668297

Power train

73 reports4 crashes
“At some point on the highway the car throttles down to less than 60 mph. Mashing the gas pedal to the floor results in nothing happening. This causes a dangerous road situation with the slower speed, but the worst part is when it suddenly begins to accelerate again, potentially hitting the car in front of you unexpectedly. No mechanic can reproduce the effect as it only takes place after driving on the highway for an hour or so.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2023Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11535771

Air bags

61 reports14 crashes1 fire
“Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2024Suspension, Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11627076
All 2010 Altima problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic (AV-S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Altima
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233227$2,300329
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$2,400342
Altima Coupe
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233126$2,400342
Altima
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700386
Altima Coupe
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700386
Altima
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$2,950423
Altima Coupe
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$2,950423
  • Altima
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Altima
    Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Altima
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Altima Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Nissan Altima as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 5801Vehicle 5800
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Altima questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Nissan Altima have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Nissan Altima problems?

Owners filed 381 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (74), power train (73), air bags (61). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Nissan Altima get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Altima at 21–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026