2010 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Nissan Altima, 5% of the 381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11120891, filed 2018-08, 72,000 miles“To whom it may concern: this particular incident date was on 8/7/14 but also reported 8/23/14 & 9/30/14 at two Nissan dealerships. I was driving at 65mph for 1 hour on the highway and felt a loss of control. The steering wheel abruptly turned right, I had to attempt to keep the vehicle within the lane and slowly decelerated to a stop on the roadside without immediate braking. While braking at 15-20mph I applied the brake which jerked the entire car to the right, suspension was stiff on passenger front strut. …”
NHTSA complaint #10641304, filed 2014-10, 70,121 miles“My check engine light came on and I made an appointment for monday at planet Nissan. On saturday 1/24/15 the light went off, but I've heard some knocking and the steering makes a rubbing sound. So far the master cylinder had to be replaced, which I filed a complaint here, and was reimbursed, but before reimbursement they told me my VIN did not match. So I find that questionable. I've put on new struts on the front and rear. Nissan said the check engine light had to do with the transmission and it was under warranty and has been repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679462, filed 2015-01, 56,800 miles“My 2010 Nissan Altima is not able to start due to the push button ignition. It is having the same issue as the 2009 Nissan maxima's and Altima are having, which is the electronic steering column lock (escl). Nissan has issued a warranty extension for this issue for the 2009 model but not for the 2010 and other Altima models that are having the same issue. I believe that Nissan should extend it coverage to this vital part due to the cost being over $700 to replace and the fact that without this part, the car cannot function at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10639679, filed 2014-09, 65,000 miles“Steering lock indicator light comes on and engine will not start. This has happened 3 times now in the last 2 mos, always on cold temp mornings. Later the light will go out and the engine will start...except this time, later the engine started with the steering lock light will not go out even when running.”
NHTSA complaint #11172050, filed 2019-01, 82,253 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10176227May 28, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 â 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC516 is No Longer Active. ï· Repair orders opened…
- 10176207May 14, 2020Expiration Notification â Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE May 14, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The original…
- 10173584Mar 6, 2020Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE March 6, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The original announcement from February…
- 10192855Feb 21, 2017Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on specific MY2009-10 Nissan Altima (L32), Altima Coupe (CL32), Altima Hybrid (L32H), and Maxima (A35) vehicles to replace the…
- 10119195Feb 21, 2017Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on specific MY2009-10 Nissan…
- 10119190Feb 20, 2017VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ? 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the Electronic…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 20 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 3% |
| 2015 | 48 | 5% |
| 2014 | 58 | 5% |
| 2013 | 94 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% |
| 2009 | 859 | 56% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2010 Nissan Altima
74 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
73 complaintsOther or unknown
72 complaintsAir bags
61 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology