2010 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
More complaints than typical for this model
87/100 2.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.3× that of a typical Nissan Maxima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 25 of its 275 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Car won't start / steering lock (ESCL) failure (162 complaints, median 66,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 275filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles, 237 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Maxima report one dominant problem: the electronic steering column lock can leave the car unable to start, usually with the yellow key warning light on and the push-button ignition stuck in lock. Complaints commonly describe the car being towed and the lock unit replaced at the owner's expense. Secondary reports involve front strut and strut insulator noise or cracking, and a smaller number describe CVT whining and slipping at higher mileage.
- Steering
Car won't start / steering lock (ESCL) failure
- 162 complaints (59%)
- median 66,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (150 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $950 (median of 63 quotes)
- filed 2011–2022
Owners describe parking the car, then returning to find the push-button start does nothing: a yellow key symbol appears on the dash, the ignition stays in lock, and neither key fob helps even when held against the backup slot. Complaints say dealers diagnosed a failed electronic steering column lock or lock control unit and quoted repairs typically in the several-hundred-to-about-one-thousand-dollar range, often after a tow. Several owners note the same part was covered by an extended program on the 2009 model and ask why the 2010 is not. Most often reported between roughly 40,000 and 90,000 miles, though some appear under 30,000; several owners mention cold weather or a stop of only a short time before the failure.
What to check: Before buying, start the car several times from cold and confirm the key warning light goes out and the ignition releases normally; ask the seller for any service record showing the steering lock unit was replaced, and which part number was used.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I drove to a friends was out of the vehicle about one hour.the vehicle was parked still. I returned to the vehicle and it wouldn't start. I call roadside assistance and got a tow to Nissan dealer. I was told I had to pay $115.00 diagnostic fee. Then they told me that it was my steering lock unit and it would cost me $1109.09.”
NHTSA complaint #10807883, filed 2015-12, 85,880 miles“My steering column went out with the car having 62,000 miles there is a recall on the 2009 but not the 2010. To fix this issue it was 900.00 and Nissan refused to provide any assistance and its a known issue with their cars. I was very disappointed the car just stopped working out of no where and was completely locked up.”
NHTSA complaint #10568852, filed 2014-03, 62,000 miles - Suspension
Front strut and strut insulator noise or cracking
- 17 complaints (6%)
- median 100,000 mi at 9.8 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2024
Owners describe clunking, popping or clicking from the front end over small bumps, and in some cases vibration or wheel wobble at highway speed. Complaints say shops found cracked strut insulators or worn struts; some owners link the symptom to the strut insulator campaign and report the dealer said their vehicle was not included. Others mention the suspension feeling stiff and loud on rough roads. Reported across a wide range, from about 25,000 miles to well past 100,000; noise is usually noticed over bumps or at highway speeds.
Recall 09V3580003 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive over speed bumps and rough pavement with the windows down and listen for clunks or pops from the front, and check the upper strut mounts for cracks; ask whether the strut insulator campaign (09V358000) was ever applied by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Strut insulator on pasenger side was cracked. I had it replaced with new strut and insulator and was iformed that the driver side needed to be replaced as well. Everytime the vechicle was driven hitting any sligh dip in the road or bump would cause the strut to sound as it the wheel was abou to fall off the car. I order a new strut and mount aug 2018 and had it replaced .”
NHTSA complaint #11120969, filed 2018-08, 185,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11319941, filed 2020-04, 21,523 miles - Electrical system
Push-button start and key-not-detected electrical faults
- 75 complaints (27%)
- median 67,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (71 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $950 (median of 31 quotes)
- filed 2011–2020
Beyond the lock unit itself, owners describe the intelligent key not being recognized, the ignition refusing to move out of lock, and accessories staying dead even with a good battery; some replaced key fob batteries and a vehicle battery without effect. Complaints say dealers replaced the steering lock switch or lock control unit after diagnosis. Spread from about 40,000 to 150,000 miles; several owners report it happening after a short stop, in cold weather.
What to check: Check that both key fobs start the car reliably and that the dash key light behaves normally; ask whether any key or body control module work has been done, since replacement keys require programming.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11301457, filed 2020-01, 145,000 miles“I tried to start my car this morning but the car would not start. There was yellow light that said key and when I tried to depress the brake nothing happened. There was an extended warranty for the 2009 maximas for the same exact issue that I have - its due to the steering column locking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670139, filed 2015-01, 72,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and non-deployment in a crash
- 15 complaints (5%)
- median 15,500 mi at 2.6 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2023
Owners report the airbag or passenger airbag sensor light coming on with a passenger seated, and a dealer diagnostic pointing to the passenger-side airbag sensor; some say the light was intermittent and no cause was found. A few complaints describe side or frontal airbags not deploying in a collision, with body shop staff offering explanations about impact location. Reported at low mileage in several cases, under 15,000 miles, and also at moderate mileage; the light may appear intermittently.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag light goes out after the self-check, then sit in the passenger seat and see whether the passenger airbag status stays on; ask for any stored airbag fault codes to be read.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was hit broadside, on the driver's side, by another driver going approximately 25-30 MPH but my side air bag did not deploy. The other car crashed into the front three-quarters of my driver's door plus the rest of the driver's side in front of the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723581, filed 2015-06, 54,654 miles“I was involved -- in front end car accident with my 2010 Nissan Maxima. The accident resulted in a severe damage to the front end of my car all the way to the car's engine. I was surprised that the driver's air bag did not activate under the impact. I towed my car to the Nissan dealer and I spoke with their shop mechanics, he was also surprise that the airbag did not activate and he suggested the airbag frontal sensors might be defected. He referred me to Nissan manufacture department. …”
NHTSA complaint #10314760, filed 2010-02, 2,800 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT whining, slipping and loss of power
- 18 complaints (7%)
- median 78,250 mi at 5.9 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2023
Complaints describe a whining or humming noise that grows louder with time, revs climbing without matching acceleration, rough or sluggish behavior during acceleration, and in some cases the transmission failing and needing replacement. Owners report dealers sometimes found no fault, while others diagnosed transmission failure after a tow. Mostly reported past 50,000 miles, with several cases above 120,000 miles; noise is usually noticed during acceleration.
What to check: Test drive at light and full throttle and listen for a steady whine that rises with speed, and feel for hesitation or slipping; ask whether the CVT fluid was ever serviced and whether any transmission work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My transmission sounds very loud when I accelerate until I get to about 55 MPH. It seems to feel rough as well during that period. This happens every time I accelerate. My passenger seat doesn't blow cold air”
NHTSA complaint #11394562, filed 2021-02, 122,000 miles“Cvt Nissan 2010 Maxima problems & issues ----these are recorded problems with Nissan's new CVT transmission on Nissan Maxima 2010. The CVT exhibits lost of power, high RPM, loud whining noise, and CVT gets stuck in 6th gear (won't down shift) in manual and drive mode. The car will not accelerate at high speeds and gives a p1778 code (other codes as well). . This CVT transmission sucks. I took it to four dealerships. I was told nothing is wrong. The car was finally diagnosed with check engine light on . The error code 1778 &. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587829, filed 2014-05, 44,000 miles
Buying note. The starting problem tied to the steering lock is the one to verify first: start the car repeatedly from cold and ask for proof of any lock unit replacement, since the repair is often paid by the owner. A pre-purchase inspection that checks front strut mounts and listens for CVT whine during a highway test drive is worth the cost on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 275 consumer complaints for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. 237 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 116 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Nissan Maxima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering158 57%
- Electrical system79 29%
- Suspension29 11%
- Other or unknown24 8.7%
- Engine20 7.3%
- Air bags15 5.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain15 5.5%
- Body and structure11 4.0%
- Vehicle speed control7 2.5%
Also reported: Seats (6), Electronic stability control (4), Brakes (3), Engine cooling (3), Equipment (3), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “My wife was stranded at a business and our car wouldn't start. After calling our local dealer, it's a known problem with the steering lock. We purchased this 2010 Maxima new in sept. 2009. This is a known issue that should be taken care of by Nissan. We have 67000 miles and was told that it's not a warranty issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10948587, filed 2017-01, 67,000 milesElectrical system: “My vehicle has been properly maintained, I have consistent service receipts. I pull into my driveway, cut my car off and walk into my home, as I always do. I come back approx 3 hours later, and my engine will not start. There is a key light on. My battery is not dead, all other electrical functions seem to be working fine. However my engine will not start at all. I must have it towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10664302, filed 2014-12, 51,000 milesSuspension: “It is shame!Nissan need to recall their max 2010 today it is cost me 1073.40$ my car 54,053 mileage ,I went to work whit my car and off to day my friend pick me up because I am unable to turn car on lock steering lock my car.next day tow truck pick up the car.plus years a go suspension and wheels give me problems to.I am not going to buy a Nissan aging they're losing customers.”
NHTSA complaint #10794967, filed 2015-11, 54,053 milesOther or unknown: “While I was driving with my family on the interstate traveling back home I heard a loud pop and my sunroof exploded me and my family almost had a accident but I was the one that had gotten cut up and almost lost control I always use my sunroof and I'm afraid yo even replace it what if it happens again what if we die? My car is 8 years old and I also have my visor open I got lost of cuts and bleed thankfully we are alive!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11144277, filed 2018-10, 170,560 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 237 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,071 and 89,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V358000Sep 16, 2009SuspensionCovers: Nissan Maxima 2009–2010, Altima 2009–2010
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.
Recall details for the 2010 Nissan Maxima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 116 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS 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 this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of the 2010 Maxima report one dominant problem: the electronic steering column lock can leave the car unable to start, usually with the yellow key warning light on and the push-button ignition stuck in lock. The issues reported most often: Car won't start / steering lock (ESCL) failure; Front strut and strut insulator noise or cracking; Push-button start and key-not-detected electrical faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 275 consumer complaints for the 2010 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 158 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system with 79.
Has the 2010 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 237 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,071 and 89,000 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.