NISSAN MAXIMA · model year

2010 NISSAN MAXIMA

399 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010NISSANMAXIMA carries 399 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 MAXIMA is steering with 156 filings, followed by electrical system (79) and suspension (27). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2010 MAXIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

399
Complaints
9
Crashes
2
Fires
14
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

399 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING156
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM79
SUSPENSION27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER24
ENGINE20
AIR BAGS13
POWER TRAIN12
STRUCTURE:BODY10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
SEATS5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY3

Recalls (1)

09V35800016/09/2009

SUSPENSION

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.

Recent Complaints

20240319SUSPENSION

Yes the tire sensor light is on and the suspension has gone out and I have been advised that it needs struts and sway bar links and that I can not drive it or it will cause a wreck/collision.. Nissan has a recall on Nissan maximas for suspension but said my model is not included and what is recalled on other maximas is exactly what’s wrong with mine! My car sounds like it’s about to fall apart.

20240208SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20240208TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20240208ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20230908POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then stated that the RPM’s failed to increase. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into reverse, he heard a whining sound then the vehicle half shifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Mileage: 157,000

20230531UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Things keep getting into my air filter/ air filter box and airflow sensor such as leaves, sunflower seeds, cigarette butts, sticks. This has happened multiple times. Drive my car daily

20230530AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the mechanic retrieved DTC: B10180CS (Passenger Side Air Bags sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,247.

Mileage: 6,247

20230323STRUCTURE:BODY

Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction sun hits dash. If sun is coming from straight ahead makes a glare that is very difficult to see anything in front of you. Makes it difficult to see traffic lights or pedestrians which could cause dangerous harm to pedestrians, other drivers, or myself and passengers. Went to local Nissan dealer and was told the only fix would be to replace dashboard at my expense even though it is a common problem because there are no recalls on this issue. I purchased the vehicle used from another owner and was not aware of the problem and just thought it was something sticky that could be wiped off but found out it is a known problem when I went to dealer with issue.

20220919ENGINE

While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.

20220919STEERING

While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.

20220919SERVICE BRAKES

While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.

20220918UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car shuts down while driving. Hard to get back started. It runs for 30 min and when you apply gas the car shuts down. Seems like this is an issue on several year models. Try replacing fuel pump and that didn’t happen. Has a new battery and there is still and issue

20220628CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

Mileage: 149,000

20220628CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima The contact stated that when attempting to park their vehicle and shifting into reverse while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the side of the building in front and through the wall of the building causing the front end to be inside of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed. The decision to total the vehicle had not been finalized as of yet. The contact received injuries to their back and medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not made aware. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

Mileage: 149,000

20211223LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from the door and frame. The contact had to force and push the door back closed and attempt to reopen the door, but it would not open at all. The contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger side door. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure latch assembly was disconnected and repaired the latch assembly, however, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20211213SUSPENSION

Passenger side strut insulator is cracked

20211213ENGINE

Motor mount is cracked causing engine to shudder

20211123SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to violently shake without warning as his vehicle also began to wobble uncontrollably. The contact stated that the wobbling came to a stop once he released his foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked strut insulator. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Mileage: 148,000

20211015POWER TRAIN

CVT torque converter codes p0774 leading to total transmission replacement.

20210817UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I bought this vehicle used and with the dash being defective from the heat and humidity, it puts off a glare on the windshield which makes it extremely difficult to see through.

Compare 2010NISSANMAXIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA have?
The 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA has 399 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA?
Yes, the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA is STEERING with 156 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.