CarModelProblems.com

2010 Nissan Maxima Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 9.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
275Complaints
1Recalls
7Crashes
2Fires
11Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (56.7% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Steering complaints here are 9.1× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering156 · 56.7%No official action
Electrical System79 · 28.7%No official action
Suspension27 · 9.8%RecalledRecall 09V358000
Engine20 · 7.3%No official action
Air Bags13 · 4.7%No official action
Power Train12 · 4.4%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING156 · 56.7%
SUSPENSION27 · 9.8%
Unspecified / other24 · 8.7%
ENGINE20 · 7.3%
AIR BAGS13 · 4.7%
POWER TRAIN12 · 4.4%
STRUCTURE:BODY10 · 3.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7 · 2.5%
SEATS5 · 1.8%

Percentages are the share of the 275 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Suspension

NHTSA campaign 09V358000 · 2009 · reported 09/16/2009

IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“ON MY 2010 MAXIMA THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILED. THE SYMPTOM WAS THAT I WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR, BUT THE PUSH BUTTON START…”NHTSA complaint 10655181 — filed 11/15/2014 · STEERING
“PUSH START BUTTON JUST STOPPED WORKING. I CALLED AAA AND THE GUY WHO TOWED ME TO THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME HE SEES 10 ALTIMAS…”NHTSA complaint 10655054 — filed 11/14/2014 · STEERING
“ON NOVEMBER 11TH, AFTER WORK AT 3:10PM. I WENT TO MY CAR TO START IT. UNABLE TO START IT I CHANGED THE CAR BATTERY, CHANGED…”NHTSA complaint 10654255 — filed 11/11/2014 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1320109820123510520149244201621162018121320201762022442024

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 156 of 275 NHTSA complaints (56.7%), followed by electrical system (79), suspension (27), unspecified/other issues (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have?

275 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 09V358000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2010 Nissan Maxima's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.