2010 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

20Engine complaints

7.3%Of all 275 complaints

#5Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

STEERING156 · 56.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM79 · 28.7%

SUSPENSION27 · 9.8%

Unspecified / other24 · 8.7%

ENGINE20 · 7.3%

Share of the 275 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2010 Nissan Maxima overview page.

What owners report

“RUPTURED FABRIC CONNECTION FROM RADIATOR CAP TO RADIATOR HOSING CAUSED ENTIRE CONTENTS OF RADIATOR FLUID TO RAPIDLY EVACUATE UNDER PRESSURE WHILE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT…”NHTSA complaint 10629935 — filed 09/01/2014

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS…”NHTSA complaint 10557045 — filed 12/23/2013

“I PARKED MY CAR AND WENT INSIDE MY INLAWS WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD AND 3 WEEK OLD. WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE MY I-KEY…”NHTSA complaint 10554760 — filed 12/04/2013

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2010 Nissan Maxima: 20 of 275 complaints on file (7.3%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have in total?

275 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 11 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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.