NHTSA has 275 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Nissan Maxima[1]. Steering leads the list with 158 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first.
- Steering. 158 complaints[2]. Owners describe a car that drifts to one side and needs constant correction. Others describe a steering lock that will not release, so the car will not start and they are stranded.
- Electrical system. 79 complaints[5]. Owners describe pushing the start button and getting nothing, with a key warning light on. Some say the doors still unlock and the lights still work, but the car stays dead. Tow bills and long waits show up in these stories.
- Suspension. 29 complaints[6]. Owners describe clunks and metallic noises from the front end over bumps and rough roads. Some say a dealer visit did not clear the noise.
- Unknown or other. 24 complaints[7]. These reports do not fit a clear component group.
- Engine. 23 complaints[8]. Owners describe the engine racing while their foot is on the brake, stalling while driving, and a car that idles but will not go.
- Air bags. 15 complaints[9].
- Power train. 15 complaints[10].
- Structure. 11 complaints[11].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2010 Maxima is necessarily included.
- Suspension (09V358), September 2009. About 26,398 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[12]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[4] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,750 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR FWD[13].
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAXIMA 4DR SEDAN FWD 3.5S/3.5SV[14] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 109 in | 3,594 lb |
How 2010 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 152 | 0 |
| 1996 | 96 | 0 |
| 1997 | 102 | 1 |
| 1998 | 113 | 1 |
| 1999 | 165 | 0 |
| 2000 | 360 | 0 |
| 2001 | 172 | 3 |
| 2002 | 205 | 6 |
| 2003 | 206 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 2 |
| 2005 | 948 | 2 |
| 2006 | 576 | 2 |
| 2007 | 129 | 1 |
| 2008 | 79 | 0 |
| 2009 | 339 | 1 |
| 2010 | 275 | 1 |
| 2011 | 106 | 0 |
| 2012 | 107 | 0 |
| 2013 | 62 | 0 |
| 2014 | 96 | 0 |
| 2016 | 142 | 8 |
| 2017 | 106 | 4 |
| 2018 | 36 | 2 |
| 2019 | 18 | 1 |
| 2020 | 22 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the Maxima show 275 complaints and 1 recalls for 2010[3]. Among the 28 model years listed, 22 have fewer complaints than 2010 and 5 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2023 (1) and the most are for 2004 (1,426)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2010 Maxima?
Steering has 158 complaints and the electrical system has 79 in NHTSA data, and the stories we read link several to a car that will not start[2][5]. Reports of a crash are rare, with 7 in the file[1]. Air bags have 15 complaints, and 5 of those mention a crash[9]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales. If you shop for one, test the push start and the steering feel on a drive.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
- Steering has 158 complaints[2] and the electrical system has 79[5]. Owners describe drifting steering and a car that will not start.
- Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
- Yes. The by-year data shows 1 recall[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for details.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Nissan Maxima?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2010 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Owners filed 275 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Steering and electrical issues lead the list[2][5]. Check the by-year section to see how this year compares.
- Is 2010 the best year for the Nissan Maxima?
- The by-year comparison section on this page shows how each year stacks up.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
Compare all model years of the Nissan Maxima
Other Nissan models from 2010
Similar cars from 2010: midsize cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 275 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Nissan Maxima (7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 158 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Maxima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 79 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 09V358, filed September 16, 2009: Suspension. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAXIMA 4DR SEDAN FWD 3.5S/3.5SV: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov