Model year guide

2010 Nissan Altima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Nissan Altima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 120 on record.

2010 Nissan Altima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2010 Nissan Altima at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints380
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$8,874

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2010 Nissan Altima recalls 3

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V401000 · 10/09/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #09V358000 · 16/09/2009

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.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

Structure NHTSA Campaign #10V193000 · 07/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO A TOOL MAINTENANCE ERROR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2010 Nissan Altima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 380 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2010 Nissan Altima MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,633

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2010 Nissan Altima worth?

Low
$5,995
Typical price
$8,874
High
$11,800

From 117 comparable 2010 Nissan Altima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Nissan Altima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,165
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,000
Total$19,165
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,874) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,867), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2010 Nissan Altima trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5 S · 3.5 SR
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 170 hp · 3.5L 6-cyl 255 hp

2010 Nissan Altima vehicles on record

Other Nissan Altima model years

2010 Nissan Altima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Nissan Altima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2010 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 380 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, suspension, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Altima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Altima at about 24 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2010 Nissan Altima worth?

Comparable 2010 Nissan Altima listings run roughly $5,995–$11,800, typically around $8,874 (from 117 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.