Model year guide

2010 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Nissan Maxima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 210 on record.

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

2010 Nissan Maxima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints275
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$11,807

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

2010 Nissan Maxima recalls 1

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).

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 Maxima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 275 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
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.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2010 Nissan Maxima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2010 Nissan Maxima 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2010 Nissan Maxima MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450

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

What's a 2010 Nissan Maxima worth?

Low
$9,100
Typical price
$11,807
High
$14,300

From 210 comparable 2010 Nissan Maxima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,350
Total$25,600
Per mile$0.34

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 ($11,807) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,453), 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 Maxima trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 SV · 3.5 S
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2010 Nissan Maxima vehicles on record

Other Nissan Maxima model years

2010 Nissan Maxima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. 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 Maxima?

Based on 275 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, power train, air bags.

What is the 2010 Nissan Maxima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2010 Nissan Maxima crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Nissan Maxima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Maxima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2010 Nissan Maxima worth?

Comparable 2010 Nissan Maxima listings run roughly $9,100–$14,300, typically around $11,807 (from 210 vehicles).

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