2010 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: CVT transmission (early Jatco). 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 57% about steering.
Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Known problems on the 2010 Nissan Maxima
CVT transmission (early Jatco) $3,000–$4,500 to fix
The first Jatco CVT generation has the same failure modes as the 2013+ cars — overheating, judder, failure — and by now most survivors are well past the extended-warranty window.
Check for: Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Basis: NHTSA complaints; Nissan CVT class actions (2007–2010 Sentra/Altima/Versa)
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2010 Nissan Maxima recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Suspension
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.
Details 09V358000
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).
2010 Nissan Maxima safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Exhaust and emissions: OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2010 Nissan Maxima safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
275 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Nissan Maxima years
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
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