A bad year for the Altima, with used prices in the average range from $6,586 to $9,311. A lot of complaints from owners with frequent electrical, steering, and transmission problems. The life expectancy is shorter than other midsize cars, at only 150,000 miles.
2010 Nissan Altima: Quick Overview
- We rate the 2010 Nissan Altima reliability as poor despite J.D. Power giving it a great rating when new. Various electrical and transmission problems have happened as the cars have aged.
- Two engines are available, the first is a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and the second is a V6 with great power for the class.
- Fuel economy is excellent, ranking 2nd out of 12 midsize cars from 2010 with a combined rating of up to 27 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are good for the class with a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Consumer Reports found the Altima to have a responsive engine and pleasant driving experience, but lower than average owner satisfaction.
- The 2010 Nissan Altima ranks 6th out of 12 midsize cars based on owner reviews. Although the Altima offers a lot of features for the money, there’s still just too many costly problems to recommend it to buyers.
Expert Ratings
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2010 Nissan Altima Have?
There are a similar number of complaints from owners of the 2010 Nissan Altima compared to other midsize sedans. Most of the steering problems have been fixed since the 2009 model, making it a better year for the car, but it’s still not as good as the rivals.
Engine problems, including failing to start, are the most common complaints from owners and happen around 60,000 miles. Usually a failure to start is caused by electrical problems including wiring harnesses and electronic steering column locks. Depending on the source of the problem, repairs can cost from $150 to $1000.
Batteries failing prematurely are another frequent problem happening in vehicles under 30,000 miles. There are some reports of parasitic draw from the battery while the car is parked, draining it faster than other cars. The only solution is replacing the battery, which can cost over $150.
Transmission failures are a regular occurance across the Nissan lineup, happening around 60,000 miles. The only solution is replacing the entire transmission with a new unit, costing about $3,000.
Many cars had more recalls in 2010 than the Altima, coming in with only 3 recalls. They include suspension insulators cracking, a structural weld, and GPS overheating. Most serious are the suspension isolators, since they affect more vehicles, and can lead to an accident.
How Much is the 2010 Nissan Altima Worth?
Blue book values range in price from $6,586 to $9,311, which is close in price to the Accord and Fusion. When new, the Altima’s price range was $19,900 to $30,100. Depreciation is average for the class, losing about 12% of its current value each year.
What Are the Models & Specs?
2.5 is the barebones entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Air Conditioning
2.5 S adds comfort features including:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
- 8-Way Adjustable Power Driver’s Seat
2.5 SL is a more luxurious version adding:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Xenon Headlights
- Rear Air Conditioning
3.5 SR is the best model and has:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 3.5L V6 Engine
- Sport Suspension
- Rear Spoiler
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
How Long Will the 2010 Nissan Altima Last?
Regular maintenance allows the 2010 Nissan Altima to only last about 150,000 miles, worse than other midsize cars. Annual maintenance costs are estimated at $435 a year by Repair Pal, about $70 more per year than the Accord and Camry
As the Altima ages and passes over 100,000 miles, there are some components owners should be prepared to replace. These include timing chain tensioners costing about $1,100, brake master cylinders for $450, as well as valve cover gaskets which are around $150.
No problems and I enjoy all of the toy options. When you take care of car you have minimal issues. Love my car!
Very reliable. I have not had any problems with it in the 9 years I have owned it. I use it to travel long distance. I take it to the beach every summer which is 3 hrs away. Drive it to work every morning. And it is good on gas.
This car is very reliable, it gets me to and from my destination in a timely manner. Yet, it does when it is cold outside make this noise that is horrible when it is heating up like one of those old school taxi cabs for a couple seconds then stops. But other than that it is a reliable car.
Very reliable however my first experience cane not too long ago where I had to get new brakes but other than that it is reliable.
The car is very reliable. The only problem I have found is that the battery sometimes dies when it isn't driven for 3 weeks or longer. Other than that very reliable.
It is reliable for the most part. It is almost 10 years old so there will obviously be problems with it.
It is pretty reliable. I had to change the part that goes with the keyless entry. I changed it myself (the part cost around $35) to save money. The dealership charged over $500 to fix a couple of friends of mine.
I do believe it is very reliable. Although it is not reliable for snow. Thankfully I have not had any problems with this vehicle since it was purchased.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology in the 2010 Nissan Altima is improved over the outgoing model, and offers good features for the class and age.
- Standard technology found on the 2.5 S model includes a 4-speaker stereo system, AM/FM/CD playback, and a 3.5mm AUX input.
- Optional upgrades include USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation system, as well as a 9-speaker stereo system.
- Standard safety features include air bags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control systems. On models with the navigation screen, there’s an available rear view camera.
What Engine Options are Available?
Performance is good in the 2010 Nissan Altima with the optional V6 engine. The upgraded motor takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in up to 6.5 seconds, which is fast for the class.
- The base engine is average with a 175 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder.
- An optional 3.5L V6 with good power is available in the 3.5 SR model and has 270 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Altima?
Similar in size to many rivals, the 2010 Nissan Altima is a midsize car available as both a coupe and sedan. Passenger room is good in the sedan, but there’s less rear headroom than the Camry or Accord. Legroom is very tight in the back seats of the coupe, and best suited for small children. Four suitcases easily fit in the 15.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the sedan, but it’s smaller than rivals.
How Does the 2010 Nissan Altima Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 6th out of 12 midsize cars, based on owner reviews, the 2010 Nissan Altima is in the middle of the class.
The highest-rated midsize car from 2010 is the Subaru Legacy, which is slightly more expensive. Where the Legacy comes out ahead is with a more engaging driving experience, and higher-quality interior materials. On the other hand, the Altima is quicker, and has more up-to-date technology available. Between the two cars, the Legacy is a better choice since they last longer.
A close rival in the same price range is the Ford Fusion. The Fusion has a more spacious cabin, and smoother suspension, giving it a more comfortable ride. Where the Altima wins out is with better technology, and a more engaging driving experience. But serious problems with both cars make us not recommend either to shoppers.
Final Verdict: Is the 2010 Nissan Altima a Good Car?
No, the 2010 Nissan Altima is not a good car. While owners gave it a 4.2 rating in 648 verified owner reviews, we found too many mechanical problems to recommend the Altima. After 12 years the 2010 Altima is near the end of its life cycle.
Where the Altima misses the mark is with electrical and transmission issues, as well as a tighter cabin than some rivals. Some positives include updated technology, and an engaging driving experience.
Overall, 2010 is a bad year for the Altima, and one buyers should avoid. The 2011 model has fewer complaints, but transmission issues are common across all years.
Yes, I love it. Car has good gas mileage and is comfortable. The car is reliable and attractive. The best car I've ever had.
Yes it is. I have owned it for 9 years with no problems. It gets me to work everyday. Good on gas. Also good to travel long distance.
Yes it is a good vehicle. This car gets me to and from school which is a 40 sometimes 50 minute drive due to traffic. It runs great on gas, I can drive all the way to school and the gas gauge will go down slightly which is great because driving back and forth I needed a car that was great on gas. The acceleration is pretty good to say it is an older modeled car, it is fast but not to fast to the point where I put my foot on the gas and automatically ram into the person in front of me. Also the mileage is wonderful being as though my car is used.
Yes it has great gas mileage and seems to work great. I have had the car for about 4 years now and it still is working better than ever even after 115000 miles.
The car is a very good vehicle. It is reliable and gets very good gas mileage of about 22 miles per gallon.
The 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 s is a good vehicle. It is somewhat old but it still runs, sometimes I have to take it in to get minor fixes.
Overall, this is a pretty good vehicle. I do have a few things I dislike. I do not like the keyless start. I prefer to use a key to start my car. I do like the big trunk. I have trouble with the windows not going up or going up slowly.
Although this vehicle was bought as used, I do believe it is a great vehicle. As well as it has lasted nearly 10 years with no troubles, besides the basic tune ups.
