general problems of the 2010 Nissan Maxima - part 1

105 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2010 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2010 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2010 Maxima.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2022

While driving to work car stalled going 20mph, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2020

My transmission began making a winning noise, then it got louder and louder. Now my transmission is done. There have been lots of complaints about the make and model vehicle. I gave a cvt transmission. Also have issues with struts. Had noise since 2019.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2019

I was unable to start the vehicle after returning to my parked car during a late night drive to visit a friend. When I tried the push-button ignition the car wouldn't move from past lock. I noticed a new light indicator for my "intelligent key" I had not seen before. After a quick google, I found that these symptoms were linked to a electronic steering control lock defect that had been know for years. After contacting Nissan I was told that are indeed have a service campaign for the 2010 Nissan Maxima however for I am financially responsible for the defect as my VIN was not included in "service campaign". Because of this defect I was stranded miles from home in the middle of the night and forced to pay over 800$ out of pocket in emergency repairs to replace a part that may very well fail again in the future.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2017

Bought my 2010 Maxima about 6 months ago. After driving it home I heard a horrible rattling in the steering wheel and a clattering in the front end. The dealership had given me a 3 month warranty so I contacted them the same day I got the car to report the problem. After calling the dealership 3 to 4 times a week for 5 months, they finally had me bring the car in. The first visit they replaced the steering joint. The problem persisted and seemed worse than before. The second time I was told that my car had a bad rack and that the part would be in in 4 days. 4 weeks later they finally changed the rack. I received the car back and to my surprise the rattling in the steering wheel was even worse and it felt as if my tires were gonna just fall off the car. Now almost a year later the problem still persists and Nissan refuses to fix it.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2017

Steering- when turning the colum it squeeks; right or left as I am slowing down to make the turn. Suspension- strut insluators need to be replaced; this was mentioned years back in a recall and mine are needing to be replaced, I am not origional owner. Passenger air bag light- constantly on lower control arms- replaced drivers side but needs passenger side replaced as well.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2017

On Sunday, 5 February 2017, I left my house to visit my brother at 10am and when I came back outside (20mins later) to my car, it would not start. An orange light that read "key" popped up on the dashboard. Tried to start the car and the key light came on, brakes were hard to press, and the ignition would not start only lock would show up on the push to start button. After two hours, I had to get the car towed to the dealership. While waiting for the tow truck to arrive, I did some searching online and found out that this was not an uncommon problem with the Nissan Maxima and not covered by any extended warranties; though I read that this problem occurred often enough with the 2009 Maxima that Nissan issued an extended warranty to cover this repair. The piece in question that was the problem. . . Quoted by Nissan is the "steering lock. " this piece has been recalled by Nissan in the earlier models, but apparently not for my vehicle (which is the year after the one that is recalled) apparently they didn't fix this issue. Monday, 6 February 2017, I received a call from the dealership to confirm my car issue (lock steering) and the cost was going to be $1104 to repair, with my military discount the cost was $985. 46. Still this is money I should not have had to pay considering that this is a manufacturer malfunction and has nothing to do with wear and tear of vehicle. Which, btw, the vehicle is in great shape and has had regular maintenance checks and all work completed by a Nissan technician which makes this even more frustrating. This complaint is to not only bring attention to the ongoing issue with the 2010 Nissan Maxima, but to also get reimbursed for my out of pocket repair. I have been a loyal Nissan customer since 2000 (this is my third Maxima; favorite type of car), but I can honestly say Nissan, you're losing yet another customer�this is ridiculous.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/30/2017

My wife was stranded at a business and our car wouldn't start. After calling our local dealer, it's a known problem with the steering lock. We purchased this 2010 Maxima new in sept. 2009. This is a known issue that should be taken care of by Nissan. We have 67000 miles and was told that it's not a warranty issue.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2017

Vehicle is an implacable condition. Just turned only 70,000 miles. Car was parked at my place of business. When I came out to go home the key light was on. Upon diag. Found the steering lock solenoid has malfunctioned causing the vehicle to be stranded. Having the car towed 20 miles at my expense I find put this is a known issue with this particular year make and model. Very costly repair.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2017

Went to use car before work and it wouldn't start. To the proper measures to start it by giving it a jump and no avail. I finally looked in the manual for the warning Nissan intelligent key issue and no solution was found. I began research and found this is a national problem and 09 Nissans were recalled for this issue but not newer models. This tends to happen after 65k miles and my car is at 91k. The repairs are expensive and caused to a defect not the wear and tear of the driver. Nissan should be held accountable.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

See attachments.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2016

The car doesn't start, the steering wheel is not locked and it shows a red light with a key in the dashboard, I was in a parking lot doing grocery and when I went to the car to go back home it didn't start, showing that red light with a key on it.

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/16/2016

I'm the second owner & it's run fine since November 2011. Yesterday it wouldn't start due to the faulty/broken ignition switch. Towed it to dealer & it's going to be $910 to replace the faulty electronic ignition. VIN contains a's (not b's), indicating it was from first half of 2010. It probably has the same defect as the 2009 Maximas that were recalled. Dealer 'correctly' states the 2010 doesn't have a recall, but it should. Love Nissan cars, but after this, I'll never take it back to the dealer for service. Nissan needs to issue a recall on these cars to reciprocate customer loyalty.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2016

Got in car leaving from gym the steering wheel was locked could not move it. Called dealer who told me to hold key fob over car ignition did not resolve situation. I had to have it towed . I got on line to research about this locking mechanism and have discovered that this is a known issue with millions of consumer complaints to this very issue this is a known issue with millions of complaints being filed against Nissan for this situation. Apparently there should have been a recall on this internal steering wheel lock mechanism however Nissan has passed the cost of the faulty component onto the unexpecting consumer. This cost me $1000. 00 . Shame on you Nissan. Thank god I was not in motion.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2016

Vehicle started fine, made a stop at the store before heading to work in the am, came out of store only to find the vehicle would not start. Called service department used for regular maintenance and was told this is a common problem with vehicle. Escl or elect. Steering control lock module bad and will have to be replaced. Problem known/common by Nissan neither extended warranty nor Nissan want to pay to repair. With this being known and common there should be a recall on this part.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2016

I been having vibrations and clunk noises since I brought the car in 2013 the car shakes and vibrates at 55 mph since then I replace shocks struts ball joints control arms and tires but the problem is getting worse.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2016

Car started fine all morning, I went inside tof pay a bill not even 10 minutes later. I went to my car to crank up and it was completely dead, brakes were hard, and the key display flashing. I called a mechanic to try everything no budge, soon I called a tow truck to have it towed to the Nissan dealership. Nissan called the next day stating that the steering wheel mechanism had failed and warranty was covering it. I ended up dishing out over 1300. 00 to get it fix.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2016

Car will not start due to steering wheel lock malfunction. Called my local Nissan dealership who advised me of the problem which they are aware of. However, the extended warranty to cover this issue expired March of 2015. So that leaves the customer with an out of pocket expense of 900-1100 dollars. Nissan has not issued any recall. I'm stuck paying for a car that doesn't start and forced to shell out over a $1000 for a problem that is the manfacturer's fault. This is highway robbery. A complete ripoff to Nissan's customers. This company is a joke. I will never ever purchase another Nissan again. And I strongly recommend that one else does.

18 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2016

The steering wheel lock is a defective product that Nissan has known about in their 2009 models. The repair is going to cost me, and anyone that comes this issues, and that out of warranty $1100. 00. This repair isn't guaranteed either. Called consumer affairs only to be told no. This part you need is only available at a Nissan dealership, and the part itself cost $900. For Nissan to not stand by their cars is a shame.

19 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/31/2016

Steering lock control unit left me stranded. Parked my car the night prior as usual and was unable to restart my car the next morning leaving me without a way to get my kids to school. After reading up on this issue I have found complaint after complaint. Not a happy customer.

20 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2016

I bought this vehicle new and it now has 49,000 miles on it. In the last two weeks, the steering wheel has locked 3x and I have been unable to start my car. I have been able to get it started by continuously stepping on the brake and shimmy the wheel. I'm a 65 year old female and it takes minimally 5 minutes to complete this task in a vehicle overheated by the soaring summer temps. This us unhealthy and a safety issue and it should be addressed.

21 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2016

I got my key light on and my lock steering is bad my car won't start.

22 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2016

In September 2015 I purchased a one owner certified pre-owned 2010 Maxima with all service records up to date with extended warranty; thinking I was as safe as I could be. Just 5 short months later on February 8, 2016 after work, at dusk my 2010 Maxima with only 82,700 miles failed to start. The brake pedal was extremely hard and nothing happened when I pushed the start button. This poses an extreme safety hazard, as I work in the field in crime stricken areas; hence buying a cpo vehicle and purchasing an extended warranty. There was no warning whatsoever that this was about to happen. I had to wait about 45 minutes, in the dark on the west side of san antonio, texas for a tow truck to have my car towed to the nearest Nissan dealership. Being that it was after 6pm, the dealer would not be able to diagnose until the following morning. Dealership called the next day to inform me that the problem was the steering lock assembly, which is not covered by the extended warranty and will cost me $925+tax!!! the car was operating just fine; no reason to think I was at risk of being stranded. According to online research, hundreds of people have experienced this issue and been stranded with their children and/or in horrible whether conditions, yet no recall. 2009 Nissan models were recalled for the same faulty part. Since the same part continued to be used on 2010 models, why was this recall not extended for 2010 models? Nissan should be held accountable for this expensive faulty part before something horrible happens to someone.

23 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2016

I double parked my 2010 Maxima to run into a store to buy a newspaper. When I returned a minute later to the car, it would not start - the steering wheel was locked. I was stranded on a very busy avenue with a lot of traffic. After reading all the complaints about the same problem on the 2010 Maxima, I am shocked that Nissan has not recalled this car to repair the issue. I had to wait 4 hours in the freezing cold before a tow truck arrived. The driver took me to the bay ridge Nissan dealership where it was repaired at a cost of $1,056. 00. I also missed a day's work due to this problem. This is definitely a vehicle that should be recalled for this dangerous situation.

24 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2016

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle would not start. The contact tried repeatedly with no success. The contact stated that there was a key with a lock warning symbol illuminated in the dashboard. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. Ed.

25 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2015

From the time I purchased the vehicle in 12/2015, I've had nothing but major problems with my steering. It yanks me all over the road and I have to fight the steering to keep from hitting other cars next to me. It's a nightmare every time I have to drive it and it's had 3 blowouts on the right front tire. My mechanic can;t seem to find the problem with it. He suggested putting 4 brand new tires on the car to see it it helps. It did not help one bit, when the roads are wet it's like driving on glass, I'm so afraid this car is going to kill me. Also, I can't keep buying a new tire for the front right every couple of months. Something is definitely wrong with this car, is there anybody out there that can help me before this car kills me and possibly someone else.

26 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2015

Steering wheel lock system works with fab turning on vehicle disengaged and the wiring was determined to be the culprit and without the repair of $950 the car will not turn on. The vehicle was running just fine 1 hour prior to locking me out and causing many of hours with aaa diagnostics, then towing to 2 separate locations and I asked the dealer if this is a routine issue it seems extreme and a manufacturing defect that could have caused serious injury or death resulting if it happened when on the road and not in my garage to quote their response was no it wouldn't of done it while driving but it could of deserted you in a location other than your home causing you even further inconvenience. The vehicle is only 5 years old, I maintain it by operators manual, I cannot explain how upsetting it is to have a vehicle with the "auto theft" selling point be a faulty manufacturing of the ability for owners to start their vehicle. The random stop working is very concerning because the steering wheel cannot move. Its definitely a vehicle that should be recalled for this situation.

27 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2015

I drove to a friends was out of the vehicle about one hour. The vehicle was parked still. I returned to the vehicle and it wouldn't start. I call roadside assistance and got a tow to Nissan dealer. I was told I had to pay $115. 00 diagnostic fee. Then they told me that it was my steering lock unit and it would cost me $1109. 09.

28 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2015

Tried turning on my vehicle and the steering wheel was locked. Cannot start my vehicle, the brake is not working and the steering wheel is locked.

29 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2015

It is shame!Nissan need to recall their max 2010 today it is cost me 1073. 40$ my car 54,053 mileage ,I went to work whit my car and off to day my friend pick me up because I am unable to turn car on lock steering lock my car. Next day tow truck pick up the car. Plus years a go suspension and wheels give me problems to. I am not going to buy a Nissan aging they're losing customers.

30 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2015

I went to start my vehicle and an orange light that read "key" popped up on the dashboard. On my ignition button the "lock" word was luminated. My vehicle would not start, nor turn on electrical systems. I was stranded from picking up my daughter, which caused chaos and unnecessary obstacles that could have been a safety issue. My vehicle was in the off position, parked after only 2 hours after last use. Schools can call child protective services if you do not pick up your kid by a certain time. That proves that if I didn't find a way to get my daughter picked up in a timely manner she would've been in danger. Thank god I was in front of my home when this happened because I could've been in a hostile neighborhood, in the cold, with no heat. The piece in question that was the problem. . . Quoted by Nissan is the "steering lock. " this piece has been recalled by Nissan in the earlier models, but apparently not for my vehicle. (which is the year after the one that is recalled) apparently they didn't fix this issue. What if I was someone who needed to be home to take medicine at a certain time, or I didn't have a phone to tell the school where my daughter is waiting for me the issue, or my wife was in labor? this piece is an unnecessary hazard and needs to be fixed.

31 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2015

Unexpectedly the 2010 Nissan Maxima wouldn't start. I then check this website, and find a ton of complaints about the same issue! the electronic steering lock control! I don't understand how Nissan isn't held responsible for this faulty part. I paid almost $40,000 for a car that won't start. This can happen without any warning. My issue occured with my 4 month old son in the vehicle while everyone else I knew was at work. This is completely unacceptable! this same part number was recalled in previous years for the Maxima! the vehicle was stationary after stopping at the bank to make a deposit. Will someone please hold Nissan responsible for this ongoing issue!.

32 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2015

Tried to start car key light came on, brakes were hard to press ang igntion would not start only lock would showup on the push to start button now car is sitting and have to get towed. The car was stationary was getting ready to go to work after stopping at a school.

33 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2015

After work on 7/18/15, I went to my car to go home, but as I stepped on the brake and pushed the start button, I got nothing - not a peep from the engine - so I tried a few more times, but to no avail. I called aaa, thinking that my battery was dead (even though I'd just purchased a new one recently), but the jump didn't do anything to my car. I called home and had my back-up fob brought to me, thinking that perhaps the battery from my main one was dead, but the second one didn't work, either. Nor did either of them work in the port that's located in the bottom-left portion of the dashboard, so I got a ride to the local Nissan dealership where some salesmen gave me suggestions of what I should do. When I told them that I'd done everything that they mentioned, they said that all that was left to be done was to have my vehicle towed to the shop, which I did, but since it was a Friday and nearly 6:00 pm, my car wasn't going to be looked at until Monday afternoon. While waiting for the tow truck to arrive, as well as over the weekend, I did some searching online and found out that this was not an uncommon problem, not covered by any extended warranties, though I read that this problem occurred often enough with the 2009 Maxima that Nissan issued an extended warranty to cover this repair, so I don't see why this problem shouldn't also be included, as well. Nissan, you're losing yet another customer. . .

34 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the the front passenger's seat, steering and entire vehicle began to shake violently as the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Oo.

35 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2015

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. While at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle the following day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock module was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,320.



Safety Ratings of Maxima Cars
Fuel Economy of Maxima Vehicles
Maxima Service Bulletins
Maxima Safety Recalls
Maxima Defect Investigations