CarComplaints.com Notes: You don't want to get 2009 and 2010 Altima owners started about their cars. That is, unless, you know how to start their cars.

These vehicles can suddenly become impossible to start thanks to a faulty electronic steering column lock (ESCL). Nissan dealers will gladly replace it, but that will run you $1000.

More info & videos about the Nissan ESCL defect are available over at NissanProblems.com.

It's one of the many reasons this car was named CarTalk's Turd of the Week and given our Beware of this Clunker badge. Two dubious honors.

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$40
Average Mileage:
29,900 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace battery (1 reports)
  3. replaced battery (1 reports)
2010 Nissan Altima electrical problems

electrical problem

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2010 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #8

Jun 032014

Altima SR 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am very angry at the fact that the dealership cannot tell you what the problem is and Nissan won't do anything either.

- Linda W., Richmond, CA, US

problem #7

Mar 072013

Altima SR 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I actually took the car to the dealership and they couldn't find the problem the only solutions they offered was to replace the battery with a discount on the battery problem still not solved.

- Linda W., Richmond, CA, US

problem #6

Dec 172014

Altima SR 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I do not like the idea of having to call and get a ump for this car when there should be a recall for it.

- Linda W., Richmond, CA, US

problem #5

Oct 062010

Altima S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car was too recently purchased for the battery to go bad. And it would happen a couple of more times that the battery all of a sudden just went so completely dead within hours of parking it that the keyless entry couldn't even open the door. I was parked on a tilt, so it made me think that it was some short in the system.

- Leonard O., Decatur, GA, US

problem #4

Oct 172012

Altima S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

The battery seemed to work fine, but then would just die and be completely dead. After it happened a couple of times I bought a gauge that measured voltage. There never seemed to be a voltage problem or low battery, but then, bang, it would be completely dead. It could be recharged once, maybe twice after this happened, but then it would be shot and have to be replaced.

- Leonard O., Decatur, GA, US

problem #3

Jan 082013

Altima S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

Had to have the battery replaced twice on a car with less than 30 thousand miles. Dealer couldn't find anything wrong with electrical system. I suspect some problem with the electrical system, because I will suddenly find the car unlocked and with both front windows down after having locked it and put the windows up. At first, I thought I had forgot, but it has happened too many times, and besides, I almost never drive with the windows down to begin with.

- Leonard O., Decatur, GA, US

problem #2

Sep 192012

Altima 2.5S V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,500 miles

In the past three months I have had to jump my car TWICE. It is a 2010, this should not be occurring. The battery has been checked on both occasions and it was fine and did not need to be replaced. I believe there is something wrong with the push button electrical start system which needs to be looked into.

- Carisa R., Bellevue, NE, US

problem #1

Apr 022013

Altima SL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,400 miles

When I turn off the ignition and leave the car, it will be dead when I I return for no apparent reason.

- Roy F., Danville, VA, US

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