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.

10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
25,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2010 Nissan Altima engine problems

engine problem

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2010 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #2

May 072014

Altima S 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 48,500 miles

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

I have a 2010 Nissan Altima S that if it does not warm up (especially in the winter) it rattles real bad and seems to strain for power. Took to dealership and said that this is normal for this car and the transmission. I don't think that this is normal at all.

- chagans, Sandersville, GA, US

problem #1

May 012010

Altima SL 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,500 miles

I have been complaining to Nissan about this since May 2010. At first, Nissan denied there was a problem. Now they state they are aware of the problem and do not currently have a fix for the problem but are working on it. There are complaints all over the internet of the exact same problem going back to 2008 or further. Something needs to be done about this, as it is a definite safety hazard. Someone is going to get killed trying to pull out of an intersection, if it hasn't already happened. Nissan is stating that there is no damage being done to the drivetrain while a fix is being developed. They are not addressing the safety concerns of the poor owners who were unlucky enough to have purchased one of these vehicles. I believe the the National Transportation Safety Board needs to get involved in this matter, as Nissan is just ignoring customer complaints. I have been waiting over a week to hear back from corporate over the most recent dealership visit, in which my vehicle was there for 8 days. I have made 6 phone calls with not a single returned call.

- Jim M., Coraopolis, PA, US

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