DecodedCars2010 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.5s, 2dr Coupe 3.5sr, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5sr
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 35 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 181.1–190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,095–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2010 midsize car (22.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,095 lb (2dr Coupe 2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (35 city / 33 highway), 53% better than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.5s | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,095 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.5sr | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,298 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,168 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5sr | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,364 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.6 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,490 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 33 / 34 | +53% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | +22% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +18% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +18% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +5% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Nissan Altima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Nissan Altima (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Ford Mustang | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2010 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V401000 · 7,948 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Structure · May 7, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V193000 · 113 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ALTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010 THROUGH APRIL 13, 2010. SOME OF THE FRONT SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED TO SPECIFICATION DUE TO A TOOL MAINTENANCE ERROR.
- Risk
- IF SEVERAL STRUCTURAL WELDS ARE OUT OF SPECIFICATION ON A SINGLE VEHICLE, IT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VEHICLE CRASH PERFORMANCE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2010 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 41 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 37 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,253 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →