DecodedCars2010 Nissan Maxima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5s/3.5sv
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,594 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 1% worse than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Maxima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Maxima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5s/3.5sv | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,594 lb | 62/38 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
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 Maxima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Nissan Maxima (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Ford Mustang | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Maxima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2010 Nissan Maxima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Nissan Maxima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Steering — 75 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 36 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Suspension — 25 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,120 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 Maxima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Maxima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2021 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 22 |
| 2019 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2018 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 36 |
| 2017 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2016 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 142 |
| 2014 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 90 |
| 2013 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 52 |
| 2012 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 82 |
| 2011 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 83 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →