2010 Nissan Altima MPG
Across its 7 EPA-rated gasoline versions, the 2010 Nissan Altima returns 18–23 mpg city, 27–32 highway and 21–27 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive, at 27 mpg combined. At the other end, the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive manages 21 mpg combined, 6 mpg less. The EPA also rated a hybrid version, the best at 34 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg better than the best gasoline 2009 version (26 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid | 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 33 | 34 | Regular · 261 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | Regular · 329 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular · 386 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular · 386 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular · 423 g CO₂/mi |
| Altima | 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular · 423 g CO₂/mi |
2010 Nissan Altima fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2010 Nissan Altima costs about $2,420 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (27 mpg combined), or roughly 16 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (21 mpg combined) comes to about $3,110 a year, $690 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2010 Nissan Altima specs
The EPA lists 3 engine choices for the 2010 Nissan Altima: 3.5 L 6-cyl, 2.5 L 4-cyl and 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid. It came with continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. For fuel-economy purposes it sits in the EPA's "Midsize Cars" class.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L | 6 | Automatic (AV-S6); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 4 |
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios); Automatic (AV-S6); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 2.5 L hybrid | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2010 Nissan Altima problems
As of October 2026, NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) holds 393 owner complaints about the 2010 Nissan Altima.
Electrical system is the most-reported area (14% of component mentions), followed by power train (13%) and air bags (11%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 23 complaints a year: fewer than the 2009 (89 a year) and more than the 2011 (15 a year).
That ranks 11th of 17 Nissan Altima model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 393, 25 mention a crash, 11 a fire and 20 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 78 | 14% |
| Power train | 75 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 70 | 13% |
| Air bags | 62 | 11% |
| Engine | 54 | 10% |
| Suspension | 31 | 6% |
| Structure | 30 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 28 | 5% |
| Visibility/wiper | 22 | 4% |
| Steering | 20 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 20 | 4% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 7 | 1% |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 6 | 1% |
| Tires | 6 | 1% |
| Visibility | 6 | 1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | <1% |
| Seats | 5 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 5 | <1% |
| Wheels | 3 | <1% |
| Child seat | 2 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 2 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 1 | <1% |
| Electric service brakes | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
I am having problems with my ECU malfunctioning which is causing my catalytic converter my exhaust manifold and my O2 sensors to malfunction. …
At some point on the highway the car throttles down to less than 60 mph. Mashing the gas pedal to the floor results in nothing happening. …
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that seat air bag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. …
2010 Nissan Altima recalls
The 2010 Nissan Altima has been the subject of 3 recall campaigns.
The most recent, campaign 10V401000 from September 2010, concerns equipment.
10V193000 · May 7, 2010 · Structure
Problem: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Altima years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10V401000 | September 10, 2010 | Equipment | 2008–2010 |
| 09V358000 | September 16, 2009 | Suspension | 2009–2010 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA has not published 5-star crash ratings for the 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Nissan Altimas can be compared fairly. Among other 2010 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2010 Ford Fusion (27 mpg), 2010 Chevy Malibu (26 mpg) and 2010 Toyota Camry (26 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 34 | 1,046 | 55 | 4 |
| 2009 | 34 | 1,601 | 89 | 4 |
| 2010 | 34 | 393 | 23 | 3 |
| 2011 | 33 | 246 | 15 | 1 |
| 2012 | 26 | 426 | 28 | 4 |
| 2013 | 31 | 2,313 | 164 | 12 |
Every Nissan Altima model year compared →
Similar 2010 models
FAQ
Is the 2010 Altima a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2010 Nissan Altima has 23 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (11th most of 17 model years), 3 recall campaigns and up to 34 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2010 Altima problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are electrical system (78), power train (75) and air bags (62). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2010 Altima have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Altima get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 21–27 mpg combined (18–23 city, 27–32 highway). The hybrid version reaches up to 34 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Altima per year?
About $2,420 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $3,110 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).