CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2009-2010 Maxima has an expensive problem where the steering lock prevents the car from starting, & costs upwards of $1,000 to fix!

For more information, see this page on the Nissan Maxima Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) defect.

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,562 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Nissan Maxima brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Nissan Maxima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2010 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 052024

Maxima

  • 260,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front wheels. The stabili-trak and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger-??s side CV axle, cracked struts on the front driver's side and front passenger's side. In addition, the axle on the front driver's side would need to be replaced soon. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #3

Nov 012016

Maxima

  • miles
Nissan has on its site that the newer model Nissan Maxima after 2009 does not have the escl malfunction (electric steering column lock) but I just experienced it two weeks ago after dropping off my daughter to school. Luckily I was in my driveway when it occurred. When the car goes into that state, the entire car is on lock down it will not move. It can happen to you anywhere and you can be stranded.Nissan knows it's a malfunction and they are refusing to make it a recall, plus they promised that it would not happen to the newer models after 2009 but it happened to me on 11/1/16. In the site they tell you what they will do but it is not honored.

- Valley Stream, NY, USA

problem #2

Nov 182014

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
The electronic steering wheel lock on the vehicle has malfunctioned and will not allow the steering wheel to lock. This ultimately prevents the car from starting do to the push to start feature. Nissan released a warranty extension for the 2009 model Maxima which is identical to 2010 model that I have, but the replacement part for my vehicle is not covered under the warranty.please investigate this issue because there are almost 100 similar complaints listed on NHTSA website.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #1

Jan 152010

Maxima

  • 250 miles
The car has electronic steering and is a safety hazard in my opinion. The car will drift to the right on its own and when you steer it back to prevent running off the pavement the car veers to your left and would run off the road to your left if you do not correct it. On a straight stretch of road holding the steering wheel straight the car will dart to the left and then to the right without moving the steering wheel. On the test drive I rode in the passenger seat and could feel the car moving to the left and right, the service mgr said he could feel it also but said that was because of the crown in the road. This problem becomes a safety problem when on narrow four lane roads, you must constantly fight the steering wheel to keep the car on the road or keep from running into the car on your left. I have took the car to the dealer and was told that I would just have to get used to this because of the electronic steering is different from my previous cars. I was told there was no adjustment that could be made to correct this problem. I am 70 years old and have driven a few cars in my time and can tell you this car should not drive the way it does, it is just an accident waiting to happen. It feels as if the car is trying to drive itself without turning the steering wheel, there seems to be a problem with other vehicles with the electronic steering - ie: Toyota and Chevrolet and just wondering if they all have the same electronic steering components.. I sent Nissan an email of my concern and dissatisfaction by the dealer saying nothing could be done to correct this problem. I can't believe they are blaming their problem on the crown in the roads!!

- Collinsville, VA, USA

Not what you are looking for?