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SteeringPart report

2009 Nissan 370Z Steering Problems

Complaints
88about this part
Share
58%of 153 total for the year
Median mileage
38,560miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Nissan 370Z, 58% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,560 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I got into my stationary vehicle and when I push the start button it remained in the lock position. The steering lock sensor light was on and it won't change into the acc or on position. This is the second time it has happened to me, first time the dealership had to fix it.”

NHTSA complaint #11184226, filed 2019-03, 129,200 miles

“I parked the car in the lot and lock it. When I came back to drive away at 2:00 am where is nobody around I couldn't start the car and I had key warning indicator flashing on the dashboard. I found out later that is my steering wheel lock module failed like another couple of hundreds other 370Z. Nissan need to recall it.”

NHTSA complaint #10491721, filed 2013-01, 37,000 miles

“Tried starting my 370Z and it would not start, due to what the Nissan dealer described as a steering lock failure. When this occurs it leaves the driver stranded as the car will not operate. Nissan replaced this part on the 2012 370Z but has done nothing for the previous models. Nissan will not cover the part since I am 2000 miles over my warranty, yet many owners have had this failure.”

NHTSA complaint #10481577, filed 2012-10, 38,000 miles

“I have a 2009 Nissan 370Z that after 3 days sitting in my garage wouldn't start without warning because the steering wheel lock failed. I was lucky that the issue didn't happen while I was out of town. The car had absolutely no power and had to be towed to the Nissan dealership. The bill to have it fixed was $1051.01 with labor. I have a case open with Nissan to try to get it covered since this part is out of warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #10491833, filed 2013-01, 23,150 miles

“The steering lock mechanism part #48700-jf00a on 09 and 10 models fails after a while due to poor quality. This results in the steering column being unable to unlock and therefore disabling the car from being started. This can leave anyone stranded and needing the car towed. In my case the car is stuck in my garage because I am unable to start it due to this faulty part. This needs to be recalled because the part will fail its just a matter of when.”

NHTSA complaint #10490657, filed 2013-01, 29,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20112255%
20106256%
20098858%

Other parts of the 2009 Nissan 370Z

Electrical system
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Nissan 370Z

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology