2009 Nissan Altima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Altima years
More complaints than typical for this model
78/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.9× that of a typical Nissan Altima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 70 of its 1,547 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Electronic steering column lock prevents starting (931 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 1,547filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,931miles, 1,236 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Nissan Altima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about the 2009 Nissan Altima are dominated by starting problems tied to the electronic steering column lock: owners press the start button and the car does not start, often with a key warning on the dash and a stiff brake pedal. A second, frequently reported theme is a melting, sticky dashboard that reflects glare onto the windshield. Remaining reports are spread across the airbag warning light, CVT behavior and door handles.
- Steering
Electronic steering column lock prevents starting
- 931 complaints (60%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (766 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 321 quotes)
- filed 2010–2026
Owners describe the car failing to start after being parked, sometimes with a yellow key symbol on the dash, a brake pedal that barely moves and a steering wheel that will not turn. Many say the electronic steering column lock, or a related steering column box, was the part named by a dealer or mechanic after a tow. Some report that tapping on the control box below the steering column let them start the car temporarily. Several owners say a voluntary service campaign had covered this work on some cars but their vehicle identification number was not included, or that the campaign had already ended. Reported from roughly 28,000 to 220,000 miles, most often somewhere in the 60,000-150,000 range, and several owners note it happening more in cold weather.
What to check: Confirm the steering column lock or column box has been replaced and ask for the repair receipt; if the car is hard to start or shows a key warning, try several starts from cold before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Nissan Altima 2009 doesn't start at all and the symptoms clearly shows that is the issue with escl that Nissan Altima has acknowleged, however the service campaign to replace it was for a limited time period and I was not informed about it. Today I was stranded as the car was just not starting.this is really frustrating. Could you please look into this.”
NHTSA complaint #11394756, filed 2021-02, 75,000 miles“The steering column on the car has locked on me twice in two weeks, requiring two separate tows, $800 in repairs, $427 in towing and $69 in rental and uber. Car is back in the shop. I parked the car both times and when I came back the steering column was unable to be moved, brake pedal could not be depressed to start the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11390568, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles - Body and structure
Melting, sticky dashboard and windshield glare
- 117 complaints (8%)
- median 60,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (75 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2013–2024
Owners report the top of the dashboard turning shiny and tacky, in some cases spreading across the whole panel, and giving off an odor. They say sunlight reflecting off the surface produces glare on the windshield that makes it hard to see the road ahead, and that cleaning does not remove the stickiness. Complaints note the dealer and manufacturer were contacted without a repair being offered. Reported across a wide mileage span, from about 15,000 to about 167,000 miles, and owners link it to sun and heat exposure.
What to check: Look at the dashboard in direct sunlight for a shiny or sticky patch and check for reflections in the glass; ask whether the dash mat or cover is hiding it.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The interior dashboard is melting horribly and creates a major glare onto the windshield. It is highly dangerous at night as oncoming light reflects onto the dash. It is very dangerous in general as I have had time where the glare don't not allow the ability to see in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342041, filed 2020-07, 105,000 miles“We are owners of one of the melting dash altimas model year 2009. The glare that the dash projects onto the windshield in sunny conditions is a safety hazzard. On more than one occasion, we have almost hit other cars or people because of the bad reflection in the windshield from the melted dash. We have contacted Nissan, but they do not seem to be interested in fixing the problem. Please address this safety issue before anyone is killed or injured because of this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11279676, filed 2019-11, 15,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on
- 60 complaints (4%)
- median 66,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,879 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2009–2024
Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on and staying on while driving, sometimes after the passenger seat light flashed on and off. In some cases a dealer diagnosed a faulty occupant sensor or said the passenger seat needed replacing, with quotes owners describe as expensive. Others were told the vehicle identification number was not covered by airbag campaigns. Usually reported between about 65,000 and 166,000 miles, at everyday driving speeds.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag light goes out after the self-test; ask whether the seat occupant sensor or seat assembly has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1. The airbag is keep blinking at all times. 2. Load noise from exhaust manifold when start the engine and engine is cold. 3. A few weeks after a rainy day, when the weather gets hot, inside the car smell very bad as if there is a rotten or dead animal in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11311700, filed 2020-02, 160,000 miles“The vehicle has had problems with the passenger airbag several times even if someone was sitting in it. The light would flash off and on and then go off. Now the light stays on and also shows the airbag light on the instrument panel now as well. Have had it checked by the dealership and they said the sensor is faulty. They want around $2500 to replace the seat cushion and cant ensure that it will match. This is a ridiculous amount as well as a safety issue. After researching this is a ongoing problem among numerous Nissan owners of this year. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385305, filed 2020-12, 125,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT hesitation, loss of speed and stalling
- 100 complaints (6%)
- median 102,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (78 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,500 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2008–2024
Complaints describe the car losing speed or refusing to accelerate, sometimes dropping from highway speed to around 20 mph, and in one case the engine revving without the car gaining speed. Owners report the car returning to normal after being shut off and restarted, and some were told a transmission cooler kit or a CVT-related repair was needed. One owner also reported oil leaking from the transmission area toward the spark plugs. Reported mostly between about 70,000 and 185,000 miles, with several owners noting it happens in hot weather or during sustained driving.
What to check: Ask for transmission fluid service records and whether any CVT fluid temperature or fail-safe repairs were done; drive it long enough to get fully warm and watch for slow or delayed acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving for a period of time in heat, the car loses speed and begins to drop on its own. And if utilizing manual, the gears won't downshift. I've had to pull over numerous times and wait about 15 mins before driving again and it's fine. I was informed that the car needs a transmission cooler kit installed. I've seen numerous complaints of this issue and wonder why a recall has not been done on this. This is a safety issue especially driving on a highway and the car suddenly loses speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11348772, filed 2020-08, 145,354 miles“The contact's sister owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved loudly but the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle overheated, causing the antifreeze to leak. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11453596, filed 2022-02, 120,000 miles
Buying note. This model year is old enough that condition and repair history matter more than the badge; get receipts for the steering column lock and CVT work, and inspect the dashboard for melting. A start-up test from cold, plus a check of all door handles and the airbag light, covers most of what owners report.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,547 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Altima. 1,236 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,931 miles. Of all complaints, 36 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 21 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 116 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Nissan Altima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 78 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering859 56%
- Electrical system466 30%
- Other or unknown146 9.4%
- Engine107 6.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain95 6.1%
- Air bags91 5.9%
- Body and structure90 5.8%
- Vehicle speed control49 3.2%
- Brakes47 3.0%
Also reported: Suspension (33), Electronic stability control (26), Wheels (15), Seats (14), Fuel system (11), Engine cooling (10), Tires (10), Exterior lighting (9), Equipment (7), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Seat belts (3), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “The front suspension has caused my tyrode to come off cause the bracket that is on the strut bar that the stabalizer bolts onto has broke off from where its attached to. I can not keep the front right wheel tight it has came off with me driving down a city street which was seagoviille rd. In seagobille tx. All problems front suspension.”
NHTSA complaint #11398543, filed 2021-03, 210,000 milesElectrical system: “The 2009 Altima escl failed in my car. The key fob remains programmed with the vehicle however the steering column will not unlock thus rendering the vehicle immobile. I was stranded in a remote area approximately one hour's drive from my appartment. This is a known issue of which a 'service campaign' was issued by Nissan. However, my VIN was not part of that campaign.”
NHTSA complaint #11389520, filed 2021-01, 220,000 milesOther or unknown: “My car was parked on the street when I tried to start it and nothing, the engine does not turn over. The fob is recognized and the lights work. Tried jumping but nothing. The steering wheel was not locked intially but since being towed, the wheel is now locked. Brake is hard to push when attempting push start---ignition switch does nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10939035, filed 2017-01, 129,000 milesEngine: “2009 Nissan Altima will not start they said it was the steering lock control unit that needs replaced. $1,100. Nissan knew of the issue and extended the warranty only until 2015. If there was an issue why was I never told about it. I would have had them replace it a long time ago. We should have been told and they should cover the cost!”
NHTSA complaint #10883072, filed 2016-07, 92,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 1,236 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Altima · coupe FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Nissan Altima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Altima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Altima Coupe FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Nissan Altima 2008–2010, Versa 2008–2010, Rogue 2008–2010 +4 more
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.
- 09V358000Sep 16, 2009SuspensionCovers: Nissan Altima 2009–2010, Maxima 2009–2010
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 altima and maxima passenger cars. The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack.
- 09V006000Jan 9, 2009Structure › Body › DoorCovers: Nissan Altima 2009
Nissan is recalling 225 my 2009 altima vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have been manufactured with an out-of-specification weld on the door…
- 08V464000Sep 15, 2008WheelsCovers: Nissan Altima 2009
Nissan is recalling 3,403 my 2009 altima vehicles equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. Some these wheels may not have been manufactured to specification. This could cause one or more of the five lug nuts attaching the wheel to the vehicle to become loose.
Recall details for the 2009 Nissan Altima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 116 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Altima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 3,522 | 2 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 15,073 | 1 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 30 | 65,200 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 30,300 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 42,897 | 2 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 182 | 34,000 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 234 | 18,074 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 393 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 555 | 58,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 955 | 57,000 | 10 | 5 | 31 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 1,114 | 64,150 | 8 | 5 | 31 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 2,313 | 64,750 | 12 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 426 | 75,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 242 | 72,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 1 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 381 | 53,128 | 3 | — | 23 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,547 | 78,931 | 4 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,030 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 26 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 471 | 61,765 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 824 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,091 | 86,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 276 | 73,480 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 883 | 84,900 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,047 | 88,164 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 159 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 160 | 83,500 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 87 | 99,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 123 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 92,420 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 92 | 84,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 180 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 106 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 122 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Altima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Altima?
Complaints about the 2009 Nissan Altima are dominated by starting problems tied to the electronic steering column lock: owners press the start button and the car does not start, often with a key warning on the dash and a stiff brake pedal. The issues reported most often: Electronic steering column lock prevents starting; Melting, sticky dashboard and windshield glare; Airbag warning light stays on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA recorded 1,547 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Altima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Nissan Altima is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 859 complaints (56% of the total), followed by electrical system with 466.
Has the 2009 Nissan Altima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Altima (Altima, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Nissan Altima reported?
Among the 1,236 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,931 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 107,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.