Skip to content
BrakesPart report

2009 Nissan Altima Brakes Problems

Complaints
47about this part
Share
3%of 1,547 total for the year
Median mileage
52,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 3% of the 1,547 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“A nightmare while awake. While backing out of a bank parking lot I hit a pole lightly. I stopped the car before shifting into drive. When I accelerated the car lurched forward at a fast speed. I tried braking but the car kept going forward slamming into the back of a parked SUV with the driver inside pushing it from the parking space up onto the side walk. And side swiping a parked truck pushing it into the SUV passenger side.. The acceleration was so great I am so my car is totaled. …”

NHTSA complaint #11403185, filed 2021-03, 165,000 miles

“On multiple occasions the dashboard brake warning light is turning on. This usually happens when getting off the freeway. I checked the master cylinder and the fluid level was iow so I added DOT 4 brake fluid. This car is regularly serviced every 5000 miles and the dealer at mossy Nissan oceanside, ca, did not mention the issue at 55000 miles. I have informed the dealer via appointment yesterday, no reply as of this morning.”

NHTSA complaint #10513097, filed 2013-05, 56,000 miles

“My 2009 Nissan Altima coupe with 63,200 miles would not start last saturday, 2/1. The steering column was locked, the brakes were locked, and the push to start button would not light up or start the car. The red light for the key was flashing and the car could never be started. My vehicle was towed to leith Nissan in cary, nc where service members there said this was a common problem and currently have two other vehicles in line for the same part. …”

NHTSA complaint #10562918, filed 2014-02, 63,200 miles

“The car failed to start; I see lots of complains where the steering wheel locks in place and so does the brake and the car fails to start. I had the same problem twice already and the dealer told me to replace the key less switch however, the problem continues and I see that the problem was not the key. As I can see others are having similar issues of the car locking in place and the problem is more than just the key problem.. This should be definitely recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #10541991, filed 2013-09, 60,000 miles

“The key warning light appeared on the dash; replaced batteries in both of the keys and the warning light disappeared. One week later, with no additional problems or warning, I parked the car to go to a doctor appointment and when I returned less than 1 hour later, I was able to get into the car, but the brake would not depress, the steering wheel would not lock, and the car would not start. Car will not go into accessory mode either nor does the other key start the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10498434, filed 2013-02, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025114%
2024512%
2023413%
2022516%
20212130%
20201810%
20193013%
20184922%
2017195%
2016112%
2015263%
2014283%
2013583%
2012205%
2011125%
2010328%
2009473%
2008939%
20077015%
2006263%
2005373%
2004104%
2003121%
2002293%
200174%
2000128%
19991517%
19981411%
199798%
199655%
1995106%
199444%
199365%

Other parts of the 2009 Nissan Altima

Steering
859 complaints
Electrical system
466 complaints
Other or unknown
146 complaints
Engine
107 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
95 complaints
Air bags
91 complaints
Body and structure
90 complaints
Vehicle speed control
49 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaints
Suspension
33 complaints
Electronic stability control
26 complaints
Wheels
15 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Nissan Altima

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