2009 Nissan Altima Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,547 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 2% of the 1,547 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My steering interlock in my 2009 Nissan Altima went out on me. I got stranded for 3 hours in 20 degrees weather with my 4 year old son until my tow truck finally got there. Car would start so I couldn't even turn heat on to keep my son warm. Nissan is still have an issue with these and won't cover the exspenses it should be a recal it's a safety hazzard I”
NHTSA complaint #10949537, filed 2017-02, 127,000 miles“Tamara recall I'm a nurse and I was dressed and ready for work upon arrival to my car my fob allowed me to unlock my door but whom I got in and attempted to start my car I noticed I couldn't press my breaks they were tight and steering wheel was also locked. I pressed the push to start button but nothing happened I looked at the information center and only noticed a amber key light up and lock light on around the start button. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852599, filed 2016-03, 140,000 miles“The electronic steering column lock module in my 2009 Altima locked leaving me stranded and unable to start my vehicle. This is a known issue. Nissan received so many complaints they extended the warranty for a limited time (to 2014). I purchased my vehicle prior to this date from a Nissan dealer where I've taken it for every service and was never made aware of the issue until I couldn't start my vehicle and had to have it towed to the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819361, filed 2016-01, 93,000 miles“The car will not start when I push on the brake and push the button for it to start. The dealer says it is the steering column lock module. It was in a stationary position but we were stranded and had to get the car towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10923779, filed 2016-11, 46,000 miles“Vehicle will not start due to faulty steering lock mechanism. I was in a parking lot with my two young children when my car would not start. Apparently, this issue has caused a lot of people to be stranded. Nissan is well aware of the problem and that their mechanism during '09 and '10 was faulty. How could any malfunction that leaves people stranded not be considered a safety issue! The part is very expensive and only carried through Nissan... That in itself should be suspicious.”
NHTSA complaint #10836906, filed 2016-02, 74,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2018 | 11 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 1% |
| 2013 | 31 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 7 | 2% |
| 2009 | 26 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 Nissan Altima
859 complaintsElectrical system
466 complaintsOther or unknown
146 complaintsEngine
107 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsAir bags
91 complaintsBody and structure
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsWheels
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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