2009 Nissan Altima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 107about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,547 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 7% of the 1,547 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Was going out of town and due to bad weather conditions on the area I was supposed to drive to, I did not go. However, on sunday afternoon I got into vehicle, tried to start it and it would not start. Now, if I had of gone out of town like I was supposed to, I would have been stranded. I often have my small granddaughter with me. Glad she wasn't this time. Had to call tow service.”
NHTSA complaint #10854880, filed 2016-04, 66,500 miles“I'm stranded. It won't recognize my key. The internet tells me that this is happening to many others and that Nissan is unresponsive. Unless you count being willing to take $1000.00 plus to take care of what seems to be a well known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10703714, filed 2015-04, 81,000 miles“My wife and two young daughters were stranded for a time due to a sudden issue with the steering lock mechanism. This suddenly made the car inoperable and left them out in 102 texas summer heat. After much research this seems to be a fairly common and known issue. We bought our car from a dealership in 2014 and we not made aware of this issue or any potential warranty extension. This is a $500 part (excluding labor and towing fees) that can and has stranded people with little to no notice. How is this acceptable?”
NHTSA complaint #11112013, filed 2018-07, 146,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
- 10120587Oct 13, 20162007-2010 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC This bulletin has been amended to remove 2011 and 2012 model years. Please discard all…
- 10074565Nov 25, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
- 10047182Oct 11, 2012Nissan: see document search button for owner letter. Engine control module (ecm) needs inspection, reprogrammed and/or possible replaced exhaust manifold and front exhaust tube…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 20% |
| 2022 | 7 | 23% |
| 2021 | 6 | 9% |
| 2020 | 37 | 20% |
| 2019 | 48 | 21% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 39 | 10% |
| 2016 | 86 | 16% |
| 2015 | 66 | 7% |
| 2014 | 77 | 7% |
| 2013 | 158 | 7% |
| 2012 | 68 | 16% |
| 2011 | 36 | 15% |
| 2010 | 50 | 13% |
| 2009 | 107 | 7% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 31 | 7% |
| 2006 | 166 | 20% |
| 2005 | 141 | 13% |
| 2004 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 117 | 13% |
| 2002 | 92 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Nissan Altima
859 complaintsElectrical system
466 complaintsOther or unknown
146 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsAir bags
91 complaintsBody and structure
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsElectronic stability control
26 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 27, 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