2009 Nissan Altima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,547 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,971miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 1% of the 1,547 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,971 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my car on regular roads about to get on a highway without any issue with all functions perfectly working. Then all of a sudden my turn signals would not activate by the toggle switch, however the hazard button would activate them. Then my headlights turned off on their own(this was at 2 am in pitch dark area and raining). I tried turning the switch all the way off then back on after pulling over, nothing worked even with turning my car off entirely then back on. My headlights wouldn't work, blinkers nor my windshield wipers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10990750, filed 2017-05, 42,475 miles“While driving down route 1 in norwood, ma. My dashboard panel went dark and my engine shut off. I was driving approximately 40 MPH. I was able to coast to a stop, put the car in park and restart the engine. The engine did not sputter, or present any issue prior to the shut down. I took the car to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. This leaves me feeling very uncomfortable as with no root cause identified it could happen again in a heavier traffic situation. Besides my own safety, I am concerned for other Altima owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10525724, filed 2013-07, 30,837 miles“I was in a parking lot, about to leave from plasma center. Entered vehicle and attempted to start up. Would not start. Looked up warnings of key symbol and car symbol. Referenced to steering lock failure. Was never able to get vehicle cranked. Numbed var battery and changed battery in fob. Still nothing. Had vehicle towed home. Contact end Nissan who stated warranty is out. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10794798, filed 2015-11, 80,000 miles“Brake lights not lighting & push to start not working at times. Nissan said this is a known issue with the brake light switch & sub harness. After investigating the issue on the internet I found numerous reports of this problem. When the switch fails you are not aware of your brake lights not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10476959, filed 2012-09, 40,971 miles“1. Dashboard totally melted creating a blinding glare while driving. It is completely sticky to the touch. The glare is so blinding almost hit a pedestrian crossing the street. . The dealership where I purchased the car only offered to replace it at a ridiculous cost I cannot afford as a school teacher. It was only 2 years old, however, old enough not to be under warranty. My major concern is having an accident or hitting someone crossing a street if I get hit with the glare. Will Nissan cover damages then? 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10655301, filed 2014-11Related service bulletins
- 10032306Nov 27, 2013Nissan: exterior lamp fogging. Occasionally water is noticed in the exterior lamps. This is generally not due to a defect. All current exterior lamp assemblies are vented to the…
- 10032992Apr 27, 2010Nissan: xenon head lamp service. A xenon headlamp is not functioning because of an issue inside the headlamp assembly (an internal issue). In most cases, replacement of a bulb or…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 42 | 8% |
| 2015 | 270 | 28% |
| 2014 | 299 | 27% |
| 2013 | 442 | 19% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 7 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 13 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 41 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
26 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