2009 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.2× that of a typical Nissan Maxima 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.
- 29 of its 339 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Steering column lock failure — car will not start (141 complaints, median 71,162 mi).
- 1 recall campaign 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: 2008
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
- 339filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles, 272 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on the 2009 Maxima concentrate on the electronic steering column lock, which can leave the car unable to start with the wheel locked; owners also describe failures in the power tilt/telescope steering column. Most reports arrive at moderate mileage, often tens of thousands of miles, and many describe the no-start happening suddenly after the car is parked. Electrical and air bag complaints follow, generally at higher mileage.
- Steering
Steering column lock failure — car will not start
- 141 complaints (42%)
- median 71,162 mi at 6.5 yrs old (115 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 48 quotes)
- filed 2010–2026
Owners describe parking the car, then returning to find it will not start: the push-button start does nothing and a yellow key or lock indicator shows on the dash. Many report the steering wheel locked in place at the same time, and the key fob still locks and unlocks the doors. Complaints describe tows to the dealer and repair estimates for a steering lock or steering column box replacement, in many cases several hundred to over a thousand dollars; several owners say a service campaign existed but the repair window had passed. Reported from roughly 24,000 to 170,000 miles, with many clustered between about 45,000 and 90,000 miles; often happens after the car sits parked and in some cases in cold weather.
What to check: Confirm the car starts reliably from cold and after sitting, and watch for a key or lock warning light on the dash. Ask whether the steering lock or column box was ever replaced, and check for paperwork on the steering column lock service campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The steering lock system (an anti-theft device) failed. It locked my steering wheel and disabled the start button on the car. The car was stationary; I was stranded in a parking lot away from home with a car that would not start. Nissan is aware of the problem and had issued a TSB, but no recall. Nor was I notified of the potential problem as an owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10954324, filed 2017-02, 72,000 miles“My Nissan Maxima 2009 would not start and had to be towed to find out that it was my locking steering control on the column. I was stranded and Nissan north america refused to cover this even though they new this flaw would happen at 72000 miles my car had 76000.my car was parked in my work parking lot. This should be a recall....”
NHTSA complaint #10836430, filed 2016-02, 76,000 miles - Steering
Power tilt/telescope steering column noise or sticking
- 37 complaints (11%)
- median 55,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (35 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2011–2016
Owners report a grinding or growling noise from the steering wheel area when the car is started, with the power tilt/telescope column failing to return to its memory position or sticking in the up or down position. Some say the wheel dropped or could not be adjusted, leaving it in a position that made gauges hard to see. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing failed column motors and quoting several hundred to around two thousand dollars for replacement. Mostly reported between about 33,000 and 90,000 miles, sometimes within the first few years of ownership.
What to check: Run the tilt and telescope switches through their full range with the engine off and listen for grinding, and check that the wheel holds its set position and does not drift down.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After starting my car I heard a loud grinding/whining noise coming from the steering wheel. The automatic tilt/telescopic steering wheel was stuck in the up position and failed to lower to the memory set position. The loud and distracting noise would happen every time I started the car and only stopped after manually trying to adjust the steering wheel, which did not work. The steering wheel is stuck in a position that so that I cannot see the gauges or speedometer properly which is dangerous when driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466668, filed 2012-07, 33,500 miles“I just purchased the car (from an audi dealership) about a week and a half ago (as is) and was not aware of the steering problems I've now researched. There was this weird growling noise coming from the steering wheel, it would eventually stop but it was disturbing. My sister and I took the car to the dealership and learn of that it was the telescopic steering column and two motors needed to be replaced. The dealership quoted about $900 to fix it. As a college student who just spent the money to purchase the car... I just can't afford it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10883789, filed 2016-07, 65,357 miles - Air bags
Air bags not deploying or air bag warning light on
- 41 complaints (12%)
- median 81,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (31 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,950 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2009–2023
Several owners describe collisions in which the air bags did not deploy, including front and side impacts, and one report notes the passenger air bag indicator switching off and on with an adult seated. Others report the air bag warning light staying illuminated or flashing. Complaints generally say the vehicle was not diagnosed afterward, and dealers or the manufacturer were contacted with no repair reported. Reported from about 54,000 to 257,000 miles, mostly in crashes or after years of use.
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the air bag light goes out after the self-check; ask whether the occupant classification sensor or seat trim has ever been altered, and check for any stored air bag codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While on and moving, the passenger air bag on/off indicator light turns on and off, with an adult in the passenger seat. It will turn on (indicating bag off) for several minutes at a time. This occurs with a 150+ pound passenger sitting normally in the seat, with seatbelt fastened. This occurs throughout turns, on straight roads, and at varying speeds. This behavior has been ongoing for years, but I have only now done a search for it. Google searches indicate this is a problem with many 2009 Nissan maximas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11171054, filed 2019-01, 54,000 miles“Vehicle pulled out in front going at a minimum speed. Driver that hit the Maxima was on laptop thus pulling out in front of the Maxima which was traveling the full speed limit. Maxima was struck on drivers side causing the whole front of car to be obliterated. Bent the frame from the front of car all the way back to back door. Cracked driver side chrome rim in half and pushed the wheel well up into the interior of the car at the place that you rest your foot which caused jammed the drivers leg up into the pelvis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723902, filed 2015-06, 81,000 miles - Suspension
Strut and suspension noise, pulling, or shudder
- 32 complaints (9%)
- median 76,200 mi at 7.0 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2025
Owners report rattling or squeaking from the front end, the car not tracking straight, and in one case shaking so strongly at speed that the driver had to pull over. Complaints describe dealers identifying cracked strut insulators or failed strut mounts, and several owners say they were told their vehicle was not covered by the strut insulator recall and had to pay out of pocket. Mostly reported between about 37,000 and 200,000 miles, often noticed over bumps or at highway speed.
Recall 09V3580003 related service bulletins
What to check: Listen for clunks or squeaks over bumps on a test drive and check for uneven tire wear; ask whether the strut insulators or mounts have been replaced and whether the vehicle was included in the strut insulator recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our vehicle began making loud squeaking/rattling sounds under our hood on the front passenger side. We noticed the sounds were getting louder, so my husband decided to take our vehicle into a Nissan dealership for observation on december 24, 2013. While at the dealership, he was told very quickly that the sounds we had been hearing were the result of the cracking of our suspension/strut insulator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558253, filed 2014-01, 111,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shuddering uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence at 20 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11639588, filed 2025-01, 200,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling, no-start, and power loss complaints
- 33 complaints (10%)
- median 63,773 mi at 5.3 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $985 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2012–2022
Owners describe the engine losing power and acceleration while driving, sometimes shutting off, with the battery light flickering beforehand and repairs to the alternator and fuel pump not resolving it. Other reports describe the car failing to start with electronics still working, or key and security warnings appearing on the dash. Complaints note diagnosis at dealers or independent shops without a clear fix in several cases. Reported from very low mileage (under 10,000 miles) up to about 110,000 miles, with most between roughly 50,000 and 110,000 miles.
What to check: Ask about any history of stalling or no-start and whether battery, alternator, and key/security modules have been checked; a scan for stored codes before purchase can show unresolved electrical faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car loses power as I'm driving, I replaced alternator and fuel pump I'm at around $1100 in with repairs and labor. The problem still exist I turn car on and drive within 10 mins the car loses power and acceleration then eventually dies. This happened on the highway on one occasion, very frustrating and scary to say the least. It's not the battery cuz it's also new. This is getting scary and ridiculous.”
NHTSA complaint #11232931, filed 2019-07, 105,256 miles“The car has power. All electronics seem to work, however, when I depress the brake and push the ignition button the car will not start. The first time I try to start it, it will turn over very slowly. Then every time after that, it will give me a metallic clicking sound but will not turn over. I went through the cold and hot start up procedures to no avail. The car still has power, I.e. If I place the button to the on position everything will turn on electronically, but the car still will not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597302, filed 2014-06, 89,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that confirms the car starts repeatedly and the steering column adjusts without noise is worthwhile, along with checking for documentation of any steering lock campaign work. Ask about front suspension noise and tire wear, and factor the cost of column or key repairs into the price.
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 339 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Maxima. 272 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 99 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Nissan Maxima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 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.
- Steering168 50%
- Electrical system79 23%
- Air bags43 13%
- Suspension36 11%
- Other or unknown33 9.7%
- Engine18 5.3%
- Seats15 4.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 3.2%
- Body and structure8 2.4%
Also reported: Brakes (7), Wheels (6), Engine cooling (4), Tires (4), Vehicle speed control (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “When looking up my make model and year of car, your site seems to indicate a suspension/strut insulator cracking problem, however, when I contacted the Nissan dealership, they say for my VIN # there is only one recall and it is for a steering column problem . I just want to know all the facts before I take it in for repairs this thursday, march 29, 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11081367, filed 2018-03, 184,000 milesElectrical system: “The electronic steering column lock went out and I was unable to start my car. I had to have the car towed to the dealership for which I had to pay $1,100 to get a problem fixed I never even heard of. There was an extended warranty on this part that expired a year and a half ago. Nissan never recalled this part that is clearly a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10935026, filed 2016-12, 98,000 milesAir bags: “The airbag light comes on when someone gets into the car on passenger side , then stays on sometimes. As long as the person is in the seat it stays on. When they get out it goes off. I wasn't in any accident. It was like it when I got it”
NHTSA complaint #11192697, filed 2019-03, 194,000 milesSuspension: “Inti steering lock wouldnt allow me to turn engine off after parking in my driveway then not starting after I had to disconnect battery cable to stop engine which I am finding out to be widespread problem with this year model & others also have been informed of recall issue with both front struts same year & models”
NHTSA complaint #11245961, filed 2019-08, 174,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 272 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 103,000 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 Maxima. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
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 Maxima 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
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
- 09V358000Sep 16, 2009SuspensionCovers: Nissan Maxima 2009–2010, Altima 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.
Recall details for the 2009 Nissan Maxima → · 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. 99 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 Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Complaints on the 2009 Maxima concentrate on the electronic steering column lock, which can leave the car unable to start with the wheel locked; owners also describe failures in the power tilt/telescope steering column. The issues reported most often: Steering column lock failure — car will not start; Power tilt/telescope steering column noise or sticking; Air bags not deploying or air bag warning light on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 339 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 168 complaints (50% of the total), followed by electrical system with 79.
Has the 2009 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 272 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,500 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 103,000 miles; 30% 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.