2009 Nissan Maxima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 23%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,493miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 23% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,493 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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 miles“The steering wheel lock locks and doesn't allow you to start your vehicle. This is very dangerous as I live in minnesota and had the sterrring lock trigger which left me stranded in fridged temperatures. This is a safety issue as it happen with out notice and could cause harm or death by not being able to start your vehicle. This happens when the car is placed in park and the ignition is disengaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10939492, filed 2017-01, 113,000 miles“Electrical and AC failure, spent a lot of money and couldn't really afford to spend bc I was trying to get my AC repaired and no ine can figure out what the problem is. The warm weather is approaching and I cannot have my self and my child sweating bullets again this year. Purchased a new AC compressor, new AC condenser and had the AC charged still not fix to it. Have several people check for leaks ect and AC compressor doesn't even kick in at all and no one knows why.”
NHTSA complaint #11398002, filed 2021-02, 190,000 miles“The steering wheel lock unit failed making the car not start leaving my wife stranded at a convenience store on a cold night. Nissan knows this is a widespread problem but is still letting its customers foot the $1000 bill for their poor design. It is a safety problem when it leaves my wife stranded!”
NHTSA complaint #10825480, filed 2016-02, 71,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE 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…
- 11004961May 21, 2024CAN 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, 2024CAN 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.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE 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…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10208946Feb 22, 2022CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10176227May 28, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 â 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC516 is No Longer Active. ï· Repair orders opened…
- 10176207May 14, 2020Expiration Notification â Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE May 14, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The original…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 5 | 14% |
| 2017 | 11 | 10% |
| 2016 | 31 | 22% |
| 2014 | 8 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 19% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 79 | 29% |
| 2009 | 79 | 23% |
| 2008 | 6 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 26 | 5% |
| 2005 | 38 | 4% |
| 2004 | 56 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 27 | 16% |
| 2000 | 171 | 48% |
| 1999 | 83 | 50% |
| 1998 | 24 | 21% |
| 1997 | 39 | 38% |
| 1996 | 8 | 8% |
| 1995 | 19 | 13% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 14% |
| 1992 | 6 | 5% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 6 | 6% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 6 | 10% |
| 1987 | 22 | 13% |
| 1986 | 10 | 17% |
| 1985 | 7 | 13% |
| 1984 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2009 Nissan Maxima
168 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Nissan Maxima
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology