2009 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 5%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 5% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 husband bought this vehicle from crown mason in tampa andbthe car started smoking in one day, we found out the engine was no good. The owner claimed that the vehicle was in good shape. Since the day we bought it we had to put a new engine in along with a tune up and a wheel alignment”
NHTSA complaint #11350803, filed 2020-08, 125,876 miles“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“While I was driving on the highway I stopped to get gas at a rest stop and my car would not start thereafter. After much research this vehicle has a campaign for the electronic steering lock through Nissan . I contacted Nissan and was told due to the age and mileage of the vehicle they would not be able to reimburse ! Due to malfunction my car should have the appropriate steering box identified in their campaign. The dealership and Nissan corporation refused to abide by their own campaign and denied any reimbursement for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11298261, filed 2020-01, 16,000 miles“My 2009 Nissan Maxima does it seem to read my key anymore. It has a orange light on the top left corner of my dashboard. The car obviously recognizes the key for I am still able to lock and unlock my car. It will not turn over at all. When I press the push start button, the only light that comes on is the lock light. It all doesn't make any sense at all. I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary. One second it was working, another second it wasn't. …”
NHTSA complaint #10563579, filed 2014-02, 63,773 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…
- 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…
- 10192284Dec 17, 2013IF YOU CONFIRM A knock noise coming from the # 1 crankshaft main bearing: ACTION 1. Remove the # 1 main bearing (upper and lower halves), per the Service Procedure in this…
- 10054120Dec 17, 2013Nissan: knocking noise coming from number 1 crankshaft main bearing, was not heard at cold start, when vehicle is lifted, knocking is heard, or at warm idle, not heard at highway…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 8% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 11 | 10% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 20 | 7% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 6% |
| 2007 | 18 | 14% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 61 | 6% |
| 2004 | 51 | 4% |
| 2003 | 43 | 21% |
| 2002 | 19 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 Nissan Maxima
168 complaintsElectrical system
79 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsOther or unknown
33 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 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