FaultScore

FaultScore report

2009 Nissan Altima problems

Owners have filed 2,150 complaints about the 2009 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 33 worst.

D

FaultScore 61/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Nissan Altima.

How this is worked out

The numbers

2,150

Complaints

55

Crashes reported

15

Fires reported

25

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

78,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

12%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 23 vs 50 Early failure 20 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Nissan Altima

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2009 Nissan Altima

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 862 40.1%

4 crashes, 1 fires · median 80,000 mi

Electrical System 466 21.7%

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 78,009 mi

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 95,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 118 5.5%

3 crashes, 5 fires · median 80,000 mi

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 120,000 mi

Airbags 92 4.3%

10 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 60,000 mi

13 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

Brakes 49 2.3%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,000 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,500 mi

Suspension 34 1.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,500 mi

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Wheels 15 0.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 72,822 mi

Seats 14 0.7%

Median failure at 59,500 miles

Tires 11 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 33,000 mi

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 79,509 mi

Lights 10 0.5%

Median failure at 41,723 miles

Equipment & Accessories 7 0.3%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 0.1%

Median failure at 41,250 miles

Seat Belts 3 0.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 190,000 mi

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.0%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 45 60.8%
Frontal 8 10.8%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 6 8.1%
Anti-Theft Device 4 5.4%
Automatic Transmission 4 5.4%
Master Cylinder 3 4.1%
Dashboard 2 2.7%
Column 2 2.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 30 1.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 34 2.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 46 2.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 241 14.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 442 25.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 407 23.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 400 23.4%
150,000+ miles 109 6.4%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Frontal crash test of a 2009 Nissan Altima 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SAB
2009 Nissan Altima 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2008 peak 106 Jan 2026

Recalls on the 2009 Nissan Altima

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

10V401000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Risk: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

09V358000

SUSPENSION

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.

Risk: IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

09V006000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION WELD ON THE DOOR ASSEMBLY.

Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

08V464000

WHEELS

NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD CAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG NUTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE VEHICLE TO BECOME LOOSE.

Risk: IF THE LUG NUTS BECOME LOOSE, IT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2009263 2,276 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the metal upper strut insulators may have been manufactured incorrectly and, as a result, could fail. In the worse case this could allow the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, adversely affecting vehicle handling. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the front strut insulators.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Sacramento, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Was stopped at a red light - when light turned green car in front of me proceeded to go but stopped . I pressed on the brake at a speed of no more then 15 miles an hour and the driver side airbag from the steering wheel deployed . No other air bags deployed and there was no type of collision or contact with a vehicular.

NHTSA complaint #11631936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

SUSPENSION

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Franklin, WI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an unknown Chevrolet Postal truck pulled out and crashed into the vehicle. The steering wheel air bag exploded and hit his face. The contact sustained injuries to his face, wrist, chest, and hand during the impact, and medical attention was provided at the hospital. A police report was filed. The driver was able to pull the vehicle over safely. There was no reported fire, but the fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11559094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Columbia, SC Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

A NIGHTMARE WHILE AWAKE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A BANK PARKING LOT I HIT A POLE LIGHTLY. I STOPPED THE CAR BEFORE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A FAST SPEED. I TRIED BRAKING BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING FORWARD SLAMMING INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED SUV WITH THE DRIVER INSIDE PUSHING IT FROM THE PARKING SPACE UP ONTO THE SIDE WALK. AND SIDE SWIPING A PARKED TRUCK PUSHING IT INTO THE SUV PASSENGER SIDE.. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO GREAT I AM SO MY CAR IS TOTALED. I AM PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONAL SICKEN BY THIS AND THE DAMAGES CAUSED FROM SOMETHING NISSAN COULD HAVE PREVENT BY FIXING THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS STILL TRYING GO AFTER BEING STOPPED BY THE VEHICLE I HIT AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE LADY FROM THE BANK TOLD ME TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THAT STOPPED THE CAR. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF DRIVE MODE AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND HAD TO SHUT IT DOWN IN DRIVE MODE. THIS WAS A SCENE OUT OF A HORROR SHOW. IT HAPPENED IN SPRINGFIELD MA AWAY FROM MY HOME. I AM GLAD THE INJURIES ARE NOT FATAL AS ONE INCIDENT WAS.

NHTSA complaint #11403185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 145,000 miles Lafayette, IN

STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11711432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marietta, GA

ENGINE

1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinders are constantly misfiring. 2 )How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. 4) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by a private auto service center. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. 6) Problem description: The service technician from the repair shop tried replacing the plug, coil, injector but it still misfires. Later the technician reported that this is a problem listed as recall (Recall Reference number : NTB13-056a, Campaign ID: PC131) for 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, but the same problem exists in 2009 Nissan Altima and is not listed as recall. Links for references are given below. The technician is sure that it is the same problem and NISSAN should fix it by recalling instead of asking the Owners to pay for this known recall issue. Repairing this issue by owners, would cost them several thousand dollars and is definitely not worth for a 2009 car. So I request the authorities to enforce this known issue as a recall to 2009 NISSAN ATLIMA as well as it has been done for 2007 and 2008 NISSAN ALTIMAs. Thanks and Regards. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11666131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia Station, OH

STEERING

After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.

NHTSA complaint #11635582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Was stopped at a red light - when light turned green car in front of me proceeded to go but stopped . I pressed on the brake at a speed of no more then 15 miles an hour and the driver side airbag from the steering wheel deployed . No other air bags deployed and there was no type of collision or contact with a vehicular.

NHTSA complaint #11631936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles West Columbia, SC

STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and ignition button, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11630111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles West Columbia, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and ignition button, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11630111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11623353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11623353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 166,000 miles Belfair, WA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.

NHTSA complaint #11623150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Albany, GA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, check engine, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls for the failure on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut housings had failed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Albany, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, check engine, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls for the failure on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut housings had failed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Albany, GA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, check engine, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls for the failure on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut housings had failed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

There is Transmission problems with the 2009 Nissan. The car shakes/ Vibrates when idle, when sitting to long at a light the idle engine delays the gas pedal from going forward, having to accelerate the gas pedal till it jumps to proceed to move forward, The liquid is up to date however the car can’t move backwards in reverse but can move forward.

NHTSA complaint #11607763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is Transmission problems with the 2009 Nissan. The car shakes/ Vibrates when idle, when sitting to long at a light the idle engine delays the gas pedal from going forward, having to accelerate the gas pedal till it jumps to proceed to move forward, The liquid is up to date however the car can’t move backwards in reverse but can move forward.

NHTSA complaint #11607763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

SUSPENSION

There is Transmission problems with the 2009 Nissan. The car shakes/ Vibrates when idle, when sitting to long at a light the idle engine delays the gas pedal from going forward, having to accelerate the gas pedal till it jumps to proceed to move forward, The liquid is up to date however the car can’t move backwards in reverse but can move forward.

NHTSA complaint #11607763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

SUSPENSION

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksburg, WV Crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn’t see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I’m lucky no one was injured. PLEASE address this issue so people can get the dashboard repaired without costing them even more money than they already paid for your defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11599184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA

STEERING

The component that failed was the steering lock control, and yes it's available upon request with a tow. I was stranded with no way of getting home. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No there was no symptoms prior to the failure. 06

NHTSA complaint #11593172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The component that failed was the steering lock control, and yes it's available upon request with a tow. I was stranded with no way of getting home. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No there was no symptoms prior to the failure. 06

NHTSA complaint #11593172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

STEERING

There's an obvious issue with the steering lock system in 2009 Altimas that Nissan fails to address with a recall. They opened an extended warranty period that ended in 2020 apparently, with no notification from the manufacturer or dealership that this was happening. Also, I have been seeing complaints from owners who did get the steering lock box replaced at that time and are again having an issue where they are not able to use their cars for the very same issue. This needs an immediate recall as this shows negligence on the part of the manufacturer as well as the dealerships to notify owners. An owner should not be liable for costs to fix such issues that are the responsibility of a manufacturer. This is also a safety issue as the car is not reliable and puts the lives of drivers at risk while they can be found stranded in unforeseen and dangerous situations.

NHTSA complaint #11579626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There's an obvious issue with the steering lock system in 2009 Altimas that Nissan fails to address with a recall. They opened an extended warranty period that ended in 2020 apparently, with no notification from the manufacturer or dealership that this was happening. Also, I have been seeing complaints from owners who did get the steering lock box replaced at that time and are again having an issue where they are not able to use their cars for the very same issue. This needs an immediate recall as this shows negligence on the part of the manufacturer as well as the dealerships to notify owners. An owner should not be liable for costs to fix such issues that are the responsibility of a manufacturer. This is also a safety issue as the car is not reliable and puts the lives of drivers at risk while they can be found stranded in unforeseen and dangerous situations.

NHTSA complaint #11579626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Franklin, WI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an unknown Chevrolet Postal truck pulled out and crashed into the vehicle. The steering wheel air bag exploded and hit his face. The contact sustained injuries to his face, wrist, chest, and hand during the impact, and medical attention was provided at the hospital. A police report was filed. The driver was able to pull the vehicle over safely. There was no reported fire, but the fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11559094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sebring, FL

AIR BAGS

Passenger airbag will not come on when you sit in seat

NHTSA complaint #11558190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Katy, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2009 Nisan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to detect that the key was present, activating the anti-theft immobilizer and preventing the vehicle from starting. The “No Key Detected” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB Number: PC516. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11557989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.