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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-NISSAN-ALTIMA
2009 · nissan

nissan Altima problems

2 safety recalls. 1,547 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
858 reports · avg $700
moderate
electrical
208 reports · avg $850
moderate
airbags
83 reports · avg $1,100
critical
powertrain
81 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
72 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
40 reports · avg $3,100
severe
cruise control
31 reports · avg $600
critical
suspension
24 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Altima · other
THE " STEERING COLUMN LOCK ACTUATOR" IS FAILING KEEPING CAR FROM STARTING AND STRANDING ME WITH NO ALTERNATIVES MEANS TO START CAR. THIS AN APPARENT KNOWN PROBLEM TO NISSAN YET THEY REFUSE TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL.
12/31/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938910.0
2009 Altima · steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817170.0
2009 Altima · steering
WAS OUT SHOPPING AT COSTCO, CAME OUT OF STORE AND CAR WOULD NOT START. INTELLIGENT KEY INDICATOR LIGHT WAS DISPLAYING ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AND PUSH BUTTON WOULD NOT START THE CAR. TRIED TO MANUALLY OVERRIDE BY INSERTING THE KEY FOB IN THE SLOT -…
12/31/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490556.0
2009 Altima · steering
MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN MY INTELLIGENT KEY FOB. WENT TO START CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START AND THE WARNING LIGHT STILL APPEARED. WE REPLACED BATTERY IN FOB AND STILL THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER TALKING…
12/31/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490589.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08V464000 15/09/2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS

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

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE OF THE AFFECTED WHEELS. IF IT IS, THE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES THAT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
moderate NHTSA 09V006000 09/01/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIPS AND REMEDIED AT THE FACTORY. NO VEHICLES HAD BEEN RETAILED.

Common questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,547 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Nissan Altima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Nissan Altima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 858 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Altima has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Nissan Altima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,547 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Other model years
2013 Altima2012 Altima2011 Altima2010 Altima2008 Altima2007 Altima2006 Altima2005 Altima
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Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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