Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Altima with documented body problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented body issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2009 Nissan Altima body problems

moderate 72 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$1,500

Related recalls

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.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Common questions

How serious is the body problem on the 2009 Nissan Altima?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 72 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the body typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to body?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.