ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan Altima brakes problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Nissan Altima brake system exhibits multiple distinct failure patterns. The most common complaint is master cylinder internal leakage into the vacuum booster, signaled by a persistent brake warning light and low fluid levels without external leaks. This failure has been documented as early as 11,000 miles and as late as 55,000 miles. Nissan's warranty typically covers this repair, but owners report the replacement cylinders sometimes fail again, and coverage ends after three years.
A separate critical failure involves complete loss of braking force—brake pedal goes soft or depresses to the floor with no stopping power. Two owners experienced crashes (rear-ending stopped cars and hitting a tree); another was stranded when the engine wouldn't start due to a faulty brake switch harness. Nissan has acknowledged this brake switch defect.
Rotor and brake pad defects also appear early: one owner reported all four rotors warped by 7,500 miles at highway speed. After warranty replacement and resurfacing, excessive rotor run-out recurred within two days.
One hybrid owner reported ABS pump and module failure causing selective wheel lockup. Brake pedal rubber padding has fractured and fallen off on at least one vehicle.
Same Nissan Altima brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Master cylinder internal leaks into vacuum booster
Brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder into the vacuum booster chamber through a faulty O-ring or internal seal failure. Owners report brake warning lights, low fluid levels without external leaks, and eventual brake failure.
When: 11,000–55,000 miles; failures reported as early as 2–3 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light comes on (intermittently or persistently); Low brake fluid level without visible external leaks; Brake pedal soft or unresponsive; Loss of brake fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement cost $552.34 (including tow). Other owners cited $450 for parts alone. Some replacement units subsequently failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan warranty coverage for some repairs; owner #2 was denied financial assistance. NHTSA investigation PE11020 covers 2007–2008 Altimas; owners note the problem extends to 2009 but is not included in that investigation.
Brake pedal depression failure (loss of braking force)
Brake pedal depresses to floor or does not respond to foot pressure, resulting in complete loss of stopping ability. Two owners had crashes; one owner stranded after engine would not start (linked to brake switch).
When: At 16,000 miles, 28,000 miles, 30,000 miles, and early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal depresses fully to floor with no braking response; Repeated pressing of brake pedal produces clunking noises; Brake failure at moderate highway speeds (~47 mph); Engine will not start (faulty brake switch prevents starting)
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty brake switch harness identified by Nissan manufacturer in at least two complaints. Tow and diagnosis cost $84.50 plus $552.34 repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan manufacturer acknowledged the faulty brake switch harness as a known issue in 2009 Altimas and directed owners to dealerships.
Warped rotors and defective brake pads (early wear/failure)
All four rotors warp and brake pads fail or wear defectively within the first 7,500 miles of driving, causing brakes to fail at highway speeds. After dealership replacement and rotor resurfacing, excessive rotor run-out occurred again within days.
When: 7,500 miles and immediately after repair (within 2 days)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure at highway speeds (~47–50 mph); Loud clunking noise when braking; All four rotors warped; all four brake pads defective; Excessive rotor run-out after resurfacing
Repairs/costs cited: All four rotors and brake pads replaced under warranty at dealership. Rotors resurfaced at second dealership after failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage for initial replacement; no mention of recalls or TSBs.
ABS pump and module malfunction (brake lockup)
ABS pump and module fail, causing front right and rear left brakes to lock up while driving. Vehicle was stopping on only two wheels and deemed unsafe to drive.
When: On a hybrid 2009 Altima (details indicate this occurred after routine brake service at an independent shop)
Symptoms owners cite: Front right and rear left brakes locked up while driving; Vehicle stopping on only two wheels; Loss of ABS function
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop (Mavis) diagnosed ABS pump and module failure after replacing brakes, rotors, and calipers. Owner notes Nissan used Toyota ABS parts that year.
Brake pedal rubber padding fracture and separation
Rubber padding on the brake pedal fractures and falls off without warning, occurring twice on the same vehicle within months.
When: At 9,000 miles; recurred within months
Symptoms owners cite: Rubber padding fractured from brake pedal; Padding fell off while pulling out of driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired per owner report.
Brake warning light with fluid loss (suspected master cylinder)
Brake warning light illuminates repeatedly, brake fluid level drops, but no external leaks are visible. Condition resembles master-cylinder-to-booster internal leakage.
When: 55,000 miles and during routine freeway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard brake warning light turning on (especially when exiting freeway); Low brake fluid level; No visible external leaks at calipers, hoses, or elsewhere
Repairs/costs cited: Owner added DOT 4 brake fluid but issue persisted. Dealer did not flag the issue at routine 55,000-mile service.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 Nissan Altima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 8,000 and 42,500 miles, with the median around 16,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 42,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Nissan/Altima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.