STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES 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 suspension problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AND MAXIMA; LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE Service Campaign ID # PC005 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC005. ï· Discard all previous versions of NTB09-031.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
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 ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Nissan Altimas report recurring suspension problems across the fleet. Front struts crack, break, or detach during normal driving—one owner experienced detachment at 45 mph. Coil springs fracture at low mileage (35,600 miles in one report) and again at higher mileage (115,000 miles), sometimes on both front and rear sides. Control arms and steering knuckles fail, occasionally totaling the vehicle.
Abnormal noises dominate complaints: clanking, grinding, and knocking from the front end, especially under braking or when accelerating. Vibration and shaking at freeway speeds is widespread, with owners describing the vehicle as sliding or feeling unstable. Strut insulators creak loudly even on new vehicles.
Nissan issued recall campaign 09V358000 for struts built out of specification, but owners report their VINs were excluded from coverage despite displaying identical symptoms. Dealers and independent shops struggle to diagnose the root cause, offering vague findings. Repair costs are steep—$1,020 for front strut replacement in one documented case, with additional wheel, knuckle, and control arm replacement pushing repair bills higher.
Same Nissan Altima suspension reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Strut failure and damage
Front and rear struts have cracked, broken, or detached from their mounts. Owners report struts separating during driving, cracks developing in strut bodies, and insulator components failing. Multiple narratives reference broken strut housings and detachment events.
When: Between 80,700 and 184,000 miles, though one report at 95,000 miles involved detachment
Symptoms owners cite: loud clanking or grinding noise from front end; knocking in wheel area; abnormal grinding when braking; vehicle shaking or vibrating; rough ride quality
Repairs/costs cited: Front strut modular assembly and right front strut replacement cost $1,020.26 in one case; dealers sometimes recommend strut replacement along with bearings and CV boots
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 09V358000 (Suspension) issued for struts built out of spec; some owners' VINs were not included in recall despite exhibiting same symptoms
Coil spring fracture
Front and rear coil springs fracture or fail without obvious impact. Owner reports include spontaneous spring cracks discovered during inspection and progressive deterioration of ride quality leading to diagnosis of failed springs.
When: At 35,684 miles in one case; 115,000 miles in another; failure can occur on both driver and passenger sides at different times
Symptoms owners cite: rattling noise from front end without warning; vehicle instability; rough ride
Repairs/costs cited: Repair facilities diagnosed the need for replacement of coil springs on both front and rear axles; one vehicle had additional wheel and control arm damage
Control arm and knuckle failure
Top control arms and steering knuckles experience damage or failure, sometimes in conjunction with wheel and suspension damage after pothole impact.
When: 25,000 miles in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: grinding noise; tire damage after pothole strike
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed both top control arms and knuckles requiring replacement, along with passenger side alloy wheel, rear driver side alloy wheel, and engine cradle; insurance totaled vehicle
Strut insulator noise and degradation
Front strut insulator components deteriorate or fail, producing creaking and loud noises. One brand-new vehicle exhibited this issue immediately upon delivery.
When: Can occur early in vehicle life; one complaint on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: loud creaking noise from front end; loud noise when driving
Repairs/costs cited: Identified at dealerships; repair costs not specified in narratives
Suspension-related vibration and shake
Vehicles exhibit abnormal vibration, shaking, or sliding sensation particularly at freeway speeds or when turning. Some owners describe the vehicle sliding and feeling shaky at certain speeds; one owner felt shake at 55 mph, another at 45 mph turns.
When: Variable mileage; one noted as occurring suddenly while driving freeway; one at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shaking or vibrating at freeway speeds; sliding sensation; rough ride quality; vibration at low speeds (10 mph); front end shake
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light, brake warning light, check engine light, TPMS warning light (in one case with strut housing failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan service centers and independent shops unable to consistently diagnose cause; described as inconclusive findings
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA press release explained 2009-2010 Nissan Altima and Maxima struts built out of spec causing this sensation; recall campaign 09V358000 exists but some VINs excluded
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 55,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 95,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.