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 Maxima suspension problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Nissan Maxima we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 28.
Owners have filed 28 suspension complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AND MAXIMA; LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE Service Campaign ID # PC005 is no longer active.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 ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: The front passenger seatback has a greater than normal vibration at highway speeds AND There are no other shake or vibrations with the vehicle. ACTION: Use the REPAIR FLOW CHART on page 3 to determine the repair(s) to be performed. NOTES: - The description under IF YOU CONFIRM must exist for this bulletin to apply. - If determined the passenger seatback frame will be replaced: - The headrest, seatback pad, seatback frame bolts, and side airbag nuts must also be replaced. - The seatback trim and seatback board will be reused. - Do not replace the seat cushion and frame assembly or complete seat assembly. 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 Maximas consistently report front suspension failures that create unsafe driving conditions. The dominant issue is cracking or fracturing of the upper and lower front strut insulators, which causes loud cracking, popping, and squeaking noises—especially pronounced over bumps. A Nissan dealership service advisor confirmed in one complaint that they replace front springs on 2009–2010 Maximas "at least every month." Front coil springs snap in half without warning, typically around 60,000 miles. One owner's spring broke while turning and braking lightly.
Beyond insulators and springs, owners report failing lower control arms, rear sway bars that snap, and shock absorbers that rattle excessively over uneven pavement. The combined effect creates serious handling problems: front-end wobbling, shuddering at highway speeds, difficulty maintaining steering control, and in one case, a tire explosion at 45 mph tied to strut failure.
NHTSA recall 09V358000 (effective Sept. 2009) addresses the strut insulator defect, but numerous owners discover their VINs are excluded from coverage despite having identical symptoms. Nissan offers 50% parts reimbursement (labor not covered) for excluded vehicles; warranty coverage has typically expired. Replacement costs run $1,000–$1,400 for complete repair, and Nissan's replacement springs are redesigned with thicker material and a superseded part number—tacit acknowledgment of the original defect.
Same Nissan Maxima suspension reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Front Strut Insulator Cracking / Fracturing
Upper and lower front strut insulators crack or fracture, sometimes out of specification at manufacture. This is the subject of NHTSA recall 09V358000, but many vehicles with the same defect are not included in the recall coverage by VIN.
When: 37,000 to 147,000 miles; some failures reported early (11,687 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud cracking, popping, or squeaking noise from front suspension, especially over bumps; Abnormal knocking sound from engine compartment; Front end instability or wobbling sensation; Steering difficulty when turning; Vehicle jerks and shakes during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Strut insulator replacement typically $1,000+ for pair; dealers recommend replacing both sides to avoid repeat failure. Replacement parts use thicker-gauge springs and superseded part numbers. Labor costs additional. Complete strut assembly replacement runs approximately $1,400 total.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 09V358000 (effective Sept. 16, 2009) for certain 2009–2010 Maxima and Altima models. Many owners report their VINs excluded from recall coverage despite identical symptoms. Nissan offers partial reimbursement (50% parts only, no labor) for non-recalled vehicles; warranty expired vehicles receive no assistance.
Front Coil Spring Snapping
Original front coil springs snap or break in half without warning, particularly the driver-side spring. Weight distribution (engine and transmission up front) cited as contributing factor.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spring snaps in half without warning while turning or braking; Sudden loss of suspension support
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost approximately $1,000 for springs, strut bearing, and front spring seat (parts only). Nissan recommends replacing both springs as a pair to prevent immediate failure of the other side.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall, TSB, or manufacturer discount program issued. Replacement springs redesigned with thicker gauge material and new part number, indicating Nissan awareness of defect, but owners report no formal acknowledgment or assistance.
Rear Sway Bar Snapping
Rear sway bar snaps or fractures, causing handling instability and metal clicking noise during driving.
When: 72,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking metal sound while driving; Loss of suspension control
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no recall and no failure with sway bars. Manufacturer provided case number but declined assistance due to lack of recall and expired warranty.
Lower Control Arm Failure
Lower control arms fail, requiring replacement. Often paired with strut failure.
When: Unreported in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Thumping noise on rough or bumpy road surfaces; Front end feels like it will break apart over potholes; Vehicle unsafe to drive according to technician diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Complete strut assembly and lower control arm replacement costs approximately $1,400 total.
Shock Absorber / Strut Wear and Rattling
Shock absorbers and struts fail prematurely, producing loud rattling noise over uneven pavement. Some owners report strut replacement within one year deteriorating again.
When: 49,000 miles; some failures within one year of previous strut replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling noise when driving over bumps or uneven pavement; Abnormal noise from front of vehicle; Thumping and shaking
Repairs/costs cited: Strut replacement required; repair costs not consistently documented.
Front-End Alignment and Handling Issues
Vehicle exhibits alignment and steering control problems, including wobbling, shuddering, and difficulty maintaining straight direction. Some failures accompanied by tire damage (cracking, warping, explosion).
When: Unreported in narratives; one shuddering event at 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front end instability and wobbling sensation; Vehicle will not remain straight when driving; Difficulty turning; Front-end shuddering uncontrollably at highway speeds; Tire cracking and warping; tire explosion at 45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Rims cracked and warped; two rim replacements cited in one narrative. Tire explosion diagnosed as strut assembly failure.
Synthesized from 28 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 Maxima?
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 Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 49,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 72,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/Maxima.
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.