2009 Nissan Altima problems and complaints

Owners have filed 1547 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas: Steering (859), Electrical System (466), Unknown Or Other (146).

Key takeaways

  • 1547 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 36 involve a crash, 8 a fire, 21 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering85956%
Electrical System46630%
Unknown Or Other1469%
Engine1077%
Power Train956%
Air Bags916%
Structure906%
Vehicle Speed Control493%
Service Brakes483%
Visibility/Wiper413%
Suspension332%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)262%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2009 Nissan Altima 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Steering - filed 2026-01-16

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mile...

Engine - filed 2025-06-10

1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinders are constantly misfiring. 2 )How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. 4) Has the vehi...

Steering - filed 2025-01-13

After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2009 Nissan Altima

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.