2009 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,547 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 36 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)Sep 10, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10V401000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionSep 16, 2009
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.
IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
Campaign 09V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorJan 9, 2009
NISSAN IS RECALLING 225 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION WELD ON THE DOOR ASSEMBLY.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIPS AND REMEDIED AT THE FACTORY. NO VEHICLES HAD BEEN RETAILED.
Campaign 09V006000 on NHTSA.gov
WheelsSep 15, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 3,403 MY 2009 ALTIMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS. SOME THESE WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD CAUSE ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG NUTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE VEHICLE TO BECOME LOOSE.
IF THE LUG NUTS BECOME LOOSE, IT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE OF THE AFFECTED WHEELS. IF IT IS, THE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES THAT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 08V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,547 reports, newest first.
Steering, Dec 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 21, 2014
THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. WE JUMPED THE BATTERY AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. NO LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON IN THE CAR AND THE BRAKE WAS VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING MOUNT. WE ATTEMPTED TO GET IT STARTED THE NEXT DAY BY FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS ONLINE BUT NO LUCK. WE HAD IT TOWED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS IN FACT THE STEERING MOUNT. IT IS A LARGE EXPENSE, IMPACTED BY THE FACT THAT THE CAR HAD TO BE TAKEN TO A NISSAN PLANT TO BE REPROGRAMMED, ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 280 DOLLARS. THIS PART NEEDS A MASS RECALL! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 18, 2014
CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER WORK ON 12/16/14. LOCKS WORKED FINE AND DOORS UNLOCKED. TRIED JUMPING CAR BATTERY AND CHANGING BATTERIES IN KEY WITH NO SUCCESS. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT NIGHT. AFTER LOOKING AT CAR ON 12/17/14, LOCAL SHOP ADVISED THE ISSUE TO BE THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK. AFTER REVIEWING THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE, SO COMMON NISSAN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL FOR THIS PART TO 6 YRS UNLIMITED MILES (MY CAR HAS ABOUT 80,000 MILES). I ASK THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE NISSAN DEALER WAS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS PART BECAUSE OF ALL THE ISSUES WITH IT. I WAS TOLD NO AND IT WOULD COST $1196 TO REPAIR IT. SO I CALL NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS FOR ANY CHANCE OF COVERING UNDER THIS WARRANTY. NISSAN STATED THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL I HAD A DEALER REVIEW THE ISSUE. DEALER CONFIRMED ISSUE. BUT I WAS FULLY DENIED WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED OCTOBER OF 2014 AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING, WITH THE LARGE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND NISSANS OWN ADMISSION OF KNOWN ISSUE BY EXTENDING WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND PART, SOMETHING MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. IM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN. SINCE 2007 I HAVE PURCHASED 4 NISSAN AN AT THIS POINT I WILL NEVER SPEND MY HARD EARN MONEY ON ANOTHER NISSAN PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ON HOW NISSAN IS TREATING THEIR SO CALLED "VALUED CUSTOMERS'. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 17, 2014
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK MALFUNCTIONED LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO START. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS STUCK IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 15, 2014
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK FAILED, PREVENTING THE ENGINE FROM STARTING AND RESULTING IN ME GETTING STRANDED. WELL-KNOWN ISSUE WITH VEHICLE - WAS NOT RECALLED, BUT AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS OFFERED (NOW EXPIRED, REQUIRING A $900 FIX BY NISSAN). DEFECTIVE PART 48700-JF00 (VERSIONS A-C). ENTIRE PART REMOVED FROM FUTURE MODELS. DUE TO LACK OF A RECALL, SEVERAL OWNERS (MYSELF INCLUDED) WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY". THOSE THAT DID RECEIVE A LETTER WERE TOLD "IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION, YOU SHOULD DO NOTHING." ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THE LETTER THAT SOME OWNERS RECEIVED IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.NISSANASSIST.COM. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 14, 2014
CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER A SCHOOL MEETING ON EVENING OF 12/1/14. LOCKS WORKED FINE AND REMOTE START WOULD STILL START VEHICLE, BUT WOULD KILL AGAIN AFTER HITTING START BUTTON. TRIED JUMPING CAR BATTERY AND CHANGING BATTERIES IN KEY FOBS WITH NO SUCCESS. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP NEXT MORNING ON 12/2 FOR REVIEW. AFTER LOOKING AT CAR ON 12/3, LOCAL SHOP ADVISED THE ISSUE TO BE THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK. AFTER REVIEWING THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE, SO COMMON NISSAN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL FOR THIS PART TO 6 YRS UNLIMITED MILES (MY CAR HAS JUST UNDER 75,000 MILES). CALLED MY DEALER (WHO I PURCHASED CAR BRAND NEW AND HAVE ALL REGULAR OIL/SERVICE MAINTENANCE DONE THERE) AND ASKED ABOUT IT. MY 6 YRS EXPIRED ON 11/22 (9 DAYS PRIOR TO ISSUE) SO WOULD HAVE TO CALL NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS FOR ANY CHANCE OF COVERING UNDER WARRANTY. NISSAN STATED THEY WOULD NO'T LISTEN TO ME UNTIL I HAD A DEALER REVIEW THE ISSUE. HAD TO PAY LOCAL SHOP FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND INCURRED ANOTHER TOWING EXPENSE TO GET TO MY DEALER (WHICH IS THE CLOSEST) 30 MILES AWAY. DEALER CONFIRMED ISSUE AND IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR BACK AS I NEEDED TO USE, I AUTHORIZED REPAIRS (OVER $1200 FOR JUST THE REPAIR). SUBMITTED MY CLAIM THEN TO NISSAN FOR ALL MY INCURRED EXPENSES (WHICH WAS $1500) BUT WAS FULLY DENIED. WAS TOLD 9 DAYS IS THE SAME AS 3 YEARS OVER THE WARRANTY IN THEIR EYES AND THEY CAN NO'T DO ANYTHING, INCLUDING EVEN COVERING THE ADDITIONAL TOWING AND DIAGNOSIS FEES INCURRED TO MEET THEIR REQUIREMENT OF THE DEALER TO REVIEW. SEEING THE LARGE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND NISSAN'S OWN ADMISSION OF KNOWN ISSUE BY EXTENDING WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND PART, SOMETHING MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN NISSAN. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Dec 13, 2014
LAST YEAR RIGHT BEFORE MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS PAID OFF, THE DASH BECAME VERY STICKY. THIS PROBLEM BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE IN THE HEAT OF THE MISSISSIPPI SUN. DUST , BUGS, FLORA, PAPER BECOME EMBEDDED IN THE GOO. IT NEVER DRIES. IT JUST STAYS STICKY AND MAKES A DANGEROUS GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD. I MISTAKENLY THOUGHT MY HUSBAND OR I HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG BY CLEANING THE DASH, BUT WATER WOULD NOT CAUSE THIS MESS. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND GAVE ME A $2000 ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE DASH. REALLY? MY CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 60,000 MILES ON IT NOW SO NISSAN HAS STUCK US! I EXPECTED BETTER FROM THEM. I RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE 100'S OF 2009 MELTING DASHES WHEN I GOOGLED THE SUBJECT. WE HAVE OWNED 2 SENTRAS, 1 FRONTIER TRUCK, 1 STANZA, AND A MAXIMA. I WE ARE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL STRESS OVER THIS RIDICULOUS SITUATION! NISSAN SHOULD RECALL THESE MELTING DASH VEHICLES. WHERE IS THE MORALITY???? *TR
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2014
THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND A DASH LIGHT INDICATED A SMALL KEY. WHEN I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING HAPPENED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL). AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF NISSAN SPECIFICALLY (2009 NISSAN ALTIMA). AS A RESULT OF THIS KNOWLEDGE, NISSAN PLACED THAT PART UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THAT HOWEVER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ENOUGH, SINCE MANY OF THE ISSUES DON'T BEGIN UNTIL AFTER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IS UP, AS IN OUR CASE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS APPROXIMATELY $1,100.00. I CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALER AND NISSAN DIRECTLY FOR ASSISTANCE, ASKING THAT THEY COVER THE PART, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED IN AUGUST. OF COURSE, THEY CHOSE NOT TO HELP IN ANYWAY. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WHEN THIS PART FAILS IT DOES NOT GIVE MUCH IF ANY WARNING. YOU SIMPLY COME OUT TO START YOUR CAR ONE DAY AND IT DOES NOT START OR ATTEMPT TO TURN OVER. NISSAN CHOOSING TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON A PART WE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT HAVING ISSUES, DOES US NO GOOD. A RECALL HOWEVER WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE, I FEEL, IN THIS SITUATION. MANY DRIVERS ARE HAVING THE ISSUES AFTER ALL WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED AND THE COST IS THEIRS TO COVER. WHEN IT'S A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART, THAT DOES NOT SEEM FAIR. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Dec 9, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE SOUTH CONDUIT BY EXIT 23A NEAR THE BELT PARKWAY. THERE WERE SEVERAL POT HOLES ON THE LEFT LANE. I HIT THE POT HOLES AT NORMAL SPEED AND MY RIM BROKE AND MY TIRE CAME OFF. I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND WAIT FOR MECHANIC TO HELP ME. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2014
I DROVE MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S TO WORK ON 11/27 AND IT STARTED UP JUST FINE AS USUAL. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE WORK FOR THE DAY THE CAR DID NOT START. THE KEYLESS REMOTE WILL ALLOW ME TO LOCK AND UNLOCK MY CAR, BUT WHEN I GO TO START THE CAR, IT WILL NOT REGISTER MY KEYLESS REMOTE. AN ERROR CODE SHOWS THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL) MECHANISM WAS MALFUNCTIONING. ALSO, THERE IS A YELLOW KEY ICON ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH THAT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES NO KEY. THE IGNITION IS INDICATING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED ALTHOUGH I CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE ARE OR WERE NO PRIOR WARNING THAT THE PART WAS ABOUT TO FAIL INCLUDING ANYLIGHTS ON THE DASH PANEL. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND WAS STRANDED FOR SOMETIME TRYING TO FIND A WAY HOME. MY CAR IS STILL SITTING IN THE GARAGE AS I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. AFTER DOING FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE ISSUE I HAVE COME TO SEE THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM. A VERY DISTURBING FACTOR SINCE NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND FOR SOME CUSTOMERS HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH EITHER ISSUING A RECALL OR REMOVING THE PART FROM THE LATER MANUFACTURED MODELS TO AVOID THIS FROM OCCURRING AGAIN. HOPEFULLY, MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WINDOW AS NISSAN IS NOT ASSISTING WITH THE REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Dec 8, 2014
CAR WOULD NOT START DUE TO FAILURE OF STEERING LOCK MECHANISM. CONTACTED NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THEY WERE AWARE OF ISSUE AND INDICATED THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED IN FOR REPAIR. REPAIR AND TOW COST $1383.21. NISSAN NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATED NISSAN WAS AWARE OF DEFECTIVE PART (STEERING LOCK #48700-1NC1A) AND TO CALL 1-800-NISSAN1 FOR REIMBURSEMENT. NISSAN IS INDICATING THE MY VEHICLE IS 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY ARE OFFERING TO PAY 50% OF THE TOTAL BILL. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, DUE TO BEING STRANDED, AND POTENTIAL FOR PART TO FAIL WHILE THE I IN MOTION. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART IN THEIR VEHICLE, NISSAN SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED OWNERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. IF THEY HAD WE WOULD HAVE HAD THE PART REPLACED IN ADVANCE OF FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2014
MY KEYLESS REMOTE WILL ALLOW ME TO LOCK AND UNLOCK MY CAR BUT WHEN I GO TO START THE CAR, MY CAR WILL NOT REGISTER MY KEYLESS REMOTE. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY OF MY CAR OR THE REMOTE OR ANY BLOWN FUSES; THOSE WERE ALL CHECKED AS WELL. APPARENTLY MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM. NISSAN HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ONLY FOR SO LONG. THIS ISSUE HAS LEFT A LOT OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF, WITHOUT A VEHICLE OR SOMETIMES STRANDED. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2014
WHEN TRYING TO START MY SON'S 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5SE COUPE, IT WILL NOT START AND DISPLAYS A YELLOW KEY ICON ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH. WE REVIEWED THE CAR'S MANUAL, WHICH STATES THE LIGHT IS AN INTELLIGENT KEY MALFUNCTION. WE CHANGED THE KEY FAUB BATTERY AND TRIED REMOVING AND REINSTALLING THE BATTERY, AS SOME OTHERS SUGGESTED, BUT STILL NOTHING. AFTER REVIEWING SEVERAL DIFFERENT WEB SITES, I SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2009 NISSANS/ALTIMAS. FROM READING DIFFERENT OWNER'S COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS, I BELIEVE IT WILL BE AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING LOCK AND WILL HAVE TOWED TO NISSAN TOMORROW. I AM SURPRISED WITH SO MANY COMMENTS OVER THE SAME ISSUE, THERE IS NOT A CAMPAIGN TO FIX? I'VE BEEN A FAITHFUL TOYOTA PATRON ALL OF MY LIFE AND THIS IS MY FIRST NISSAN. NOT GOOD A FIRST IMPRESSION!! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 23, 2014
MY WIFE PARKED HER 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S AND TURNED OFF HER ENGINE ON 11/15/14.THE NEXT DAY WHEN SHE WENT TO START HER CAR, IT REFUSED TO START, GIVING HER AN ERROR CODE THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL) MECHANISM WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THERE WAS NO WAY TO GET AROUND THE PROBLEM AND WE EVENTUALLY HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. MY WIFE WAS LUCKY, IN THAT SHE WAS SOMEWHERE SAFE WHEN SHE WAS STRANDED. BUT, SINCE SHE HAD NO PRIOR WARNING THAT THE PART WAS ABOUT TO FAIL, SHE VERY EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED SOMEWHERE MUCH LESS SAFE. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM FOR THE 2009 ALTIMA, WHILE ISSUING A RECALL FOR ALL OTHER MODELS WITH THIS PART. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR VEHICLE FELL OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WINDOW AND NISSAN WILL NOT HELP WITH THE REPAIR. I FIND IT VERY DISCONCERTING THAT NISSAN WOULD PREFER TO HAVE ITS CUSTOMERS FIGURE OUT THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BY GETTING STRANDED IN POSSIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS THAN ISSUE A RECALL TO ENSURE THAT THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENS IN THE FIRST PLACE. I AM ASKING THAT THE NHTSA MAKES NISSAN ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM SO THAT OTHERS ARE NOT PUT IN POTENTIAL DANGER. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 20, 2014
I DRIVE A 2009 NISSAN ULTIMA OVER A YEAR AGO I NOTICED SOMETHING STICKY ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I FINALLY REALIZED "MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING" I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS UP THEY WOULD NOT FIX MY $2,000 DASHBOARD IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS TO HAPPEN I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 20, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACTS SON OWNED A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED UP TO 100 MPH, JUMPED THE CURB, RAN INTO A SCHOOLYARD, AND ULTIMATELY CRASHED INTO A PLANTER WALL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 18, 2014
I TRIED TO CRANK MY CAR THIS MORNING (PUSH START) MY ANTI-THEFT LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD CAME ON AND IT WOULD NOT CRANK. THE LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY CAR BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK AT ALL. TRIED EVERYTHING I COULD DO AND MADE CALLS BUT IT WILL NOT CRANK. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 18, 2014
I WENT TO OSH WITH MY KIDS. WHEN WE GOT BACK IN THE CAR IT WOULDN'T START. SAT IN PARKING LOT FOR TWO HOURS. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED EVENTUALLY. PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY STEERING LOCK CONTROL UNIT. LOOKED ONLINE - APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2009 ALTIMA (AND IMAGINE ALL THE ONES WHO HAVEN'T POSTED ONLINE). IF YOU DO A SEARCH IN YAHOO FOR "STEERING LOCK CONTROL UNIT," 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AUTOMATICALLY POPS UP. THEY NEED TO BE RECALLED. IT'S NOT SAFE TO HAVE A CAR WITH A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE IT NOT TO START AND LEAVE YOU STRANDED. EVENTUALLY, SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET STUCK SOMEWHERE AND BE HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND AN UNKNOWN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING WAS LAYING ON TOP OF THE MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 16, 2014
1. DASHBOARD TOTALLY MELTED CREATING A BLINDING GLARE WHILE DRIVING. IT IS COMPLETELY STICKY TO THE TOUCH. THE GLARE IS SO BLINDING ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING THE STREET. . THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE IT AT A RIDICULOUS COST I CANNOT AFFORD AS A SCHOOL TEACHER. IT WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD, HOWEVER, OLD ENOUGH NOT TO BE UNDER WARRANTY. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS HAVING AN ACCIDENT OR HITTING SOMEONE CROSSING A STREET IF I GET HIT WITH THE GLARE. WILL NISSAN COVER DAMAGES THEN? 2. HEADLIGHTS: PLASTIC HEADLIGHT IS COMPLETELY COVERED IN FILM CREATING A VISIBILITY HAZARD AT NIGHTTIME. RESTORATION PROCESSES DID NOT WORK. AGAIN AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS THEY HAD A FILM OVER THE LENSES. NOW THEY ARE WORSE. AS A SCHOOL TEACHER WITH A LIMITED INCOME I DEPENDED ON MY CAR LASTING. I CANNOT EVEN SELL THE CAR IN THESE CONDITIONS FOR A DECENT VALUE. NISSAN IS NOT HOLDING UP TO THE STANDARDS IT SHOULD; ESPECIALLY SAFETY STANDARDS. LET'S HOPE MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE DOES NOT WIND UP AS ANOTHER STATISTIC. LET THIS BE ON RECORDS AS A SAFETY HAZARD COMPLAINT FOR THE MANUFACTURER AND OTHERS WHO SHARE THE SAME OCCURRENCE. IF PICTURES ARE NEEDED I HAVE PLENTY. *TR
Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Nov 15, 2014
ON OCTOBER 31ST THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO MY NEAREST DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 13TH TO COMPLETE A DIAGNOSTIC. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS THAT THERE IS NO SIGNAL COMING FROM THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAG AND THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY. ALSO IT WAS NOTED ON THE INVOICE THAT THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANY DAMAGE TO THE WIRING. OF COURSE MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. MY DASHBOARD IS ALSO MELTING AND THE MATERIAL THAT IS USED CAUSES EXTREME GLARE. SO NOT ONLY DO I HAVE A LARGE GLARE ACROSS MY WINDOW WHICH INCREASES MY RISK OF AN ACCIDENT BUT POSSIBLY NO AIRBAG TO BOOT. I CONTACTED NISSAN SINCE THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN FOUND IN OTHER YEARS OF MY MODEL AND RECALLED. ALL NISSAN HAS CONTINUED TO DO IS SAY MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THEY WILL FORWARD MY COMPLAINT FOR REVIEW. *TR
Structure, Oct 28, 2014
MY NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE'S DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO MELT. WITH THAT ISSUE, THE DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO HAVE A REFLECTIVE GLARE THAT IS MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE OR SEE DURING DAYLIGHT AND NIGHTTIME WHEN THE STREET LIGHTS ARE ON. THIS IS BEGINNING TO GET SERIOUS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS DASHBOARD PROBLEM IS STARTING TO REALLY BLOCK MY VIEW FROM THE FRONT. WHEN THE SUN IS REALLY BRIGHT, I AM SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE I MAY RUN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT I CANNOT SEE BECAUSE OF THE GLARE. IF I WAS TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS GLARE ON MY DASHBOARD BLOCKING MY VIEW, I WILL SUE THE MAKER OF THE CAR TO THE FULLEST. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2014
VEHICLE DID NOT START. VEHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY JUMPED, DRIVEN FOR ONE (1) HOUR, THEN TURNED OFF, AND THEN FAILED TO START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A FAULTY BRAKE PEDAL IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN # NTB10-139. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINE BELT NISSAN, 111 HIGHWAY 36, KEYPORT, NJ, 07735-1424, WHO FIXED THE CAR AND RECOMMENDED I CONTACT NISSAN CORPORATE FOR ANY REIMBURSEMENT. CORPORATE NISSAN, UNDER CONFIRMATION NUMBER 315521 (SPOKE TO RAVEN), STATED THAT "THEY ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO PAY FOR THE PARTS", EVEN AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD PAY THE LABOR. NISSAN KNOWINGLY HAS PUT OUT A DEFECTIVE BRAKE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL (NOT START) AT ANY TIME, AND WILL NOT WORK WITH THE CUSTOMER FINANCIALLY TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH A GOOD ONE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND ITS WARRANTY TIME/MILEAGE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 23, 2014
I WAS TRYING TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE SWITCH WHICH ALLOWS THE CAR TO KNOW YOU ARE PUSHING THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK (PUSH BUTTON IGNITION). I TRIED TO PUT MY KEY IN THE SLOT TO START THE CAR, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START IF THE CAR DOES NOT SENSE THE BRAKE IS BEING PUSHED. THIS IS A HUGE HAZARD. GOOD THING I WAS NOT STRANDED SOMEWHERE. I CALLED NISSAN WITH NO HELP AT ALL. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. THE PART NUMBER REPLACED IS INTERMOTOR SL2110. PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR INVESTIGATION ON THIS. THANK YOU. *TR