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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2020
THE INTERIOR DASHBOARD IS MELTING HORRIBLY AND CREATES A MAJOR GLARE ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT AS ONCOMING LIGHT REFLECTS ONTO THE DASH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN GENERAL AS I HAVE HAD TIME WHERE THE GLARE DON'T NOT ALLOW THE ABILITY TO SEE IN FRONT OF ME. NOT ONLY IS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS, BUT IT EMITS A HORRIBLE CHEMICAL LIKE SMELL AND IS EXTREMELY STICKY TO TOUCH THE MELTED PART WILL NOT WIPE AWAY AND THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO FIX IT OTHER THAN PAYING FOR A FULL REPLACEMENT WHICH IS HIGHLY UNFAIR CONSIDERING IS THE MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBILITY TO PRODUCE VEHICLES THAT CAN WITHSTAND THE HEAT IN THE SOUTH. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN LOUISIANA RIGHT OUT OF COLLEGE AND NOW LIVE IN FLORIDA AND BOTH STATES EXPERIENCE LONG AND HOT SUMMERS. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING AND THE CAR IS BARELY DRIVEABLE DUE TO HOW DANGEROUS THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM IS.
Steering, Jul 27, 2020
ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL) I WAS IN A REMOTE PARKING LOT AT NIGHT ALONE WHERN THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. IT WAS A POORLY LIT PARKING LOT AND I WAS A WOMAN BY MYSELF AT NIGHT AND SCARED. I WAS IN A PARKED STATE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2020
I GOT MY CAR MAY 2020 FOR 3250 I GOT THE THROTTLE BODY FIXED AND ALSO THE FLEX PIPE THINKING THATS THE REASON THE CAR IS SLOWING DOWN OR WHEN IM STOPPED AT A LIGHT I CAN PUSH THE PADEL TO THE FLOOR I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP TO GET A TUNEUP HE TOLD ME NO WAY IM NOT TOUCHING IT ITS THE TRANSMISSION MY RMP GOES UP TO 3 OR 4 DEPENDING I CAN BE DRIVING AND THE CAR IS GOOD THEN IT JERKS EVEN WHEN IM STOPPING IT JERKS THEN I CANT PULL OFF ANYBODY HELP
Structure, Jul 24, 2020
DOOR HANDLES ON CAR BREAK INTERNALLY PREVENTING DOOR FROM BEING UNLOCKED OR OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. DEALER HAS REPLACED TWO AT MY EXPENSE AND NOW THE OTHER TWO ARE BROKEN WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. NO ABUSE OR ACCIDENT INVOLVED THEY JUST ALLL OF THE SUDDEN STOP WORKING. CONCERN IS IN AN EMERGENCY (FIRE, ACCIDENT, ETC..) PASSENGERS OR DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT CAR EASILY OR AT ALL IN A TIMELY BASIS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY LODGED A COMPLAINT BUT NOTHING MORE. I HAVE READ OF MULTIPLE INSTANCES ON THE INTERNET WITH NISSAN OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. FIX IS VERY EXPENSIVE WHEN DONE AT THE DEALER AND I BELIVE A RECALL/REIMBURSEMENT IS DUE.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2020
MY 2009 ALTIMA, WHILE PARKED, WILL NOT START, AND APPARENTLY, AFTER INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM, THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK DEVICE IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS DEVICE BECAUSE OF THE FREQUENCY OF ITS OCCURENCE.
Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Jun 24, 2020
THE CAR SHAKES BADLY WHEN ON REVERSE AND I CAN SMELL A BURNT WIRE BUT HARD TO LOCATE WHERE IT'S COMING FROM. *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2020
LOCK STEERING MODULE FAILED. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2020
THE CAR WON'T START, EVEN IF I PUT THE KEY FOB IN THE KEY HOLE NEAR THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK HAD A LOCKSMITH TRY TO REPROGRAM, BUT HE SAID THAT WASN'T THE ISSUE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THEY'RE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 22, 2020
FUEL READS EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. *TR
Power train, Mar 23, 2020
CAR IS JUMPING..TRANSMISSION. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR TIME. I WAS TOLD THE CVT WAS AN "EXPERIMENTAL" TRANSMISSION
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2020
MY RADIATOR OR MY HOSES ARE LEAKING CAUSING A RADIATOR LEAKS. MAKING MY CAR OVERHEAT. I JUST FIXED MY SERPENTINE BELT.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2020
DASHBOARD DESINTEGRATING. WHERE I LIVE IS VERY HOT IN THE SUMMER YET I PARK IN THE SHADE MOST OF THE TIME. AFTER A SURGE IN TEMPERATURE AND THEN A DROP TO FREEZING I NOTICED A SHINE TO THE TOP SEEMS ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN I WENT TO WIPE IT OFF I WOULD NOT COME OFF AND WAS STICKY. FORCING IT ONLY MADE IT COME OFF LIKE A PASTE. IT CREATES A VERY UNPLEASANT GLARE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Structure, Mar 6, 2020
THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS STARTED TO PRODUCE A VERY SHINNY AND STICKY SUBSTANCE. THIS SUBSTANCE IS CREATING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD OF MY CAR WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE STREET IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL METHODS TO REMOVE THIS SUBSTANCE WITHOUT SUCCESS. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS IS DUE TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY BUT MY CAR IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHEN I'M NOT OUT IN IT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT IN MY OPINION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY NISSAN. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2017 WHERE NISSAN AGREED TO PAY ALL BUT $250 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE DASHBOARDS. SEE GIBBS LAW GROUP ONLINE FOR DETAILS. HTTPS://WWW.CLASSLAWGROUP.COM/NISSAN-MELTING-DASHBOARD-LAWSUIT/ I WOULD THINK IF THEY AGREED TO REPLACE THESE DASHBOARDS THEY KNOW THIS IS A FLAW IN THEIR DASHBOARDS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS CAR JANUARY 2018. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. CURRENTLY, MY DASHBOARD IS SO STICKY THAT IT IS LITERALLY PEELING OFF AND HAS A TOXIC SMELL TO IT. I'VE TRIED CALL NISSAN AND THEY FIRST TOLD ME THERE WAS NO CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, THEN THEY TOLD ME THE CAR WAS TOO OLD, THE LATEST IS THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS FROM 2017. I SAID IF YOU HAVE DEFECTIVE DASH BOARDS IT SHOULDN'T MATTER HOW OLD THE CAR IS AND NISSAN SHOULD FIX IT. I AM GETTING A GLARE FROM THE REFLECTION ON WINDSHIELD SO THIS IS DANGEROUS. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE LEFT WITH THIS PROBLEM. CAN YOU ASSIST ME?
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 26, 2020
1. THE AIRBAG IS KEEP BLINKING AT ALL TIMES. 2. LOAD NOISE FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN START THE ENGINE AND ENGINE IS COLD. 3. A FEW WEEKS AFTER A RAINY DAY, WHEN THE WEATHER GETS HOT, INSIDE THE CAR SMELL VERY BAD AS IF THERE IS A ROTTEN OR DEAD ANIMAL IN THE CAR.
Steering, Feb 20, 2020
MY CAR WAS PARKED NEAR MY OFFICE AND IT REFUSED TO START ON 2/7/2020 EVENING. AFTER GETTING TOWED TO NEAREST LOCAL SERVICE CENTER IT WAS DETECTED IT HAS PROBLEM WITH ESCL AND IT WAS FIXED ON 2/11/2020.DUE TO URGENT NEED I COULDN'T TAKE TO NISSAN DEALER. LATER I DISCOVERED NISSAN IS RUNNING ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL) SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE FAULTY ESCL IN 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AND ALSO THERE IS OPTION FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT IT WAS REJECTED STATING MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT QUALIFIED IN SERVICE CAMPAIGN. MY CAR EXACTLY SAME PROBLEM WHAT WAS DISCLOSED IN HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2017/MC-10119195-9999.PDF. BUT NISSAN REFUSED ACCEPT THE PROBLEM AND THE REIMBURSEMENT CHARGES OF $775. I REQUEST YOU TO CHECK THIS AND INSTRUCT NISSAN TO HONOR THE REIMBURSEMENT MY CAR IS EXCLUDED FROM CAMPAIGN EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS WILL HELP SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND GETTING REFUSED BY NISSAN WITH UN-SATISFACTORY REASONS . THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STOPPED IN STREET AND REFUSE TO START. NISSAN CASE #39570583
Steering, Feb 12, 2020
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE STREETS AND WOULDN'T START. I TRIED JUMP STARTING, CHANGING THE KEYS BATTERY, DIDN'T WORK. HAD TO TOW IT TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND HE FIGURED OUT WAS THIS STEERING LOCK PART, AND TOLD ME IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH ALTIMA 2009. I SEARCHED IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND FOUND OUT THAT ALTHOUGH IT HAS HUNDREDS, MAYBE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS, NO RECALL WAS MADE FOR THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Feb 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME NAUSEATED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE WHICH CONFIRMED A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO ALERTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DO AN INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2020
MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND WON'T STOP LOCKING EVERY SO OFTEN. LOTS OF NISSAN 09 ALTIMAS HAVE HAD RECALLS FOR THAT PART BUT MINE DOES NOT.
Steering, Dec 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ANTI-THEFT INDICATOR AND KEY ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MITCHELL NISSAN (1640 E PARK AVE, ENTERPRISE, AL 36330, (334) 347-9567) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Steering, Dec 6, 2019
I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK AFTER HAVING NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR STARTING AND IT WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY. I AM THE ONLY ONE WORKING IN THE HOME AND IT IS APPROACHING CHRISTMAS. I NOW HAVE NO CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK DUE TO THE STEERING LOCK BEING FAULTY. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I SEEN THAT SEVERAL OTHER NISSAN MODELS FOR 2009 WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER. HOW WERE ALL MODELS THAT HAVE THIS PART NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL???
Steering, Dec 5, 2019
ON THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING, AFTER WALKING OUT OF TARGET, I UNLOCKED MY CAR AND FOUND MY CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEY FOB. MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I WAS A FEMALE STRANDED ALONE IN A TARGET PARKING LOT. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF TRYING TO GET MY CAR TO START, A WOMAN WITH LITERALLY A BABY ON HER HIP OFFERED TO USE JUMPER CABLES. THEN A MAN CAME TO HELP WHEN HE SAW HER HELPING ME. IT WAS NOT A BATTERY ISSUE, SO THE JUMPER CABLES DID NOT HELP. I WENT INTO THE STORE AND REPLACED MY KEY FOB BATTERY JUST IN CASE. IT WAS NOT A KEY FOB ISSUE. TWO HOURS LATER, MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND CONFIRMED IT WAS A STEERING LOCK ISSUE. MEANWHILE, I'M RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND RECURRING ISSUE WITH 2009 NISSAN ALTIMAS. HOWEVER, SINCE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL, IT WAS NOT COVERED. IT IS THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING, MY ONLY FAMILY IS OUT OF TOWN, AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE OVER $400 FOR A KNOWN ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING RECALLED OR TAKEN CARE OF. I AM FORCED TO PAY OR I DON'T HAVE A DRIVABLE CAR OR A WAY TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAY. I WAS PUT UNDER IMMENSE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS DUE TO THIS SITUATION.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2019
LEAVING FROM WORK I GOT INTO MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A YELLOW KEY INDICATOR LIGHT. I PROCEEDED TO STEP ON MY BRAKE TO START MY ENGINE AND MY CAR DID NOT START. ONCE DOING RESEARCH ABOUT THE PROBLEM I BEGAN TO SEE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH OWNERS OF THE 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. I THEN LEARNED THAT MY CAR WOULDN'T START DUE A FAULTY STEERING COLUMN LOCKING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS STOPPED ME FROM PUTTING MY CAR IN THE ON POSITION OR CONTROLLING MY GEAR SHIFT. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS IN A SAFE PARKING LOT BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM COULD'VE CAUSED A HUGE INCONVENIENCE OR PUT ME IN DANGER. NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL THIS PART AND CONTINUES TO PUT MANY NISSAN OWNERS IN THIS UNSAFE SITUATION.
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AND WAS TOWED TO THE RUSTY WALLACE NISSAN (865-687-6111, LOCATED AT 4515 CLINTON HWY, KNOXVILLE, TN 37912). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND RECALL ONCE BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME PART WAS REPLACED IN 2014 AND AGAIN IN 2019 BY THE SAME DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *PM*JB
Engine, Nov 30, 2019
MY WIFE DRIVES OUR 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S TO WORK ON 3RD SHIFT AND ON HER LUNCH BREAK GOES TO HER CAR AND TAKES A NAP WITH THE CAR RUNNING AND WAS COMPLAINING TO ME FOR A MONTH OR MORE THAT SHE HAS THIS SMELL IN HER CAR LIKE A "GAS SMELL" AND ALSO WAS COMPLAINING OF BEING TIRED AND NAUSEOUS WHEN I SPOKE WITH HER ABOUT IT. I NOTICED HER CAR WAS ABNORMALLY LOUDER WHEN SHE STARTED IT AT HOME AND IT HAD NOT BEEN RUN THAT DAY. I HAVE DETERMINED THAT THIS IS FROM A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND MY WIFE AND I ARE VERY LUCKY SHE WAS NOT KILLED FROM THE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SHE WAS RECEIVING WHILE SITTING IN HER CAR WHILE IT WAS IDLING ON HER BREAK. THE EXHAUST FUMES WERE BEING BROUGHT INTO THE CAB OF HER CAR FROM THE CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD, THRU THE VENTS FROM THE OUTSIDE HVAC AIR DUCTS UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I NEVER COULD SMELL A "GAS SMELL" WHICH I ASSUMED SHE MEANT GASOLINE OR POSSIBLY A COOLANT SMELL FROM A LEAKING HEATER CORE AND SO I BLEW IT OFF UNTIL I MYSELF HAD TO USE THE CAR AND I QUICKLY REALIZED IT WAS AN EXHAUST GAS SMELL SHE WAS SMELLING AND IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO BECOME UNCONSCIOUS WHILE DRIVING AT WHICH TIME I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND RETURNED HOME WITH THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS SAME EXHAUST GAS LEAK WITH THIS CAR AND IT IS NOT UNCOMMON BUT HAS YET TO TRIGGER A RECALL . MOST LIKELY DUE TO NO ONE BEING KILLED FROM THE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND THANK GOD MY WIFE WAS NOT THE FIRST. I WILL BE ORDERING A COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEW FOR REPAIRS AS TO NOT MISS ANY UNSEEN ISSUES WITH THE CAR HAVING 101,000 MILES . I DO EXPECT COMPLETE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE BILL FROM NISSAN .