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.
Power train, Jul 9, 2019
MY ALTIMA HAS 257K MILES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE AND THE CAR JUST DIED ON MY STREET. THE ENGINE MADE A WHINING SOUND AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR DOWN THE HILL TO MY HOUSE. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I AM REPLACING THE CVT TRANSMISSION FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE LAST TIME I REPLACED IT WAS 3 YEARS AGO IN 2016. MOST OF MY MILEAGE IS HWY MILES. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THE CRAPPY CVT TRANSMISSION IN THE ALTIMA. THE DEALER IS PUTTING IN MY 3RD TRANSMISSION TODAY AND ONLY GUARANTEEING A 1 YEAR / 12000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE THEY ARE BACKING THEIR PRODUCT. FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ AND EXPERIENCED, THE CAR IS A TOTAL SAFETY ISSUE LOSING SPEED IN WARM WEATHER ON LONG TRIPS THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. COULD THERE BE A RECALL COMING?
Suspension, Jul 7, 2019
FRONT STROUTS LIFT & RIGHT SIDE IS CRACKING.
Service brakes, Jul 2, 2019
MY CAR WOULD NOT START LEAVING ME AND MY CHILD STRANDED. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE OVER NIGHT. WHEN I WAS READY TO LEAVE FOR WORK IN THE MORNING IT WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BUT IT WASNT. I HAD IT CHECKED AT A NEAR BY AUTO STORE. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. WHO CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THE FAULTY BREAK SWITCH. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY LEAVING ME SCARED TO DRIVE THINKING IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN AND LEAVE US STRANDED AGAIN OR A SCARY ACCIDENT. PLEASE RECALL THE FAULTY BREAK SWITCH IN 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA AND REIMBURSE ME MY MONEY FOR REPAIRS. I AM A SINGLE PARENT. THANK YOU.
Air bags, Jun 29, 2019
UPON STARTING VEHICLE, THE RED AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT NEVER STOPS FLASHING AND PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, EVEN WITH ADULTS IN BOTH FRONT SEATS. PROBLEM CONTINUES WHILE DRIVING AND WITH SUBSEQUENT USE. SUDDEN FAILURE OF AIRBAG SENSORS.
Suspension, Jun 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO AN INSTABILITY ISSUE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED MARTINS NISSAN OF FISHERS (13397 BRITTON PARK RD, FISHERS, IN 46038, (317) 863-2424) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *LN*JB*JB
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2019
AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS ON A FAMILY TRIP AND ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FROM SPEEDS OF 60 -70MPH TO BARELY NOT MOVING AT ALL. CLEARLY THIS FRIGHTEN MY ENTIRE FAMILY. AFTER RESTING ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR THE CAR RESUMED BUT STARTED TO REPEAT THE SAME PATTERN. IT ALSO BARELY PULLED UP A HILL. THIS CAR HAS DONE THIS BEFORE AND THE NISSIAN DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT COULD NEED A TUNE UP. SO BEFORE GOING ON THE FAMILY VACATION LISTED ABOVE I HAD A TUNE UP AND OIL CHANGE DONE BUT GUESS WHAT. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
Air bags, Jun 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ROUTE 17 NISSAN (45 NJ-17, HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ 07604, 1-(855) 247-9368) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY AIR BAG RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM AN AIR BAG RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 9, 2019
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH A MELTING DASH THAT IS STICKY AND CAUSES A GLARE WHICH IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THRU THE WINDSHIELD.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2019
TAKATA RECALL
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2019
DASHBOARD BOARD IS MELTING AND MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHILE DRIVING
Structure, May 28, 2019
THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. THIS CAUSES A SHINY SURFACE WHICH IS REFLECTIVE IN THE SUN, CAUSING A MAJOR DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, May 24, 2019
TAKATA RECALL LEAK IN THE STEERING WHEEL FLUID HOSE, STEERING WHEEL FLUID LEAKS OUT OF THE RUBBER BAND IN THE STEERING HOSE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO NOT BE ABLE TO TURN. TAKATA RECALL EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT CONNECTED OR WORKING. TAKATA RECALL SUSPENSION BROKEN CAUSING CAR TO RATTLE AND MAKE LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING.
Air bags, May 16, 2019
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. A SCAN OF THE VEHICLE SHOWS A PROBLEM WITH THE OCCUPANT SENSOR WHICH IS THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALMOST EVERY YEAR OF NISSAN ALTIMA AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NISSAN SAID THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE HAD CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PART.
Steering, May 10, 2019
MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE WILL NOT START AND IS BLINKING KEY ON DASH BOARD, CHANGED BATTERY IN REMOTE CONTROL, STILL WON'T START. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUM LOCK IS DEFECTIVE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER CHANGING BATTERY AND FUSES DISCONNECTING BATTERY AND CHANGING A RELAY FUSE.
Power train, May 1, 2019
EMAIL TO JACK DANIELSON FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING THEIR GRANDSON 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BEING DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT WITHOUT A TRANSMISSION COOLER AND A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED TO PUT ONE IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE SERVICE BULLETIN. *JS *JS
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2019
I PURCHASED MY 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA IN JANUARY OF 2017.. BY MAY 2017 I NOTICED AS THE CLIMATE CHANGED MY DASH WAS STICKY AND IF YOUR FINGER SCRAPED IT PIECES WOULD COME PFF.. I NOTICED MY DASH WAS MELTING AS THE SUMMER WENT ON AND IT WAS STICKY AND DUST OR A WASH CLOTH I USED TO CLEAN IT PARTICLES WERE STICKING TO THE DASH. WHEN THE SUN IS OUT THE SUN HITS SPOTS WHERE IT BLINDS YOU DRIVING DUE TO THE DASH MELTING..THE DASH SHOULD NOT MELT IN A CAR AND ITS A REAL ISSUE THAT NOW EVEN THOUGH I LOVE MY CAR I WANT TO GET RID OF IT DUE TO THE DASH MELTING.
Power train, Electrical system, Wheels, Apr 6, 2019
I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA JUST BOUGHT 2016. WHEN DRIVING 20 MIN OR MORE WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP ABOUT 3 SECONDS AFTER. YOU FEEL A SHIFT OR JOLT, IN THE ENGINE THE HARMONIC BALANCER OR TIMING CHAIN. I WAS DRIVING 70 DOWN I45 BUSY TRAFFIC, AS AUDIAL AND ALL A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTS LOOSING POWER AND I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR BY A MAC TRUCK. WHEN I WAS SAFELY AT A STOP, I KILLED IT AND IT CRANKED BACK UP WITH HALF THE POWER. 1500 RPMS
Steering, Apr 5, 2019
THE CAR WILL NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WILL COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX IT. THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS NOT SAFE. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED ON, BUT WOULD NOT START.
Suspension, Apr 1, 2019
WHEN I GIVE BREAK IT MAKES NOISE SO WENT TO MEINKE AND THEY CONFIRM THERE IS SUSPENSION ISSUE. THEN I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE SO FOUND THERE WAS RECALL FOR WHICH I DIDN'T RECEIVE LETTER. I FOUND IS RISK TO DRIVE AND EXPECTING NISSAN TO COVER THIS. I DON'T REMEMBER THE DATE BUT FACING SOME SMALL ISSUE FROM 2016 ONWARD.. RE CALL REF. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2009/RCAK-09V358-6281.PDF
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2019
THE CAR ONLY GOES 20 MILES OF HOUR ON HWY AND IT STALLS IF YOUR AT A RED LIGHTNING OR STOP SIGN AND WANT HARDLY CLIMB HILLS OR MOUNTAIN AND IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING BURNING PLEASE HELP ME THE ONLY CAR I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH 3 KIDS
Air bags, Mar 16, 2019
2009 NISSAN ALTIMA PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT INDICATES WHEN THE AIRBAGS ARE ON/OFF REMAINS LIT AT ALL TIMES. THIS INCLUDES NOTHING IN THE SEAT, AND WHEN A PERSON IS RIDING IN SEAT. AFTER INSPECTION DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SENSOR; A SHORT OCCURRED WITHIN THE UNIT. (SEE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION PICTURED) THE VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE AT ALL TIMES AND UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
Steering, Feb 27, 2019
MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT LUNCH TODAY. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. FAULTY STEERING LOCK. THE CAR WON'T START/DRIVE AT ALL DUE TO THIS. IT COSTS A SMALL FORTUNE TO HAVE REPLACED. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS BUT THERE SHOULD BE. DEALERSHIP SEES THIS A LOT.
Air bags, Seats, Feb 22, 2019
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OCS HAS QUIT WORKING CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIR LIGHT TO STAY ON SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE OFF AND THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT TO FLASH. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAY SENSOR HAS WENT OUT IN PASSENGER SEAT BUT THEY NEED TO LOOK AT IT. MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD BEING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS FAULTY. I'M REPORTING BECAUSE I KNOW NOT ONLY ONE AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIX FOR CARS LIKE MINE. THEY ALREADY RECALLED NEWER MODELS AND THEY NEED GO BACK FURTHER IN THE YEAR MODELS
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2019
STALLED AT INTERECTION WOULD NOT TURN ON. HAD TO BE TOUGHED TO DEALER.DEFECTIVE SREERING LOCK. SECOND TIME THIS PART REPLACED. NUMBEROUS COMPLAINTS BY OTHERS WITH PETITION SUBMITTED TO SENIOR VP SALES MARKETING BRIAN CAROLIN. DANGEROUS IN REMOTE OR DANGEROUS AREAS. NO RESPONSE.
Air bags, Feb 3, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSORS FAULTY, LIGHT INDICATES AIR BAG OFF (CONSOLE AMBER), ALSO FLASHING RED LIGHT IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE, NO RECALLS YET BUT IN THE FORUMS IT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT, ALSO THE WHOLE SEAT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE COST IT'S MORE THAN $3,000.00.