2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 81 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median Altima Hybrid year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 5 Altima Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (32% of the total).
81
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Altima Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 26 | 32% | new |
| Electrical System | 21 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
“ON A SUNNY COLD AFTERNOON IN AVON CT, DOING 35 MPH, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME ON MY DASH OF 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID WITH 10897 MILES. AN AUDIBLE CONTINUOUS ALARM WAS ON IN THE CAR. THE BRAKES WERE TOTALLY INOPERABLE. IT WAS A TOTAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE…”
“ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN GOING ON AND OFF, CAR SHUDDERED OCCASIONALLY. TOOK CAR IN FOR THAT ALONG WITH 60K SERVICE. MECHANIC SAID DIAGNOSTIC CODES REVEALED NEED TO REPLACE CYLINDER HEAD DUE TO EXCESS CARBON BUILDUP. SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY SEE. CAR HAS USED SYNTHETIC OIL FROM BEGINNING ONLY…”
“NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2009 TPMS MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN AUG 2009 AND THE TPMS FAILED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES TILL TODAY (MAR 2 2011). THE TPMS LIGHT WAS ON EVEN WHEN ALL THE TIRES WERE IN STANDARD PRESSURE. THE DEALER/SERVICE CENTER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR IT ALL THE TIME BUT THE EQUIPMENT CAN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 81 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 5 Altima Hybrid years. It is one of the Altima Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Altima Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (26 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Does the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid.
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Nissan Altima Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Altima Hybrid years to avoid are 2009, 2007. The cleanest record among Altima Hybrid years belongs to 2011.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.