VehicleVerdict

2009 Nissan Altima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,150 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.7 times the median Altima year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 33 Altima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 29 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 40% of all reports (862 of 2,150), far ahead of electrical system at 492.

2,150

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

55

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

29

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Altima years?

Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted2,976 complaints1993: 150 complaints1994: 120 complaints1995: 216 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 141 complaints1998: 141 complaints1999: 110 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 202 complaints2002: 1,321 complaints2003: 1,099 complaints2004: 334 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 1,043 complaints2007: 598 complaints2008: 1,376 complaints2009: 2,150 complaints2010: 541 complaints2011: 320 complaints2012: 577 complaints2013: 2,976 complaints2014: 1,391 complaints2015: 1,197 complaints2016: 781 complaints2017: 507 complaints2018: 320 complaints2019: 344 complaints2020: 278 complaints2021: 111 complaints2022: 52 complaints2023: 37 complaints2024: 60 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Altima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Altima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Nissan Altima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering86240%
Electrical System49223%
Other1537%
Engine1185%
Transmission954%
Airbags924%
Body & Structure904%
Speed Control492%
Brakes492%
Visibility & Wipers482%
Suspension342%
Tires & Wheels261%
Seats141%
Fuel System111%
Lighting100%
Latches & Locks30%
Seat Belts30%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V401000Electrical SystemSeptember 10, 2010 · 7,948 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

09V358000SuspensionSeptember 16, 2009 · 26,398 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

09V006000Body & StructureJanuary 9, 2009 · 225 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIPS AND REMEDIED AT THE FACTORY. NO VEHICLES HAD BEEN RETAILED.

08V464000Tires & WheelsSeptember 15, 2008 · 3,403 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE LUG NUTS BECOME LOOSE, IT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I CHANGE MY RADIATOR 2 TIMES - AND THEY CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK AND THEY CHARGE ME 1,200 . I HAVE CHANGE THE PRESSURE SENSORS COUPLE TIMES . THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 3, 2016 · fire

“CAR WON'T START DO TO A DEFECTIVE ESCL ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK. THE CAR LEFT ME STRANDED AFTER WORK AT MIDNIGHT. THE CAR IS USELESS IT DOES NOT START. I WAS NEVER INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ESCL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 23, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE BATTERY DIED AND WENT TO GET JUMPER CABLES. WHEN HE RETURNED, THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 29, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE BATTERY DIED AND WENT TO GET JUMPER CABLES. WHEN HE RETURNED, THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2017 · fire

“TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE COASTING UPHILL, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE, BUT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 6, 2013 · crash

2009 Nissan Altima — common questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,150 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 33 Altima years. It is one of the Altima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Altima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (862 complaints), electrical system (492 complaints), other (153 complaints).

Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Altima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Altima years to avoid are 2013, 2009, 2014, 2008, 2005, 2002, 2015, 2003, 2006, 2016, 2007, 2012, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among Altima years belongs to 2025.

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.