VehicleVerdict

2009 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 460 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Maxima year — the 2009 model ranks #5 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 170 reports (37% of the total).

460

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted1,725 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 74 complaints1987: 194 complaints1988: 73 complaints1989: 78 complaints1990: 138 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 140 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 195 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 123 complaints1998: 133 complaints1999: 215 complaints2000: 467 complaints2001: 225 complaints2002: 278 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 1,725 complaints2005: 1,152 complaints2006: 733 complaints2007: 169 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 399 complaints2011: 138 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 126 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 224 complaints2017: 154 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering17037%
Electrical System8118%
Airbags4510%
Suspension368%
Other347%
Engine225%
Seats153%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Transmission112%
Tires & Wheels102%
Body & Structure92%
Brakes72%
Speed Control31%
Lighting20%
Fuel System20%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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).

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 MAXIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY AT HOME, A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKED POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 25, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SPARKS BECAME VISIBLE ONCE THE HOOD WAS OPENED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 12, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 30, 2018 · crash

“CLICKING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION AT INITIAL BACK UP OR FORWARD MOVING AFTER CAR HAS SETTLED FOR OVER SEVERAL HOURS. IT ONLY CLICKS ONE TIME. FRONT END SHAKES AT SPEEDS OVER 60 MILES AND HOUR ON SMOOTH HIGHWAY SURFACES. NISSAN STATES IF THE ISSUE CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED WHEN THEY TEST IT THEN IT CAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 12, 2013

“MY NISSAN MAXIMA 2009 WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS MY LOCKING STEERING CONTROL ON THE COLUMN. I WAS STRANDED AND NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSED TO COVER THIS EVEN THOUGH THEY NEW THIS FLAW WOULD HAPPEN AT 72000 MILES MY CAR HAD 76000.MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY WORK PARKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 20, 2016

2009 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 460 complaints put the 2009 model at #5 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (170 complaints), electrical system (81 complaints), airbags (45 complaints).

Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.

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.