2009 Nissan Altima recalls and problems

The 2009 Nissan Altima has 4 safety recalls and 1,547 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
1,547
Crashes / fires
36 / 8
Injuries / deaths
21 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Nissan Altima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Nissan Altima recalls

Recall 10V-401: Equipment

Reported Sep 10, 2010 · 7,948 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Overheated batteries could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-358: Suspension

Reported Sep 16, 2009 · 26,398 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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).

Recall 09V-006: Structure

Reported Jan 9, 2009 · 225 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

Fix: All the affected vehicles have been brought back from the dealerships and remedied at the factory. No vehicles had been retailed.

Recall 08V-464: Wheels

Reported Sep 15, 2008 · 3,403 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the lug nuts become loose, it could eventually result in a loss of control and a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

2009 Nissan Altima problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering862
Electrical System466
Unknown or Other146
Engine107
Power Train95
Air Bags92
Structure90
Vehicle Speed Control49
Visibility/Wiper41
Suspension34
Service Brakes32
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)26

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 45
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 3
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 145,000 miles · reported Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
Engine · reported Jun 10, 2025
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinders are constantly misfiring. 2 )How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. 4) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, by a private auto service center. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. 6) Problem…
Steering · reported Jan 13, 2025
After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.
Air Bags · reported Dec 21, 2024
Was stopped at a red light - when light turned green car in front of me proceeded to go but stopped . I pressed on the brake at a speed of no more then 15 miles an hour and the driver side airbag from the steering wheel deployed . No other air bags deployed and there was no type of collision or contact with a vehicular.
Electrical System · at 80,000 miles · reported Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle using the key fob, the vehicle failed to start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and ignition button, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Other Nissan Altima years

Compare all Nissan Altima years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Nissan Altima: 10V-401 (equipment), 09V-358 (suspension), 09V-006 (structure), 08V-464 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Nissan Altima?

Owners report steering problems most often (862 reports), followed by electrical system (466). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.