2009 NISSAN ALTIMA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

2,150

Owner Complaints

55 Crashes 15 Fires 2 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

26

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

The 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA has received a total of 2,150 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM), SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 26 technical service bulletins have been issued by Nissan North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (855 complaints), Electrical System (461 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (146 complaints).

Recalls for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA, potentially affecting up to 37,974 vehicles.

Recall 10V401000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

| 7,948 vehicles affected

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...

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Recall 09V358000 — SUSPENSION

| 26,398 vehicles affected

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).

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Recall 09V006000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

| 225 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 08V464000 — WHEELS

| 3,403 vehicles affected

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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

2,150 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 855 4 Crashes 1 Fire
Electrical System
Complaints: 461 2 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 146 2 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 107 3 Crashes 4 Fires
Power Train
Complaints: 91 5 Crashes 3 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 82 10 Crashes 7 Injuries 1 Death
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 48 13 Crashes 6 Injuries 1 Death
Structurebody
Complaints: 45 1 Crash 2 Fires
Structure
Complaints: 43 1 Injury
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 41 3 Crashes
Service Brakes
Complaints: 32 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 31 2 Crashes
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 26
Wheels
Complaints: 15 1 Crash 1 Fire
Seats
Complaints: 14
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 9
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 6 1 Injury
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 6
Tires
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipment
Complaints: 4
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 4
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Structureinterior Panelsdashboard
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger
Complaints: 1
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemsoftware
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steeringsteering Control Module
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11711432 | STEERING | | 145,000 miles
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.
#11666131 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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 description: The service technician from the repair shop tried replacing the plug, coil, injector but it still misfires. Later the technician reported that this is a problem listed as recall (Recall Reference number : NTB13-056a, Campaign ID: PC131) for 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, but the same problem exists in 2009 Nissan Altima and is not listed as recall. Links for references are given below. The technician is sure that it is the same problem and NISSAN should fix it by recalling instead of asking the Owners to pay for this known recall issue. Repairing this issue by owners, would cost them several thousand dollars and is definitely not worth for a 2009 car. So I request the authorities to enforce this known issue as a recall to 2009 NISSAN ATLIMA as well as it has been done for 2007 and 2008 NISSAN ALTIMAs. Thanks and Regards. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11635582 | STEERING | | N/A miles
After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.
#11631936 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles 1 Injury
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.
#11630111 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 80,000 miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

Nissan North America, Inc. has issued 26 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

NTB10-041B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA SEDAN WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM Service Campaign ID # PC044 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC044.  Discard all previous versions of NTB10-041.

NTB10-041B — VISIBILITY

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA SEDAN WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM Service Campaign ID # PC044 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC044.  Discard all previous versions of NTB10-041.

PC023 2009 Altim — WHEELS

Expiration Notification - Alloy Wheels Campaign Summary: In 2009, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2009 Model Year Nissan Altima 2.5 Sedan (L32) vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the alloy wheels. It was determined that some of the subject vehicles equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels,...

NTB09-119a — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA 2.5 SEDAN WITH 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS Service Campaign ID # PC023 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC023.  Discard all previous versions of NTB09-119.

NTB09-119a — EQUIPMENT

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ALTIMA 2.5 SEDAN WITH 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS Service Campaign ID # PC023 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC023.  Discard all previous versions of NTB09-119.

EXPIRATION NOTIF — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE March 6, 2020 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The original announcement from February 21, 2017 has been revised to include:  - Service Comm will deactivate PC516 on any unremedied VINs on May 29, 2020.  - Dealers may...

NTB17-018 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 ? 2010 MAXIMA AND ALTIMA ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the Electronic Steering Column Lock (Steering Lock Unit) on certain specific 2009 ? 2010 model year Maxima and Altima vehicles. This issue does not affect steering or...

NTB13-079e — ENGINE

2007-2010 ALTIMA; REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO CVT FLUID TEMPERATURE PROTECTION LOGIC This bulletin has been amended to remove 2011 and 2012 model years. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB15060 — WHEELS

SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not...

NTB12120A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

SERVICE INFORMATION When an exhaust manifold and three way catalyst assembly is removed from an applied vehicle for any reason: 1. Remove and discard the exhaust manifold stay and its related parts. 2. The upper and lower exhaust manifold covers (heat shields) may need to be replaced. - Refer to...

Showing 10 of 26 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the NISSAN ALTIMA

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