2009 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,547 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2009 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2009 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2009 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Nissan Altima 2-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Nissan Altima has 1,547 owner complaints, 36 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,547
- Crash-related complaints
- 36
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2009 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Nissan Altima?
The 2009 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Nissan Altima are heavily concentrated in steering defects, which account for the majority of reports. Electrical faults and engine problems also appear as recurring themes, though with lower frequency. The data suggests potential issues with steering components, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints warrant caution.
- Steering defects represent the largest share of complaints for the 2009 model year.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component category.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively few compared to total complaints.
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2009 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 859 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 466 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 146 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 117 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 95 | 5 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 91 | 10 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 90 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 49 | 13 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 48 | 7 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 41 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 33 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 15 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 t…
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 independ…
After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.
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 …
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 …
Unknown
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the cont…
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, check engine, and TPMS warni…
There is Transmission problems with the 2009 Nissan. The car shakes/ Vibrates when idle, when sitting to long at a light the idle engine delays the gas pedal from going forward, having to accelerate the gas pedal till it jumps to proceed to move forward, The liquid is up to date …
I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It’s affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off th…
The component that failed was the steering lock control, and yes it's available upon request with a tow. I was stranded with no way of getting home. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No there was no symptoms prior to the f…
There's an obvious issue with the steering lock system in 2009 Altimas that Nissan fails to address with a recall. They opened an extended warranty period that ended in 2020 apparently, with no notification from the manufacturer or dealership that this was happening. Also, I ha…
The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an unknown Chevrolet Postal truck pulled out and crashed into the vehicle. The steering wheel air bag exploded and hit his face. The contact sustained injuries to his face, wrist, …
Passenger airbag will not come on when you sit in seat
The contact owns a 2009 Nisan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to detect that the key was present, activating the anti-theft immobilizer and preventing the vehicle from starting. The “No Key Detected” warning light was illu…
Parked car at a coffee shop, turned off engine, exited and locked doors. Upon coming back to vehicle, the vehicle would not start. We tried jumping the vehicle battery, that did not work. We tried replacing the battery in the key fobs, that did not work. We inserted the fob into …
UNKNOWN... I JUST GOT THIS CAR I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD IT PUT IN MY NAME YET BUT WHEN I DRIVE IT THERE'S A REALLY BAD GLARE I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING STICKY FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT WAS ON THE DASH BUT IT'S NOT I GOT SOME GOO OFF AND TRIED TO CLEAN IT OFF AND TRIED TO USE A SCRAP…
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked. A message to wiggle the steering wheel while depressing the PUSH to START button was displayed. The contact stated that she followed the instru…
Purchased the vehicle from Quality Auto sales llc.had tge vehicle less than 48 hours in traffic stopped. Had it towed to find they just put it together to rode off the lot but transmission is gone. Brought as is could have lost my life. Paid 6990.25.i feel misled and cheated trie…
Column steering sensor is out and car will not start. Nissan was covering this repair due to a known defect yet never recalled the car. I never had the issue until now and people in previous years were granted 1 repair. Nissan said I would have to cover it
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Nissan Altima.
2009 Nissan Altima Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Altima. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,547 owner complaints, 36 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Steering Defects (859 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (466 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (146 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 36 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 1,547 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is WHEELS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2009 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.