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#BS-2009-NISALT-73F42009 Nissan AltimaProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 2,150 owners and 4 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 2,150 complaints, 55 crashes, 15 fires, and 4 recalls. Complaint rate is 15.3x the class average.
Top reported problems
steering wheel lock failure
467 complaints • Severity 8.6/10
shuddering and hesitation while accelerating
20 complaints • Severity 7.8/10
whining noise that increases with speed
15 complaints • Severity 7.1/10
transmission failure
13 complaints • Severity 8.8/10
push button start doesnt work
12 complaints • Severity 8.3/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
855 owners reported steering issues — failures commonly reported around 78K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (564 reports) • Median: 78K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Steering (855 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2009 Nissan Altima: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 40% of all reports filed for the 2009 Nissan Altima, with 855 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 78,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 78K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 21% of all reports filed for the 2009 Nissan Altima, with 461 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2009 Nissan Altima, with 113 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 4% of all reports filed for the 2009 Nissan Altima, with 91 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2009 Nissan Altima. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (4 recalls)
WHEELS
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
SUSPENSION
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
The worst model year for the Nissan Altima is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2009 Nissan Altima vs. Class Average (Subcompact Cars)
This vehicle
2,150
Class avg
140
15.3x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical subcompact cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 2,150 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 4 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026.
Other Nissan Altima Model Years
2009 Nissan Altima: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2009 Nissan Altima Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 2,150 owner reports. Know before you buy.