1. Nissan Altima
  2. Problems
  3. 2009
  4. Steering

2009 Nissan Altima Steering Problems

807
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 807 stored complaint records:

  • 4 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 1 indicate fire

What owners report

  • steering lock · 45 records
  • steering wheel · 43 records
  • steering column · 19 records
  • wheel lock · 19 records
  • electronic steering · 14 records
  • column lock · 14 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi309
100–150k mi164
30–60k mi149
1–30k mi29
150–400k mi24

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • December 19, 2016 · 91,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start because the steering was locked. The contact spoke with the dealer and was advised that the extended warranty was expired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 91,000.

    ODI 10936348

  • December 18, 2016 · 70,000 miles

    Steering

    2009 nissan altima steering lock failure occurred for no reason, fault, wear and tear, leaving me stranded without the key working to start the stationary car. Nissan admitted a defect and extended the warranty on the 2009 nissan altima steering lock part knowing this, but placed an expiration on the extended warranty. This expiration did/does not cover the actual cars impacted and was, i believe, solely designed to…

    ODI 10936317

  • December 17, 2016 · 93,000 miles

    Steering

    The steering lock failed. The car wouldn't start and was stuck in the lock position. I had to have the car towed to a dealership and it is now going to cost me $957 to fix for parts and labor.

    ODI 10936343

  • December 17, 2016

    Electrical System · Steering · Unknown Or Other

    The power lock steering keeps on locking the start system and car can`t start .

    ODI 10936044

  • December 15, 2016 · 80,100 miles

    Steering

    All of a sudden, my car would not start the ignition after locking it. Even the dashboard lights won't come up. Fortunately i was in the city and could get it towed to the dealer. It was found out that the electronic steering column lock (escl) had gone corrupt. When i searched on internet, it appeared that this is a common problem with 2009 nissan altima models. However there is recall issued by the company. I had…

    ODI 10946288

  • December 15, 2016

    Steering

    Power steering lock, has broke again after being fixed just 50,000 miles before. It is time for a recall. This happened in situation where i could do nothing to fix it. Getting a tow and a bill of over 1000 is not my version of a good day. Recall!!

    ODI 10938692

  • December 15, 2016 · 99,000 miles

    Steering

    Takata inflator my nissan was stopped to pick my grandkids up from school and when i went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start and the steering wheel was locked and we was stranded for two hours tell i got towed to my daughters house

    ODI 10936765

  • December 15, 2016 · 60,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    3 times in the last 2 weeks my wife has been stranded in sub freezing temperature due to the electronic steering column lock (escl) not unlocking. Each time the car has been stopped and does not restart. Having read multiple reports nissan extended the warranty on the part and even removed it from 2010 models however i am out of luck since the extended warranty has expired. This defective part should be part of a…

    ODI 10935587

  • December 15, 2016 · 77,000 miles

    Steering

    I tried to start the vehicle this morning, which has a push-button start, but the car wouldn't start. The outdoor temperature was around 6 degrees. I got a light on the dash that that indicates there's a problem with the steering wheel lock mechanism (attached photo). The vehicle will not start unless this lock mechanism is replaced. Apparently, there was a voluntary recall on the wheel lock mechanism for owners…

    ODI 10935410

  • December 13, 2016 · 91,000 miles

    Steering

    The electronic steering lock module for my car is starting to go bad. Once the module does go bad i will not be able to start my car and would have to have it towed to a dealership to be fixed where the charge begins at $800 to have the part repaired. This seems to be a common issue among nissan cars in general. They have extended warranties for this issue but won't issue a recall even though this is a known and…

    ODI 10937350

  • December 13, 2016 · 64,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    Steering wheel lock /ignition , car not able to start using key fob , total steering and brake lock . Got off work and could not start car , was running fine prior to work 7am

    ODI 10936214

  • December 12, 2016

    Steering

    I was driving my car all day with no problems at all. I decide to the grocery store with my son and after doing all my shopping i get back into my car and the key security light was on and i tried to start the car by pressing the push start button and it would not start. The key allows me to lock and unlock the door even recognizing it when i put it in the ignition but would not start. Me and my son was stranded for…

    ODI 10935422

  • December 11, 2016 · 90,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. After operating the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering ignition lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

    ODI 10934843

  • December 11, 2016

    Electrical System · Steering

    I drove to work everything was fine went out on break to start my car and can't do anything windows are lowered and it started to rain the steering lock has went out and leaves you know way of doing anything with the car now i have to miss work to get vehicle put in to a dealership i see many others with the same problems

    ODI 10934605

  • December 10, 2016 · 84,259 miles

    Steering

    I go to college in a remote part of nebraska and in the winters it gets really cold and when you have a car in the middle of nowhere and it does not want to start. Thanks nissan for not caring if i die of exposure. I live in remote town that doesn't even have a grocery store. Everything is closed by 6pm in my town and we are the last place to close in my work town which is a [redacted] home. Both of these towns…

    ODI 10944132

  • December 10, 2016 · 78,200 miles

    Steering

    I am the latest victim of faulty steering lock on 2009 nissan altima. I didn't know until it happened with me. I along with my family (including 10 months old kid) went out around 7:30 pm on 10th dec 2016 and stopped to fill fuel at the nearby fuel station. Switched off car's ignition before filling fuel as usual but was unable to start it later. Car ignition didn't start at all, both steering and brakes got locked…

    ODI 10934919

  • December 9, 2016 · 45,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the steering wheel locked. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column had to be replaced and reprogrammed. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

    ODI 10935248

  • December 9, 2016

    Steering

    My 2009 nissan altima's steering column lock is defective. It's failed in my car twice now leading to costly repairs/replacements. The car will be running perfectly when i arrive at my destination and i proceed to turn off the car and leave. Upon returning, the intelligent key warning light appears and it becomes nearly impossible to turn on the car. Sometimes a jump will start the car (which has a new, fully…

    ODI 10934481

  • December 7, 2016 · 28,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

    ODI 10935630

  • December 7, 2016 · 130 miles

    Steering

    So i was at work came out to start my car and it wouldn't start...thought it was my battery it wasnt that. Got it towed to nissan dealership.young lady advised me it was steering column lock.after doing my research i seen this matter to alot of nissan customer's.the cost was over 1,000 dollars and seen the warranty expired last year. Had to paid other people to get back and forward to work and pick my child up from…

    ODI 10934996

  • December 6, 2016

    Steering · Unknown Or Other

    Takada recall- the car was stationay and would not start.

    ODI 10960222

  • December 4, 2016 · 78,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the push to start feature failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering lock mechanism failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. ..updated 03/29/17 *bf updated 08/03/2017*js

    ODI 10933887

  • December 3, 2016 · 110,000 miles

    Engine · Steering

    The steering lock broke while i was driving straight in a parking lot, forcing the engine to shut off. I have 10 month old twin daughters and this could have resulted in a very serious car accident if the vehicle was on a main road or highway and going at a faster speed. Supposedly this is a well-known issue with 2009 nissan altima's (and other year models as well). Instead of a recall, nissan extended the warranty…

    ODI 10933826

  • December 3, 2016

    Steering

    For the 2nd time, the electronic steering column lock has malfunctioned in my 2009 nissan altima. This is utterly ridiculous! This is not normal maintenance. Someone needs to hold nissan or the manufacturer of this part accountable for this. I am so disgusted with nissan!!

    ODI 10929752

  • December 2, 2016

    Steering

    Dec 2 2016..on my way to work at 5am car would not start at gas pump after all fail attempt to start even by nissian pro..car was towed..one hour to repair 880 dollar steering lock..lost 2 day pay.. Never recieved extended warranty yet was told car has 65000 excellent condition so i thought..nissian need to be accountable

    ODI 10939022