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2009 Nissan Altima steering problems

859 complaints (56% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
859
of this car's complaints
56%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    4
  • Column
    2
  • Steering control module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Altima steering problems in other years

1994200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Nissan Altima steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering lock-up 610

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Nissan Altima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Steering · 145,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Steering · OH

After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.

Filed Dec 11, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Jun 7, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · VA

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 failure. 06

Filed Mar 26, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · NC

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 have been seeing complaints from owners who did get the steering lock box replaced at that time and are again having an issue where they are not able to use their cars for the very same issue. This needs an immediate recall as this shows negligence on the part of the manufacturer as well as the dealerships to notify owners. An owner should not be liable for costs to fix such issues that are the responsibility of a manufacturer. This is also a safety issue as the car is not reliable and puts the lives of drivers at risk while they can be found stranded in unforeseen and dangerous situations.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Steering · TN

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 the a lot near the steering column and that did not work. We had the car towed to an auto repair shop who stated the key fobs needed to be reprogrammed, but they didn’t have the equipment to do so. We called a locksmith the reprogram the fobs, but the locksmith was not able to do so. He said the vehicle returned 6 BCM codes. He was able to remove all but 2 and recommended I take care to Nissan. Had car towed to Nissan and they stated the steering column module lock needed to be replaced (quoted $1425 + tax). I mentioned the service campaign from 2017, but I was told my car’s VIN was not eligible for the campaign and repair would be my responsibility. Why is a known issue not being covered by Nissan??

Filed Jun 28, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · NC

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 instructions however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to Nissan TSB Number: NTB17-018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Steering · KY

Car was working perfectly. Drove to school, nothing acting weird. Went to leave school and would not start. This is a push start ignition and it is stuck on lock with the key lights on. One orange/yellow stays on for a while and the other is the red flashing light. This is a steering lock module defect. I have read where this is a reocurring problem and nissan has still not performed a recall and this obviously should have been done years ago. Now I am going to be out over $500 for a piece that nissan should cover. This is unacceptable.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Steering · MA

Steering column locks, causing key Fob to not be recognized. Hence, car will not start. This s/b recalled for a fix.

Filed Dec 25, 2022 · Steering · IN

My daughter drove the car to a gas station, pumped gas, came back out and the car wouldnt start. She was left stranded by a car that had to be towed. Had she been out of town without resources nearby she would have been in a very difficult situation. The engine randomly fails to start using push-button No manual workaround, leaving drivers stranded Failure to jumpstart using cables or a jump box and new battery The new replacement part wiped out the memory of the body control system causing more costs. $1200 - just to make the car start

Questions about the 2009 Nissan Altima steering

Does the 2009 Nissan Altima have steering problems?

Owners have filed 859 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 56% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Altima steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Nissan Altima steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Nissan Altima have bad steering?

The Nissan Altima model years with the most steering complaints are 2009 (859 complaints), 2013 (94 complaints) and 2014 (58 complaints).

Other 2009 Nissan Altima problems

Electrical 466Engine 117Transmission 95Airbags 91Body 90Acceleration 49Visibility 48Brakes 47Suspension 33Driver assistance 27Wheels 15Seats 14Fuel system 11Tires 10Lights 9Locks 3Seat belts 3

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