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2009 Nissan Altima steering complaints

Page 23 of 30: complaints 641 to 670 of 859, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2009 Nissan Altima steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 15, 2014 · Driver assistance, Steering · 42,400 miles · PA

Steering was locked and key indicator was coming on dashboard. It was a mechanical failure related to escl (emission steering control lock).

Filed Feb 25, 2014 · Steering · 132,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the electronic steering wheel lock mechanism was defective. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who diagnosed that the electronic steering wheel lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 70,000 miles · TX

This is probably the coldest day we have had in east texas this winter especially when including the windchill factor. I came home at 5:45, parked my car in the garage, and went inside. When my son when to start the car at 9:30, it would not start. It would not recognize his key, he woke me up and we tried mine, it still will not start. We spent the next four hours disconnecting the battery, manually moving the car in and out of the garage, and even tried to jump start it as suggested on this site. Nothing worked. The car will not recognize the key and has the key light flashing in the top left corner. There was no warning and I am grateful after reading all of the complaints on here that it went out in my garage. We have narrowed it down to the steering lock module failure. The battery is only 2 years old and all the lights work, the car just won't start because it won't recognize the key fob. I'm going to call the dealership where I purchased this car this morning but I am very concerned about the lack of availability of this part and how I am going to get alternate transportation until this is fixed. This is a known problem with this part and was covered by warranty which was extended for unlimited miles for this part only. Currently, the part is not available due to high level of failures across the us. Part is susceptible to higher failure in extreme cold weather. Nissan you need to make good on this or it will be the last car many of us will buy from you.

Filed Feb 10, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 61,012 miles · MD

I went to run an errand and when I came back out to my car from the store, it wouldn't start. I found that the "no key" warning light was lit on the dash and the vehicle security warning light would turn on when I tried to start the vehicle. When I pushed the start button, nothing happened, it stayed in the "lock" setting. After trying everything I could think of (with no tools available), including using both keys, to get the car to start and reading the owner's manual I realized that my car was not going to start. I was able to get a ride home and researched the issue where I found hundreds of complaints on the federal safety agency website, along with threads on forums describing the exact same issue. I had to get the car towed to the dealership, where it was replaced free of charge because nissan knows that this is a failed part and has extended the warranty. However, there should have been a recall on this as this failure renders the car incapable of starting and since there seems to be a lot of people affected by this failure. I have contacted nissan about paying for my towing bill since, if there was a recall, I could have driven my vehicle to the dealership while it was still working to have the part replaced proactively instead of having to be stranded and charged for a towing bill.

Filed Feb 8, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Trying to start my 2009 nissan altima, it would not start!!! The brakes were almost stuck and the car simply would not start! The lights in the car turned on with out a problem so I know it wasn't the battery, plus I changed it 2 years ago. After reading many many reviews, 2009 nissan altima are having issues with the start button, now I have to pay tow company to take to dealer and pay so much money. Please please nissan help replace this!!

Filed Feb 3, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 95,000 miles · KY

Would not start, electronic locking mech malfunction....pregnant wife got stranded without warning in negative degree weather.....safety issue.....not to mention , tow bill, time lost from work, and making arrangements,obtaining,paying for alternate transportation, while the part is currently on back order for going on 2 weeks now......luckily wife was only 30 minutes from home or could have been worse but was still potentially very dangerous getting stranded in negative degree weather.

Filed Feb 1, 2014 · Steering · 103,000 miles · FL

When I tried to start my car it was completely dead. Everything was locked up. Aaa towed it to the dealer where it has been for 9 days. The auto manager at ed howard nissan in venice, fl told me another altima is there for the same problem. Nissan cannot tell me how long I will have to wait for the part to come in. Instead of recalling the car, nissan gave this particular part a million mile warranty. Most frustrating is both the nissan dealer and nissan corporate relations have refused to provide a loaner or reimburse me for a rental while I continue to wait for my car to be fixed. Bad situation all around.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 116,000 miles · VA

Car will not start. This model uses the intelligent key system with push button start. The key is actually detected by the vehicle and the steering wheel unlocks. But the start button is not enabled and the car does nothing when trying to start. Lights, electrical and battery tested fine. Towed car to dealership and they found the steering lock module had failed. This is a known problem with this part and was covered by warranty which was extended for unlimited miles for this part only. Currently, the part is not available due to high level of failures across the us. Part is susceptible to higher failure in extreme cold weather. Eta for part delivery is unknown and dealership explained they would get back to me again in 2 weeks! Nissan did provide a rental car due to the part shortage. My vehicle is a 2009 model year but this part has a problem also in the 2010 and 2011 model years for all nissan vehicles per the local dealership.

Filed Jan 25, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 62,500 miles · CT

Car would not start due to failure of the steering lock device.

Filed Jan 16, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 42,000 miles · MA

The car is equipped with a "smart" key-locking system as well as a "smart" ignition system. The key for the car is a wireless fob that when around the vehicle will allow the car to be unlocked and started. The key will allow the car to start, when the key is detected inside the vehicle. The issue that arose was due to a malfunctioning part, the part was an: electronic steering column lock. The part failed during a spell of cold days that affected my state. During the first few days before the part ultimately malfunctioned the car began showing error lights for many systems. The car indicated that doors were open, that the emergency brakes were applied (when they clearly were not), the interior lights in the car would randomly come on when driving (as if doors were opening) and finally the indicated that the smart key system was malfunctioning. The car ultimately failed on a cold night. I was able to enter the car, but that was it. The car did not recognize my key and the car was rendered useless. I was unable to turn the car on, or even switch it to any standby mode. Because the car doesn't have a traditional key you are unable to unlock the steering wheel and push it in neutral. The steering wheel locks up, and depending on how the tires were locked initially determines the only direction that the car will move. When I contacted nissan about the issue I was told that they have issued a "warranty extension" on that specific part only. It is obvious that they know a problem exists. I would also like to note that I was also told by nissan that the part is on backorder and on restricted release. They have so many problems that they cannot keep up with the demand. This issue is very real and dangerous. People will be left stranded in their car. Unless the part fails there is no indication that the part will go wrong.

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 68,000 miles · VA

Attempted to start car, and received "steering wheel lock" light - despite trying with both fobs (it was not a faulty fob). After half hour of trying, still can not turn car on due to locked steering wheel. Engine won't turn, electrical system will not turn on, and car is stuck. Have yet to contact dealer.

Filed Jan 14, 2014 · Steering · 130,000 miles · CT

I went to go start my car and it didnt start I thought I had to jump start itbut that didint work. Then I called nissan they said your steering lock mechanism has failed. I look up online there are many others with this same problem and now I hate nissan never going to buy nissan again, because I had a transmission faliure as well a year.

Filed Jan 4, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 85,000 miles · VA

Got home turned my car off went inside to get gift cards came back outside trying to start my car, but it wouldn't start, all I saw was a yellow key light. Lights worked fine I tried moving the steering wheel and putting in neutral and trying to start but nothing.

Filed Jan 4, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 91,000 miles · IL

When I got into my car this morning, the steering column was locked up and breaks were hard to push. After trying a few times to start the vehicle, I noticed that the auto-theft must be on. I tried to put the fob in the manual ignition, but the fob got stuck and would not release. After several tries, the fob finally came out. The car still does not start and the auto-theft is still on. The battery is not bad because the car beeps when the door is open and the lights work. I am going to have to tow the vehicle in to get it repaired. There should be a recall on this problem.

Filed Dec 13, 2013 · Steering · 25,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle electronic steering wheel lock mechanism was defective. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who diagnosed that the electronic steering wheel lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 110,200 miles · TX

I was driving on the freeway and my car shutdown. I pulled over and tried to restart my car but it would not turn on.

Filed Nov 14, 2013 · Steering · 56,000 miles · TN

I got into my car to start it to realize it was locked down. I couldn't start it or even roll my windows down ! It ended up being the steering lock box and have had several problems with it since. I don't have that many miles on it and have heard of several others being recalled but not 2009 .... It needs to be !!!

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Steering · 66,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the steering wheel lock control failed and prevented the steering wheel from being maneuvered. The vehicle was not taken t the dealer for repairs or inspection of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 66,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2013 · Steering · 31,614 miles · AZ

Tl

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 68,800 miles · OH

2009 nissan altima coupe, se. While making turns (without stopping), the car stalls in the middle of the turn and the steering locks up. The most recent time was october 14, 2013, and while making a right hand turn from a busy street and onto a busy street, the vehicle stalled which almost caused an accident due to another car making a left hand turn. Nissan has a current recall on several models regarding this happening due to a faulty accelerator sensor, however this vehicle (make, model, year) are not in the recall, and I suspect it should be. Could be a very dangerous situation. This has happened to me at least 10 times.

Filed Sep 29, 2013 · Steering · OH

Faulty steering wheel lock system causes car to not start up and locks up car's ABS and brakes. You cannot start the car without taking to dealership to get it repaired. I've heard many cases online about the nissan altima ranging from 2009-2011 models locking up having the same issues. And they have not recalled this. Affected parts is selected in unknown factor due to only knowing a few issues that branches from this malfunctioning part and system.

Filed Sep 19, 2013 · Steering · 89,000 miles · NC

I attempted to start my 2009 nissan altima on sunday night but it would not start. It has a push button start; I pushed the button, with my foot on the brake. The vehicle did not start, so I checked the directions in the owner's manual to start the car but still was not able to start the car. Finally, I had the car towed to a local nissan dealer. They said the steering lock unit had gone bad and charged $775.00 to fix the problem. I did some research on the internet and see that hundreds of other buyers are having the same problem. I see that this is a defective part that nissan should not have used. I think this part should be recalled and we the consumers should not have to pay for nissans bad design.

Filed Sep 19, 2013 · Steering · 66,700 miles · MA

I left my house for work, made a stop at the local panera when I went to start my car I noticed the yellow highlighted key on the dashboard and my car would not start, not even make any noise. I called triple a they came out and told me I had to tow it to the dealership. I just found out it was the steering lock control unit that needs to be replaced at a cost of $789 plus a $32 towing fee. My warranty actually expired a while ago so I can not put in a claim on that end. This is my 4th nissan since 1990 and this is the first time I have had a problem with one of their vehicles. Earlier this year there was the recall on the muffler system, which was covered. I feel that if there are this many cars having this problem that it should be covered and if your warranty is up you should be reimbursed for the cost.

Filed Sep 7, 2013 · Steering · 100,456 miles · SC

My boyfriend was leaving a friend's house to come home and the car would not crank. We had to call roadside assistance to tow the car. The next day I was told that it was the steering unit and that it would cost about 1200.00 to fix. Looking on the internet I see that this is a big problem with the 2009 altimas. Think that nissan needs to be held responsible. This is not negligence of the owner of the car this is nissan's oversight. I pray that this can be fixed. And that someone gets nissan's attention.

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 60,000 miles · NJ

The car failed to start; I see lots of complains where the steering wheel locks in place and so does the brake and the car fails to start. I had the same problem twice already and the dealer told me to replace the key less switch however, the problem continues and I see that the problem was not the key. As I can see others are having similar issues of the car locking in place and the problem is more than just the key problem.. This should be definitely recalled.

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Steering · 39,000 miles · FL

Over the weekend I stopped at a shell gas station when I returned to my vehicle, it would not start and just had a key in the dashboard. I check to make sure it wasn't the battery, etc... And had the vehicle towed to a locale nissan dealership. I was told that my electronic steering column lock had to be replaced and that I needed to reprogram the key which was a total of $995.00. This vehicle was just in for routine maintenance prior to the factory warranty expiring 2 1/2 months ago. I was told this is a common theme with 2009 nissan altima but there has been no recall or any solution on how to correct this problem. I'm not sure how the government can allow this company to put out cars that have issues and not fix the problem but have hard working people pay for it.

Filed Jun 4, 2013 · Steering · 76,438 miles · WV

1. I drove to church on a sunday morning and parked the car. When leaving church, the car showed a yellow key light and would not start. I had the car towed to love nissan dealership in st. Albans, wv the following day. I was told by the dealership service repair person that they found an internal failure/malfunction of the steering lock control unit. The invoice says ....... B26e9 lock malfunction, found internal failure of steering lock control. This repair, I was told, was not covered under the warranty I had and cost me $767.72. Why was this repair/breakdown not covered in full or part by a warranty or by nissan? 2. In mach 2013 in a second mishap, I had to call roadside assistance. This same vehicle locked (without me doing it) with the remote key laying in the center cup holder. Nothing was in the cup holder other than the remote key and a small piece of paper. The car had to be unlocked by the towing company as I was outside a store in charleston, wv. Could there be a faulty wiring/electrical problem with this car?

Filed May 17, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 24,300 miles · WV

Nissan north america has sent me a letter informing me that our vehicle is equipped with a electronic steering column lock (escl) unit that locks the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off to help prevent theft. On some vehicles, due to a (manufacturing irregularity) that has since been corrected, the escl may malfunction after the vehicle is locked and could prevent the engine from starting. The only thing that they are willing to do is they are extending the warranty from 3 years/ 36,000 to 6 years unlimited miles. They do not know which vehicles has this defective escl. My argument is that what if myself or both of us are on a trip and whether we are one mile or 500 from out home we are stranded this could become a very dangerous situation for us or if we have sold the vehicle to another party out in no where. We do not own a sell phone. Since they cannot tell us if our vehicle is one that might have the defective escl they should be responsible for replacing the current escl in our nissan.

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Steering · PA

I just wanted to let everyone know that nissan is finally excepting responsibility for the steering lock malfunction and is sending out letters extending the warranty on that part and reimbursing consumers for the repair of the part. If you have not yet gotten a letter you can go to www.nissanassist.com to fill out a reimbursement form or find out how to have your warranty for that part extended.

Filed Apr 27, 2013 · Steering · 70,154 miles · AL

One day at the gas station car wouldn't start. I replaced remote battery thinking that may be the problem. It didn't start right away, but eventually it did. The next day it did the same thing, so I had to get it towed to the nissan dealer. This is a disaster for me because I purchased the car in april of 2012. The service technician told me that it was the steering lock control unit and the price for only the part would be over $700 not including the labor. The devil is a lie........

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