Had stopped to get breakfast. Locked my car and upon returning unlocked the car and tried to start vehicle with no success. There was no response from my car. When the tow truck arrived I then learned that the brakes were stiff and steering wheel did not want to turn. We had it towed to nissan dealer. After leaving it there I did some investigating online about potential problems. Was shocked to see how many people had the same problem as me presently and past. Apparently, several people found themselves in similar situations with getting no help from nissan of north america with replacement of the steering lock mechanism. I had yet to hear if this was my problem but was given the sad/expensive news a day later that indeed I would be included in the growing number of nissan owners who would have to pay to have this faulty part replaced. But the fun didn't stop there. The part is on backorder (because so many are needed) until further notice and there are recalls on my car that no one bothered to tell me about. I called nissan and left a message with a customer service rep who was going to forward my concern onto a regional concern specialist. When she called me back two days later she informed me that it is not nissans job to let their owners/drivers know about recalls but the dealers job. In addition, she's pretty sure that no help will be given to replace the part that will cost me 700 dollars. But she would ask and call me back three days later. She is supposed to call me tomorrow with the answer. Shocked is the only word that comes to mind about my situation. I can't believe that this part has caused so many people so many problems but it is not on a recall list somewhere. Is there nothing to be done for it? Even the service tech at the dealer has told me that they have replaced several. My car was parked when it quit responding but someone could be driving. Help!
2009 Nissan Altima steering complaints
Page 25 of 30: complaints 701 to 730 of 859, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated the manual start button on the vehicle failed to function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,316.
I got into my car with my 3 month old son to bring my fianc dinner at work. After we dropped dinner off we stopped by the gas station to get gas. I turned off my car to pump, and when I returned to the driver seat I put my foot on the brake like normal and hit the start button and nothing happened. I assumed my car had died, but my lights would still come on and I noticed a warning light that said key. I had my 3 month old in the car and it was cold outside so I quickly flipped through the manual to find out what that light meant. After reading about it in the manual and looking it up online I quickly realized this is a recurring problem in the altimas. I had to call my fiances father to come pick us up and have my car towed. So now I have to pay for the car to get towed and from everyone else's complaints it will cost atleast $700 to fix. Nissan has a huge issue they need to recall. I travel a lot with my 3 month old, and what if this would have happened at a random gas station far away from family. I do not feel the we should have to pay for their mistakes in making this vehicle. Something needs to be done about this now.
Part 2 - confirmation number 10500119 part 1 --- I wanted to add that I purchased this car new in 2009. This will cost me out of pocket $685 and of course like a said previously the warranty of 3/36,000 being the years that expired first. I've only had this car 3 1/2 years you shouldn't have major problems like this with a car this early. This should be a big red flag to the nissan company!.
First problem started with a funny sound when the car would start and sometimes it would not start the first time with pushing the auto start. This was about 6 months ago and about 4 months ago I got the visual on the column that the smartkey was low and had them replace by the dealership and reprogrammed in both keys. This is when all the problems started delayed start not starting then I left home and arrived at work fine the morning of 02/25/13 and had to travel to another site and tried to start car and it wouldn't even attempt to start. I had a mechanic friend come look at it and then the illumination of the low key and the no key showed up but still would not start. We took smartkey out to dealership and replaced again tried this and it didn't start. We checked everything and called dealership back and they said we could put the smartkey in the slot to start car this didn't work either. I finally had it towed to the dealership and they said it's a steering lock mechanism and electric problems. I've had this car only 3 1/2 years and this is ridiculous and seems to be a big problem with numerous other nissans. I've been told by the dealership they are using the same part to fix my car and it could happen again. What scares me and could put my life in danger is the steering could go out while I'm driving and could kill me. I have told my family if I'm in an accident to test my steering and if that's the reason for the accident or my death they are to sue nissan. This should be a recall and fixed with dependable parts and if it happens again and again they should replace with no cost to the consumer parts or labor. Of course, my warranty has expired because of the 3 yr. Always the case. I want full reimbursement from nissan because this definitely needs to be a recall!!!!!!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the push-to-start warning light illuminated while driving at an unknown speed. The contact shut off the engine momentarily and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed, which located the failure at the steering module. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 58,000...updated 04/25/13 *bf updated 05/21/2013
Electronic steering lock control board - car will not start and is illuminating the yellow key symbol. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a failing electronic steering lock control board. They told me that the part is around $500 and with labor the total is $724. I was told the part is on back order and could take up to 3 weeks to come in. I was told it has been happening a lot with this model and mileage. After researching the issue I found many complaints. I filed a formal complaint with nissan and inquired about recalls. I can't understand why if so many others are having issues why a recall hasn't been done. Waiting for a response. Really upset and frustrated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated the that the push-to-start would not engage and the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who advised that the steering lock unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000. Updated 03/27/13*lj updated 3/28/13 *cn updated 04/19/2013
I purchased this used 2009 nissan altima from a dealer in my local town. When I bought the vehicle it had around 36-38,000 miles on it (can't remember at this time). Had the vehicle for a little over a year, I do regular maintenance on it and have had no problems. I drive this vehicle approx 100 miles a week, and when I went to leave work the other day the vehicle wouldn't turn on. The intelligence key battery was charged, the battery for the car was charge, I unhooked the battery and reset it, still nothing. The vehicle was in park and I couldn't do anything to get it to turn on. I towed it to the local dealership who ran a diagnostic and said it was the, "steering lock control unit" which would cost $717 for part and labor along with a $70 diagnostic fee. I was lucky I wasn't stranded in a bad area or without a way to reach someone. They need to recall this part, too many incidents with this part in nissan vehicles.
Parked can in front of store and attmpted to start it but it would not start. Yellow "key missing" light comes on but it won't start. Key battery is new, car battery is new, won't jump start. Car is dead. Turns out to be the steering lock mechanism. Only 57, 000 miles and this is only one of many issues we have had with this car. New battery (2) new brake switch new alternator new A/C pump new front rotor.
Electronic steering lock control board - car will not start and is illuminating the yellow key symbol. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a failing electronic steering lock control board. They told me that the part is around $500 and with labor the total is $779. Was told it has been happening a lot with this model and mileage. My car is less than 4 years old so I should not have to spend this much money to drive it. Please insist on them recalling this issue and reimbursing the full amount to me. If not, this will be my last nissan.
When my daughter went out to start the vehicle,the security system for the steering column lock/unlock would not allow the car to be started due to it saying that the steering column was locked when it actually wasn't.this seems to be a very common problem in all of the 2008-2009 nissan altimas.it has been at the nissan dealership for 5 days now,and they are telling me it will be another 5 days before they can get the part needed due to it being on backorder.these cars should be recalled by nissan before someone gets stranded.the only thing that can be done when this relay quits is to have the car towed to the closet dealership.this repair costs around 1000.00 (labor,parts,towing),and that is if and when they can get the part.
Car will not start and is illuminating the yellow key symbol. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a failing electronic steering lock control board. They told me that the part is around $500 and with labor the total is $950. Furthermore, the part is on back order and they do not know when the part will be available. They indicated possibly two weeks. Was also told that this is an issue that is going on with this part and that I should call nissan to file a complaint with the consumer affairs department at 800-nissan1. It looks like there are tons of people having this issue, so if you are as well, please log your incident/complaint with nissan at the number above as well entering it on this website.
I purchased this used 2009 nissan altima from a dealer in my local town. When I bought the vehicle it had around 36-38,000 miles on it (can't remember at this time). Had the vehicle for a little over a year, I do regular maintenance on it and have had no problems. I drive this vehicle approx 100 miles a week, and when I went to leave work the other day the vehicle wouldn't turn on. The intelligence key battery was charged, the battery for the car was charge, I unhooked the battery and reset it, still nothing. The vehicle was in park and I couldn't do anything to get it to turn on. I towed it to the local dealership who ran a diagnostic and said it was the, "steering lock control unit" which would cost $717 for part and labor along with a $70 diagnostic fee. I was lucky I wasn't stranded in a bad area or without a way to reach someone. They need to recall this part, too many incidents with this part in nissan vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the key could not be turned in the ignition to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where he was advised that the steering lock mechanism failed. The vehicle was scheduled for repairs. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 81,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that she attempted to start the vehicle but to no avail. The key warning icon was also illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering lock control unit failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage was 27,291.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The part was on back order and the vehicle would be repaired upon the arrival of the part. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that when trying to start the vehicle, a warning erroneously appeared stating that the steering was locked. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer. After diagnosis, they advised him that a switch in the steering column malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the parts were on back order. The failure and current mileages were approximately 117,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the key warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was found that the steering lock control unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 36,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that all attempts to start the vehicle failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where it was found that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 56,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Drove to a store about a mile from my home and when I came out the car would not start and the key warning light illuminated (car went into lock mode and it could not be reset). The vehicle was towed and the technician stated that the failure was located at the steering lock control unit. The steering lock control unit is being replaced and the cost is $918. The approximate failure mileage was 28,100.
Leaving work to go to lunch and my altima wont start. Push button start not responding and will not move from lock position. Changed the battery to my car along with battery for key. Still nothing. After doing research on the internet I found that my problem is the steering lock control module, which seems to be a big problem for several other people as well. My brother was able to locate the steering control module and held in the start button, and the break and at the same time he tapped on the module and my car started. We were able to drive it home thankfully without calling a tow truck. 100% without a doubt that is the problem with my car and it will need replaced. I am scared to drive my car anywhere because I don't want to get stranded somewhere. I started my car the next morning and it did start, who knows how long it will last until the part fails again. I will need this replaced but really feel as through nissan should be doing something about this problem due to the hundreds of people with the very same problem.
Car was driving perfectly fine, parked at a friend's house for 2 hours and then got in it to leave and it wouldn't start. The key warning light was on, and the lights on the dash indicated that the key was not in the car even though it was in the ignition hole. After speaking with the technician, it is the steering lock mechanism and needs to be replaced. My issue is that there was no warning at all, it was below 30 degrees outside and I was unable to get my children home. Were I not at a friend's house, I would have been stranded somewhere with two small children in the middle of winter. There was no warning at all that this was going to happen, no warning lights, no signals to indicate to me that something needing replacing or fixing. And it's an $800 dollar fix with parts and labor... There needs to be a recall, this is ridiculous. Apparently this happens after about 2-3 years in this year make and model.
The key warning light appeared on the dash; replaced batteries in both of the keys and the warning light disappeared. One week later, with no additional problems or warning, I parked the car to go to a doctor appointment and when I returned less than 1 hour later, I was able to get into the car, but the brake would not depress, the steering wheel would not lock, and the car would not start. Car will not go into accessory mode either nor does the other key start the car.
Drove my car to an appt and when I came out it wouldn't start. Tried jumping battery, did not work. Changed the battery in key fob and it still didn't work. I brought my back-up key over to the car and that one did not work either. Had it towed to the nissan dealer and they diagnosed it as the steering wheel mechanism and the part was on a 7-10 day back order. I paid an additional $50 to expedite the part. It took 7 days to get my car repaired. I contacted nissan USA, described the situation and sent them a hyperlink that had anecdotes of steering issues from other 09 altima owners and requested that they cover the repair. Someone from nissan called me and I returned his call 2 times without a return call. On the third message I and told him I would escalate the call if I did not hear back from him. That prompted him to return my call and he stated they would not cover the cost because I don't take my car to nissan for scheduled service. I told him I was not going to rest until I get nissan to cover this and he basically told me he had the final say. I am contacting my local news station and my state ag for resolution. Please do the same! I am out $960 for the repair.
Drove to work in the morning, parked my nissan altima in the parking lot. When I went to leave for lunch the car would not start. The brake was extremely stiff and pushing the start button did nothing. I called the local nissan dealer - they immediately thought it could be the steering lock module if that was it I would have to have it towed. Once towed to the dealership they confirmed it was the steering wheel lock module had malfunctioned. They admitted they have seen 4 others in just this month for the same issue. The part was ordered and should have arrived in 3 business days. After a week I was notified the part is on back order and they do not know when they will have it in to fix my car. I contacted nissan consumer affairs to ask for help, they declined stating it is all a case by case basis they won't help to pay for the part, repair or a rental car. It has now been 23 days and they still don't know when or if they will get a part to fix my car. I am stranded without a means to get to and from work. Nissan needs to recall this part or help cover the costs for those affected. After extensive research there are tons of people going through the same issue. The same part was recalled for the nissan gtr why not own up to your crappy part and take care of the customers.
I just wanted to let the people know that there is no guarantee that the new steering lock mechanism that is placed in your car will not malfunction. I picked my car up from the dealership after having the part repaired at the cost of 1055.00 not including towing and wasn't even home 40 minutes before the same thing occurred again and the car had to be towed back to the dealership to be repaired again. I'm now finding out that the replacement part is not a newly manufactured part without the defect making the probability of having to deal with situation again very high and of course the nissan corp. Is still acting like there is no problem at all. Please people call your attorney general news stations and whoever you think will listen because the more waves we make forces nissan to recall this part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the brakes also became stiff. The key symbol on the dashboard also illuminated. The contact replaced the battery but the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the steering lock assembly would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they may assist in the cost of repair. The contact was awaiting a final decision. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 44,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the steering lock assembly would need to be replaced. The contact was also advised that the part needed to complete the repair was on a national back order. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 44,000.
On saturday morning, my wife took my son to the library, the car started with no issues, when they left the library she could not start the car. She called me to come help her, we changed the batteries in the key fob, I tried to jump-start the car, I checked the fuses, but it would not start. I made sure the fob was still communicating with the car by pressing the buttons and everything seemed to be working fine. Finally, after trying everything I could, we called the nissan dealership, and they had us tow the car to them, and said they would not get to it until monday. Well monday morning comes and they called my wife to tell her the steering lock unit failed, and it would cost ~$1000 to replace. Of course I am ticked so I decide to research this issue and realize it is very common in the 2009 altima?s, which makes me even more ticked, because nissan doesn't seem to care if they leave my wife and son stranded because they built their car using garbage parts. And yes they know because, more times than not, this part is out of stock and the newer cars don't use it. So this sounds like a very nasty scam by nissan. I have sent letters to my state's attorney general, nissan motor company, and this database...we need a recall. Stand behind your product!
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