I got into my car after work(12-27-12) and noticed the yellow key light on the dash. The car started and drove just fine. Then the next time I went to start my car (12-30-12) the car wouldn't start. I couldn't do anything. Got the car placed on a trailer and hauled to the nearest nissan repair shop and my steering column lock mechanism needs to be replaced which is an awfully expensive fix. To top things off, this part is on back order so I know I'm not the only one with issues.
2009 Nissan Altima steering complaints
Page 28 of 30: complaints 791 to 820 of 859, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I started my car to leave for work around 6:30am and left to get gas before continuing to work. I was able to drive the car to the gas pump and turn off the engine without incident. When I attempted to start the engine after pumping gas the car failed to start. I noticed that there was an indicator in my dash that I had never seen. It was a red indicator that I would later find out showed a problem with my steering lock mechanism. The car would not move past the "lock" stage and I had to promptly have it towed to the nissan dealership. I later found out that this repair would cost almost $800.00 before taxes. After researching, I have found that there have been many similar claims in the past few months. I would just like for my case to be known with others that have had a similar position.
Drove the car into work just fine. Seven hours later when I was leaving to go home car would not start. Key light was on in dashboard but nothing would happen. Jumped the battery, reset the batter, even took out the battery to get it tested. Still nothing. Finally paid $70 to get it towed to nissan dealership (less than 3 miles) and it is the steering lock control unit, which cost $978 to replace. Apparently this happens when it is cold out. Nissan needs to recall these vehicles and reimburse everyone who have had similar issues. I will never buy another nissan and you bet I'm going to tell everyone I know!!
Veh was driven for a period of time and then stopped to get gas. Veh would not start again. A yellow key indicator came on the dash and vehicle still would not start. Had it towed to dealer and diagnosed as the steering lock module.
Steering lock unit on jan 2, 2012, I drove my car to work. I did not notice at that time any lights on however 5 hours later I go to start my car and it would not start. It was at that time I noticed the yellow key light. I had never seen it before. I tried jumping the battery and when that didn't work I went and bought a brand new battery. Still, I got no results. I towed the car to nissan to find out that my steering lock unit went out on the car. I too am baffled by the fact that there has not been a recall on this part as it has been a common issue with a lot of customers. This is my first nissan and I am extremely unhappy knowing there has been so many documented issues yet nissan has done nothing to rectify the situation.
The yellow key light came on as I was driving to my destination. When I went to leave, I was able to unlock my doors but could not start the car. Lights were working but was not able to engage brake pedal or push the button to start the car. Tried to jump the car off thinking it was the battery, but did not work. Had the car towed to the dealership and found out today that the steering lock assembly had to be replaced. There were no other warning signs only the yellow key light. This is a very costly repair. I have seen many other complaints of this same problem and do not understand why there has not been a recall. I found that there was a recall for this very problem on the 2009 nissan 370 z.
On a cold jan day(below freezing) a notoriously common problem with the 2009 nissan altima occurred. The steering wheel actuator failed adding to the 1000s of other reported steering wheel actuators already posted on this web site. Seems this problem happens 1-3 year old cars in colder weather. The car will not start nor can the steering column be unlocked which complicates the towing. The "push to start" key fob that nissan has engineered is nothing but problems. There is not a mechanical steering lock as you would have in a normal key operated car and the locking of the steering wheel occurs as a theft security device. If this happens while driving the impact could be deadly. The company has not recalled the car for this and it will take a serious injury lawsuit for nissan to understand the product they put on the highway puts all at risk. Don't buy a car with this type key start mechanism from nissan. The cost to repair is 1100 dollars............
Cold day 2009 altima started fine. Went to work, but at lunch time tried to start car and it would not start. Fob key would still open locks and was acknowledged buy car and lights still worked so it was not battery or key. Brake lights also worked. Yellow key light on dash was lit and steering wheel and gears were locked. Car was towed on flatbed to dealer. Dealer initially said it may be just fob key reprogramming. However after 4 hours they found the problem to be the steering lock switch. Cost $700 dollars to repair!! Nissan recall this part now and reimburse customers!
Vehicle would not start, had to be towed to dealer. It was determined that the steering wheel actuator had failed. The cost to replace the actuator is appx: $800. In researching this problem using a google search, it appears to be a wide spread recent issue with the nissan altima. This problem can happen at any time, however, it seems to be a cold weather issue. The actuator is defective and should not be failing in a 3 year old vehicle.
Went to go start my car and the intelligent key indicator light came on. Couldn't start in neutral. Had to get it towed to the dealer. Dealer was able to start the car in the morning. They were able to replicate the issue by stopping and starting numerous times. It appears that the steering lock unit was failing. After researching online determined this is a common and costly problem, but there is no re recall for it. Very dangerous.
This appears to be a cold-weather related issue with the steering lock module. The dealership stated they have seen more and more of these problems now that it has become cold. The cost to replace this defective part, from the dealership, is approximately $1,000. Http://www.carproblemzoo.com/nissan/altima/2009/steering-failed-problems.php.
9:30am - started car. Proceeded to drive 35 minutes. Stopped car, went in the house for 20 minutes. Came out, got in car. Will not start. The following was observed: 1. Intelligent key will unlock and lock the doors, trunk, sound alarm. 2. Small "key", yellow in color symbol illuminated on the dash. 3. Start button does nothing, will not move from the "lock" position. Failure: steering lock control module (342.99 + tax cnd). Took it apart, reset the gears, back in action (for now). Canadian customer.
Tried to start my car before work and it would not start. Keyless entry still worked and lights would turn on. Tried jumper cables, but that did not work either. Car has keyless ignition and when I would try to start it, a light on the dashboard indicated the key was not registering. Called dealership and was told to try new key batteries; bought new key batteries ($8), installed them, no change. Called dealership back and was told to have car towed to dealership ($88). After inspection, was told "diagnosis found stored codes for steering lock failure. Replacement needed" ($740). Fortunately, my car did not just turn off while I was driving, but when I found these other reports (http://car-and-safety.com/nissan-370z-safety/nissan-370z-2009.htm#steering) I decided I better also report mine; sounds like an on-going issue that has been/could be dangerous for others.
It was the first chill in chicago and the car was parked in the street. When I tried to start the car it would only light up the intelligent key warning light in the dash indicating an issue with the intelligent key-less system. Upon further research (a simple google search "nissan altima intelligent key warning light issues") indicated that is a very common issue with altimas and is related to the "steering lock" mechanism. I had to tow the car to the dealership and a quick call to the service department quickly confirmed that this was something they service frequently. The dealer himself indicated that the last part in their inventory was just fitted in another car. This is used certified nissan altima and the extended warranty did not cover the repair. The total cost of the repair was $1299.30.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The dealer was notified and advised the contact to jump start the vehicle and have it towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact searched the internet for reasons why the vehicle would not start and settled on the fact that the failure was caused by a steering lock mechanism failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 64,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle failed to start and would not recognize the key in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the steering lock module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 101,000. The VIN was not available.
Went to go start my car and the intelligent key indicator light came on. Couldn't even use the back up method to start the car. Had to get it towed to the dealer. Couldn't do anything with the car and was left in an abandoned lot. Not a very safe place to be stuck. Also, there wasn't a warning prior to this. From the sounds of it there are many others that have had this issue at right around the same mileage mark. I think it's time for nissan to consider a recall. This is absolutely ridiculous. I have my car at the dealer now and from the sounds of it will be in for a repair of around 1,000 or more. Will not be buying a nissan again unless the do something about this.
The night before everything was working fine. I was 1300 miles from home visiting relatives. I got out of my car turned my car off and locked it up as usual. In the morning, I got back into my car to go some where and my car would not start the yellow key indicator light was illuminated in the left side of the car I could not press the brake it was very stiff and the start button would not come out of the lock position. After researching via the internet I have found that there is a very common problem with all 2009 makes of nissan and the steering lock mechanism malfunctioning after having the car for approximately 3 years and the car being under 50,000 miles this part has been recalled in other models of nissan but not in the 2009 models. Although I understand this repair at a dealer can run upperwards of $1,000.00, I was lucky my dad's mech did it for around $600,00.there definitely needs to be a formal recall on this part because it has affected too many people and it could easily result in death if the lock out takes place in traffic, not a nice feeling to be 1300 miles from home and having a major problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after attempting to start the vehicle using the push-to-start button. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they advised her that the steering locking system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I went to start 2009 nissan altima car would not start. It was not something simple as a battery or starter and there was no way to start the car. It completely locked up. We ended up having to have the car towed and discovered that the steering lock unit was broken. The repair shop did research and testing and found out that this is a known issue from nissan with no recall. Nissan indicated that this was not a safety issue and therefore no recall was necessary. Our concern is that nissan knowing that they have a defective part, where they know their cars will not start at any given time without warning and in fact may potentially place their consumers in an unsafe situation. Not to mention the cost of the repair is steep and it is a repair that the consumer is responsible for at no fault of their own. Also another concern is if the replacement part is truly an "updated version" or still has the defect? Is this bound to happen again at any given time not knowing when or where, and also rack up another costly repair? I have researched and came across multiple websites of hundreds of other altima owners that have had the same thing happen.
On 12/28/2012 my 2009 nissan altima displayed a yellow key warning indicator on my dash board. Thinking that it was my key battery, I had it changed and the light went away for 2 days. On sunday, 12/30/2012 it reappeared as I was driving to a christmas gathering. Afterwards I went to my car and tried to start it up. The yellow key warning still appeared on my dashboard but no other response was seen from my car. I had to have it towed to a dealership here in tulsa, ok to have diagnostics run and it shows that its the steering lock mechanism has malfunctioned. After researching this and finding that this has been a problem in other years of the nissan altima, I find it unacceptable that this issue hasn't been addressed and the part hasn't been recalled.
My car was running fine and received a warning light that the battery needed to be replaced in my intelligent key fob. Went to start car and it would not start and the warning light still appeared. We replaced battery in fob and still the car would not start. After talking with dealer we find that the steering lock mechanism going out was a very common problem and they had 5 incidents of it just this week. After doing more research and seeing how common the problem was we are wondering why this year make and model has not made the recall list yet. Problem cost between $600-$1000 to repair.
Was out shopping at costco, came out of store and car would not start. Intelligent key indicator light was displaying on the dash. The brake pedal would not depress and push button would not start the car. Tried to manually override by inserting the key fob in the slot - still would not start. As I was stranded had to call husband to come get me. Had him bring other key fob, still would not work. Had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership as car is completely disabled and will not run.
On december 27th I was sitting in my car with the car on and everything worked fine I got out of my car turned my car off and locked it up as usual. Later that evening I got back into my car to go some where and my car would not start the yellow key indicator light was illuminated in the left side of the car I could not press the brake it was very stiff and the start button would not come out of the lock position. After researching via the internet I have found that there is a very common problem with all 2009 makes of nissan and the steering lock mechanism malfunctioning after having the car for approximately 3 years and the car being under 50,000 miles this part has been recalled in other models of nissan but not in the 2009 models after speaking with a nissan representative and a nissan dealer I was advised to have my var towed to the dealer and have the malfunctioning part replaced at the cost of 1175.00 for the part the labor and towing. There definitely needs to be a formal recall on this part because in the last day I have read over 300 instances of the same malfunction happening to various nissan car owners that own the 2009 model. I am right now putting together a class action suit against nissan for the unfair treatment of there consumers and for overlooking a very serious defect in the product they are selling. Also this repair is not covered under the warranty someone really needs to investigate this.
While driving my nissan 2009 altima today the warning light (yellow key) came on after hitting a pot hole, when I had to press on my brakes to stop at a red light the car killed and the red car warning light started flashing , when the car came to a complete stop I put it in park and tried to depress the start button. Nothing happened, the car was not recognizing the intelligent key. The yellow key warning light means the steering mechanism is failing so the intelligent key won't work. So here I was sitting in the middle of traffic with a car that won't start and I cannot get out of park to put in neutral to push out of the traffic. I had to have the car towed. After much research I am finding this is an issue known by nissan they no longer put this part in the 2010 have done recalls for this on other models and years but not this one. This is a safetyy issue and should be a recall are they waiting for someone to get hurt before they issue a recall?
My husband went to start his 2009 nissan altima one afternoon to pick up our daughter from the bus stop and the car would not start. It was not something simple as a battery or starter and there was no way to start the car. It completely locked up. We ended up having to have the car towed and discovered that the steering lock unit was broken. The repair shop did research and testing and found out that this is a known issue from nissan with no recall. Nissan indicated that this was not a safety issue and therefore no recall was necessary. Our concern is that nissan knowing that they have a defective part, where they know their cars will not start at any given time without warning and in fact may potentially place their consumers in an unsafe situation. Not to mention the cost of the repair is steep and it is a repair that the consumer is responsible for at no fault of their own. Also another concern is if the replacement part is truly an "updated version" or still has the defect? Is this bound to happen again at any given time not knowing when or where, and also rack up another costly repair? I have researched and came across multiple websites of hundreds of other altima owners that have had the same thing happen. We sent a letter to nissan expressing our concerns but also wanted to make sure that this situation pertaining to the steering lock unit is brought up to your attention to be reviewed and considered as a recall. Thank you for your time. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that the key-less entry system failed and the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located at the steering lock system and the contact was advised that the key-less computer needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The consumer stated the vehicle would not start after multiple attempts, the dash read " no key". Even though he tried the spare key and tried to jump start the battery, all attempts failed. The dealer informed the consumer it was not a wear and tear problem, and it was nothing that he did or didn't do to create the problem. Updated 03/14/13 ...updated 04-03-13 *bf updated 04/12/2013
Have had this car for 2+ years now, lived in arizona and florida. I now live in maryland. This morning was slightly colder than normal, with sleet coming in last night. My wife attempted to start the car this morning while I was away at work and could not get it to start. Looking at the dash indicators, it showed the orange intelligent key light on, and when I tried to start the car, the ignition button would not switch out of lock. Tried to get the car into neutral, but brakes appear to be firm in place and will not unlock the shifter out of park. Looked online for a few solutions, but none have worked so far (unhooking battery, moving the steering column). Called the nissan dealership near here and they want me to tow it in before they can even guess at the cause (which I would have no issue with if this was an uncommon thing, but there are numerous reports of this online, most pointing to the same thing: a shoddy part that I need to pay $500 plus labor to replace ). Eventually this will have to get fixed, but what is most disheartening is the fact that this could have happened anywhere and left my wife stranded for some time. I just lucked out and it was sitting at home. Mileage is ~21k.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan altima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the steering lock module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 60,200.
Drove my altima to work, as usual and parked at my work parking lot. Once it was time to leave, got into my car to drive home but car wouldn't start. Blinking key light in upper left and corner and car/key light in upper right hand corner. Had to get vehicle towed to a nissan dealership by work (30 miles away from home). Nissan has had my car for two days now and just figured out it was the faulty steering column actuator. Quote given over the phone was $777 plus towing and car rental fees! Why the heck is this not covered under a warranty if my car is only 3 years old and not even 48,000 miles!!!! So disappointed with nissan. I'm so thankful that I wasn't stranded by myself at night in a large city with no where to go - which is what would have happened when I was out of town just days before. I have friends with altima's and I sincerely hope this doesn't happen to them however, based on the number of people this has happened too, it's basically a guarantee that it will happen!!!!
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