2009 Nissan Altima: steering wheel locks up

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 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 Jun 29, 2022 · Engine, Steering · SC

The vehicle was working just fine when I went to the grocery store and came out. I unlocked the car using the key fob, sat inside and the car stopped detected my key. The steering was locked, I tried to place it near the start push button, tried putting it in the slot but nothing happened. And I tried unlock button couple of times on the key fob and the mirrors went down. And there was no way to pull them up and I was stranded in the parking lot for no reason. I got it towed to the dealership and they told me Steering Lock Module went bad which is a common issue in 2009 Nissan Altima. Its a safety issue as I can get stranded anywhere anytime! And they are fixing it for 1300$ bucks! Please recall all 2009 Nissan Altima and change this part in them!

Filed Jan 28, 2022 · Electrical · NY

In 2009 Nissan built S models with an SL package. These models came with a push button start in lieu of a key start. These vehicles came with an electronic steering wheel lock mechanism. The electronic steering wheel lock mechanism was deemed defective on the push button start vehicles. Nissan ultimately did a campaign to have this repaired. In November 2021, my Nissan Altima electronic steering mechanism prevented my vehicle from turning on. I researched the problem and learned of the expired Nissan campaign. I never received notification of said campaign. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs and started a complaint. After being told by Nissan Consumer Affairs that my vehicle didn't qualify for the campaign, I paid Rockland Nissan $1411.60 for the repair. Soon thereafter, I purchased another electronic part associated with this push button start system. During this transaction, I provided the Rockland Nissan parts employee with my vin number. I learned that my vin number reflected that my vehicle has a key start ignition. I literally had to escort the parts employee outside and show them the vehicle to prove that it did have a push button start. I again contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs. I informed them of my findings. Stated it was unfair that my vehicle didn't qualify for their campaign because the vin shows up as the vehicle having a key start ignition. I sent photos of my vehicle, my original window sticker showing that my vehicle came with a push button start system. They responded that the campaign ended and my vehicle is now too old and has too many miles. I responded that this was not the case when the campaign was active. I also stated neither I nor the original owner were ever notified of the campaign. And they should have covered the repair for these reasons.

Filed Nov 19, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the contact depressed the Push to Start button and depressed on brake pedal to start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the battery and the key slot to attempt to fix the issue however, the battery replacement failed to fix the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed over the phone that the failure could be related to the electronic steering locking module and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2021 · Steering · TX

Drove car to to store came back 20 minutes later car would not start. Red key appear on dash - Had to have car towed. Informed Steering wheel lockout. Nissian award of problem, but never issue recall. Base on my research found out they did a voluntary bring in your car to fix problem, but no recall. Who is going to know they have a problem until it happens< The bring in your cechile program ended May 2020 during the pandemic. Now it's going to cost $1300 to repair, not counting money spent for tow and car rental. I have bought 3 Nissian never will I buy another one.

Filed Sep 13, 2021 · Steering · WA

Went to work with no issues. Got off and went to grocery store and when I came out to leave, car would not start. The key indicator and steering lock indicator on indicating a malfunction. Car would not start for no reason. After a day I had to have the car towed to my house at my expense. It is terrible to have so many people have the same issue and being stranded by this malfunction, which is extremely unsafe. Terrible to see how nissan will not fix this obvious error on their part to protect their customers safety. Now I am being told that the recall to fix this wasnover may of 2020 and it is going to cost over a thousand dollars. I was never notified of a recall and this fox should be honored but it is not. Terribly disappointed. Nissan, get your act together!!!!

Filed Sep 7, 2021 · Steering · MI

Key warning light on dash which indicates steering lock module malfunction

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Steering · NY

Steering lock mechanism malfunction leaving me stranded due to the car not starting. Intelligence key lock displaying indicating the issue being a malfunction. I was left stranded over 40 miles away from home. I’m stranded on an island and haven’t had any insurance rep look at it. Vehicle is being towed over 40 miles to a Nissan dealership. There was no warning. I went to work that day without any issues and when I was ready to leave the car would not start and the key light was on. I had to spend money on a rental car to get home. This is extremely unsafe to know this can happen due to a part Nissan is very aware of.