After the steering Lock anti theft activated, steering lock ESCL module does not allow to turn on the ignition even keys are inserted.
Nissan Altima steering lock-up problems
667 of the 15,497 owner complaints about the Nissan Altima describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2009 model year.
- owner complaints
- 667
- worst model year
- 2009
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 80,000
By model year
Often reported together
Won't start 321Key fob 74Engine failure 22Stalling 12Headlights 6Door locks 4Check engine light 4Warning lights 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P0725 2P0335 2P0355 1P0309 1B26E9 1
What owners say
The steering wheel locked up and it caused the car to hit a concrete barrier.
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.
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
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.
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 $500 for a piece that nissan should cover. This is unacceptable.
While driving on the highway the steering wheel locked keeping me from maneuvering the steering wheel. Independent service center diagnostics confirmed it was the power steering pump and sensor. Let the vehicle run into the curb. Then power steering fluid is still leaking out. When taken to the dealership they said to take it back to the independent service to have them find out where the leak is coming from. The dealership said it could be the copper screw or another part of the power steering.
The vehicle was working just fine when I went to the grocery store and came out. I unlocked the car using the key fob, sat inside and the car stopped detected my key. The steering was locked, I tried to place it near the start push button, tried putting it in the slot but nothing happened. And I tried unlock button couple of times on the key fob and the mirrors went down. And there was no way to pull them up and I was stranded in the parking lot for no reason. I got it towed to the dealership and they told me Steering Lock Module went bad which is a common issue in 2009 Nissan Altima. Its a safety issue as I can get stranded anywhere anytime! And they are fixing it for 1300$ bucks! Please recall all 2009 Nissan Altima and change this part in them!
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.
I was on my way to work on Saturday 12/18 and as I was making a left turn my steering wheel locked and I actually hit a curb hopped it and went back into traffic. My axel broke on left hand side and blew my tire. Thankfully my children weren't in the car and a police officer happen to see the whole thing. I couldn't get my steering wheel to turn or come unlocked. That was very dangerous, and I could have been seriously injured and someone else also. I didn't get any warning lights or anything to this was going to happen. Clearly from the complaints this has been ongoing and there still hasn't been a recall to get the issue fixed or resolved. My insurance company will be looking into it.
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Altima vehicles. The bolts connecting the electronic power steering unit to the steering rack may loosen, resulting in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC997.
Recall number 23V882000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
- Risk
- A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
Recall number 21V138000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Altima steering lock-up
Which Nissan Altima years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2009 (610 complaints), 2008 (16 complaints) and 2010 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix steering wheel locks up on the Nissan Altima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 235 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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