The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Service Campaign under PC516 for the same issue, and the Service Campaign had since expired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The worst 2009 Nissan Maxima problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering168
- Electrical79
- Airbags43
- Suspension36
- Engine22
- Seats15
- Transmission11
- Visibility11
- Body8
- Brakes7
- Wheels6
- Tires4
- Acceleration3
- Driver assistance2
- Fuel system2
- Lights2
- Locks2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Nissan Maxima
Steering lock-up 88Won't start 74Airbag light 26Grinding brakes 20Key fob 14Loss of power 7Check engine light 6Engine failure 6
Trouble codes owners of the 2009 Nissan Maxima mention
B1018 2
Recalls 1
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 altima and maxima passenger cars. The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack.
- Risk
- If the strut insulator is cracked, there is a potential for the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, which could affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace both left and right side front strut insulators free of charge. The safety recall began october 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-nissan1 (1‑800‑647‑7261).
Recall number 09V358000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Nissan Maxima 101
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (DRIFT) and/or steering wheel off-center
- 12 volt battery testing for in-service vehicles service information
2009 Nissan Maxima fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
What 2009 Nissan Maxima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shuddering uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence at 20 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front-end mounting strut insulator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won’t due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
The airbag light is on and blinking. I did call the local Nissan dealer and they told me there was not a recall for this problem on the 2009 Nissan maxima. This seems very unfair because several recalls have been made on the airbags. Also I was told over 5 years ago that the struts on my car were defective when I had my brakes repaired. I did call the Nissan company and they told me my year was not included in the recall. My car was driving so badly I was having problems controlling it and I had to go ahead and get the front struts replaced and shocks replaced on the back and they had to put a stabilizer bar (sway Bar Link) on it also. I recently had this done. This airbag light had come on 4 years ago but I was thinking it was my seat belt light. When I would remove my purse to the floor it would go off. My brother took my manual out and told me it was the airbag and not the seat belt light. It blinks all the time now. I firmly believe the Nissan company know this 2009 Maxima has defects but they refuse to acknowledge it. Appears they could care less about our safety.
Unknown
I recently had my father pass away and my mom gave me his car , the air conditioning stopped working then the serpentine belt broke so I had a mobile mechanic come out and replace serpentine belt and tensioner. Then the power steering wheel fell off on freeway luckily no one was hurt I had to have the power steering pump replaced and another new serpentine belt installed. Then I went to get tires and an alignment done on the vehicle because it was driving kinda weird to be informed that the struts need replaced when I know my father had the struts replaced less then a year ago . Now today I was driving came to a red light and lost all power i could not even use hazard lights because I had no power. I was stuck there.I had to get towed home and purchased a new battery then called a mobile mechanic and was informed I have an ecm failure.with that being said car is unsafe to drive oh and serpentine belt broke again.
I just purchased this vehicle. The dashboard gives a reflection on the windshield. It is a visibility hazard. The dashboard is very sticky, like it's melting in the sun.
Compare the 2009 Nissan Maxima
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2009 Nissan Maxima
Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Owners have filed 339 complaints about the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 3.2 times a typical Maxima model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2009 Nissan Maxima year score?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima scores 33 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Maxima: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Steering, with 168 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is electrical (79).
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have?
1 recall, covering suspension.
What year does the Nissan Maxima have bad steering?
The Nissan Maxima model years with the most steering complaints are 2009 (168 complaints), 2010 (158 complaints) and 2004 (37 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Maxima get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Nissan Maxima range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.
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