2010 Nissan Maxima: steering wheel locks up

Filed Apr 5, 2021 · Electrical · SC

My steering wheel locking assembly went out and I'm not able to crank my car. Apparently my 2010 wasn't available in the recall or campaign . It quit working in my driveway

Filed Feb 21, 2017 · Steering · 94,000 miles · NY

Steering column failure. The steering locking mechanism suddenly stopped working. Had to get it towed and cost nearly $1,500 to get the vehicle fixed. For a well maintained 2010 maxima, thats a large unexpected bill. Seems to be happening to lots of nissan models. Nissan needs to correct this situation.

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Steering · 77,120 miles · VA

On sunday, 5 february 2017, I left my house to visit my brother at 10am and when I came back outside (20mins later) to my car, it would not start. An orange light that read "key" popped up on the dashboard. Tried to start the car and the key light came on, brakes were hard to press, and the ignition would not start only lock would show up on the push to start button. After two hours, I had to get the car towed to the dealership. While waiting for the tow truck to arrive, I did some searching online and found out that this was not an uncommon problem with the nissan maxima and not covered by any extended warranties; though I read that this problem occurred often enough with the 2009 maxima that nissan issued an extended warranty to cover this repair. The piece in question that was the problem... Quoted by nissan is the "steering lock." this piece has been recalled by nissan in the earlier models, but apparently not for my vehicle (which is the year after the one that is recalled) apparently they didn't fix this issue. Monday, 6 february 2017, I received a call from the dealership to confirm my car issue (lock steering) and the cost was going to be $1104 to repair, with my military discount the cost was $985.46. Still this is money I should not have had to pay considering that this is a manufacturer malfunction and has nothing to do with wear and tear of vehicle. Which, btw, the vehicle is in great shape and has had regular maintenance checks and all work completed by a nissan technician which makes this even more frustrating. This complaint is to not only bring attention to the ongoing issue with the 2010 nissan maxima, but to also get reimbursed for my out of pocket repair. I have been a loyal nissan customer since 2000 (this is my third maxima; favorite type of car), but I can honestly say nissan, you're losing yet another customer'this is ridiculous.

Filed Jan 30, 2017 · Steering · 67,000 miles · TX

My wife was stranded at a business and our car wouldn't start. After calling our local dealer, it's a known problem with the steering lock. We purchased this 2010 maxima new in sept. 2009. This is a known issue that should be taken care of by nissan. We have 67000 miles and was told that it's not a warranty issue.

Filed Jan 19, 2017 · Steering · 70,000 miles · FL

Vehicle is an implacable condition. Just turned only 70,000 miles. Car was parked at my place of business. When I came out to go home the key light was on. Upon diag. Found the steering lock solenoid has malfunctioned causing the vehicle to be stranded. Having the car towed 20 miles at my expense I find put this is a known issue with this particular year make and model. Very costly repair.

Filed Dec 18, 2016 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · AZ

Attempting to leave after work, my car would not start. I noticed that there was a flashing yellow light and I plugged that into google. It appeared that it was the steering lock control mechanism and it was common for this to fail. I had to get my car towed from work to the nearest dealership where the charge was $900 for the part and $250 for the service. Doing research, I noticed that this part was recalled for 2009 altimas. I bought my car in 2009, but it was a 2010 model, so it is my assumption that this was made with these 2009 parts. This part is vital apparently, as it causes all of the electrical components with the starter to disable. I feel fortunate that I was not traveling as I would have been stranded. It feels that nissan is aware of this issue, however, they are not fixing it and charging a large amount of money for the part alone. This is extremely unsafe for users of nissan's to not be aware of this issue and not have this part fixed immediately. Nissan should do their part and offer a replacement for free so individuals have faith in using their services again.

Filed Nov 28, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 100,000 miles · DE

Got in car leaving from gym the steering wheel was locked could not move it. Called dealer who told me to hold key fob over car ignition did not resolve situation. I had to have it towed . I got on line to research about this locking mechanism and have discovered that this is a known issue with millions of consumer complaints to this very issue this is a known issue with millions of complaints being filed against nissan for this situation. Apparently there should have been a recall on this internal steering wheel lock mechanism however nissan has passed the cost of the faulty component onto the unexpected consumer. This cost me $1000.00 . Shame on you nissan. Thank god I was not in motion.

Filed Nov 6, 2016 · Steering · 89,880 miles · NJ

Car will not start due to steering wheel lock malfunction. Called my local nissan dealership who advised me of the problem which they are aware of. However, the extended warranty to cover this issue expired march of 2015. So that leaves the customer with an out of pocket expense of 900-1100 dollars. Nissan has not issued any recall. I'm stuck paying for a car that doesn't start and forced to shell out over a $1000 for a problem that is the manfacturer's fault. This is highway robbery. A complete ripoff to nissan's customers. This company is a joke. I will never ever purchase another nissan again. And I strongly recommend that one else does.

Filed Oct 12, 2016 · Steering · 101,333 miles · KS

The steering wheel lock is a defective product that nissan has known about in their 2009 models. The repair is going to cost me, and anyone that comes this issues, and that out of warranty $1100.00. This repair isn't guaranteed either. Called consumer affairs only to be told no. This part you need is only available at a nissan dealership, and the part itself cost $900. For nissan to not stand by their cars is a shame.

Filed Aug 31, 2016 · Steering · 120,000 miles · SC

Steering lock control unit left me stranded. Parked my car the night prior as usual and was unable to restart my car the next morning leaving me without a way to get my kids to school. After reading up on this issue I have found complaint after complaint. Not a happy customer.

Filed Feb 25, 2016 · Electrical · 64,247 miles · VA

Parked vehicle would not recognize energized fob start signal, requiring tow to dealership, replacement of steering lock assembly (parts cost $744.68). At 64,247 mi (out of warrantee), issue is of design without emergency mechanical starting procedure, extreme cost of replacement, unforeseen failure not due to operator.

Filed Feb 9, 2016 · Steering · 82,700 miles · TX

In september 2015 I purchased a one owner certified pre-owned 2010 maxima with all service records up to date with extended warranty; thinking I was as safe as I could be. Just 5 short months later on february 8, 2016 after work, at dusk my 2010 maxima with only 82,700 miles failed to start. The brake pedal was extremely hard and nothing happened when I pushed the start button. This poses an extreme safety hazard, as I work in the field in crime stricken areas; hence buying a cpo vehicle and purchasing an extended warranty. There was no warning whatsoever that this was about to happen. I had to wait about 45 minutes, in the dark on the west side of san antonio, texas for a tow truck to have my car towed to the nearest nissan dealership. Being that it was after 6pm, the dealer would not be able to diagnose until the following morning. Dealership called the next day to inform me that the problem was the steering lock assembly, which is not covered by the extended warranty and will cost me $925+tax!!! The car was operating just fine; no reason to think I was at risk of being stranded. According to online research, hundreds of people have experienced this issue and been stranded with their children and/or in horrible whether conditions, yet no recall. 2009 nissan models were recalled for the same faulty part. Since the same part continued to be used on 2010 models, why was this recall not extended for 2010 models? Nissan should be held accountable for this expensive faulty part before something horrible happens to someone.