2009 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Altima. Owners have filed 1,547 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and engine.
1,547 complaints 4 recalls, 1 fire risk 2nd worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2009 Nissan Altima problems
Steering problems
859 complaints (56%) name the steering, most often the anti-theft device and column.
Electrical problems
466 complaints (30%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and software.
Engine problems
117 complaints (8%) name the engine, most often the engine and cooling system.
Transmission problems
95 complaints (6%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,228 of 1,547). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Nissan Altima recalls
Navigational system(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Fire riskThe batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat. Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge.
Recall 10V401000 · Sep 2010Front strut insulators may crack
Crash riskSome front strut insulators may have been made outside specifications and can crack. A cracked insulator can let the strut rod slip out of place, which can hurt vehicle stability and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace both left and right front strut insulators free of charge.
Recall 09V358000 · Sep 2009Door
214, "side impact protection." these vehicles may have been manufactured with an out-of-specification weld on the door assembly. This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: All the affected vehicles have been brought back from the dealerships and remedied at the factory. No vehicles had been retailed.
Recall 09V006000 · Jan 2009Wheels
Some these wheels may not have been manufactured to specification. This could cause one or more of the five lug nuts attaching the wheel to the vehicle to become loose. If the lug nuts become loose, it could eventually result in a loss of control and a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to determine if it is equipped with one of the affected wheels. If it is, the wheels will be replaced with new ones that have been manufactured to the correct specification.
Recall 08V464000 · Sep 2008Get an email when your 2009 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2009 Nissan Altima problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Altima. Owners have filed 1,547 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2009 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, electrical system, engine and transmission. 859 complaints (56%) name the steering, most often the anti-theft device and column.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Altima steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 60,000–106,000 miles, with a middle value near 80,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Altima have?
4. Navigational system(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) (10V401000); Front strut insulators may crack (09V358000); Door (09V006000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.