Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Nissan Altima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, check engine, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls for the failure on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut housings had failed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
I went to Autoworx on February 9, 2023 to purchase a 2009 Nissan Altima. The vehicle was very nice, looked good, no warning lights or anything. Drove great for about a week or 2. Then the car started breaking without me pressing the breaks. So I returned the car to Autoworx to have them check it out. The mechanic was assuring that the problem had been taking care of. After making another large payment that day, I left drove the car about a week. That's when the car started shaking. I mean shaking hard too and the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on the dash board. So I take the car back to them on Monday March 13, 2023. The mechanic says "oh, make an appointment for Friday and I'll take the car to the shop so I can see what is going on". I made the appointment & continued to drive the car. In the days between Monday to Friday, the car began shaking harder. …
A nightmare while awake. While backing out of a bank parking lot I hit a pole lightly. I stopped the car before shifting into drive. When I accelerated the car lurched forward at a fast speed. I tried braking but the car kept going forward slamming into the back of a parked SUV with the driver inside pushing it from the parking space up onto the side walk. And side swiping a parked truck pushing it into the SUV passenger side.. The acceleration was so great I am so my car is totaled. I am physically and emotional sicken by this and the damages caused from something Nissan could have prevent by fixing the problem. The car was still trying go after being stopped by the vehicle I hit and my foot on the brake. The lady from the bank told me to apply the emergency brake and that stopped the car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to park the vehicle, the brakes failed to respond and the contact crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Issue: unintended acceleration conditions: 2 pm/clear/parking lot while making u-turn to the right, brakes did not respond. Stepped again on brakes, more firmly, but did not slow car which continued to roll slowly forward about 7 MPH. Suddenly, loud revving, car continued forward roll. Immediately, added left foot to brake, pressing with full weight. No response. About 2-3 second after revving/hard braking, the car opened full throttle and hurtled forward about 1-1/2 to 2 car lengths; slammed into wall. Airbag did not deploy my car had only 25290 miles (only about two years of normal usage) at the time the system failed. My left knee sustained small gash from the underside of the steering column when I was slammed back after impact threw me forward, forehead knocked the upper steering wheel. …
My car would not start leaving me and my child stranded. The car was parked in front of my house over night. When I was ready to leave for work in the morning it would not start. I thought it was the battery but it wasnt. I had it checked at a near by auto store. I had to have the car towed to the mechanic. Who contacted the dealership and it was confirmed the faulty break switch. This is unsafe for me and my family leaving me scared to drive thinking it can happen again and leave us stranded again or a scary accident. Please recall the faulty break switch in 2009 Nissan Altima and reimburse me my money for repairs. I am a single parent. Thank you.
Came out to get in the car which was parked, used the fob to unlock the door got into the car and nothing. The brake was hard to press, the steering was locked, could not go into any gear, the car could not be jumped with cables. I had 2 indicator lights on. I needed to have the car towed to a Nissan dealer. The diagnosis is the steering actuator. I am being charged roughly $1100. I don't yet have my documentation as the car is with the dealership. This sounds like it has been an issue recently with several 2009 Nissan altimas. Nissan May want to rethink making this a recall. I was lucky to be in a public place in the daytime.
On July 27,2010 my vehicle was approaching a corner and trying to come to a stop. A truck was approaching perpendicular heading north. I motioned for the truck to take the right of way before making my turn. My foot was on the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop, resulting in the truck hitting my vehicle in the left front side, causing considerable damage. In addition the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is now in the body shop. Nissan na has been contacted , and planning to investigate the problem concerning the brakes and airbags. Insurance is estimating body damage.
NHTSA says the upgraded investigation will not only focus on 2009 muranos, but safety regulators want to know if other Nissan models May be affected. How about the Nissan Altima hybrid 2009...front right and rear left brakes locked up while driving the garden state parkway. I took the car to mavis who had just replaced brakes, rotors, and calipers. I was told "ABS pump and module are no good, only stopping on 2 wheels..rec...not to drive." I believe this problem is related and read that certain Toyota's same year have an identical problem and that Nissan used Toyota parts that year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, she applied the brake and the pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle surged forward and caused her to crash into a tree and a metal pole. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would send an inspector to examine the vehicle. The failure mileage was 16,000. Updated 11/29/11 updated 12/07/11
Brake complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 3% of the model year's 1,547 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › master cylinder (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Altima brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Nissan Altima, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Altima brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.