Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 that after entering the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the contact depressed the Push to Start button and depressed on brake pedal to start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the battery and the key slot to attempt to fix the issue however, the battery replacement failed to fix the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed over the phone that the failure could be related to the electronic steering locking module and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the contact depressed the Push to Start button and depressed on brake pedal to start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated she tried to start her vehicle manually and the vehicle still would not start. She then had an independent mechanic arrive to her residence to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that similar vehicles had experienced the same failure. The contact stated that she contacted the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not under an open recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that upon pressing the start button to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that he was able to open the trunk and activate the alarm using the key fob, but the vehicle would not start. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 10119195 (Wheels, Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the brake pedal was rigid. The contact's brother manipulated the ignition box until the vehicle was able to start. However, the failure reoccurred while the contact was in a parking lot. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the parking lot. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nisan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to detect that the key was present, activating the anti-theft immobilizer and preventing the vehicle from starting. The "No Key Detected" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to TSB Number: PC516. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked. A message to wiggle the steering wheel while depressing the PUSH to START button was displayed. The contact stated that she followed the instructions however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to Nissan TSB Number: NTB17-018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was on the freeway on my way to LA then out of nowhere my car started to slow down then the check engine light came on and i was trying to move over to the emergency lane and and almost got hit by the car behind me and the one behind me in the lane i was switching in to once i got the side i turned the car off and on and it fixed it for a while but then then it did it again the same night later on and now it does it randomly
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle would not start up. The vehicle was inspected by a locksmith and diagnosed with needing the electronic steering column lockbox replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was not available.
Electrical complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 466 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 30% of the model year's 1,547 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Altima electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.