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 electronic steering column lock module in my 2009 Altima locked leaving me stranded and unable to start my vehicle. This is a known issue. Nissan received so many complaints they extended the warranty for a limited time (to 2014). I purchased my vehicle prior to this date from a Nissan dealer where I've taken it for every service and was never made aware of the issue until I couldn't start my vehicle and had to have it towed to the dealership. I filed a claim with Nissan and they are refusing to reimburse me the $1076 I paid out of pocket stating that the previous owner of my vehicle was informed by mail of the issue (my car had just one previous owner who performed all maintenance at the same dealership). This information was never passed onto me. Nissan is saying that since they informed the last owner, they are no longer responsible and are refusing reimbursement. …
My car was not starting. It was indicated as no key. I called Nissan customer care. They told that my cars warrenty expired on March 2015. My cars first registration date is November 2009. I have heared that the ecsl of Nissan Altima is having 6 years of warrenty. But I am told by the Nissan authorised dealer - pinnacle Nissan scotsdate phoenix that my warrenty expired. My car have not completed its 6 year and I am wondering how the warrently would void. I have replaced the part from my pocket as well, I am really disappointed. It would be great if Nissan can refund the cost of replacing the part. Thanks, binu.
Came out of the store couldn't start vehicle all of a sudden, wheel wouldn't turn, brakes were hard to step on, "key" light on! Doors able to unlock and lock and trunk. Towed 3x nobody could fix it said needs to go back to Nissan nobody could even get a diagnostic output on it..sitting at Nissan now waiting for them to tell me cost which I can't afford a dime, missed work single m w disabled very sick son..luckily he wasn't with me! I even changed battery in key fob made no difference.I googled my car and seen all the same exact complaints as mine!,very sad and upset
The electrical steering column lock (escl) failure which wouldn't allow the car to start is the most stupid thing I've ever heard. And that Nissan wouldn't recall it is a big shame on the manufacturer. On top of that, they charge ridiculously expensive to have the part replaced ($600+labor)??!! This is super unsafe for drivers in the northeast as we May get stuck in a cold winter freezing to death for what? There is even no mechanic problem with the car. Just a little wedge-like thing that wouldn't drop to where it's supposed to be???? Ridiculous!!
I was parked in bank parking lot on 601. S clark st, chicago, il when pushing the the start push button, the car would not start. The key symbol was illuminating. Tried to jump the battery and the car wouldn't start. Contaced Nissan dealership to try to troubleshoot. So, I had fmy boyfriend drive me to the dealership, bought a new battery for the remote transmitter, the car still wouldn't start. So the car was towed to the dealership the electronic steering lock module went out on this car. And the cost of repairs was 1,162.15
Vehicle will not start due to faulty steering lock mechanism. I was in a parking lot with my two young children when my car would not start. Apparently, this issue has caused a lot of people to be stranded. Nissan is well aware of the problem and that their mechanism during '09 and '10 was faulty. How could any malfunction that leaves people stranded not be considered a safety issue! The part is very expensive and only carried through Nissan... That in itself should be suspicious.
Nissan Altima 2009 has a defective steering lock system. Suddenly this evening after work when I get back to the car, it just did not start. This is a dangerous situation if it would have happened any remote place and I would have been stranded. I see there have been several people complained about this on the internet but Nissan has not recalled this car. Please investigate and take appropriate steps. They should either replace the defective part of just replace the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. When the contact parked the vehicle and locked it with the fob, it failed to start upon her return. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ESC needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 12/23/16 updated 02/07/17.
My steering interlock in my 2009 Nissan Altima went out on me. I got stranded for 3 hours in 20 degrees weather with my 4 year old son until my tow truck finally got there. Car would start so I couldn't even turn heat on to keep my son warm. Nissan is still have an issue with these and won't cover the exspenses it should be a recal it's a safety hazzard I
Start stop butting is stuck in lock position therefore not starting the car. Fobs door unlock, lock, trunk and panic buttons work but car does not turn on. Car will not turn on when fob is inserted in the left hand side insert either. Happened at 67 east shore road, holbrook ma after car was shut off for the night. Next morning it didn't read the key.
Traction Control complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 2% of the model year's 1,547 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Altima traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
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.