Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
I purchased this car and the dashboard is melting and sticky. It's affecting visibility to the point where I found myself trying to lift up to look overtop of the blinding glare on my windshield due to my melting dashboard and got into an minor accident Like was reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield obstructing my view and resulted in me rear bumping into the rear of another car that was towing a very small trailer that I couldn't see through the reflection on the windshield. Since then im noticing almost every dashboard on a Nissan Altima look the same if not worse and absolutely has to and needs to be acknowledged by Nissan for Nissan Altimas everywhere, not just in Florida. A recall NEEDS to be issued to resolve this very serious safety hazard. I'm lucky no one was injured. …
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.
There is Transmission problems with the 2009 Nissan. The car shakes/ Vibrates when idle, when sitting to long at a light the idle engine delays the gas pedal from going forward, having to accelerate the gas pedal till it jumps to proceed to move forward, The liquid is up to date however the car can't move backwards in reverse but can move forward.
I have had the car 2-3 years now and the tires have loosened up on me while driving, the car stopped running and had to do some kind of steering column lock work, it is rusting on the drivers side floor panel, and the transmission is out of it which happen on the road at work with two of my clients. Which the clients both are diagnosed with a disability. Very frightening when you make a left turn and your car stops infront of oncoming cars. That could have been a major tradegy.if only nadsan would have fixed that transmission problem many years ago when they were made aware of the problem( malfunction) and Nissan will not budge one bit to help fix the transmission unless I pay diagnostics and a transmission bill of over 5400.00. Who ever heard of a transmission costing that much money? They are the worst and I will never purchase a Nissan ever again. Thanks for your consideration.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a grinding noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Shortly after, the contact drove over a pothole, which flattened the driver's side tire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact stated that after a spare was installed on the vehicle, the noise grew louder. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger side alloy wheel, rear driver side alloy wheel, lk2 engine cradle 2.5, both top control arms and knuckles needed to be replaced. The insurance company declared the vehicle destroyed. The failure mileage was 25,000.
P0776 codes populates after 02 sensors were changed. It's the solenoid b pressure line located in the valve body. It affects the car to the point we're it's undriveable and loses power. Car will not go over 3000rpms if it does it causes the car to go into lymp mode. There's been several complaints regarding the issue and Nissan has yet to make any effort to rectify the issue. Nobody has $3000 to replace the whole transmission, when it's only a little component that needs to be replaced and not the entire tranny. Rectify the issue and stop selling lemon cars with horrible parts.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact inspected the rear suspension of the vehicle due to an instability issue. It was discovered that the rear driver and rear passenger side coil springs were fractured. The vehicle was taken to ed martins Nissan of fishers (13397 britton park rd, fishers, in 46038, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the rear and front driver's side coil springs were fractured. The rear coil springs were repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle vibrated. The contact also stated that while attempting to brake, the vehicle would make an abnormal grinding noise. The contact stated that the failure had gotten progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the struts on the vehicle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While driving at 55 MPH, the front of the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the front insulator, struts, bearings and cv boots needed to be replaced . The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09V358000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the struts on the front passenger and driver sides of the vehicle detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V358000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Related recalls
Suspension
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 altima and maxima passenger cars. The upper front strut insulators May have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace both left and right side front strut insulators free of charge. The safety recall began October 2009. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-nissan1 (1-800-647-7261).
Suspension complaints in other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2009 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the suspension of the 2009 Nissan Altima, 2% of the model year's 1,547 complaints. The component named most often is front (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Altima suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-358 (suspension, Sep 16, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Altima suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.