Most common 2009 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of the 339 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Maxima complaints by model year
Best Maxima years: 2022, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2009 Nissan Maxima recalls (1)
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).
What 2009 Nissan Maxima owners say
Steering all 168 →
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. …
Electrical system all 79 →
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
I recently had my father pass away and my mom gave me his car , the air conditioning stopped working then the serpentine belt broke so I had a mobile mechanic come out and replace serpentine belt and tensioner. Then the power steering wheel fell off on freeway luckily no one was hurt I had to have the power steering pump replaced and another new serpentine belt installed. Then I went to get tires and an alignment done on the vehicle because it was driving kinda weird to be informed that the struts need replaced when I know my father had the struts replaced less then a year ago . Now today I was driving came to a red light and lost all power i could not even use hazard lights because I had no power. …
Air bags all 43 →
The contact owned 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle driving approximately 70 MPH, crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained hips and back pain. The contact was seen by emergency services and sought medical assistance later that day. The contact underwent physical therapy and hip replacement surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 257,000.
The airbag light is on and blinking. I did call the local Nissan dealer and they told me there was not a recall for this problem on the 2009 Nissan maxima. This seems very unfair because several recalls have been made on the airbags. Also I was told over 5 years ago that the struts on my car were defective when I had my brakes repaired. I did call the Nissan company and they told me my year was not included in the recall. My car was driving so badly I was having problems controlling it and I had to go ahead and get the front struts replaced and shocks replaced on the back and they had to put a stabilizer bar (sway Bar Link) on it also. I recently had this done. This airbag light had come on 4 years ago but I was thinking it was my seat belt light. When I would remove my purse to the floor it would go off. …
2009 Nissan Maxima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Based on 339 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Maxima rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Maxima at the same age. It is one of the Maxima years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
The steering — 168 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column locking › anti-theft device. Next are the electrical system (79) and air bags (43).
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the most recent from September 16, 2009 (suspension). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Maxima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005 and 2006. See the full Nissan Maxima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Maxima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.