Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the engine was running hot and there was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust tips. In addition, the vehicle stalled and was restarted however the vehicle shut off. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.
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. …
The steering lock control on the vehicle failed causing the car to become disabled. The steering wheel would not turn and was locked in place, additionally the vehicle was stalled and would not restart. Fortunately the incident occurred in a parking lot had the steering lock control failed while driving a significant accident would have likely occurred as the driver would have lost steering control. The car had to be towed to the Nissan service shop for a repair costing nearly $1000. This was a known safety issue for Nissan as they extended the warranty for this part however my vehicle's control unit failed after the warranty expired. After online research I discovered many other Nissan owners have suffered the same safety failure on their vehicles. It is an obvious manufacturer safety defect that needs to be recalled.
While I was driving on the highway I stopped to get gas at a rest stop and my car would not start thereafter. After much research this vehicle has a campaign for the electronic steering lock through Nissan . I contacted Nissan and was told due to the age and mileage of the vehicle they would not be able to reimburse ! Due to malfunction my car should have the appropriate steering box identified in their campaign. The dealership and Nissan corporation refused to abide by their own campaign and denied any reimbursement for repairs.
The car loses power as I'm driving, I replaced alternator and fuel pump I'm at around $1100 in with repairs and labor. The problem still exist I turn car on and drive within 10 mins the car loses power and acceleration then eventually dies. This happened on the highway on one occasion, very frustrating and scary to say the least. It's not the battery cuz it's also new. This is getting scary and ridiculous.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a part store, where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft, DTC, ABS sensor, and engine speed shift circuit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
The steering lock system (an anti-theft device) failed. It locked my steering wheel and disabled the start button on the car. The car was stationary; I was stranded in a parking lot away from home with a car that would not start. Nissan is aware of the problem and had issued a TSB, but no recall. Nor was I notified of the potential problem as an owner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the engine failed to start and the key warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
My husband bought this vehicle from crown mason in tampa andbthe car started smoking in one day, we found out the engine was no good. The owner claimed that the vehicle was in good shape. Since the day we bought it we had to put a new engine in along with a tune up and a wheel alignment
The car, while driving, reverts back to idle RPM and pressing the gas pedal does not propel the car. This happened after being repaired by Nissan. On another occasion it completely lost power while driving.
Engine complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 6% of the model year's 339 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Maxima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Nissan Maxima, though it has 1 recall 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 Maxima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 16% 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.