Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 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. …
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won't due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
Two days after I bought my car from the dealership I had to have it towed from my house because it was unsafe to drive, field steering was so out of control I had a hard time keeping in my lane the brakes were if you were to just touch the brakes the slightest you would go out the windshield practically. After they claimed to have fixed the steering issues, I picked my car up from the shop and I was going down the city street and it jerked so hard to the right that I jumped the curb almost hit a bush and three people walking in the dealership told me it was my problem not theirs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. While the vehicle was idling in the driveway at home, a fire erupted from the front of the vehicle and underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The dealer diagnosed that the high pressure power steering hose leaked power steering fluid onto the exhaust manifold and started the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
I get in my car by opening the doors with my intelligent key (in other words, the battery isn't dead). Once inside the car, the key light blinks on even though I had the key in my hand. I can't start the car or even press the brake in, the car won't go into acc mode because it doesn't detect the key (again, I'm able to lock, unlock doors, open hood and even sound off the alarm through the same intelligent key..?) .I put the fob into the slot and it flashes to eject it...now my car will not start and my windows are stuck down...I went to get my other key fob and still doesn't read the key...now my car is stuck and I can not drive it...soooo what I have tried to do was beating on the steering column, making it tilt and all over n over and nothing... …
Daughter drove car home from school. Went to leave a couple hours later for volleyball practice and the car was completely frozen. We could not depress the gas pedal and there were 2 lights on the dashboard that kept flashing. One was red and had a key symbol in it and the other was orange and said the word key in it. The car was stuck in the garage, could not even move it into neutral to be towed, had to get the towing guy to go get another mechanic to use a screwdriver to release a mechanism that would allow them to put the car in neutral so they would not have to "drag" it out of the garage. Ended up being the steering lock with a cost for parts of $684.87 - total cost with labor $964.76. We were informed that this particular part had an extended warranty put on it that was good through May of 2015. Didn't matter the mileage on the car, apparently it was only a time issued warranty. …
Me and my family were out of town of a weekend getaway, not knowing this steering wheel lock situation was about to leave us stranded out of town and ruin a planned out weekend. Basically we arrived to our destination as perfect as can be, park the car and me and my family left my 2009 Nissan Maxima parked for a few hours as we enjoyed ourselves. When returning to the car is when the problem began and sense of worry hit my fiance and kids faces. The steering wheel locked and we had no control of the car no more. Stranded and trying to figure out what was exactly going on with the help of google and you tube. A lovely memorable weekend away became a nightmare in a matter of hours. Very disappointed in Nissan after reading all the similar complaints and malfunctions individuals have been dealing with and no support or recall from Nissan. …
2009 Maxima with 87,000 miles was operational throughout the day; we parked at a business establishment for lunch February 4, 2017 (winter; cloudy no rain or snow) outdoor temperature 45 f. When returning to vehicle, car would not start: steering wheel locked and intellikey system would not function; blinking dash light indicated car was in lock-down mode. Had to call tow truck - after 75 minutes wait car was towed to Nissan dealer for repair (still waiting). This is the second time the steering lock mechanism & ignition switch assembly locked up in this very same car (that time was October 2012 with 46,000 miles on the car). This is a serious problem since this appears to happen at random; luckily no one was hurt and it didn't happen in a dangerous situation or vicious weather. Previous repair was still under warranty, but I suspect this repair will be quite costly. …
Steering complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 168 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 50% of the model year's 339 complaints. The component named most often is column locking › anti-theft device (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Maxima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering 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.