CarComplaints.com Notes: You don't want to get 2009 and 2010 Altima owners started about their cars. That is, unless, you know how to start their cars.

These vehicles can suddenly become impossible to start thanks to a faulty electronic steering column lock (ESCL). Nissan dealers will gladly replace it, but that will run you $1000.

More info & videos about the Nissan ESCL defect are available over at NissanProblems.com.

It's one of the many reasons this car was named CarTalk's Turd of the Week and given our Beware of this Clunker badge. Two dubious honors.

4.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,335 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Nissan Altima brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #3

Feb 082013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 7,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake warning light comes on and off while driving. Some loss of brake fluid with no apparent leaks. Suspect master cylinder leaking into vacuum booster, just as many other Altima owners are experiencing. Vehicle is out of warranty now, and I don't want to buy another master cylinder out-of-pocket from Nissan since I have read on the net where others have had replacement unit failures (such as NHTSA action number PE11020). What am I to do? Nissan should pay for a permanent repair for this obvious product defect!

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #2

Jan 032013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 60,340 miles
Went to start vehicle and it did not start. Had to have it towed to dealership for $90. Was told it was not covered under warrenty and my car was out of warranty by 2 months. Advised to call Consumer Affairs. Waited 13 days with repeated phone calls just to be told they will not warranty the repair with no written explanation. Repair cost $757 and is only warranteed for 12,000 miles. Was told repair would take 3 days but they had my car for 21 days because the part was on back order. By the way, my car was also in for 2 recall issues: Head gasket and master brake cylindar. Pretty big issues! I was also told by service manager that if I had all my service done thru them instead of outside source they would have covered the steering lock issue. Sounds a little fishy to me. They need to recall this problem!!! or at least have a manual over ride.

- Canyon Lake, CA, USA

problem #1

May 262011

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,165 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the master cylinder was leaking fluid abnormally. The safety warning light started to illuminate and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. After inspecting the failure, they replaced the master cylinder under warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,165. Updated 07/08/11 the consumer stated each time he went to the dealer, brake fluid had to be added. The mastery cylinder was leaking. Updated 07/20/11

- Oceanside, CA, USA

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