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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
207,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. steering wheel lock actuator (1 reports)
2009 Nissan Altima electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #2

Jul 162021

Altima S 2.5L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 223,000 miles

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

It's sad when my 2009 Nissan Altima steering wheel lock actuator goes out and you call the dealership and they basically tell you that there is nothing they can do, but I can pay 950 bucks and they will fix it. So I bought a new actuator, and - nope, the new one isn't working. The fuse is good, so I'm wondering if the part is faulty, but good lord, it took 2 weeks to get here, so yes I'm highly pissed.

- Jeremy H., Sweetwater, US

problem #1

Apr 192021

Altima 2.5 S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 192,000 miles

This has been a problem for some time and was on recall. Now, they say it's my responsibility to have it fixed and pay for it, and they won't honor the recall. This is coming from the manufacturer. If it's on recall, they should have to replace it, no matter what. I don't have $1,000 to replace it. Being on disability I have limited funds, since I just purchased the car when it went out on me 6 days later.

- Scott N., Auburndale, US

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