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. Read more »
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.
My car shut off when I pulled into the gas station the other day. I tried starting it a few times and it stared each time, fluttered, then cut off again. My gas light had just come on within a block of the gas station. I put gas in the car and it started fine. I drove to my destination a few blocks away with no problem. When I tried to leave it kept cutting off and I never made it out of the parking lot. My check engine light never came on and the mechanic can't pinpoint the problem as the car is not throwing any codes. This happened once before but resolved itself before I had to have it towed or checked out by the mechanic.
It's just a bit of a serious issue being that the whole car just shuts down while driving on the freeway. That stuff is very scary because my family & I can get hurt or even killed, a truck could've have been behind us or someone driving very close at a high speed. I just feel as though if Nissan is aware of this then it should be thoroughly reviewed before somebody gets killed and then they will have a big lawsuit like these other companies.
I am very terrified when we go on a road trip because that's the only time it happens. At one time I thought it was the gas I used but when I didn't use that gas station's fuel (Kangaroo) then I know it's a manufacturing issue. That needs to be a recall before this matter kills someone & that's when they realize its a major issue.
- mamaalabama,
Montgomery, AL, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My car shut off when I pulled into the gas station the other day. I tried starting it a few times and it stared each time, fluttered, then cut off again. My gas light had just come on within a block of the gas station. I put gas in the car and it started fine. I drove to my destination a few blocks away with no problem. When I tried to leave it kept cutting off and I never made it out of the parking lot. My check engine light never came on and the mechanic can't pinpoint the problem as the car is not throwing any codes. This happened once before but resolved itself before I had to have it towed or checked out by the mechanic.
- Kristi S., Liberty, NC, US