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.

3.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,867 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 lights problems

lights problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

problem #9

May 152017

Altima

  • 42,475 miles

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

I was driving my car on regular roads about to get on a highway without any issue with all functions perfectly working. Then all of a sudden my turn signals would not activate by the toggle switch, however the hazard button would activate them. Then my headlights turned off on their own(this was at 2 am in pitch dark area and raining). I tried turning the switch all the way off then back on after pulling over, nothing worked even with turning my car off entirely then back on. My headlights wouldn't work, blinkers nor my windshield wipers. My car has never been in an accident or had any other failures. I was informed by the dealer that the issue was nothing I could have possibly done as an operator. It was something that went wrong at the factory when the car was built. I am only writing this because this is a huge concern as I had to find my way home with only my hazard lights blinking every other second. It was very dangerous. The dealer stated that the part that failed was a "body control module is $919.35, part, labor" which is an insane amount of money for 1 part. However it is so expensive because once replaced the entire car and key fobs need to be reprogrammed by Nissan and only a authorized Nissan dealer can acquire said programming tools/software. Sure my car is a 2009 however the dealer said this is very uncommon to randomly short out in general but especially while driving because of how dangerous the effects can be even with the age of the vehicle. I love my car but adding this kind of technology that controls all these functions without a fail safe is an awful method of production. After this experience I felt the need to share it with the Nissan owner community.

- Pittsford, NY, USA

problem #8

Nov 142015

Altima

  • 80,000 miles
I was in a parking lot, about to leave from plasma center. Entered vehicle and attempted to start up. Would not start. Looked up warnings of key symbol and car symbol. Referenced to steering lock failure. Was never able to get vehicle cranked. Numbed var battery and changed battery in fob. Still nothing. Had vehicle towed home. Contact end Nissan who stated warranty is out. Please help.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #7

Sep 012011

Altima

  • miles
1. the dashboard totally melted creating a blinding glare while driving. It is completely sticky to touch, which is great if I wanted a permanent and highly effective bug trap. The glare it creates on the windshield is so blinding that I've almost hit pedestrians crossing the street on several different occasions. The dealership where I purchased the car only offered to replace it at a ridiculous cost that I cannot afford as a school teacher. It was only 2 years old, however old enough to not be under warranty. My major concern is having an accident or hitting someone crossing the street. Will Nissan cover damages then" 2. headlights: Plastic headlight is completely covered in film creating a visibility hazard at night. Restoration processes did not work. Again after only 2 years they had a film over the lenses. Now they are worse. As a school teacher with a limited income I depend on my car lasting. I cannot even sell the car in these conditions for a decent price. Nissan is not holding up to the standards it should; especially safety standards. Let's hope myself or someone else does not wind up as another statistic. Let this be on records as a safety hazard complaint for the manufacturer and others who share the same occurrences. If pictures are needed, I have plenty. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my car! however, this is completely unacceptable and I am concerned for not only my safety but the safety of those around me, and all because of the manufacturer slacking in their safety standards division. Please help"

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #6

Sep 012011

Altima 4-cyl

  • miles

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

1. dashboard totally melted creating a blinding glare while driving. It is completely sticky to the touch. The glare is so blinding almost hit a pedestrian crossing the street.. the dealership where I purchased the car only offered to replace it at a ridiculous cost I cannot afford as a school teacher. It was only 2 years old, however, old enough not to be under warranty. My major concern is having an accident or hitting someone crossing a street if I get hit with the glare. Will Nissan cover damages then? 2. headlights: Plastic headlight is completely covered in film creating a visibility hazard at nighttime. Restoration processes did not work. Again after only 2 years they had a film over the lenses. Now they are worse. As a school teacher with a limited income I depended on my car lasting. I cannot even sell the car in these conditions for a decent value. Nissan is not holding up to the standards it should; especially safety standards. Let's hope myself or someone else does not wind up as another statistic. Let this be on records as a safety hazard complaint for the manufacturer and others who share the same occurrence. If pictures are needed I have plenty.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #5

Aug 222013

Altima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,318 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,318. Updated 11/13/13

- Cottekill, NY, USA

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problem #4

Jul 172013

Altima 4-cyl

  • 30,837 miles
While driving down route 1 in norwood, MA. My dashboard panel went dark and my engine shut off. I was driving approximately 40 mph. I was able to coast to a stop, put the car in park and restart the engine. The engine did not sputter, or present any issue prior to the shut down. I took the car to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. This leaves me feeling very uncomfortable as with no root cause identified it could happen again in a heavier traffic situation. Besides my own safety, I am concerned for other Altima owners.

- Norwood, MA, USA

problem #3

Jun 112009

Altima 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 7,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the turn signals were difficult to see when activated based on the headlight assembly design, which included the turn signals and the side marker lights. The contact had not contacted the manufacturer about the problem. The failure mileage was 7,000..... updated 03/08/13 the consumer stated the proximity of the headlights with the turn signal beside each other, causes the headlights, especially the high beam to out glare the turn signal. Updated 04/09/15.

- New Berlin, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 192012

Altima 4-cyl

  • 40,971 miles
Brake lights not lighting & push to start not working at times. Nissan said this is a known issue with the brake light switch & sub harness. After investigating the issue on the internet I found numerous reports of this problem. When the switch fails you are not aware of your brake lights not working.

- Little Silver, NJ, USA

problem #1

Sep 082012

Altima 4-cyl

  • 53,200 miles
My brake switch and harness shorted out. I did not know it happened until after I stopped for gas. If they both shorted out while I was driving, that means the brake lights were not responding to the brake pedal which made it very unsafe driving conditions without my knowledge. I could have been rear ended or caused an accident. I found so many other similar customer complaints, this is a big problem Nissan is doing nothing about. There should be a recall. Not to mention, its a very expensive $500 fix only they can do. Please look into it before someone gets hurt.

- Victorville, CA, USA

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