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.
8.6
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$960
Average Mileage:
90,350 miles
Total Complaints:
467 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace steering wheel lock (171 reports)
not sure (109 reports)
replace steering lock controller unit (99 reports)
ESCL Service Campaign - Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on specific MY2009-10 Nissan Altima, Altima Coupe, Altima Hybrid, and Maxima vehicles to replace the existing Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) with an Electronic Steering Column Box (ESCB).
purchased used from dealer with 34500 miles. Key indicator on tachometer went on at 38000. Dealer tried to tell me it was bad battery in key fob. all other functions worked fine car would not start. Had it towed to dealer who then told me it was an ignition module and not covered under warranty (Man. warranty only 36000.) I also had extended warranty but that only covered engine and drive train. Bottom line, on a car I owned for 4 months cost me $750. and they wouldn't take a personal check! Dealer admitted they fix about 15 cars a month with the SAME PROBLEM. After searching the internet I am finding my problem wasn't unique. Nissan should issue a recall for this common problem. The dealer may have won this round however they have lost me as a customer. Nissan may have also lost my business if they do not act.
I turned my car off to pump gas. I got back in the car and it wouldn't turn on. The battery and fuses were okay. I tried getting out of the car and locking the door and unlocking to see if it was the lock. After 2 hours trying to figure out what was wrong, I had it towed to the nearest Nissan dealership. They told me it was the Steering Lock Unit and that I was out of warranty and there are no recalls. It costs me approx. $900. They couldnt tell me if there was something i can do to prevent this from happening again. I am just happy that I wasn't in the middle of no where when it happened. This could happen to anyone who owns a push button ignition car. Hopefully you won't run into the same problem.
dealer stated that Nissan sent out a notice on the problem but not a recall and how the dealer can fix the issue leaving the customer to pick up the tab of $600.00. I have leased 4 other Nissan Altimas since 2002 I will never lease another one.
Just purchased vehicle 2 months ago. Started having difficulty starting car
AAA. Advised me that push start Nissans are very faulty. Car went to dealer x2 in past 2 days. Dealer can't find issue
Key fob battery changed. Also car has new battery by previous owner. I am completely frustrated. Have like new car and can't use it. Someone help me ! Nissan dealer won't admit to knowing about problems.
car exhibits a "No Start" condition with brake pedal depressed and pressing the start button.
All other electrics are normal function.No bad fuses or relays.Battery is fine. Terminals are all tight & bright.
Noticed brake lights did not activate when pedal is depressed.
Start signal is only allowed if brakes are applied and signal is recieved via activation of the brakelight circuit. If the switch fails to close the car will not start .
This is a safety feature that is dependent on the brakelight switch functioning properly.
Removing the switch will also disable the start circuit.
Do not jumper out the switch or the brake lights will stay on all the time and drain the battery.Not safe with small kids left in a car if that feature disabled and keyless start.
Great way to disable a car that relies on this type of circuit to start.
- sprint250,
La Jolla, CA, US
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Last September I was getting in my car to go to work, stepped on the brake, hit the ignition button, and the car wouldn't even start to crank. After sever attempts I was able to start the car. Took it to the dealership and they said that the switch located on the brake pedal that tells the ignition system to start the car had gone out. After replacing it my Altima worked fine... until today. Not even a year later I am having the same problem, and have a service appointment for tomorrow morning.
Second time I've been stranded...went to get oil changed at one of those express places, car quit while waiting in parking lot...won't turn over...had to be jumped off. Pulled in and got oil changed...won't turn over...had to be jumped off. Sat in parking lot a few minutes, car quit. Called friend-not risking driving it! Won't turn over...had to be jumped off. Friend followed me to dealership...got there on a wing and a prayer. Left it for two days...mmmm..they found "nothing", but it was strange that after spending two days at the Nissan Lemon Hotel that it started cranking again...?? Can't make me believe that they didn't find and correct SOMETHING!! This is getting OLD!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
purchased used from dealer with 34500 miles. Key indicator on tachometer went on at 38000. Dealer tried to tell me it was bad battery in key fob. all other functions worked fine car would not start. Had it towed to dealer who then told me it was an ignition module and not covered under warranty (Man. warranty only 36000.) I also had extended warranty but that only covered engine and drive train. Bottom line, on a car I owned for 4 months cost me $750. and they wouldn't take a personal check! Dealer admitted they fix about 15 cars a month with the SAME PROBLEM. After searching the internet I am finding my problem wasn't unique. Nissan should issue a recall for this common problem. The dealer may have won this round however they have lost me as a customer. Nissan may have also lost my business if they do not act.
- Anthony S., Mount Sinai, NY, US