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).
I fixed my steering wheel lock but it still won't work. I can't afford to put any more money in this car. I live on a fixed income, I don't know what to do.
This is seriously a major inconvenience. I was leaving for work and the car wouldn't crank. After hours of my husband trying to figure it out, we found several Youtube videos that showed us how to fix it. The part is only available through Nissan.......and they charge an arm and a leg for it. IT'S INSANE!!!! There needs to be a recall on this part!!!!!
I have never written a complaint about my car which I purchased new in 2009 but I have to agree with all those who have written before me. Turned my car off and 5 minutes later it wouldn't start. Had problems in the past with the brake switch and removed those and checked them and they were fine. I noticed the difference being that the depress brake light was not illuminated on the dash. Car was completely dead. Did a little internet research while waiting for the tow truck and found this site. Brought the car to the dealer who confirmed it was the ESCL and it is a 675.00 part. If this part is a problem on only the 2009 vehicles there really should be a recall. Just putting in my two cents.
I am so pissed off at the moment. Currently in the middle of a case with Nissan corporate. If they have type of decency or care for their customers, this issue will be resolved properly, and the cost for this repair will be covered. I bought my car just a few months over a year ago. This is a pre-owned and pre-certified vehicle that is supposed to be covered under warranty for 100,000 miles. Never was I informed about any serious issues with the car.
Just a couple of days ago, I leave my place to go grab some food to bring back home. All is well. I get back to my car from grabbing the food, and all of a sudden, my car will not start. I see an indicating light that my key fob is not present, which it is. I call triple A to come and take a look. They try to jump the car but to no success. I then have to have my car towed to a dealership. I get my key battery replaced and that does not solve the issue.
After further diagnosis, I am told that my Electronic Steering Calling Lock (ESCL) is bad, and that I have to get it replaced. I am told that the warranty for this issued expired 4 months ago! What a load of BS! I am then told that I will have to pay a grand total of $1119.36 to replace it. Who has that amount of money to spend at random?! What is the point of having a pre-owned and pre certified vehicle with a warranty of 100,000 miles, when Nissan is telling me I have no warranty for this bad ESCL after having my car a little over a year and having only 85,000 miles on it. That is RIDICULOUS!
After doing research, I see that this is a seriously common issue! Nissan may not think this is a recall issue, but if 80% or more customer are complaining about this same issue, and this is a COMMON and OBVIOUS faulty part of the car, which is a fault of NISSAN, not the customer, then this should be recalled or ALWAYS covered under warranty! Especially if I am under my amount of mileage. What kind of customer service is this?
I have had this issue escalated with Nissan corporate. I will be updating the website on how well they handle this issue. Either way, this issue needs to be seriously dealt with. In addition, customers need to be warned about this issue at time of purchase. I am so disappointed! Be careful with Nissan!
WHY hasn't Nissan done anything about this WIDESPREAD problem??? Just because the extended warranty is up....that means they can leave their customers high and dry???? for a defect in THEIR manufacturing that they ADMIT to???? I'm so frustrated by the curt, "finite" answers Consumer Affairs have given me. Customer satisfaction is definitely NOT a priority for Nissan!! I'm buying a Toyota.
- Joyce B.,
Dumont, US
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Nissan has admitted that this electronic steering lock is defective manufacturing. They extended their own warranty....but that ended 9 months ago!! Now, when my car won't start (and needed to be towed twice) they won't honor the warranty. Department of consumer affairs said they "won't provide assistance" since my claim is outside the warranty. Meanwhile, there are HUNDREDS of people with the same problem. Some "customer service"!! "Anisha, the supervisor at consumer affairs said that she was the "final point of contact" and that they can't help me. I'm calling my lawyer!!!!
The intelligent key light stayed on and checked manual for meaning. It's the steering lock SECURITY. I feel this is something that should have a recall because it is SECURITY and not only will the steering be locked so a thief can't get it but you too can't use your car. I am having health issues and need to go to doctors regularly and depend on my vehicle. It's an added stress problem to not know when you go to your car whether you will get there or get back home. I have checked for the fix and was advised $800 to $900 which only thanks to taxes will I be able to get it fixed.
I have been steered toward UTUBE with a fix for removal etc but I also read where some worked and some didn't. Up until now I loved my Nissan and would definitely buy another, however, with this pricey fix and no backup from Nissan it really changes my opinion. It is a SECURITY issue which Nissan puts on their vehicles, we didn't ask for it on there to begin with so they need to fix THEIR problem. Maybe someone needs to check into a class action suit. Nissan should have sent notice that they were extending a warranty on a SECURITY problem, but I never received anything but adds to get another vehicle.
My 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5S one day failed to turn the engine after pressing the Push to Start button. I had a yellow light on the dash signaling the Intelligent Key. No way of getting power whatsoever in the car.
Towed it to Nissan where after their $126 diagnostic they told me I needed a new ESCL which would cost me $880 parts and labour. The ESCL is located right underneath the steering wheel once you pop open the underneath compartment. It is a silver box that is held in by two bolts on the right side. PLEASE DO NOT PAY NISSAN FOR THE NEW PART. They are thieves!!! The faulty part should have been recalled and replaced free of charge. However they are refusing to do so to anybody. If they tell you to call Nissan headquarters it is most likely a waste of time. With a pair of needle pliers take out the bolts (they are not tightened hard). Take the part out but do not unplug the wiring. Simply take a screwdriver and push the top level inside as deep as it can go. You now should be able to turn your car on.
I have had the worst experience with Nissan and their (lack of) customer service. I'm on my second Altima now and would've thought that they would at least be able to do such small deed to save me some money. Instead they were basically forcing me into the purchase of a new part. This was the last straw as I am selling my Nissan and never stepping inside a Nissan dealership again. I will be sure to tell everyone about this disaster of a company.
Left work and went ti the garage to start the car and nothing happened. I got some key warnings and thought maybe it was the key. Changed the battery and nothing, started looking online only to find out about a steering wheel lock issue that happens suddenly. I never received any recall notification and I'm wondering, why after all these issues Nissan hasn't fixed this. Nissan knows damn well that this is an issue that should be fixed but it looks like they would rather charge loyal customers for a fault in their cars, I will start this somewhat pointless process tomorrow and boy this should be interesting. I will hold my never buying Nissan again until my conversation with them, at least for know I am pissed at the drama this is causing.
On February 17th I went out to go to lunch and my car would not start! I work in a small town about 45 miles away from a Nissan Dealership so had it towed to local shop. Began researching for answers and found that there has been thousands of complaints about this problem. Nissan is very aware and I was only aware of the extended warranty on the faulty part after researching. No notification regarding urgency to take my car into a dealership for a repair on this part. I've been stranded without transportation for 2 days and have contacted Consumer Affairs at Nissan as suggested by the Dealership. I was instructed to tow my car to a Certified Dealer for a diagnostics and then to call them back immediately with the findings. I am now waiting on diagnostics and then making a call for review to see IF Nissan will consider paying any part of this repair. I have GREAT concerns and feel very disappointed after reading others comments and struggles with this. I don't understand why a Class Action lawsuit hasn't been started for the thousands of consumers that have been victims of this. I agree that regular maintenance is an owners responsibility but this isn't regular maintenance.... this is a defective part from the beginning! Extended warranty did not change the fact that it is a defective part. Nissan should have to pay for the repair. I will update as soon as I have word on the REVIEW from Nissan Consumer Affairs.
THIS IS THE SECOND DAMN TIME I AM HAVING TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THIS SAME PART AGAIN. DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TODAY TO TELL ME THAT IT IS GOING TO COST ME $1344.80 TO REPAIR. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS AS I AM SEEING I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON GOING THROUGH THIS WITH THEIR 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA'S!! I AM BEYOND LIVID ABOUT THIS. I HAD THIS PART REPLACED WHEN MY CAR HAD 36,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN?!?!? I HAVE ALLOT OF PHONE CALLS TO MAKE ON MONDAY. I REALLY PISSES ME OFF THAT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. MAKES ME WONDER WILL THIS HAPPEN AGAIN IN ANOTHER 30,000 MILES OR LESS??!!! WHAT A WAY TO START MY NEW YEARS THIS YEAR AS I WAS GOING TO GET BREAKFAST FOR MY FAMILY AND GET IN THE CAR AND IT WOULDNT START. I HAVE ALSO PAID $110.00 ON TOWING!!!
My car was working fine till it left me stranded at night by myself. Had to get it towed to the dealership only to find out there was no type of warranty for the part and that I would have to pay for it all out of my pocket. I bought this car brand new and I was furious to have to come up with that much money for a Steering Wheel Lock that to me seemed like it should be under warranty. I am just glad that my 10 month old son was not with me when this happened!! $700.00 IS ABSURD!!!!!
Same Bull S---T on steering lock. Called Nissan . Got the run around as I expected. I am still learning about future problems, they only cost more money. I have a 1997 Bonneyville over 200,000 mi runs great. Nissan makes a good car but they are not damn good. I will fix it & find it a new owner. I can't see buying a car that's a money pit. If your looking at a Nissan to buy keep on looking. Walk from Nissan. Do yourself a favor, talk to previous owners. The more you talk, the more you learn. It's your money, I have spent mine on repairs. I rate Nissan a 10 when it comes to SUCKING A LEMON!
THIS IS THE SECOND DAMN TIME I AM HAVING TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THIS SAME PART AGAIN. DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TODAY TO TELL ME THAT IT IS GOING TO COST ME $1344.80 TO REPAIR. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS AS I AM SEEING I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON GOING THROUGH THIS WITH THEIR 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA'S!! I AM BEYOND LIVID ABOUT THIS. I HAD THIS PART REPLACED WHEN MY CAR HAD 36,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN?!?!? I HAVE ALLOT OF PHONE CALLS TO MAKE ON MONDAY. I REALLY PISSES ME OFF THAT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. MAKES ME WONDER WILL THIS HAPPEN AGAIN IN ANOTHER 30,000 MILES OR LESS??!!! WHAT A WAY TO START MY NEW YEARS THIS YEAR AS I WAS GOING TO GET BREAKFAST FOR MY FAMILY AND GET IN THE CAR AND IT WOULDNT START. I HAVE ALSO PAID $110.00 ON TOWING!!!
My car was working fine till it left me stranded at night by myself. Had to get it towed to the dealership only to find out there was no type of warranty for the part and that I would have to pay for it all out of my pocket. I bought this car brand new and I was furious to have to come up with that much money for a Steering Wheel Lock that to me seemed like it should be under warranty. I am just glad that my 10 month old son was not with me when this happened!! $700.00 IS ABSURD!!!!!
My daughter's car would not start today when she tried to leave the store. The engine would not turn over at all. The Key indicator icon which is associated with the steering lock was lit on the dashboard. I have read where this is occurring frequently but Nissan ended the extended warranty on the part: The 2009 Nissan Altima has a defective "Steering Lock" which causes owners to be unable to start their vehicles. This defect can affect owners of the 2009 Nissan Altima without warning and without cause. When this issue occurs the only way to resolve the issue is to have the car towed to a Nissan dealership to have the faulty Steering Lock replaced. The car cannot be started at all. Thus, owners of the 2009 Nissan Altima continuously find themselves stuck in very inconvenient circumstances with no ability to drive their car. This can be very dangerous for drivers who are in remote or dangerous areas. NIssan is aware of the hundreds of complaints but will not issue a recall on the problem.
The Electronic Steering Lock on the 2009 Altima failed like it has for so many others. Nissan extended the warranty until August of 2015 but this one failed just a few months later. I complained to the dealer who pushed everything off to Nissan. After taking my complaint to Nissan they denied any responsibility after the extended warranty. Now it will cost me $1000 to have this faulty piece replaced. Nissan knew this was a bad part and that's why they extended the warranty. Guess I'm out of luck but Nissan is out a customer for the rest of my life. They should have stepped up and at least offered to do something to help. This car has just a little over 40,000 miles on it. Way to protect your brand image Nissan! I guess I'll go back to my Honda.
YES, YOU CAN REPLACE THIS PART YOURSELF & SAVE SOME CASH!
This problem part will leave you stranded (entire family!) without warning...on a weekend...and will empty your pockets. It...just...fails! We originally thought it was a battery problem, but our batteries never die in the AZ winter. Jump starting failed. We got a ride home & I immediately got on Google & looked up the prob. Didn't take but a minute to find the problem with so many people posting about it. Obviously a MAJOR defect that Nissan is pretending to care about by offering an extended warranty without notifying owners. And then I looked up a solution.
After watching a video to bypass the mechanism, my husband brought some tools & got it started. He had to remove the cover under the steering wheel to get to the silver rectangle box & did his "magic". He got it started & drove it home so we didn't have to get a tow. We knew the part was defective, so I got on the internet & ordered the part from the cheapest dealer over in Georgia. $500. What a rip off. Locally it was going to cost over $700. Why is there a price discrepancy? So between the $500 part & the car rental for a week, we saved about $60-80 from buying it locally, but the hassle & stress I will never get back. We also saved labor cost of doing it ourselves. YES, YOU CAN REPLACE THIS PART YOURSELF! I think even I could have figured it out.
When we called the dealer, our car was past the "extended warranty" by six months. Seriously? A part that fails & leaves you stranded worse than a bad battery is WORTH RECALLING, or at the very least alerting owners. I think of all the times that I stopped at the grocery store late at night to get something. I could have been stranded by myself.
I am a disabled woman living on social security and raising my 15 month old granddaughter. I came out from dropping her off at daycare to find my car won't start. I was blocking the whole drive,
Now I'm told this is a problem known to Nissan. I bought this car used, with low mileage. I own it 14 months and this happens. The cost to repair is $1100.00 plus. I don't have that kind of money and no way to get it. I owe on the car, and cannot trade it off. I don't know what to do. I am going to be forced to walk everywhere carrying a toddler. I can't bring groceries home carrying a toddler. If I let the car be repossessed, I ruin my credit. I don't want to do that.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I fixed my steering wheel lock but it still won't work. I can't afford to put any more money in this car. I live on a fixed income, I don't know what to do.
- Anne V., Folsom, PA, US