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:

  1. replace steering wheel lock (171 reports)
  2. not sure (109 reports)
  3. replace steering lock controller unit (99 reports)
  4. make it recall (28 reports)
  5. replace electronic steering wheel column (13 reports)
  6. replace brake switch (8 reports)
2009 Nissan Altima steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Nissan Altima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 24)

problem #467

Jan 252020

Altima S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,886 miles

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

I just need the Nissan Dealer to fix the problem free of charge!!😡😡😡🤔🤔🤔

- Dwayne A., Brooklyn, US

problem #466

Sep 252020

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Steering column lock actuator should be a recall, so many cars during 2009-20012 have this issue.

- Tanisha B., Charlotte, US

problem #465

Feb 122021

Altima ST 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 133,000 miles

Steering wheel failure left me stranded in bad weather.

- Donald L., Buckner, US

problem #464

Dec 282020

Altima LE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

There was a recall for certain Altimas from 2009 just like mine - except my car did not qualify.

Well, it should have been, because the steering lock BROKE!

$$$896 DOLLARS!!!!!

- Steve H., basking ridge, NJ, US

problem #463

Dec 112020

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Well, this has taken an inordinate amount of time and money already, and it isn't fixed at all. The first time it happened was in 2016 and it was $1000 to fix. Nissan did pay for that fix but with months of me going back and forth with them, having to prove I did have it fixed and whatnot.

Now I have it in the shop for the same problem and Nissan isn't being helpful at all! This part should be officially recalled. This Steering column lock is supposed to be an anti theft feature. However, it is most useful in making my car inoperable. This mechanism should not be used because of other anti-theft devices it has. Okay, well, I've said my piece so...there.

- Angela H., Craig, CO, US

problem #462

Nov 252020

Altima ES V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 41,000 miles

On Nov. 25, 2020, I drove the Altima to a grocery store. When I tried to start the car to return home, nothing happened. My husband drove to the store with our 2nd fob. Neither worked. We had to have the car towed to a repair shop. They were unable to repair it. At the time, we decided to trade in the car thinking it was going to be an easy fix. The dealership was happy to accept the car 'as is' and said their mechanic could fix it. So we purchased another vehicle, signed over the title to the Nissan and left. One week passed and I called the dealership to see if we could pick up our title to the vehicle we purchased. They stated that they were still unable to get the Nissan started and had it have it towed to a Nissan dealership They placed the car on their computer and it showed Steering Lock box was preventing the car from starting. It would need to be replaced. I was not told what the estimate to fix it would be by a Nissan dealership, but the dealership that bought my car from me had it towed back to their lot and plan to have their mechanic replace the part. We were told that he can fix it much cheaper than Nissan was going to charge. So all that surprised us. Then the guy told me, "this is on you. We are going to be billing you for the part and repair to fix the Nissan you brought in and traded." I was kind of shocked at that. I said that I thought the car was theirs now and why would I have to pay for the repairs? The deal was done. He said that since we had it towed to them for a trade in, and it was not running at the time, we were responsible to pay to get it in running order so they can resell the car. Sure doesn't sound right. But we are at wits end. Nissan should have covered every single vehicle for a replacement part and labor. Truly this is not fair and hopefully, they will reconsider their stance on it.

- TK K., Pueblo, CO, US

problem #461

Dec 022020

Altima S 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 224,000 miles

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

NISSAN WILL NOT FIX ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK. THEY SAY I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOO LONG. THIS IS A JOKE. NO MORE NISSANS.

- Clinton B., Portland, TN, US

problem #460

Aug 272020

Altima 2.5S

  • Manual transmission
  • 74,000 miles

While turning left at intersection steering wheel became harder to turn and then locked itself. Had to slow down and brake otherwise I would have hit a wall in Queens Blvd in Queens just before the 59 St Bridge. Seconds later the car lights in the car illuminated and told me it was off. Turned on the car and then steering wheel was unlocked and was able to go in reverse and complete the turn. Very frightening. Noticed lately the car's steering becomes tight when turning and then eases back to normal. Had this issue many years ago when the steering wheel locked on the highway when accelerating and going straight, it locked, couldn't turn and the car stopped accelerating so had to slow down with the brakes and turned on hazard blinkers. After a couple of seconds the car illuminated that it was off and to turn on. Turned it on and was able to drive again. This occurred in 2009 or 2010. I brought to the dealer and they couldn't find the issue. Left the car and they reset the computer which fixed the issue until now which occurred again. Extremely dangerous and consider my car unsafe.

- Alex B., Jamaica, NY, US

problem #459

Nov 032018

Altima 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I bought my used 2009 Nissan Altima used in February of 2015. It was in excellent condition when I purchased it (only 35K miles) and has remained in fairly decent condition since. Apparently, the warranty on the steering column lock was extended due to the part being faulty which prevented the vehicle from starting. I was never informed of the "voluntary campaign" that Nissan put out and this expired in March 2015 (only a month after I purchased my car). Here I am, 3.5 years later, and the part finally malfunctions. My car would not start, and at the time I wasn't sure why. I had AAA tow it to a garage where they diagnosed the issue with the steering column lock. It was the mechanic at this garage that told me (after a $130 diagnostic fee) about Nissan's campaign and that I should contact Nissan because it may be covered under the warranty. I called Nissan Customer Affairs who flat out told me no, it was not covered because the extended warranty date had passed. I explained my situation and I was told that they would not even consider my case until I had it diagnosed at a Nissan dealership. This meant another tow and another diagnostic fee ($120) that I'd have to pay on the slight chance that they'd cover even some of the repair. If they do not cover the repair, then it's just more money down the drain. I am currently waiting for Nissan to complete the diagnostics, however I am absolutely astounded that they are able to treat their customers like this. If I was entitled to a replacement part 3 years ago, what difference does it make if it's done now, rather than back in 2015. I am hoping that Nissan will work with me on this or I will have serious doubts in ever purchasing another Nissan again.

- Allie B., Saratoga Springs, NY, US

problem #458

Feb 242019

Altima 2.5 S

  • CVT transmission
  • 84,000 miles

My car would not start/turn over/click or anything, other then flash the no key and security signals on the dash. It ended up being due to the electronic steering column lock going bad. To get things working temporarily, I used an angle grinder to cut slots into the break off bolts that hold the ESCL in place and removed it while keeping all of the under dash panel wiring connections in place. After inserting my key fob in the sensor slot and jamming the lock bolt back down into the ESCL a few times, the car started, and has worked for the last few days without any further issues. I contacted a local dealership and scheduled to come in and have this repaired on their dime and my time.

- Jesse W., Marysville, WA, US

problem #457

Nov 232018

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

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

I need some help in getting this post shared Please. So if everyone that comes into contact Please share I would appreciate it. So I have a 2009 Nissan Altima that the electric steering column has went bad on and in order to fix it I have to pay almost $800. But I have been online and seen many people with this same problem from their 2009 Nissan Altima.

So I contacted the recall line and they informed me there was a recall for this exact issue but that it was on certain vehicles. So I wondering how many people have had to front the bill on an issue that clearly was a recall but because it wasn't the vin # they were looking for, there is nothing they will do about it. I just don't get it, so we have the same problem that the recall was for but have to pay $800 out if pocket Because its not a vin # from that line. Well maybe they need to extend that recall to the other vehicles that wasn't from that line but have the same issue.

So Please contact me so I can see who else has this issue and hopefully do something about it to make Nissan pay for everyone's recall as they should. Funny same year and same make and model and same problem but some aren't included in recall? Hummmm. I feel we need to do something about this, plz contact me only if you are willing to help. Send message on FB message under Crystal Aguilar it's a pic of just the face and a sparkling ear ring. Thanks

- Crysta A., Harrisonburg, US

problem #456

Dec 082018

Altima 2.5S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 193,000 miles

This is the last Nissan I ever buy. The voluntary service campaign does not include my VIN number but clearly my vehicle has the issue. I called both the local dealer and Nissan of North America and they both gave me the same run around. I asked why my car wasn't included if it was exhibiting the same problems and they could not answer my question.

Please, if you're in the market for a new car, do yourself a favor and buy anything other than a Nissan.

- Wayde G., Gray, ME, US

problem #455

Jun 202018

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,001 miles

They need to extend this warranty! Our vehicles are still having this problem. My car was doing just fine. I keep up on anything that needs to be done to it to keep it in good working condition. I am a single mom and this repair is going to cost me if I can't get it to release for me. If this is a problem that Nissan is aware of................why the hell is there a cap on the warranty?

Update from Aug 17, 2018: Update!! Took the vehicle in to Nissan and got the steering lock fixed and the other recalls done as well. New problem.... My car looses power going up hills. Nissan checked and said they couldn't find a problem. I had to go up a hill a week later and lost all power going up it. My foot was to the floor and nothing. I had to be towed. Not good!!!

- Christina R., Phoenix, US

problem #454

Apr 202018

Altima V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles

I was leaving work on lunch and my car would not start. I Googled the issue and found out it was a steering lock problem. Through Google, I did find out you can use a hammer to hit the steering lock box, and that will allow you to start your car. I have not fixed the issue yet, I’m still researching reasonably priced repair. Until then, I will start my hooptie with a hammer. Thanks Nissan!!

Update from Apr 24, 2018: Well, I guess I should of checked the Nissan website before posting my review. There is actually a recall on this. https://www.nissanusa.com/recalls-vin/ My car was fixed at no cost to me.

- Meredith R., Tulsa, OK, US

problem #453

Mar 012018

Altima SD 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,900 miles

I paid for this car cash in full. I have two children, going through a divorce, no job, only transportation. I have been stranded 5 times in the past two days not including all the other times. I have no money to fix it and nobody to help me. I love this car but this issue is ridiculous. I need it replaced immediately. I expected this car to be dependable and I'm very upset about this.

- Rebecca R., Traskwood, AR, US

problem #452

Jan 162018

Altima 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I had this problem before, at that time it was a recall, problem fixed with Nissan in High Point. NC. Now I have again the same problem. They put the same defective piece or maybe never replaced the piece. Really, this is the last time I will select a Nissan. I was reading about this issue and I found that this is a known problem with the steering locking out and unable to turn on the car at all. it supposed to be fixed with the first recall, but it looks like it was momentarily.

The car was unable to turn on. I had to tow the car to the nearest dealer, Mineke, they charged me U$1,069.06.

- Marco A., High Point, NC, US

problem #451

May 132016

Altima S 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 260,900 miles

Steering lock replacement $1200 plus $112 wrecker tow. After filing a claim with Nissan the Saint the extension for replacing that part expired April of 2015 and we're sorry that they couldn't help me. So.... It's a big enough problem to extend warranty coverage, but not enough for a recall. And such an EXPENSIVE repair. I think I have purchased my only Nissan product. I expect to spend money on moving parts that wear out due to my high milage driving, but not this kind of repair due to bad parts.

- Karen V., Lonoke, AR, US

problem #450

Jan 152018

Altima ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,214 miles

Crazy and sad that Nissan is well aware of all of these documented incidents and not lift a finger and initiate a national recall. I will never and I mean never own or purchase a Nissan and will definitely negatively put the on blast on all social media platforms, family, friends, co- workers and multiply associates. Yes this might not get Nissan to issue a recall but I know it will cost them multiple sales and complaints on the front end and hit their bottom line. So some smug isolated executive hibernating in their plush office, out of touch with their core customer, better get off their fat ASS and do the right thing!!!!

- Jim G., So. Chas, US

problem #449

Mar 232016

Altima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

The car would not crank. It had to be towed. The electronic steering lock had gone out. The repair shop replaced the steering column and the car would crank. However, the rear wheels would not turn. The vehicle was towed to a Nissan dealership and the repair shop was told that the steering column caused the security system to think that the car was being tampered with so it locked the brakes. The dealership told the repair shop what needed to be done to fix the problem. The car had to be towed back to the repair shop, fixed, then towed again to the dealership for electronic programming. Nissan instituted a recall on the steering column and said they would pay for repairs if they had already been done. The repair cost $1370.65. When Nissan contacted the repair shop after receiving my claim, they obviously did not remember the work they did. It had been 16 months prior. They told Nissan that the brake problem occurred later. The car could not be driven until the brakes were repaired from the security system lockdown caused by the steering column. How could I drive a vehicle with back wheels that would not turn? I did not drive a vehicle with non-turning wheels away from the repair shop and the bring it back later for the brakes to be unlocked. Nissan denies that the steering wheel lock could cause this problem. They deny that there has ever been a problem or recall regarding Nissan brakes. If they are going to "make things right and whole" they should pay for the entire repair since everything was caused by the steering wheel column lock that they are recognizing. Just because a mechanic does not recall everything regarding a car 16 months earlier does not mean it did not happen. What are the chances of the steering column lock, brake lock, and electronic security system all going out, individually, at the same time. Nissan says they will reimburse between $400 and $500 dollars and will let me know the exact amount in a week.

Do not buy a Nissan. They do not stand behind their vehicles. Also, if they had taken the initiative to make the recall sooner, it could have been fixed before it messed up other systems.

- missyb, Monticello, US

problem #448

Dec 312017

Altima SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Nissan has a recall campaign to replace the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) with an Electronic Steering Column Box (ESCB). However, Nissan says my 2009 Altima isn't covered although 250,000 others are.

- Dave M., Durham, US

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