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.
The vehicle is only 11 years old and is no longer worth any significant repairs. The only available repair is a new rear subframe which with labor is over $3000. The 02-08 Nissan Altima is covered for 13 years with unlimited miles. But yet the subframe on my 2009 Altima rusted out at the rear lower control arm, which is the exact same as the 02-08, and its not covered. This is clearly poor engineering that still hasn't been fixed and now I'm stick with a car that is dangerous to drive.
I personally will be making sure no one I know ever purchases another Nissan. They're riddled with problems that are well know and still you have to fight with the service center to prove they are at fault and that they have to replace the problem part. Steering column lock, out of spec manifold/catalytic converter, CVT transmission issues, inferior electrical systems.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The vehicle is only 11 years old and is no longer worth any significant repairs. The only available repair is a new rear subframe which with labor is over $3000. The 02-08 Nissan Altima is covered for 13 years with unlimited miles. But yet the subframe on my 2009 Altima rusted out at the rear lower control arm, which is the exact same as the 02-08, and its not covered. This is clearly poor engineering that still hasn't been fixed and now I'm stick with a car that is dangerous to drive.
I personally will be making sure no one I know ever purchases another Nissan. They're riddled with problems that are well know and still you have to fight with the service center to prove they are at fault and that they have to replace the problem part. Steering column lock, out of spec manifold/catalytic converter, CVT transmission issues, inferior electrical systems.
- Alexx S., Wadsworth, OH, US