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 car will not start. Three times happened. Dealer found bad break switch and sub-harness assembly. It looked like manufacturing problem of the parts.
This has happened numerous times since May and wehave called AAA to start it. The technician said sometimes if we get out of the car, lock it and then unlock it and get in, it will work. It does sometimes. We rented a car rather than drive it on a road trip which included paggengers with health issues because we feared getting stranded at a rest stop or other stop. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT. We are considering buying a new car and although we have owned several Nissans, we don't feel comfortable buying another without assurance that this problem is resolved. Our friends have been with us when this happened and they are also leery of a car both we and they have relied on.
This can cost Nissan more in the long run than a recall would.
A lot of time car has left me stranded. Starts when it wants after several tries. Was told by Nissan might be brakes and changed brakes, now being told I need to have a diagnostic for $150.00 completed so they can tell me what it might be.
I am seeing this same complaint posted by many people. I think its more serious than Nissan is letting on. I was driving when I noticed my dash diagnostic icons were lit, about half of them. Did not know I was about to be stranded, when I got to where I needed. I tried to restart but it was a no go, brakes are hard to push and no brake lights to boot. If there is a solution let me know.
- bmedlin99,
Cary, NC, US
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There are lots of times that my car won't start! When it finally does start, the ABS, CVT and SLIP light go on and won't turn off until car turns off! This is a constant battle and very annoying!
Go to the store real quick and not know if you can get back home. Push the brake pedal and push the start button watch all the lights flash and the car won't start.On your second try you can't even push the brake pedal down because it is rock solid. Tries number 3 & 4 are no different. Calmly move steering wheel back and forth and make sure shift lever is all the way forward. This seems to work so far, it has happened many times.
I'm very unhappy with the reliability of this car. I'll never buy a push button start again. Who knows where I will be stranded. I should have bought an American car. Serves me right! But scares me just the same. I've read other complaints with the same problem. How come no recall?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Starting to fail on me. Seems to happen every other day now, for like 1 month. Freaken Nissan, you get me again!!
- Carlos M., Stockton, CA, US