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.
squealing brakes - numerous rotors and brakes replaced
I purchased my vehicle brand new, August 2010, and have since been plagued with squealing brakes. I returned the car, under warranty, and the brakes were readjusted. However, within 3 weeks the squealing returned. I've taken my vehicle to different mechanics to see if they could fix the problem. I have replaced rotors three times and have had new brake pads a total of five times. Last week, my total repair bill was over $500.00 (added a front end alignment) and the squealing has started again. The squealing is mild at first and then increases with use.
My neighbor purchased a 2011 Nissan Altima and she is having the same problem. She took her car back to the Nissan Dealer and had new brakes installed. It has been 2 weeks and her squealing has returned.
The squealing brakes is a problem with this model across all years of manufacture. Nissan needs to address the consumers' concern with this issue. We don't know if this is a big safety issue or not. The manufacturer needs to find a fix and recall the vehicles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
squealing brakes - numerous rotors and brakes replaced
I purchased my vehicle brand new, August 2010, and have since been plagued with squealing brakes. I returned the car, under warranty, and the brakes were readjusted. However, within 3 weeks the squealing returned. I've taken my vehicle to different mechanics to see if they could fix the problem. I have replaced rotors three times and have had new brake pads a total of five times. Last week, my total repair bill was over $500.00 (added a front end alignment) and the squealing has started again. The squealing is mild at first and then increases with use.
My neighbor purchased a 2011 Nissan Altima and she is having the same problem. She took her car back to the Nissan Dealer and had new brakes installed. It has been 2 weeks and her squealing has returned.
The squealing brakes is a problem with this model across all years of manufacture. Nissan needs to address the consumers' concern with this issue. We don't know if this is a big safety issue or not. The manufacturer needs to find a fix and recall the vehicles.
- Richard E., Chesapeake, VA, US