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.
8.0
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$100
Average Mileage:
106,450 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
bad catalytic converter due to bad parameter in ecm (1 reports)
There is currently a Emission Recall Campaign for the 2010 Nissian Altima (CSC-10043941-7009)(NTB12-040d Safety Recall Campaign)
Unfortunately it apparently doesn't include my VIN # although my vehicle demonstrates the identical issues that the recall covers. Catalytic converter defective due to improperly calibrated engine control module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine valve closure as engine knock.
The ECM will increase the fuel flow to compensate this false reading which in turns causes the catalytic converter to over heat.
Catalytic converter was replace 7/14/2014 at 105000 miles - in 9/08/2015 it was replaced again 122000 miles (15000 miles) - currently having ECM reprogrammed with updated software at customer cost - this issue needs to be addressed since it's a federal law enforcement issue (automobile emissions) - this is a manufacture defect.
Letter being sent out:
For non-California owners:
Dear Nissan Altima Owner:
Nissan has discovered that your Altima may be equipped with an improperly calibrated Engine Control Module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine valve closure as engine knock. Due to this issue you may experience some minor drivability symptoms and a slight decrease in fuel economy under certain driving conditions.
What Nissan Will Do:
To correct this condition, Nissan is conducting an Emission Recall Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module in your vehicle. For vehicles with greater than 50,000 miles, the manifold catalyst will also be replaced due to possible prolonged exposure to higher than anticipated exhaust gas temperatures. Any cracked manifold catalyst or front exhaust tube with catalyst will be replaced regardless of vehicle mileage. This free ECM reprogramming service should take about one hour to complete, but your Nissan dealer may require your vehicleDescription: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png for a longer period of time if catalysts need to be replaced or based upon their work schedule.
What You Should Do:
Contact your Nissan dealerDescription: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png at your convenience in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Nissan dealer.
If the retailer fails, or is unable to complete the modifications free of charge, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685003, Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
There is currently a Emission Recall Campaign for the 2010 Nissian Altima (CSC-10043941-7009)(NTB12-040d Safety Recall Campaign) Unfortunately it apparently doesn't include my VIN # although my vehicle demonstrates the identical issues that the recall covers. Catalytic converter defective due to improperly calibrated engine control module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine valve closure as engine knock.
The ECM will increase the fuel flow to compensate this false reading which in turns causes the catalytic converter to over heat. Catalytic converter was replace 7/14/2014 at 105000 miles - in 9/08/2015 it was replaced again 122000 miles (15000 miles) - currently having ECM reprogrammed with updated software at customer cost - this issue needs to be addressed since it's a federal law enforcement issue (automobile emissions) - this is a manufacture defect.
Letter being sent out:
For non-California owners:
Dear Nissan Altima Owner: Nissan has discovered that your Altima may be equipped with an improperly calibrated Engine Control Module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine valve closure as engine knock. Due to this issue you may experience some minor drivability symptoms and a slight decrease in fuel economy under certain driving conditions.
What Nissan Will Do: To correct this condition, Nissan is conducting an Emission Recall Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module in your vehicle. For vehicles with greater than 50,000 miles, the manifold catalyst will also be replaced due to possible prolonged exposure to higher than anticipated exhaust gas temperatures. Any cracked manifold catalyst or front exhaust tube with catalyst will be replaced regardless of vehicle mileage. This free ECM reprogramming service should take about one hour to complete, but your Nissan dealer may require your vehicleDescription: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png for a longer period of time if catalysts need to be replaced or based upon their work schedule.
What You Should Do: Contact your Nissan dealerDescription: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png at your convenience in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Nissan dealer.
If the retailer fails, or is unable to complete the modifications free of charge, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685003, Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
2010 Nissian Altima vin# 1N4AL2AP5AN421175
- Cyril B., Round Rock, TX, US