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.
Within one month of ownership, my front driver windows started making a squeaking noise when wet and my brake pedal developed a clicking noise Also; my A/C started making growling noise when turned on. Steering wheel off center from the beginning and wheels needed alignment. Suspension is terrible and I can feel every single bump on the road. Five months into the ownership of my vehicle I was not able to close my back passenger windows when it was raining. Finally, my Nissan Altima developed a syndrome of" high RPMs when idling or in park" and growling engine noise when accelerating. It almost sounds like sawing machine when accelerating up to 40 mpr. Dealership is useless and their answer to my concerns was "This is how the vehicle operates". I will never buy another Nissan again. Finally, at last service I was told they did an alignment but the steering wheel is still slightly off center.
On a positive note the vehicle has a nice interior and exterior styling. Acceleration is great on the highway. I am hoping to have all the problems resolved otherwise I will trade it in next year for Toyota Camry.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Within one month of ownership, my front driver windows started making a squeaking noise when wet and my brake pedal developed a clicking noise Also; my A/C started making growling noise when turned on. Steering wheel off center from the beginning and wheels needed alignment. Suspension is terrible and I can feel every single bump on the road. Five months into the ownership of my vehicle I was not able to close my back passenger windows when it was raining. Finally, my Nissan Altima developed a syndrome of" high RPMs when idling or in park" and growling engine noise when accelerating. It almost sounds like sawing machine when accelerating up to 40 mpr. Dealership is useless and their answer to my concerns was "This is how the vehicle operates". I will never buy another Nissan again. Finally, at last service I was told they did an alignment but the steering wheel is still slightly off center.
On a positive note the vehicle has a nice interior and exterior styling. Acceleration is great on the highway. I am hoping to have all the problems resolved otherwise I will trade it in next year for Toyota Camry.
- nissan owner, Amherst, NY, US