CarComplaints.com Notes: We don't recommend the 2009 Maxima nearly as highly as the 2007-2008 Maxima, because NHTSA complaints show a pattern of the electronic steering column lock module failing.

When the module fails it prevents the car from starting, & Nissan dealers charge over $1,000 (!!) to repair it. Nissan recalled the module on some other 2009 models with the same steering lock problem, but for some reason they left out the 2009 Maxima. See this page on the Nissan Maxima Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) defect.

If you're thinking about buying a 2009 Maxima, instead you might consider a 2007-2008 Maxima, or a newer model year.

9.4

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
98,300 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace dashboard (6 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. only solution is for them to fix it (1 reports)
2009 Nissan Maxima accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2009 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #10

Jul 182017

Maxima Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased my 2009 Nissan Maxima new. This car has been very reliable and still is when I drive. Since the dashboard began melting it’s been very difficult due to the nagging glare. It’s impossible to drive when the sun is beaming in my view and it’s very very unsafe. Each summer it gets worse. I work 10 hours days and my car is parked in the heat. The order it has when the sun has been beaming all day is horrific.

I can’t even lay anything on the dashboard because it’s so sticky. I don’t feel I should have to pay for something that I didn’t cause to happen and strongly agree that this is a manufacturer issue. I’m pissed that Nissan manufacturers would replace dashboard in one state and not all. This issue should be fixed around any state that has purchased their vehicles. I’m so afraid that it’ll take many consumers causes fatal accidents and the. It’s too damn late. I want my car dashboard repaired by Nissan.

- roxy0617, Canton, US

problem #9

Jul 012017

Maxima

  • CVT transmission
  • 114,000 miles

I have a 2009 Nissan Maxima SV that has a dashboard problem that is unreal for a vehicle that cost over $40,000.00. It just pisses me off Toyota had this problem and solved it. Customers happy with the rapid response but being a Nissan owner for several of my cars in 30 plus years, tells me that this company (Nissan) does not give a damn about us. This should be heard all around the world that being a problem that without a doubt is repairable with no problem and them not giving a f*ck and in some cases fight the issue tells me that this company is just needing a boycott on selling or even having to even build cars with all these faulty issues. Yes most cars have these issues but most of these companies take care of the issues fast with no questions. So yes I'm pissed and I demand that Nissan take responsibility and face up and do what they need to do for all there faithful customers.

- Ray W., Bayamon, Puerto Rico

problem #8

Jan 012012

Maxima SV

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

This has been a ongoing issue for years. They owned up to it on the Altima now its time for the Maxima...

- Angelic F., Port Richey, FL, US

problem #7

Oct 012018

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have only owned Nissan since 1984 - and only 4 of them total. They have always lasted me forever. I totally believed when I bought this Maxima it would be my last car. I've kept the mileage low..only 76000 and until now had no major complaints. It totally baffles me that Nissan isn't covering this melting dashboard problem. It's obviously a fault of their own. The glare is so dangerous. If someone walked in front of me I wouldn't see them. I paid $36k cash for this car. I bought it brand new. I never would have dreamed of this kind of problem and would never have bought it if I had had any idea this kind of problem was even possible. How can they not fix this at their cost? What legal action can be taken? Can anyone help?

Update from Feb 7, 2019: This problem has still not been taken care of...I have recieved another case number as of yesterday and Consumer affairs wouldnt even talk to the dealership yesterday while my car was there

Update from Feb 14, 2019: Per Nissan - after opening 2 cases with them ...if it didn't melt in the first 36 months , its not something they will fix. I cant tell you how furious I am and if they think I will just roll over on this they are very wrong. I have seen all of the class action suits for this same problem and they are fully aware it was in their manufacturing that caused this. I am contacting all TV stations and hiring a lawyer. At this point its a matter of principle..

- Kathie W., Mechanicsville, US

problem #6

Feb 102012

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I have a 2009 Nissan Maxima ....melting and cracking dashboard..Nissan consumer affairs unwilling to help...unsafe now due to glare on a sunny day. I'm sure they'll wait till somebody dies from this to consider fixing the problem.

- Richard B., Hollywood, FL, US

problem #5

Aug 012012

Maxima SS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

My 2009 Maxima's dash is melting. I had some work done and the dash had to be removed. Now I have chunks out of the edges of my dash where it broke off. The dash is so soft that you can poke your fingernail into it and leave cut marks. It's also so shiny that the sun reflects off of it and makes it hard to see when you're driving toward the sun. I live in Arkansas; there's a lot of sun! Aren't more people having this problem? If we don't start screaming about it, Nissan will never do anything about it.

- Susan C., Jacksonville, US

problem #4

Mar 022016

Maxima 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Need to get it repaired....it is very sticky and dirt just sticks to it!

- Lashu7ndra B., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #3

Feb 022015

Maxima SV V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 170,000 miles

I have a mechanically sound, excellent driving car with a tar slick for a dashboard. It is sticky and the glare is unbearable when driving. It makes the car unsafe. Nissan says the car with 200,000 miles is beyond any reasonable expectation for its life and refused to help with the issue.

- Tim H., Picayune, US

problem #2

Apr 062016

Maxima SL 3.2L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 51,000 miles

I have a 2009 Nissan Maxima that I purchased brand new for $38,000 and now 7 years later the dashboard in melting and cracking. I have contacted the dealership and they want $2600.00 to fix it. I then call Nissan USA and they tell me not under warranty tuff luck. What kind of crap is this????? Is anyone else having the same problems and have you found any solutions. I have read where there is a class action suit on the 2008 and 2009 Altima's but nothing for the Maxima. Seems like this should be covered under the law suit but they tell me NO!. Any suggestions on what to do next.

Update from Sep 2, 2016: Nissan North American Consumer Affairs has agreed to pay to have my dashboard fixed.

- ddeblasiefl, Naples, FL, US

problem #1

Jan 072016

Maxima SE 306

  • CVT transmission
  • 68,974 miles

Dash is melting - very similar to my daughters 2010 Mazda 3. Mazda recalled the dash and replaced it for free. I am the original owner of a 2005 Nissan Maxima and the dash has not melted.

- Tab P., Round Rock, TX, US

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