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.
STEERING TELESCOPE AND TILT MOTOR IS BAD....KEEPS KILLING MY BATTERY BECAUSE IT KEEPS RUNNING MAKING A GRINDING NOISE...TOLD ME IT GONNA COST UP TO $500 TO REPAIR,,,HAVE TO KEEP JUMPING THE BATTERY...AWFUL WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO WORK ON TIME...ALL I WANTED WAS A RELIABLE CAR.....
Two weeks after I bought my 2009 pre-owned Nissan maxima, my tilt steering quit working. I called Nissan customer affairs and was told to take the car to a dealer and have it looked at. Charged $100 for them to tell me the tilt motor has failed and needs to be replaced. The dealer also informed me there was a service bulletin on this item. I called back customer affairs and informed them what the dealer had diagnosed. Was told they would investigate and let me know if they would help. Four days later I was told the car is out of warranty and they would not help. Was told this is the final answer and there is nothing I can do. Does Nissan NOT STAND BEHIND their products?? This part is DEFECTIVE and should be RECALLED!!!!!!!
VERY DISSATISFIED OWNER!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Steve P.,
Colonial Heights, VA, US
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STEERING TELESCOPE AND TILT MOTOR IS BAD....KEEPS KILLING MY BATTERY BECAUSE IT KEEPS RUNNING MAKING A GRINDING NOISE...TOLD ME IT GONNA COST UP TO $500 TO REPAIR,,,HAVE TO KEEP JUMPING THE BATTERY...AWFUL WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO WORK ON TIME...ALL I WANTED WAS A RELIABLE CAR.....
- Kathy G., San Leandro, US