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.
Thankfully nobody got hurt. Car caught fire in the middle of the night. Investigation is still ongoing to see what exactly caused the fire. It appears that 2009 - 2010 Altima has had issues with GPS batteries overheating and causing fire. This may be the issue with my Maxima.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
Thankfully nobody got hurt. Car caught fire in the middle of the night. Investigation is still ongoing to see what exactly caused the fire. It appears that 2009 - 2010 Altima has had issues with GPS batteries overheating and causing fire. This may be the issue with my Maxima.
- Sal G., Thousand Oaks, CA, US