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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,139 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The steering lock system (an anti-theft device) failed. It locked my steering wheel and disabled the start button on the car. The car was stationary; I was stranded in a parking lot away from home with a car that would not start. Nissan is aware of the problem and had issued a tsb, but no recall. Nor was I notified of the potential problem as an owner.
2009 Maxima with 87,000 miles was operational throughout the day; we parked at a business establishment for lunch February 4, 2017 (winter; cloudy no rain or snow) outdoor temperature 45 F. when returning to vehicle, car would not start: Steering wheel locked and intellikey system would not function; blinking dash light indicated car was in lock-down mode. Had to call tow truck - after 75 minutes wait car was towed to Nissan dealer for repair (still waiting). This is the second time the steering lock mechanism & ignition switch assembly locked up in this very same car (that time was October 2012 with 46,000 miles on the car). This is a serious problem since this appears to happen at random; luckily no one was hurt and it didn't happen in a dangerous situation or vicious weather. Previous repair was still under warranty, but I suspect this repair will be quite costly. The car should not lock up like this for no reason. The steering lock mechanisms appears to be either a faulty design or have problems functioning. Please investigate and have this part recalled or repaired.
The steering wheel lock locks and doesn't allow you to start your vehicle. This is very dangerous as I live in Minnesota and had the sterrring lock trigger which left me stranded in fridged temperatures. This is a safety issue as it happen with out notice and could cause harm or death by not being able to start your vehicle. This happens when the car is placed in park and the ignition is disengaged.
Car will not start with the electric push button. It seems to be the electric steering lock mechanism actuator. Nissan wants to charge $1000 for the part and $400 labor. It took us 15 mins to take the part out ourselves and unplugged it and plugged it back in. It did work a few times but now it wont work again. Looks like I will have to buy the part which is on amazon for around $400. This is a real problem with this part and Nissan should honor an extended warranty on it! I had to have it towed twice before figuring this out! not sure why they have charge so much for such a simple fix. The dealer ship is a rip off...
My car started with no problem early morning to go to work, but when I got off it would not start. I saw a key light on, so I assumed that it was my intelligent key battery. So I got a new battery. I tried to start it again and it still would not start. I had it towed to the dealership and the next morning they did a diagnostic. They told me my steering lock unit is bad and it would be $1,020 to replace it. I asked how does something like this happens with no warning and they could not answer. I was told it just happens.this unit really needs to be recalled.
- Fairburn, GA, USA
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Steering lock module failure causes car to lock ignition and prevents starting. No failure warning before car becomes disabled. Web search reveals this is a common problem and should be covered under recall. Nissan refuses to acknowledge this problem covers multiple years and models. No notification from Nissan warning this problem was occurring over several years. Over $1000 to repair. My vehicle left me stranded when I stopped at a overlook on afton mountain. Required towing to nearest dealer for repair.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
The car would not start. Steering column broke. Had it fixed the first time it broke 3 yrs ago. Then it was covered under warranty. Two days ago, it happened again. Car doesn't start. The yell intelligent key light was on. I knew exactly what was happening. I called to have car towed to dealership (again). This time no longer covered. Total of around $1500 to get fixed. Both times my car was parked, and off, and the car just wouldn't start. Both times had I had to have the car towed over 30 miles on a flat bed. I just wanted 1 yr with no car payment, catch up on my student loans, and buy a new Nissan. I will not buy another Nissan, ever again!
I went outside to start my vehicle and it wouldn't start..the steering wheel is locked and I can't get it unlocked..the steering wheel symbol with 2 up and down arrows on both sides of it lights up on the dash and a red flash in car symbol with a key in the center of it is on along with the lock word on the push button..it won't go past the lock button when I try to start it.
I drove my car.5 of a mile to the store got down and came back to start my car. My gas pedal was hard and my push start button read lock. I saw a red blinking key sign. I inserted my key fob in the slot hoping that fixed it and nothing. I wiggled the wheel and pressed the start button and nothing. I tried everything in the book for 3 hours in the parking lot of heb until I got it towed to my apartment until I figured out what to do. I got online and saw so many complaints about the same issue. I called Nissan dealership Saturday and told them what happened. They said they needed to inspect the vehicle so I scheduled. I asked if they would cover the repairs since this has been going on to many vehicles, maybe a recall? they said no, unless I have warranty- I don't. turns out I need a new steering control. $1,500 later my car is being worked on now. I have a few questions for the service advisors. Not a happy Nissan owner right now.
Electronic steering column lock (escl) warranty extension. I am a recently divorced single mother trying to survive in this tough economy. I park my vehicle at work, and I work near an airfield, at fort lauderdale airport. Imagine my surprise while on lunch break, I push to start my vehicle and nothing happens. I was stranded. Many of my male colleagues attempted to help me, thinking it was the battery, or a possible fuse, but nothing they did could start my vehicle. One suggested I contacted Nissan service to explain what was going on...and before I could finish my sentence of what lights were on my dashboard, the service employee knew it was the steering lock column. I ended up getting my vehicle towed (about $70) to the Nissan dealership and had to leave my vehicle overnight. I had to rent a vehicle for two days and had to pay late fees because I wasn't able to pick up my toddler from daycare before they closed. The following day, and within 40 minutes the Nissan dealership opening, they called to let me know my car was now fixed and it would cost me $1200!!! I'm sure it took less than the 40 minutes to repair my vehicle and I was paying over $400 for labor. I never heard of this mechanical failure concerning my vehicle but after researching, I am now seeing the plethora of complaints and I am super disappointed with Nissan over the fact that this was not considered a recall. I shudder at the thought of being stranded with my son in an inconvenient or dangerous location. Then to find out there is nothing I can do recoup my expense. I had to open a trade line to cover the expense because I cannot afford to spend the cash I have at this time. This is just not right and it is certainly not fair, not to me or anyone who has been affected by this. I would greatly appreciate someone looking into this issue and push the recall to indefinite.
Tires vibrated as if out of balance. Took back to dealer he rebalanced and rotated tires. This did not change vibration. Continued to have vibration and dealer stated he could find nothing wrong with tires. Dealer stated he had never seen a bad tire only bad drivers. These were new tires with less than 3000 miles. I continued to drive withn these tires but finally changed to cooper radials. Have no problem since changing. Feel dealer unjust in evaluation and complaint. Basically tires bounced at interstate speeds. Out of 4 tires one worn drastically while others wore fairly even but all continued to be out of balance. Cost at purchase about $875.
Me and my family were out of town of a weekend getaway, not knowing this steering wheel lock situation was about to leave us stranded out of town and ruin a planned out weekend. Basically we arrived to our destination as perfect as can be, park the car and me and my family left my 2009 Nissan Maxima parked for a few hours as we enjoyed ourselves. When returning to the car is when the problem began and sense of worry hit my fiance and kids faces. The steering wheel locked and we had no control of the car no more. Stranded and trying to figure out what was exactly going on with the help of google and you tube. A lovely memorable weekend away became a nightmare in a matter of hours. Very disappointed in Nissan after reading all the similar complaints and malfunctions individuals have been dealing with and no support or recall from Nissan. Me and my family were stranded in a city were we had no family relations for support in an emergency situation. My Nissan steering lock situation really opened my eyes to the dangers of this. Definitely reconsidering what to do with my car and my next purchase. Thank god with the support of a you tube video I was able to follow instructions to get the car started after a few hours of trying for who knows how many more times. I drove straight home and now the car sits there non running, steeling wheel locked. My family was my priority and getting them home was a necessity. This steering wheel lock really put us as parents in a dangerous and scared situation for ourselves and children.
Takata recall - I was at the barbershop getting my haircut and afterwards when leaving I was attending to crank up and drive off but my car wouldn't crank and it was in lock mode (steering wheel lock module )and took me almost a hour or two before it cranked up, so I was very frustrated because this happened and there was a lock indicator light on in the dash and today on September 18th, 2016 it happened again and now it won't say anything so I cant even drive my 09 Maxima someone please get a recall for this.
Escl disabled my push button start. Now I am unable to start let alone drive my vehicle. To add insult to injury I will have to have it towed to the dealer (additional cost to myself) and the dealer is going to charge close to $1200 to fix the problem. Apparently this was a recall but expired in 2015. Why won't Nissan be responsible and pay for this instead of the consumer? this was obviously a defect in the production of the vehicle seeing how it is such a widespread problem against Nissan vehicle owners
My steering wheel completely locked up. I was unable to start my car and had to have it towed. It cost me almost $1300 to fix. I see multiple complaints about this. Why is there not a recall??
Turned car off to go into post office. Returned and it wouldn't do anything. Went had new battery put in key pad. Still nothing. Called Nissan for suggestions. None given. Had to have towed to Nissan. After they checked was told steering lock unit had internal failure. Never heard of this problem before after owning several cars. A very expensive repair and one that shouldn't be occurring on a 2009 model car. I 'm very disappointed with this car since I had heard so many good things about it. I gave up on Cadillac's to get a Nissan. Sure believe I made a big mistake. There are other little quirks that have bothered me. I'm on my third car battery. Bought the last one in April 2014.the key pad locks have to be changed every year. The original paint job is very shallow. The most important is the replacement of this steering lock unit.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Elmhurst, IL, USA